ROWENTA IRONS

Care of Your Iron
When it comes to taking good care of your Rowenta steam iron, one of the most important issues is the water you use. The main reason for this is that tap water contains varying kinds and amounts of mineral solids (these are what make so-called "hard" water). These impurities can leave a residue inside your iron and can eventually cause it to stop working.

Another way to make your iron last longer is to empty the tank after each use (be careful: steam and boiling water can burn) and to then hold it horizontally for a few seconds until the remaining moisture has dried out. Allow the iron to cool before putting it away, and always store it standing on its heel.

Here are some other suggestions for keeping your iron in good working order:

• Keep the soleplate clean and undamaged
  
  
• Avoid pressing the iron over sharp objects such as zippers and metal buttons, and don't set it down face-down on any rough surfaces
  
  
• Synthetic materials may stick to the soleplate if the temperature is incorrect; starch may also stick. Do NOT use abrasive cleaners to remove burnt-on residues. Instead, use the Rowenta Soleplate Cleaning kit or a hot iron cleaner

Cleaning Your Iron
Iron Body: Use a soft, damp cloth and wipe the iron clean, making sure never to use any household cleaners or solvents.

Soleplate: Remove sticky films by using a quality hot soleplate cleaner. The Rowenta Soleplate Cleaning kit is available from stores and service centers. These cleaners are good for removing regular build-up, melted synthetic fibers, fusibles and iron-on trims.

Tips:

• Regularly clean the soleplate
• Avoid hard water with impurities that cause residue build-up
• Avoid pressing iron over sharp objects like zippers and buttons
• Do not place iron face down on rough areas
• Empty the tank after each use and hold horizontally for a few seconds until remaining moisture is removed. (Use caution as steam and boiling water can burn)
• Use the Rowenta Soleplate Cleaning kit or another hot iron cleaner. Do not use abrasive cleaners to remove burnt-on residues

Steam Chamber & Self Cleaning:
We do not recommend de-scaling with steam chamber cleaners. They can damage the iron's internal surface and prompt spitting and leaking. If your iron has a self clean feature, please refer to instruction booklet for guidance. The self clean system should be used at least once a year but not more than once a month.

The iron emits a brown substance
The brown substance may be caused by organic matter or iron minerals in the tap water. We recommend switching to bottled spring water. Once you change water it may take several uses before your iron adjusts to the new mixture and the issue is corrected.

The iron is spitting and leaking
First, check the water you use. DO NOT USE DISTILLED WATER. We recommend using tap water (up to 12 grains of hardness per gallon) or bottled spring water. If you change water, it may take several uses before your iron adjusts to the new mixture and the issue is corrected.

Make sure your iron is hot enough. Check the thermostat, if the iron is set to one or two dots, be sure the variable steam lever is in the off position (no steam).

Do not overuse the burst of steam. Allow several seconds in between each burst.

Many Rowenta irons include the auto-off feature which engages if the iron is left on its heel for 8 minutes or on its soleplate for 30 seconds or its side for 30 seconds. When the iron is reactivated, it takes about 90 seconds for the iron to reheat and be ready to produce steam.

The iron emits white flakes
The white flakes can be caused by calcium or other minerals in the tap water. To solve this problem, switch to bottled spring water. Once the water is changed it may take several uses before your iron adjusts to the new mixture and the issue is corrected.

There's build-up on my soleplate
During normal use, a sticky film caused by starch and melted fibers can build up on the soleplate. The Rowenta soleplate cleaner is specially formulated to remove build-up from melted synthetics, webs, fusibles and iron-on trims. You can find the Rowenta Soleplate Cleaner at our main service centers and most places where Rowenta irons are sold.