🧺 LEAKING IRON? - 8 WAYS TO PREVENT WATER LEAKING FROM YOUR STEAM IRON

If you’re a quilter or sewist, then you know there’s nothing worse than a leaking iron. For some they leak when they steam, for others the iron leaks when they use them for long periods, for some the iron leaks right out of the box. Having a good iron is key to having a great quilt, so here are my top 8 reasons why it leaks, and what you can do to avoid it.
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My Favourite Irons:
Panasonic NI-WL 600 cordless iron geni.us/K8OvA (amazon)
T-fal Iron geni.us/ANrABt (amazon)
Oliso M2 Mini Project Iron geni.us/bXliGtl (amazon)
Referenced Videos:
Make your own Ironing Board - Easy DIY
• Make your own Ironing ...
How to Iron for Quilting - A Really Good Method
• How to Iron for Quilti...
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• Tips & Tricks for Bett...
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Previously Recommended Tools
Where indicated, the link will direct you to Amazon where I will receive a small commission on your purchase. There is no obligation to purchase from these links. These items may be available locally or you can use or modify something that you already own.
Panasonic NI-WL 600 cordless iron geni.us/K8OvA (amazon)
M-Aimee Wool Pressing Mat geni.us/shw7seK (amazon)
Tractor Seat Adjustable Chair geni.us/YM4WV (amazon)
Ipad stand geni.us/h6DXzm​ (amazon)
Sitting Pad shop.vigurus.com/justgetitdon... (Virgus Technologies)
Laser Square geni.us/u2zDx4 (amazon)
Ultimate 3-In-1 Color Tool geni.us/8QezMZq (amazon)
Alarm Timer Cube geni.us/FHElloG (amazon)
LED Lighting Strip geni.us/FxOE (amazon)
Floor Lamp geni.us/CNx3RUB (amazon)
My Favourite Quilt Tools
LDH Scissors lddy.no/njem (LDH scissors)
OMNIGRID 6” x 24” Ruler geni.us/H9Fprrw (amazon)
Olfa 2.5” x 18” Ruler geni.us/Y00AO (amazon)
Add a quarter ruler geni.us/sffqxS (amazon)
Olfa 60MM rotary cutter geni.us/hbmq3 (amazon)
Olfa 45mm rotary cutter geni.us/eBvSBx (amazon)
Clover 28mm rotary cutter geni.us/CLeF (amazon)
Clover Stitch Ripper geni.us/gLL6A (amazon)
Violet Craft Seam Roller geni.us/Bk7YHo (amazon)
T-fal Iron geni.us/ANrABt (amazon)
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Microphone - geni.us/fast (amazon)
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Editing software - Premiere Pro

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

It’s amazing what your tools can do for you when you know how they work. Irons are a game changer in quilting so it’s important that you maintain them so they work for you not against you. Grab your coffee and enjoy 😉

[@kathhendry749]

Thank you so very much for this information. As soon as I can find it, I will read that manual! I'm hoping it will surface during the decluttering project! 💗

[@MsChris23456]

We'll said. My iron and I are much better friends. Thank you

[@philliptaylor3231]

❤'ed_the denaturation wass at best | at best.

[@TheMbrunnerable]

In case it helps someone else : I read the manual, used tap water, etc and my iron worked beautifully for 7+ years. Moved and within a month it was constantly leaking, and started leaving reddish stains on fabrics. Turned out our water was TOO hard and was leaving deposits inside. A few good cleanings and switching to bottled water (regular drinking water, not distilled)later, it hasn't given me any trouble in 2 years.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Thanks for sharing.

[@juliatepe5760]

Yes, in our rural area the water is hard. I have to use bottled water to keep the iron from crusting up.

[@koalasez1200]

I have hard water too, and using half tap/half distilled has helped immensely. Ratio might have to be adjusted but it seems to work.

[@luvmykids21000]

Since I started using bottled drinking water I've never had leaky iron!

[@Munthebun]

that's a really good idea...thank you

[@sherimcgill5139]

Karen, you never disappoint. I feel so iron-smart now

[@franpatzcraig6713]

I've given up on using my irons for steaming. I've replaced so many irons over my many years of sewing!! I use a hairdresser's mister and it works so well I don't miss the steam from my iron. However, if I had heard your hints years ago I may have never reached this point! You are such a great teacher, Karen - scientific accuracy with clear explanations and just enough humor! I never miss one of your videos.

