UPDATED: July 2022NEWS

Water for Steam Irons and Steam Generator Irons

Water, water everywhere! It is all the same isn't it?
Actually no; from the tap there's hard water or soft water, and you can purchase a myriad of other water types such as distilled, perfumed, de-ionised etc.

Prolong the life of your steam iron by learning about the different types of water and how it can affect your steam iron or steam generator iron.

Over the last 11 years we've often been asked questions like:

“Can I use tap water in my iron?”

“What type of water is suitable for steam irons?”

So here is our ultimate (and the original!) guide about the correct water to use with steam irons. In this article, you'll learn:

• Do I have hard water or soft water?
• The best water to use in a steam iron
• Can I use distilled water in my iron?
• Best steam irons for hard water

Can You Use Tap Water in a Steam Iron?

All modern steam irons and steam generators can use tap water. In the UK, tap water can vary in its 'hardness' as detailed below, from soft to very hard.

What is Hard Water?

Hard water contains higher concentrations of minerals such as calcium which causes limescale build up in steam irons reducing their efficiency over time. Limescale can also fur up your kettle, hot water cylinder and even your shower head!

About 60% of the UK is classed as having hard water. If you live in such an area then the general advice is to simply use the tap water normally and remember to follow the calc-clean procedures.

Water Hardness by UK Region

Distilled Water (Pure Water, De-Ionised Water)

You might think that distilled water would be best for use in a steam iron as all of the impurities and minerals have been removed.

However, most steam iron manufacturers now recommend not using distilled water by itself as it can cause the iron to spit and leak - instead use a 50/50 mix with normal tap water.

You can buy de-ionised water quite cheaply from your local motor spares supplier (it's also used to top up car batteries) or homewares store.

Home Water Softeners

If you have a water softener in your house then you should not use this water alone - although limescale is reduced, other materials are added which could eventually clog your iron and cause spitting and brown stains.

You should use only the water from a drinking water tap (often installed as part of a full water filter system).

Bottled and Other Water

The mineral content can build up over time and reduce the efficiency of your iron. Also, you should not use white vinegar, perfumed water or any other water containing additives or chemicals as they can cause damage resulting in clogged steam nozzles, brown water spits and reduced performance.

You should be especially careful with "ironing water" that you can buy in the supermarket. This is perfumed water that will often say on the bottle "not suitable for steam generator irons", although we wouldn't advise using it with a normal iron either.

If you want to freshen up your laundry, it is much better to use a separate spray bottle on the item and then iron it.

What Does the Calc-Clean Function Do?

Most steam irons these days will have a calc-clean function which requires you rinse out the inside of the iron to flush these deposits away.

Some models will use special cartridges which need to be replaced at regular intervals.

Whatever method your iron uses, it is advisable to follow the cleaning procedure at the recommended intervals or whenever the "calc clean" light comes on.

Some of the more expensive irons and steam generator irons can come with a 'calc collector' which collects all the limescale deposits in one place making the de-scaling process much less hassle.

Best Steam Irons for Hard Water

The best irons and steam generator irons for hard water areas are those which have a full anti-calc or calc-clean system.

This often involves a permanent cartridge system which keeps the calcium deposits in the water tank - you just need to rinse it out periodically.

Steam Iron Descalers

There are a number of products on the market that claim to descale your steam iron in the same way they can your kettle.

Unlike a kettle however, a steam has filters and other delicate mechanisms that the water (and descaling solution) passes through before being emitted as steam.

It's vital that you check your instruction booklet before using such descaling solutions.

If you are in any doubt about which water to use, then we recommend you contact your steam iron manufacturer for definitive advice.