Laundry is a weakness for many people. From washing, to folding, to ironing, it never ends. Therefore, it can be devastating when you accidentally get an ironing scorch mark on your nearly finished laundry. Rather than throw up your hands in defeat, learn how to remove ironing stains quickly.
How to Remove Ironing Stains
The art of ironing is complicated, especially if you are a newbie to ironing. But even professionals have their share of ironing stains. The key to getting rid of that ironing stain on your new blouse or trousers is acting fast. If you put it to the side while finishing ironing, it can get a bit harder to clean. To get started on clearing ironing stains, you need:
- Laundry detergent
- Distilled vinegar
- Ammonia
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Oxygen-based bleach
- Cloth
- Old toothbrush
- Large bowl or tub
- Sheet
Remove Ironing Stains From White Clothes With Hydrogen Peroxide
When it comes to any different stains on your white clothes, especially those brown scorch marks, hydrogen peroxide can be your Hail Mary.
- Wet the clothing down with the hottest water acceptable for the material.
- Work a bit of laundry detergent over the stain with your fingers.
- Pour hydrogen peroxide into a bowl.
- Dip a cloth in the hydrogen peroxide and rub it over the stain.
- For the remaining stain, use the toothbrush to work at the stain.
- Allow it to sit for 5 minutes.
- Rinse and repeat as necessary.
If the hydrogen peroxide alone isn't cutting it, you can use ammonia as well. After applying the hydrogen peroxide, add a bit of ammonia to a cloth and rub it over the stain. Allow the garment to sit for up to an hour. However, DO NOT combine hydrogen peroxide and ammonia in a container. This can be toxic.
How to Remove Scorch Marks on Colored Clothes
The methods you use for colored clothes and white clothes are not the same. Why? Well, because hydrogen peroxide can fade colors. However, these methods can work for white clothes as well.
How to Remove Iron Burn From Clothes With White Vinegar
With both a heavy and light scorch mark, white vinegar can be your best friend. For this method:
- Soak a white cloth in white vinegar.
- Wring it out, so it's damp rather than wet.
- Press the cloth against the scorch mark.
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Repeat as needed using a clean part of the cloth until the mark is gone.
- Wipe the clothing down with a water-dampened cloth.
Oxygen-Based Bleach to Remove Scorch Marks
If the hydrogen peroxide and vinegar methods are a no-go, it's time to reach for the oxygen-based bleach. You are going to create a soak for the garment.
- Following the instructions on the oxy-bleach, create a water soak.
- Add the scorched garment.
- Allow it to soak overnight.
How to Remove Shiny Marks From Polyester
Materials like polyester and rayon are easy to scorch, and they melt just as easily. However, using a cloth to get the scorch mark out can help.
- Wet a sheet or pillowcase.
- Put it over the scorched area.
- Run the iron over the material to create steam.
- Check to see if the stain comes up.
Remove Ironing Stain From Wool
When ironing wool, it's important to use a cloth or pressing cloth to make sure it doesn't get shiny. You might also want to consider turning it inside out. However, if you have that shiny scorch look, then you can fix it quite easily.
- Dip a cloth in some white vinegar.
- Wring it out well.
- Blot the shiny area.
- Use a water-dampened cloth to rinse the area.
How to Prevent Iron Scorch Marks
Ironing is hard. Don't ever let anyone tell you differently. However, if you don't want to be treating scorch marks, then prevention is key. Learn a few tricks of the trade to keep scorch marks at bay.
- Use a white sheet or pillowcase as a buffer between your iron and the clothing.
- Check that you're using the right iron temperature.
- Iron clothing inside out.
- Use an ironing board with good padding.
- Don't get distracted.
- Clean your iron regularly to ensure it's heating properly.
- Use fluid strokes when ironing.
- Keep clothing a bit damp when ironing.
Get Rid of Iron Scorch Marks for Good
If you've gotten a scorch mark or ironing stains on your clothing, you are not alone. It's happened to even the most seasoned laundry professional. However, knowing how to remove scorch marks is key. And, remember, act fast. Now learn how to clean a scorched iron so you won't transfer that stain while ironing your fabrics.