[@julias.8236]

Yes, I also just use a spritz bottle and do not fuss any more with filling the water tank of my iron. That works for me :)

[@dianemadigan3252]

Same here, mostly because I don’t want my very hard tap water in my iron!

[@conqueringmountscrapmorewi2509]

I don't put water in my iron and I use a spray bottle for water. This way, I find my irons last forever. I do so very much enjoy watching you while I hand quilt! Thank you for sharing your time and talent!

[@terribishop5313]

Went thru 3 irons in one week. Sewing 50 years Karen I didn't know half this information. Thorough video as always thank you so much. (GO CANADA!!! 💗)

[@lisagarner8261]

I always thought the irons were at fault for the leaking. Your explanation was so very helpful! Thank you!

[@doreenmacgillivray3419]

Thank you for another educational video! I really appreciate your teaching style because you always explain the WHY along WITH the HOW. Thank you!! 💟

[@connieprince9718]

I have had my Rowenta for years - read the manual - and you still taught me things I did not know! Thank you!

[@pbar8439]

Me too! I love my Rowenta's.

[@cindysaunders9689]

Me too, I love mine also!

[@jojosewist8921]

@@cindysaunders9689 Only thing I don't like is there is no temperatures given just linen cotton wool silk synthetics on the dial. Different vombination fabrics can use different degrees of heat. So far following manual I have had no leaks in 4yrs. But have to clean sole plate after hubby irons every time.

[@bethkoch11]

This was a really timely video for me, and so informative. I just went through this over the past couple of weeks. I treated myself to a very expensive Rowenta iron a few months ago, which I love, but recently it started leaking and spitting. I admit I've been lazy by leaving water in the tank between uses. After doing a lot of research on this, I cleaned it out inside with a vinegar/water solution, and repeated, following with just water, and cleaned out the holes in the soleplate with toothpicks. This took some time and patience, but my iron works great again, and I'm religious about emptying it after each use. Lesson learned!!

[@daneekaplan4284]

I’ always leave the water in the chamber which explains why all of my irons eventually spit brown water! Recently, I bought an iron with an attached water tank. I read the owners manual just to figure out how to turn it on and what do you know- it said to ONLY use tap water! I just found your channel last week and I have to tell you how impressed I am with the quality of your videos. You have an excellent teaching style.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

thank you

[@rachelburgener819]

Stick around, I think she is fantastic and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!!! ❤️😀

[@docwms3563]

OMG! I’ve been ironing for 60 years and have suffered through every single issue you described. As a little girl, I started with the coke bottle and little sprinkler on top to dampen the clothes. Sprinkle, roll them up, wait a bit, then iron. No problem. When steam irons came around they were at times more trouble than they were worth with the leaking, sputtering, brown stains, etc. I skipped the steam and keep a little spray bottle at hand. Now, with your EXCELLENT tutorial, I feel confident to use my NEW Panasonic cordless iron! (Terrific Christmas gift!). After one understands the anatomy of the iron, it all makes sense. Thank you so much!!!

[@joshuaharper372]

I got fed up with leaking and spitting years ago and just use a spray bottle instead of filling the iron. Works quite well for me.

[@sandramyer7081]

Now I know myself

[@trac6009]

Everyone of the quilters/seamstress/tailors in my family tree swears by old school irons and a spray bottle!

[@HRHDMKYT]

Me too! (Irons last longer this way too!)

[@debbiebatten6021]

Karen, thank you so much for this information. I have been frustrated by a leaking iron quite a lot, and now I have some great tips on how to prevent it. You always give such great practical help. You are greatly appreciated!!!

[@LSquaredCrafts]

I learned so much from this! Thank you! Was just shopping for a new iron because mine leaks. Now I have identified about 4 things I was doing wrong!

[@terrimiller8552]

Great video Karen! I've had many different brands of irons and never knew the technology that makes them work. Thank you do this lesson in how it works. Now I understand!

[@ms.maureen2925]

This is one of the most informative videos I've seen! Thank you! I've learned so much about my iron. ❤️

[@margaretlewis2289]

Who knew there was so much to an iron. I certainly didn’t! Thank you Karen

[@rachelburgener819]

Good morning Karen: WOW so close to 300,000!!! You always have the best content and presentation. Like others I always learn from you, keep up the good work. Thank you so much ❤️😀

[@nancyhurt7145]

I learned something today! Always turn off steam setting when not using it! Thanks, Karen. Always enjoy your videos!

