Can you use tap water or do you have to use distilled watere?
326643
Using tap water will eventually crystalize and impair the steam mechanism. Yes, this has happened to me and I now have a useless steamer. Several all night soaks with vinegar and hours of heating the vinegar in the steamer have not adequately removed the crystallization and made the steamer functional again. I'm shopping for another steamer right now, and I will absolutely use distilled water in it.
326644
Tap water has worked just fine. Distilled water is not necessary at all. Hope this helps.
326645
I use distilled water. I have read that tap water can cause the steamer to clog.
326646
Mineral deposits in a steam unit have what chemists call "reverse solubility". That means they remain dissolved in cool water but crystalize as it is heated. Obviously some parts of the world have more dissolved minerals in their drinking water. If you choose to use tap water, take it from your hot water line. Most of the mineral content has dropped to the bottom of your hot water heater anyway. That's why you should periodically drain and flush it. Note that mineral deposits seldom go back into solution by simply rinsing with cool water. That is to say "reverse solubility is not reversible". Mineral deposits in a steam unit have what chemists call "reverse solubility". That means they remain dissolved in cool water but crystalize as it is heated. Obviously some parts of the world have more dissolved minerals in their drinking water. If you choose to use tap water, take it from your hot water line. Most of the mineral content has dropped to the bottom of your hot water heater anyway. That's why you should periodically drain and flush it. Note that mineral deposits seldom go back into solution by simply rinsing with cool water. That is to say "reverse solubility is... » Read More Mineral deposits in a steam unit have what chemists call "reverse solubility". That means they remain dissolved in cool water but crystalize as it is heated. Obviously some parts of the world have more dissolved minerals in their drinking water. If you choose to use tap water, take it from your hot water line. Most of the mineral content has dropped to the bottom of your hot water heater anyway. That's why you should periodically drain and flush it. Note that mineral deposits seldom go back into solution by simply rinsing with cool water. That is to say "reverse solubility is not reversible". « Show Less
326647
You can use tap water. If your water has a lot of minerals you will need to clean the steamer occasionally. Instructions for cleaning come in the box.
326648
I guess I just learned that I should have used distilled water. Mine's clogged from using cold tap water, but I had it for over 10 years. (I think mine was the first model. I remembered that I ordered it from one of those commercials). But it does still work for the first 15 mins, than the reset button constantly lights on.
326649
I vote distilled too. I am replacing one now that clogged from using tap water.
1021521
I always use bottled water in this type of device, I also do in a steam iron. If you have very soft iron free water I guess you could use tap water. With the high evaporation rate to create steam, I do not trust tap water. I used a steam iron with tap water once and it put brown stains on a white shirt (iron in the water). The iron also clogged up rather quickly.
510709
I use distilled water I do not believe it is required this is a very large unit. Probably wouldn't buy it again
584753
Ideally you should use distilled water. Filtered water at least. Tap water may contain substances that will kill it slowly over time.
45312
Distilled water would not be a bad idea, however my wife's lasted 25 years and she used only tap water, and she bought another one when it quit.
395712
Tap water can be used unless your water is very hard.If so, they recommend using distilled.They also say not to use home water softening system water since it contains minerals. Personally, I like products made by Panasonic.
503936
I highly recommend distilled water. I have a Rowenta iron and only use bottled water.
1374264
We also have a water softener and according to the directions that came with the iron, I use bottled spring water. The directions say you can use tap, but I didn't want to chance it. It also mentions in the directions not to use distilled water.
1753117
I've been using tap water. It comes with about 10 packets of "lime and scale remover," which makes me think it would be better to use distilled water...but if you don't, you can use these packets to clean the water tank. Hope that helps...
2086878
It really depends on how hard your tap water is. I have naturally soft water at our house so the unit is fine. If you are really concerned even with soft water or need to use a water softener for your house then use distilled water.
47086
You are only supposed to use distilled water. If you use tap water, minerals can build up and break it. If you used distilled water and it broke, call the company and they should honor their warranty.
1325670
I use filtered water and have no problems. I don't think I would use tap water.
932621
If you only use distilled water, a filter is not required. It is recomended if you use tap water.
2094761
You are not suppose to use distilled water in these. I use regular faucet water in mine at home. I do use bottled water at work because that is what is handy (that would be similar to purified), but I never use distilled water. The instruction state not to use distilled water. I've never had to treat my faucet water.
1749005
I'd recommend using filtered water. But if you don't have a filtering pot or bottled water then use the tap water.
2205435
FWIW...we use distilled water and it works fine. Using Tap water will eventually accumulate mineral deposits in the iron that may damage the unit and likely void the warranty.
1652921
The instructions do not say you have to use distilled water, relying on their filter to keep out mineral build up, but clearly using distilled water would work better and you do not have to replace the filter at some point.