Why does my iron release too much water and leave a wet patch behind?

Excess water from an iron is usually caused by an incorrect temperature setting, overfilling, or using the spray and steam functions before the plate is ready. The good news is that this can often be narrowed down quickly, but stop using the iron straight away if water comes from the body, the cable area or any cracked part.

Check the water and heat setting

1. Unplug the iron and empty any remaining water.
2. Refill only to the marked level, without overfilling the tank.
3. Set the thermostat to the fabric type you are ironing, then allow the iron to fully heat before steaming.
4. Test on an old cotton cloth and watch whether water spits, drips or stays inside the soleplate.

Expected result: once the iron has reached the right temperature, steam should emerge evenly and the cloth should not be left wet. If it does, the issue was likely a setting or filling problem.

Check for anti-drip or steam timing issues

1. If your model has anti-drip, allow a little longer for full heat-up before using steam.
2. Use brief bursts rather than holding the spray or steam control down continuously.
3. Keep the soleplate clean, as residue can affect the way water behaves on the plate.

If the iron still leaks or leaves repeated wet patches, stop using it and contact the retailer or store where it was purchased. That is the safest next step when the cause is unclear.