[@PattymacMakes]

Thank you for such a helpful video! The leaking iron is such a nemesis. My new one has been great so far, but your explanation on how the steam chamber works is super helpful. I never dump the remaining water, so I will definitely start doing that.

[@sandralunemann1187]

Karen, thank you for the great information. I would love to see a tutorial on the best irons for quilting. There are so many to choose from and I see other channels using anything from a industrial steam iron to a mini travel iron.

[@lesa6399]

Oh, wow!!!! All I can say is a HUGE thank you, Karen! Thank you for the explanations!

[@cliftonmcnalley8469]

I grew up never using distilled water in an iron. My last iron was purchased 15+ years ago. Specifically stated distilled water only. Best iron I've ever owned.

[@shawnagunn9054]

That ironing board is the best idea ever! Love this and going to make myself one.

[@trudysteinfeld6594]

Thank you. This is very helpful.

[@lindastein9423]

This is one of the best info article I have ever seen on youtube...and I watch a lot. Thank you for all the practical information on such a routine chore!

[@eileenhoran4758]

I echo everyone else here; you are the absolutely the best teacher. Thank you Thank you! Like many others, I also never put water in my iron. But recently I found out about a new product that you "dot" on the fabric- similar in use to Best Press and other starches that spray on but this is a heavy duty pen application called the "Easy Press Pen". It makes the fabric flat with out a clapper - very flat! I must have had a heavy hand and used too much and started using it for every little seam that wouldn't lie flat. Very soon my iron was spitting gunk and spewing dark stuff??!!! Somewhere along the way, to get these 6 layers of fabric flattened I guess I had used a damp pressing cloth to help things along and I think that that wet cloth pushed the watery gunk inside the pristine innards of my iron. I killed my iron which was (thankfully) a cheap little thing that I had kept so perfectly dry. I also might have ruined my expensive wool ironing mat. This was yesterday before I watched this video. I just want to encourage everyone to watch out for that Easy Press Pen. Don't over- use it and look often at your soleplate to be sure the residue isn't building up. I just wanted to remind everyone that it is not only what you put IN your iron that counts - it's the spray starch and Easy pens and other things you put on your fabric that can create huge problems as well.

[@jennysanfilippo2105]

Thank you for taking the time to walk me through all those important steps to iron knowledge. I learned a lot.

[@maryannerenison6336]

Karen , Thank you! I love your channel! And now tools? Be still my heart. Keep ‘‘em coming.

[@GriswaldDingens]

Karen, you have an amazing teaching style…informative without being preachy or boring! Sometimes I feel like ours is a one-sided friendship. Thanks so much for the great job of sharing all the behind-the-scenes tips that make all of our quilting lives better. xoxo❤️

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Thank you

[@sandramyer7081]

I agree myself!

[@christinecroucher56]

That was so helpful. Thank you.

[@angelar1500]

Thank you thank you! I am one of the bunch that requested your help with irons. This was incredibly helpful! Wish I didn't throw out the iron box and manual guess I can find it on-line! ** Your channel has got to be one of the best, most informative and entertaining out here. Keep it up Gurrl!

[@domharris8006]

So excited for this series!!! I feel like I instinctively knew some of these tips, but it was so valuable to learn WHY!

[@valeriesuttonpayne7413]

I don’t use steam because I’m afraid of leaks! People have told me all steam irons eventually leak. I’m going to give steam a try now. Always full of good info, Karen. My sister and and I are constantly asking the other “What does Karen Brown say about it?”.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

🤗

[@helenfitch3440]

My poor old iron is so old there a no manual for it. It works and works well with a spray bottle so that's what I use. Love your tutes keep them coming.

[@lauris5708]

It makes me sad to know how many irons I have thrown away due to the leaking issue! I now have the cordless Panasonic iron (because I want to be like Karen!) and haven't had a bit of trouble with it yet. But I will read my manual to make sure I care for it properly; I *always* leave water in it so that is the first thing I need to change. Thanks, Karen!

[@1elsue]

I have the same iron and it leaks terrible. It started 1 year and 3 days after I bought it. Of course the warranty is only good for 1 year. Using a spray bottle and no steam for a while now

[@cynthiajones1461]

It's videos like this that explains why you have so many subscribers and your channel keeps growing. Another useful and needed video. Thank you!

