Important Safety Instructions
When using your iron, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury. Please read all instructions carefully before use.
- Always plug the iron into a grounded outlet.
- Do not leave the iron unattended while it is connected to the power supply or on an ironing board.
- To protect against the risk of electric shock, do not immerse the iron in water or other liquids.
- The iron must be used and rested on a stable surface.
- Do not operate the iron with a damaged cord or if the iron has been dropped or damaged. Contact customer service for repair.
- Keep the iron and its cord out of reach of children.
- Never direct steam at people or pets.
- Unplug the iron from the outlet when filling with water, emptying, or when not in use.
Product Overview
The Rowenta Effective DW1040 Auto-Steam Iron is designed for efficient and effective garment care. Familiarize yourself with its components:
- Soleplate: Stainless steel surface for smooth gliding.
- Water Tank: Transparent reservoir for water.
- Spray Nozzle: For moistening stubborn creases.
- Steam Trigger/Button: Activates steam functions.
- Temperature Dial: Adjusts heat settings for various fabric types.
- Power Cord: Connects the iron to an electrical outlet.
Image of the Rowenta Effective DW1040 Auto-Steam Iron, showing its purple and white body, stainless steel soleplate, and water tank.
Setup
1. Unpacking
Carefully remove the iron from its packaging. Remove any labels or protective films from the soleplate or body of the iron. Retain the packaging for future storage or transport.
2. First Use Preparation
Before the first use, it is recommended to iron an old piece of fabric (e.g., an old towel) for a few minutes to remove any manufacturing residues from the soleplate. This may produce a slight odor or smoke, which is normal and will dissipate quickly.
3. Filling the Water Tank
- Ensure the iron is unplugged from the electrical outlet.
- Open the water tank inlet cover, usually located near the handle.
- Fill the water tank with tap water up to the 'MAX' fill line. Do not overfill.
- Close the water tank inlet cover securely.
Note: For optimal performance and to prolong the life of your iron, use regular tap water. If your tap water is very hard, you may mix it 50/50 with distilled water. Do not use 100% distilled water, scented water, or water containing additives.
4. Connecting to Power
Plug the power cord into a suitable, grounded electrical outlet (120V AC). The indicator light will illuminate, indicating the iron is heating up.
Operating the Iron
1. Setting the Temperature
Turn the temperature dial to the desired setting based on the fabric type. Refer to the garment's care label for recommended ironing temperatures. The indicator light will turn off when the selected temperature is reached.
- Low Temperature: Synthetics, Silk
- Medium Temperature: Wool
- High Temperature: Cotton, Linen
Tip: Always start with lower temperatures for delicate fabrics and gradually increase if needed. Iron fabrics requiring lower temperatures first.
2. Dry Ironing
For dry ironing, ensure the steam control is set to the 'OFF' position. Select the desired temperature and wait for the iron to heat up. Iron garments as usual.
3. Steam Ironing
Steam ironing is effective for most fabrics, especially cotton and linen. Ensure the water tank is filled and the temperature dial is set to a steam-compatible setting (usually indicated by a steam symbol on the dial, typically medium to high heat).
- Continuous Steam: Once the iron reaches the set temperature, adjust the steam control to the desired steam level. Move the iron over the fabric.
- Steam Shot: For stubborn wrinkles, press the steam shot button. This delivers a powerful burst of steam. Wait a few seconds between shots to allow the iron to regenerate steam.
- Vertical Steaming: The steam shot can also be used for vertical steaming of hanging garments or drapes. Hold the iron vertically a few inches from the fabric and press the steam shot button.
4. Spray Function
Press the spray button to lightly mist the fabric with water, helping to smooth out difficult creases. This function can be used with or without steam.
5. Auto-Off Feature
For safety and energy saving, the iron is equipped with an auto-off feature. If left motionless horizontally for 30 seconds or vertically for 8 minutes, the heating element will automatically shut off. The indicator light will flash to signal this. To restart heating, simply move the iron.
Maintenance and Care
1. After Each Use
- Unplug the iron and allow it to cool completely.
- Empty any remaining water from the water tank.
- Set the steam control to the 'DRY' or 'OFF' position.
2. Cleaning the Soleplate
To clean the soleplate, ensure the iron is cool and unplugged. Wipe the soleplate with a damp cloth and a non-abrasive cleaner. Do not use metallic scouring pads or harsh abrasives, as these can scratch the soleplate.
3. Anti-Calc System (Self-Clean)
The Rowenta DW1040 iron features an integrated anti-calc system to reduce scale buildup. For optimal performance, perform the self-clean function periodically (e.g., once a month or as needed, depending on water hardness).
- Fill the water tank to the 'MAX' line.
- Set the temperature dial to the maximum setting and plug in the iron.
- Once the iron reaches maximum temperature (indicator light turns off), unplug it.
- Hold the iron horizontally over a sink.
- Press and hold the self-clean button (if available, refer to specific iron markings) or the steam shot button repeatedly until all water has drained from the tank, carrying out scale particles.
- Move the iron gently back and forth to help dislodge scale.
- Once empty, plug the iron back in and let it heat up to dry the soleplate. Unplug and store when cool.
4. Storage
Store the iron upright on its heel rest in a safe, dry place after it has completely cooled down and the water tank is empty. Do not wrap the cord tightly around the iron while it is still hot.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Iron does not heat up. | Not plugged in; power outlet fault; auto-off activated. | Check power connection; test outlet with another appliance; move the iron to reactivate. |
| No steam or insufficient steam. | Water tank empty; temperature too low; steam control set to 'DRY'. | Fill water tank; set temperature to steam-compatible range; adjust steam control. |
| Water leaking from soleplate. | Temperature too low for steam; overfilled water tank; iron tilted excessively. | Ensure iron is hot enough for steam; do not overfill; keep iron horizontal during steam use. |
| Brown stains on fabric. | Mineral deposits in water; soleplate dirty; fabric not clean. | Perform self-clean function; clean soleplate; ensure garments are clean before ironing. |
| Iron sticks to fabric. | Temperature too high for fabric type; soleplate residue. | Reduce temperature; clean soleplate. |
Specifications
- Brand: Rowenta
- Model Number: DW1040
- Base Material: Stainless Steel
- Color: Purple
- UPC: 014501162396
Warranty and Support
This Rowenta product is covered by a manufacturer's warranty. Please refer to the warranty card included with your purchase for specific terms and conditions, including warranty period and coverage details.
For technical assistance, spare parts, or warranty claims, please contact Rowenta customer service. Contact information can typically be found on the Rowenta official website or on your product's packaging.
When contacting support, please have your model number (DW1040) and proof of purchase readily available.





