How to remove iodine stains

Iodine is an antimicrobial mineral that fights harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Many people keep it in their medicine cabinets at home to treat wounds. However, if you accidentally spill it on your household surfaces or clothes, it can leave unsightly stains.

Iodine is a dye, and if left untreated, it will be hard for you to remove it. Fortunately, it’s possible to treat iodine stains by using baking soda, vinegar, and detergent.

Removing iodine stains from your clothes using baking soda

Baking soda is a natural cleaning agent that can help you remove the stains on any surfaces in your home. Surprisingly, it can also help you eliminate iodine stains that you may accidentally spill on your clothes. It’s best to act quickly when the stains are still fresh to remove the stains effectively.

Follow these steps to get the best results.

1. Use a damp towel or sponge to blot the stained area with water. Lightly rub the stained area by starting at the center and gradually moving towards its outer area.
2. Make sure that the towel or sponge absorbs the stain as much as possible. It will be easier for you to remove the stain once you blot most of it away.
3. Make a baking soda paste. To create a baking soda paste, mix an equal amount of water and baking soda.
4. Put the paste on the stained areas on your clothes for 10 minutes. Allow the fabric to absorb the baking soda paste before you rinse it.
5. After 10 minutes, run water on the stained area and see if the stain is still visible. If there are still stains, repeat the process.
6. Once you completely remove the stains on your clothes, wash it using your preferred laundry detergent. Doing this will remove the baking soda residue from your clothes.
7. Wash it thoroughly and air-dry it.

Using borax to remove iodine stains from your carpet

Using borax is an effective and convenient method that can help eliminate unsightly iodine stains on your carpet. You may already have some at home, but if not, you can easily buy it from your local hardware store or online.

Follow these steps to achieve optimal results.

1. In a container, make a paste by mixing three cups of borax and one cup of warm water.
2. Use an old toothbrush to get some of the paste.
3. Put the toothbrush on the stained area of your carpet and scrub it gently in a circular pattern.
4. Allow the mixture to settle and dry on your carpet overnight.
5. The next day, use a vacuum cleaner or broom to clean the residue.
6. Rinse your carpet with cold water and dry it using a clean cloth.

Getting rid of iodine stains from stone surfaces

Your stone surfaces in your home play an essential part in beautifying and maintaining your home’s elegance. And when you accidentally spill iodine on these surfaces, you don’t have to worry because it’s relatively easy. You just need to have the patience for cleaning it.

Fresh iodine stains on stone

1. In a cup, mix hydrogen peroxide, and 1 ml of ammonia. Make sure that you wear gloves for safety measures.
2. Soak a cloth that’s the same size as the stain in the solution. Place the cloth soaked with the mixture on the stained areas.
3. Start to blot the stain thoroughly. You can use a glass or heavy object to make the stains soak in the hydrogen peroxide and ammonia mixture better.
4. Keep blotting the areas until the stains are no longer visible.
5. Rinse the stone surface with water and dry the area using a clean, dry cloth.

Old and stubborn iodine stains

If you’re dealing with older iodine stains on stone surfaces, follow these steps for optimal results.

1. Make a paste by mixing two tablespoons of powdered detergent, one teaspoon of bleach, and one cup of water in a bowl.
2. Put the paste on the stained areas and use a damp pad to cover it and reduce evaporation. Leave it overnight.
3. Remove the dried paste and rinse it with clear water. Use a towel to dry the stone surfaces. Don’t let it air-dry because it can leave water stains behind.

Common questions about iodine stains

What is the first step in removing iodine stains?

When removing iodine stains, the first step is knowing what stained surfaces or materials you are dealing with. It’s best to know beforehand to avoid damaging these areas or items when trying to remove the stains.

For instance, if you’re removing stains on your colored clothes or carpet, test using standard bleach or a commercial stain remover first on a hidden part of the material to see if it’s sensitive to these products. Doing this can prevent discoloration on the fabric.

Does iodine stain the skin?

Yes. You will notice yellow stains when you apply iodine to your wounds. But you can remove the color quickly with a cotton pad and water. If your wound is fully healed, you can try alcohol and a cotton pad to remove the iodine stains. However, be careful when using alcohol because applying it to fresh or newly iodine-stained wounds can delay the healing process.

Can I remove Iodine stains from wood?

Yes, all you need to do is mix a cup of warm water and three to four tablespoons of dish soap. Use a cloth to put the mixture on the stained area. Repeat it until you wash off the stains. To rinse it, use a clean damp cloth. To create a new fresh look for your wood, you can wax or polish it afterwards.

The bottom line

Iodine stains on your clothes, carpet, and stone surfaces can be an eyesore. Luckily, removing them is not an impossible task to do. Using baking soda paste, borax, hydrogen peroxide, and dishwashing liquid you can eliminate the stains with ease.

You can now be calm in dealing with your wounds and relax because you don’t need to worry about the iodine stains anymore. The methods above are straightforward, easy-to-do, and the materials you can use are readily available. Whatever type of wounds and stains you are dealing with, you can proudly wash it away.