Iodine, an essential item in your home medicine cabinet, can be a real disaster if it gets on your clothes.
The characteristic brown stains seem indelible and can ruin your favorite item. However, there are effective methods to combat this problem.
The first rule when dealing with iodine stains is speed. The faster you start removing the stain, the greater the chances of success.
Fresh stains are much easier to remove than ingrained ones. Therefore, if iodine gets on your clothes, you should immediately start removing it.
One of the most effective and affordable means for removing iodine stains is regular potato starch.
You need to sprinkle it on the stain in a thick layer and leave it for several hours.
The starch will absorb the iodine and the stain will fade considerably. After this, the clothes should be washed in the usual way.
Lemon juice is a natural bleach that will help you get rid of iodine stains. To use its properties, apply freshly squeezed lemon juice directly to the stain and leave it for 15-20 minutes.
After this, rinse the fabric with cold water and wash it. This method is especially good for light-colored fabrics.
Hydrogen peroxide has bleaching properties and can be used to remove iodine stains.
It is necessary to wet a cotton pad with hydrogen peroxide and gently blot the stain. After that, the fabric should be rinsed with cold water and washed.
It is important to remember that peroxide can discolor some fabrics, so it is worth testing its effect on an inconspicuous area of the garment before using it.
Ammonia effectively deals with iodine stains. It is necessary to wet a cotton swab with ammonia and carefully wipe the stain. After this, the fabric should be rinsed with cold water and washed.
It is important to remember that ammonia has a strong odor, so you need to work with it in a well-ventilated area.
Sodium hyposulfite, also known as sodium thiosulfate, is a chemical that can neutralize iodine.
A solution of hyposulfite (1 teaspoon per glass of water) is applied to the stain and left for 10-15 minutes, then the fabric is washed and washed. This product can be purchased at photo shops or pharmacies.
Regular medical alcohol can help combat iodine stains. You need to wet a cotton pad with alcohol and gently blot the stain. Then the fabric should be rinsed with cold water and washed. This method is especially effective for fresh stains.
In household chemical stores you can find special products for removing iodine stains.
When using them, it is important to strictly follow the instructions on the packaging. Typically, such products are applied to the stain, left for a while, and then the fabric is washed.
To remove stubborn iodine stains, you can use the long soaking method.
The clothes should be soaked in a solution of washing powder with a few drops of ammonia added for several hours, and then washed in the usual way.
The best way to combat iodine stains is to prevent them. When using iodine, be especially careful, wear protective clothing, or use an iodine stick, which is less likely to splatter.