[@jackiemobley8529]

Great video, Karen! So full of good information. Thank you. Blessings to you.

[@paulineanninahaden5485]

Great advice. Thanks.

[@sharonbeck8209]

Great video! Thank you so much.

[@romanieritchie1346]

Thank you for all your videos. I love watching them and learn so much. You share so much of your knowledge and it is so helpful. God bless you.

[@marthag7287]

So much awesome information. I love knowing HOW things work, it is so helpful. Thank you Karen.

[@MeanaBeana391]

FANTASTIC !!!!! THANKS 😊

[@sharih5741]

Very good information! Thank you Karen! 😊

[@emlynley2012]

Wow, such a great video and clear explanations. Definitely one of your best, and you are already a champ and clear, concise and useful content. I've been afraid to put water in my iron, but I'm feeling more confident now. Thank you!

[@lilianafiorino8257]

Thank you for this information! I have learned so much!

[@anndotsey1910]

Bravo! I sure needed a refresher course.

[@susanclark7872]

So very helpful!

[@Bellabrinda]

Thank you very much for this video. I was going to take my clothes to the cleaners and get them to do the ironing for me. I'm going to give my iron and more importantly, myself, another chance in the morning. Let's see if I can iron my tshirt and jeans.

[@janetcruz5972]

Love these pictures and the information about the iron.

[@spunkysagittarius87]

Excellent video! Thanks for taking the time to explain best practices for irons. Learned a bunch!

[@elisebeaudoin208]

I’ve never bothered to read an iron user manual presuming that it would state the obvious i.e. « do not submerge the iron in water while plugged », « do not press grilled cheese with your iron », « do not touch the soleplate while ironing », etc. But I was today old when I learned that there is a steam chamber in addition of a water reservoir. That explains a lot. A big thank you from Quebec City for this very informative video. Looking forward to the next piece of wisdom! 😁

[@melindaostergren8115]

Wait! If you use enough foil you can make a cheese sandwich. But don’t open the package over the ironing board because it’s really messy that way.

[@susanansell461]

Great Information! Be sure to share with other quilters. Thanks, Susan

[@melissagrayson4844]

Thanks! Great info ☀️

[@missyb.623]

Karen, this was excellent. Unlike many, I like to iron. I know I know!!! I knew most of these, HOWEVER, I never knew why to not used distilled water. I actually played that section for my husband. He did not know that either. Thank you so much!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

I find ironing very meditative too

[@rachelburgener819]

I’m with y’all, I’ve always enjoyed it!!! ❤️😀

[@TheMinot60]

Some irons say distilled, some say tap. I’ve got one of each.

[@leecovington7494]

Awesome information, thank you.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

This is SO helpful! Thank you!

[@barblc3202]

Super informative! thanks Karen!

[@denisev.1217]

Wow Karen… thank you. That was so educational and made so much sense the way you presented it. I love how you get to the very basics of sewing and quilting issues. Thank you!!

[@LiljaMBehr]

Thank you so much for this excellent advice!

[@bethjones8998]

What a timely subject THANK YOU!!

[@calliemtb]

so thorough! Well done!

[@sharivanrijn6552]

Thanks for this!

[@nadinemerrick1255]

great info. Thanks

[@KMLong-hi9iw]

Thank you Karen for another informative video. The leaking and spitting of two different mfg expensive irons I own drove me nuts and ruined fabric. I did not know most of what you taught here. Out of frustration, I stopped using steam. For the past year i either dry iron, or use a spray bottle with spring water, or I use "Best Press". I have been happy with the results of this three pronged approach. But if I ever need to steam in the future, I now know how to do it properly. And, I will read the manual!

[@jeaninegunn4118]

Learned lots - thanks!! When we lived in India I recall dobis (laundry men) ironing with the very old fashioned irons with coals inside!! usually outdoors and under shade of big trees.

[@barbaram6303]

How informative is this! I needed this video!Thank You!

[@lanisethompson2357]

Wow definitely one of your most useful and informative videos to date. Thanks so much for all the super useful tips on maintaining my iron. Can't wait for the rest of this series.

[@deannabosch1434]

Great tips! Thanks for this.

[@jackieburton7550]

Thanks Karen….you always have great info for us….much appreciated

[@chrishalton1910]

I just hopped up and emptied my iron!

[@kimanderson9075]

Fantastic and informative! Thank you so much Karen!

