A spilled bottle of antiseptic often causes panic, because the brown marks seem impossible to remove. However iodine is a volatile substance that can be neutralized through simple chemical reactions using products from your home medicine cabinet or kitchen cabinet. The main rule of success is speed: the faster you start processing, the higher the chances of complete tissue restoration.
Potato starch for fresh stains
This method is safe even for delicate colored fabrics, since starch does not discolor the fibers. When interacting with iodine, starch reacts, coloring the stain bluewhich is then easily washed off with water.
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Sprinkle generously onto wet spot potato starch.
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If there is no starch, you can rub the stain with a cut of raw potatoes.
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Leave for 10-15 minutes until the powder turns blue.
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Rinse with cold water and wash the item with laundry soap.
Sodium thiosulfate as the most powerful remedy
If the stain is old or too bright, the usual folk methods may not work. In this case it will help sodium thiosulfate – a cheap product that is sold in any pharmacy in the form of ampoules. This is a chemical iodine neutralizer that literally makes the stain transparent before your eyes.
Simply open the ampoule and pour the contents directly onto the tissue. The reaction occurs instantly: the red mark disappears without a trace. After processing, the item just needs to be rinsed in cool water. This method is suitable for most fabrics, but on synthetics it is better to first test on an inconspicuous area.
Ascorbic acid and alcohol
Vitamin C is also an excellent reducing agent that can break down the structure of iodine stains. You can use liquid ascorbic acid in ampoules or dissolve a couple of tablets in a small amount of water. Soak a cotton pad in the solution and apply to the stain for 15 minutes.
For thick fabrics such as denim or cotton, a mixture is suitable ammonia and water in a 1:1 ratio. This solution not only removes stains, but also refreshes the appearance of the fabric. After treatment with any of these methods, clothes must be washed as usual to remove any remaining cleaning agents and iodine itself.
A timely reaction and the right choice of product will help keep things in perfect condition.
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