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We all have to treat wounds with iodine from time to time. But if on the skin traces of this substance look quite appropriate, then on the upholstery of upholstered furniture – definitely not. What to do if iodine got on a new sofa or chair? Let’s figure it out.
How to remove iodine from upholstery
Iodine stains are usually brownish-yellow, and can be quite hard to rub off if left to soak for a long time. Therefore, it is best to treat such stains immediately, whether on your clothes, sheets, or even upholstery or carpet. To remove iodine from fabric, you can use the following simple steps:
Make a solution with water and dish soap. Basically, anything will do. In a small bowl, combine two cups of cold water and a tablespoon of the product. Mix well.
Dip a clean white cloth into the solution and blot the stain with it. You will notice the stain starting to lift off the upholstery.
After the stain is completely soaked in the solution and you notice that you are no longer picking up the stain from the fabric, allow the detergent to soak in for about 30 minutes. Check from time to time to see if the stain is drying too quickly. Rinse it again if necessary.
If the stain is not completely removed, repeat steps 2 and 3, blotting the stain with detergent and letting it soak in for half an hour. After several repetitions, the trace of iodine should disappear.
After the stain is gone, blot the treated area with water to remove any detergent residue. You can dry the marks with just another cloth. If the stain does not come out, you will need a stronger detergent.
Iodine got on light furniture
In this case, it is best to act quickly before the iodine has eaten into the tissue. You can use the tool that every housewife has in the first aid kit – hydrogen peroxide.
First of all, you need to take a bar of soap and rub the upholstery around the iodine stain with it. This will protect the fabric during processing and prevent the contamination from spreading further. Blot the stain well with a cotton pad dipped liberally in peroxide. Wipe off excess moisture with white paper towels. If necessary, you can repeat the treatment several times.
Hydrogen peroxide can be replaced with a solution of acetylsalicylic acid by mixing one tablet in 100 ml of cold water. After processing, remove the remnants of the substance with a damp sponge.
If you did not notice the contamination immediately and the iodine has already been absorbed, then hydrogen peroxide will no longer cope with cleaning. But do not despair, in this case, ordinary table vinegar and soda will help you. Sprinkle the stain with baking soda powder and drizzle vinegar on top. Entering into a chemical reaction, iodine crystallizes, after which it can be easily removed from the surface with a brush.
Sodium thiosulfate is considered a good tool for cleaning iodine from light upholstery. Apply the substance to the stain and wash the contamination with a solution of laundry soap.
Ammonia also does an excellent job with iodine stains. Mix one tablespoon of the substance in a glass of water. Dip a cotton pad and a napkin into the resulting solution and process the contamination in the direction from the edges to the middle.
How to clean leather furniture from iodine
Isopropyl alcohol is perfect for cleaning iodine from a light leather sofa or chair. Place a cotton pad moistened with liquid on the stain. After a while, the cotton can be changed, but in no case do not rub the stain further.
This procedure will help reduce the intensity of the stain. The remains will eventually come off on their own, since iodine is a volatile substance and has the ability to evaporate. This will happen faster if sunlight hits the spot.
If you do not have alcohol at home, you can replace it with ordinary vodka.
Useful tips for cleaning furniture from iodine stains
In order not to damage the upholstery of furniture, removing pollution, try to follow the following recommendations:
Before proceeding with the treatment of contamination with a stain remover, test the product on a small inconspicuous area of uXNUMXbuXNUMXbthe sofa;
Before removing the stain, make sure that the surface is free of dust;
Carry out the first treatment of contamination with a weaker solution of a cleaning agent, increase the concentration gradually;
Wear hand protection during handling, such as rubber gloves;
Alternate the use of stain remover and rinsing with water;
Do not forget that the use of chemicals can thin the upholstery, so you need to use them in moderation;
Iodine will quickly disappear from the coating if the soiled sofa is in a well-ventilated and lit room.
You can also protect the coating in a preventive way: in our time, iodine is produced in the form of a “pencil”. This convenient shape will allow you to apply a time-tested antiseptic without fear of dripping your favorite T-shirt or a new sofa.
Attention! This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.