[@marshasetering3143]

So informative. Thanks for this video.

[@jeanwestackroyd2966]

Thankyou Karen.

[@shielagrippando4025]

I’m going to be able to stop killing poor defenseless irons now! And save money!!!!! Thank you!

[@mompears]

Brilliant! Information I never knew and would probably never have gleaned from just the manual. Thanks, as always Karen for making me a better sewer.

[@TamiLee-cm2of]

Thank you for the great video! Very informative! 👍

[@taunamcbee8626]

Awesome video, thanks Karen.

[@ColleenGraceonline]

You're such a Gem 💎 😊👍

[@carolehall1303]

You provide the best informative videos! Thank you!

[@phyllislandry6401]

Great info. Thank you

[@jankubillus7157]

Wow great information! Thank you Karen.

[@dianaperkinson9573]

Thanks for another great video! Very informative.

[@GeminiPeg]

Thank you for clarifying common iron problems. It helps to understand how the iron works. 😊

[@lorijacobs7341]

Fantastic video! Thank you!

[@nbc911]

This was amazing. Thank you!

[@ginabethyoung3276]

Excellent video❣️

[@sewandsow]

WOW! Learned so much about irons. Thanks for sharing.

[@terrycarney2961]

Extraordinarily helpful!!! Thank you for taking the mystery out of leaks! Terry from Cambridge ON

[@vivaldi1948]

Thank you soooo much! The video explains so much and I take back all of the nasty things I've said about my old irons.

[@deehawkins9983]

Thanks for the information.

[@smallfootprint2961]

Excellent information, as usual.

[@reneegosselin1595]

Hi Karen, thank you for this very informative video. I had all those issues with my old irons. Twenty years ago, I was given a gravity iron and found a pole on wheels to hang the water reservoir. It never leaks, I can move it to various ironing station and it produces constant and steady heat as well as really good steam. I just love it! It may be too big or cumbersome for many of your viewers but, personally, just would not want to go without it. Congratulations on getting close to 300 000 viewers. Your videos and their contents are top-notch!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

I have never used a gravity iron. Is that what they use in laundry and drycleaners

[@donnahawley5524]

Karen, Becky Thompson on Power Tools With Thread uses one and shows it on her channel. Brand she uses is Sopporo. It has a water bottle that hangs from a pole so no water in the iron.

[@reneegosselin1595]

@@JustGetitDoneQuilts Mine is a Silver Star. If you google in KZbin, you will see how it can be set up in a domestic environment (by opposition to a commercial environment). It’s simple. 😉

[@w4ntsm0r3]

Thank you SO much for this video. I've just started getting serious about quilting and have been binge watching all your instructional videos. My husband got me a super nice iron for xmas but it was leaking. Turns out I just didn't understand how to use it. :)

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

glad to help

[@Ceretrea]

Thanks!

[@meacadwell]

I had my grandmother's Black and Decker iron from the 1980's, used tap water and left it in the reservoir all the time. It never leaked water and I never had a brown water problem in the decades I used it. It was a VERY sad day when it finally died about 5 years ago when it stopped getting hot. I got another Black and Decker and used tap water (like I've always done), by that time I found out I had to empty out the water each time (thanks to your videos) so did that but also depressed the steam button so make sure the water was evacuated that way as well. I still got brown water in a short period of time. Got another brand domestic iron. Did the same thing. The same thing happened in a short period of time. Tested our water and it's barely hard according to that test. Fed up I got a professional gravity feed iron. Use tap water (yes, you use a water conditioner with it), empty the tank, evacuate the water using steam until empty. Guess what...no brown water. I won't use a domestic iron anymore. The gravity feed iron gets HOT, there's no annoying auto-shutoff, it gets my seams flat, the water tank is HUGE so don't have to refill it all the time, and the best part is I can easily replace parts on it myself. :)

[@bobnjuliejohnston8327]

great info thank you

[@Ck12340]

Awesome video! Very helpful information. I learned new things even after I read my iron user manual. Thanks!

[@SC-uy1pi]

Thank you. This was helpful.

[@juliatepe5760]

Thank you so much Karen. I ruined some red cotton fabric with water stains from a leaky iron. So I cut that area out in a rectangle shape, grabbed a red print from my stash and pieced that in between the 2 solid red pieces that were not ruined. Thus creating my first after quilt! Fortunately I had just viewed your video on after quilts. Now I know how to prevent future fabric damage.