Jeffrey Shaw   89 #1 Posted December 12, 2019 My iron is used every week or so. But why does its otherwise shiny face rust? It's hot when in use (obviously) and does not become damp. I know that exposure to damp causes steel to rust but I'd assume that an iron features stainless steel. What don't I know about it? And how might I stop it from happening? Your sensible suggestions welcome! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
jaffa1   10 #2 Posted December 12, 2019 Are you sure it's rust? Mines brown in the centre by maybe getting too hot or by myself melting something nylon. I usually brighten it up with a scouring pan when it's gone cool, but an iron shouldn't rust. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
FinBak   12 #3 Posted December 12, 2019 A funny subject Iron's.  My EX used to go through an Iron every 3 or 4 months! ( not to mention a vacuum cleaner every 6 months too.!)  Iv'e had my current Iron (Morphy Richards) for 15 years and it still perfect. (I look after my appliances,. I guess it's a bloke thing!!)  Modern Irons have an Aluminium base plate and some newer ones have Ceramic.  I'ts NOT rust. It's more to do with the WATER that you are putting into it and how YOU are USING it.  Using it on a too high setting for the material you are ironing can result in 'Browning'.  Make sure you only use Fresh clean water, keep the jets clear, and don't use it on the high setting for too long.       Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Janus   28 #4 Posted December 12, 2019 @JS If it is rust, it could be moisture in the atmosphere condensing on cold surfaces-like it does on windows.  If it is stainless see below: https://www.polymersolutions.com/blog/why-does-stainless-steel-rust/   Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
lazarus   68 #5 Posted December 12, 2019 To remove the browning on an irons face plate, plug it in on hot and rub the area with a Paracetamol but don’t burn your fingers. It works. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
carosio   185 #6 Posted December 12, 2019 The faceplates of most irons nowadays are either stainless or ceramic, the former I would think is a non-rusting grade (some grades do develop a light film of rust in salty water). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
lazarus   68 #7 Posted December 13, 2019 The only way rust forms on stainless steel is during  manufacture the steel is burnt and the molecules are rearranged and any saline solution, salty water, will cause rust. That’s the reason on some cheap imported kitchen knives show spots of rust after a few weeks of use because the blades were scorched during the grinding process and once the rust starts it cannot be stopped. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
alchresearch   213 #8 Posted December 13, 2019 12 hours ago, lazarus said: To remove the browning on an irons face plate, plug it in on hot and rub the area with a Paracetamol but don’t burn your fingers. It works. It really does, I've never found anything else as good. I'm wondering if some upset tummy tablets might do the job too as paracetamol are too small for my sausage fingers! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
vwkittie   10 #9 Posted December 13, 2019 You can get wax sticks that you apply to the plate warm which remove any residue. Use a cotton bud to clear out the jets. It works incredibly well but makes a really horrible vapour so only do it near a wide open window! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
DerbyTup   10 #10 Posted December 13, 2019 19 hours ago, lazarus said: To remove the browning on an irons face plate, plug it in on hot and rub the area with a Paracetamol but don’t burn your fingers. It works. If you do accidentally burn your fingers, swallow the paracetamol. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Jeffrey Shaw   89 #11 Posted December 15, 2019 Thank you to all respondents. It does seem to be rust, not just browning. The iron started-off OK; the patches appeared after two or three bouts of use. Paracetamol, eh? I'll try it anyway and report back. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Mossway   15 #12 Posted December 15, 2019 2 hours ago, Jeffrey Shaw said: Paracetamol, eh? I'll try it anyway and report back. ....and don’t stroke the cat without washing your hands first, it’s poisonous to cats ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...