How to Remove Iodine Stains

Why do we traditionally spring clean in the spring?
Removing iodine stains can be a difficult task.­
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­Iodine can come in handy when cleaning up a wound, but when it gets on a household surface it can be a real pain. Read on to learn how to remove iodine stains.

The first step in removing iodine stains is to identify the stained material.­­­

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­Below are the most common types of materials that can become iodine-stained, with steps on how to remove iodine from each:

  • Fabrics such as Acetate, Acrylic Fabric, Carpet (synthetic or wool), Cotton, Fiberglass, Linen, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Rayon, Silk, Spandex, Triacetate or Wool
  • Hard surfaces such as Acrylic Plastic, Ceramic Glass/Tile, Glass, Paint (flat or gloss), Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Porcelain Fixtures, Vinyl Clothing or Vinyl Wallcovering
  • Stone surfaces such as Alabaster or Marble
  • Porous surfaces such as Asphalt, Cork or Linoleum
  • Masonry such as Bluestone, Brick, Concrete, Flagstone, Granite, Masonry Tile, Slate or Terrazzo
  • Grout
  • Leather or Suede
  • Wood

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Fabrics

Follow these steps to remove iodine stains from Acetate, Acrylic Fabric, Carpet

(synthetic or wool), Cotton, Fiberglass, Linen, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Rayon, Silk, Spandex, Triacetate, Wool:

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  • Since iodine is a dye, it must be treated immediately to prevent a permanent stain. Sponge (the method of using a dampened pad to apply light strokes, moving outward from the center of the stain) the area thoroughly with water.
  • Add 1 teaspoon sodium thiosulfate to 1/2 cup warm water and stir until crystals are completely dissolved. (Handle carefully, as sodium thiosulfate can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, lungs and digestive tract.)
  • Test the fabric with the solution; if color doesn't change, wet the stain with this solution, blotting with an absorbent pad.
  • Flush (the method of applying stain remover to loosen staining material and residue from stain removers) well with clear water and repeat if necessary.

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Hard Surfaces

Follow these steps to remove iodine stains from Acrylic Plastic, Ceramic Glass/Tile, Glass, Paint (flat or gloss), Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Porcelain Fixtures,

Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Wallcovering:

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  • Wipe the stain with a cloth or sponge dipped in warm sudsy water to which a few drops of ammonia have been added.
  • Rinse well and wipe dry.

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Stone Surfaces

Follow these steps to remove iodine stains from Alabaster or Marble:

  • Mix a few drops of ammonia with a cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide.
  • Soak a white blotter (about the size of the stain) with the solution and place it over the stain.
  • Weight it down with a piece of glass or other heavy object.
  • Continue applying the solution until the stain has been bleached out.
  • For tougher stains, make a bleach poultice from powdered detergent, bleach, and water.
  • Apply this paste to the stain and cover with a damp pad to retard evaporation.
  • Leave overnight. Then remove the dried paste, rinse the area with clear water, and dry.

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Porous Surfaces

Follow these steps to remove iodine stains from Asphalt, Cork or Linoleum:

  • Rub the stain with a cloth dampened in a solution of ammonia and water.
  • If any stain remains, saturate the cloth in the solution and place it over the stain until it is either removed or no more stain is being lifted.
  • Wash the area and wax as usual.

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Masonry

Follow these steps to remove iodine stains from Bluestone, Brick, Concrete, Flagstone, Granite, Masonry Tile, Slate or Terrazzo:

  • Wash with a solution of washing soda or detergent (not soap) and water.
  • Use a cloth or soft-bristled brush to help scrub.
  • Rinse thoroughly with clear water and allow to dry.

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Grout

Follow these steps to remove iodine stains from grout:

  • Wipe the area with a cloth dipped in warm sudsy water.
  • If any stain remains, dip a wet toothbrush into baking soda or powdered cleanser and gently scrub the spot.
  • Rinse well and wipe dry.

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Leather or Suede

Follow these steps to remove iodine stains from leather or suede:

  • Because iodine contains a dye, it affects the hide of these materials on contact.
  • Therefore it cannot be removed.

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Wood

Follow these steps to remove iodine stains from wood:

  • Mix dishwashing detergent in hot water and swish to make a great volume of suds.
  • Dip a cloth in only the foam and apply to the iodine stain.
  • Rinse with a clean cloth moistened with clear water.
  • Polish or wax as soon as possible.

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