Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Proctor Silex Model 17202 Steam Iron & Vertical Steamer. This manual provides important safety instructions, setup guidelines, operating procedures, maintenance tips, and troubleshooting information to ensure safe and efficient use of your appliance. Please read this manual thoroughly before first use and keep it for future reference.
Important Safety Information
When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and/or injury to persons, including the following:
- Read all instructions.
- Use iron only for its intended use.
- To avoid the risk of electric shock, do not immerse the iron in water or other liquids.
- Always turn the iron OFF before plugging or unplugging from the outlet. Never yank cord to disconnect from outlet; instead, grasp plug and pull to disconnect.
- Do not allow cord to touch hot surfaces. Let iron cool completely before putting away. Loop cord loosely around iron when storing.
- Always disconnect iron from electrical outlet when filling with water or emptying, and when not in use.
- Do not operate iron with a damaged cord or if the iron has been dropped or damaged. To avoid the risk of electric shock, do not disassemble the iron; take it to a qualified serviceman for examination and repair. Incorrect reassembly can cause a risk of electric shock when the iron is used.
- Close supervision is necessary for any appliance being used by or near children. Do not leave iron unattended while connected or on an ironing board.
- Burns can occur from touching hot metal parts, hot water, or steam. Use caution when you turn a steam iron upside down – there may be hot water in the reservoir.
- This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.
- Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
Parts and Features
Familiarize yourself with the components of your Proctor Silex Steam Iron.
- Water Fill Opening: For adding water to the reservoir.
- Spray Nozzle: Dispenses a fine mist for stubborn wrinkles.
- Steam/Dry Selector: Adjusts between steam and dry ironing.
- Temperature Control Dial: Sets the desired heat level for different fabrics.
- Blast Button: Provides a powerful burst of steam.
- Spray Button: Activates the spray nozzle.
- Nonstick Soleplate: The heated surface that glides over fabrics.
- Power Cord: Connects the iron to an electrical outlet.

Setup and First Use
Before First Use
- Remove any labels, stickers, or protective covers from the iron.
- It is normal for a slight odor or smoke to occur during the first few uses as manufacturing oils burn off. This will dissipate.
Filling the Water Reservoir
- Ensure the iron is unplugged from the electrical outlet.
- Set the Steam/Dry Selector to the DRY position.
- Open the water fill opening.
- Hold the iron in a horizontal position (ironing position) and carefully pour tap water into the reservoir until it reaches the MAX fill line. Do not overfill.
- Close the water fill opening securely.
Note: For best results and to prolong the life of your iron, use distilled or demineralized water, especially in areas with hard water.
Operating Instructions
Dry Ironing
- Ensure the water reservoir is empty or the Steam/Dry Selector is set to DRY.
- Plug the iron into a standard electrical outlet.
- Set the Temperature Control Dial to the desired fabric setting. Refer to the fabric guide on the dial or garment care labels.
- Allow the iron to heat up. The indicator light will turn off when the desired temperature is reached.
- Begin ironing.
Steam Ironing
- Fill the water reservoir as described in the "Setup" section.
- Plug the iron into a standard electrical outlet.
- Set the Temperature Control Dial to a steam-appropriate setting (usually between wool and linen). Steam will not be produced at lower temperatures.
- Allow the iron to heat up until the indicator light turns off.
- Set the Steam/Dry Selector to the STEAM position.
- Begin ironing. The iron will produce continuous steam.
Using the Spray Function
The spray function is useful for dampening stubborn wrinkles. Press the Spray Button to release a fine mist of water onto the fabric.
Using the Steam Blast Function
For extra stubborn wrinkles, press the Blast Button to release a powerful burst of steam. Wait a few seconds between blasts to allow the iron to reheat and build up steam.
Vertical Steaming
The iron can be used for vertical steaming of hanging garments, drapes, or upholstery. Ensure the water reservoir is filled and the iron is heated to a high steam setting.
- Hang the garment on a hanger.
- Hold the iron vertically, a few inches away from the fabric.
- Press the Blast Button repeatedly to release bursts of steam, moving the iron up and down the fabric.

Automatic Shutoff
For safety, your iron is equipped with an automatic shutoff feature. If the iron is left unattended in a horizontal position for approximately 30 seconds, or in a vertical position for approximately 15 minutes, it will automatically turn off. The indicator light will flash to signal that the iron has entered auto-shutoff mode. To reset, simply move the iron, and it will reheat to the selected temperature.
Care and Maintenance
Cleaning the Soleplate
- Allow the iron to cool completely.
- Wipe the soleplate with a damp cloth and a non-abrasive cleaner.
- Do not use abrasive scouring pads or metal cleaners, as these can scratch the nonstick coating.
Storing the Iron
- Ensure the iron is unplugged and completely cool.
- Empty any remaining water from the reservoir.
- Store the iron upright on its heel rest to prevent damage to the soleplate.
- Loop the power cord loosely around the iron.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Iron does not heat up. | Not plugged in; power outlet not working; temperature dial set to OFF or too low. | Check power connection; test outlet; adjust temperature dial to desired setting. |
| No steam or insufficient steam. | Water reservoir empty; steam/dry selector set to DRY; temperature too low for steam; iron not fully heated. | Fill reservoir; set selector to STEAM; increase temperature; allow iron to heat fully. |
| Water leaks from soleplate. | Temperature too low for steam; overfilled reservoir; steam/dry selector not fully engaged. | Increase temperature; do not overfill; ensure selector is firmly in STEAM or DRY position. |
| Iron automatically shuts off. | Auto-shutoff feature activated due to inactivity. | Move the iron to reset and reheat. |
Specifications
- Model: 17202
- Power: 1200 Watts
- Soleplate: Nonstick
- Features: Automatic Shutoff, Vertical Steam, Adjustable Spray and Blast Settings
- Product Dimensions: 4.77" L x 4.02" W x 9.89" H
- Item Weight: 1.88 Pounds
Warranty and Support
For warranty information or customer support, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Proctor Silex website. Do not attempt to repair the appliance yourself. For service, contact qualified personnel only.
Manufacturer: Proctor Silex
Website: Proctor Silex Official Store (Link provided for reference to brand store, actual support link may vary)