so if no other (cheaper soft water) is available low mineral content bottled water may do the trick, and sure if it is only occasional. An other alternative would be clean & clear captured rain water, it should always be soft since it contains almost no minerals; but avoid it if the collection barrel is full of algae.Click to see full answer. Also to know is, what kind of water do you use in a steamer?Clothes steamers work with regular tap water that goes inside their tank and is turned into steam when the unit gets really hot. However, you can increase the durability and performance of your clothes steamer if you use distilled water that is safer for all the interior parts of the clothes steamer.Additionally, what water should I use in my steam iron? Regular tap water contains minerals, like calcium, that will build up inside your iron. Even with a water softener, you tap water will still contain trace amounts of minerals that will eventually clog your iron. Distilled water varieties are best for use in irons. One may also ask, can I use purified water in my steam iron? Purified water is less likely to leave stains on your clothing or clog your steam iron with mineral deposits. The instructions that come with most steam irons specify using tap water, but provide directions for switching to purified water.Why does my steam iron spit out brown water? Brown or White Emissions The brown liquid that spurts out of an iron’s steam vents may be caused by iron deposits or organic matter in the hard water used to fill it. Any white substance emitting from the vents may be a sign of calcium in the water.