Remove Iodine Stains

If stain is on: carpet (synthetic or even wool), cotton, acetate, acrylic fabric, fiberglass, linen, modacrylic, nylon, olefin, polyester, rayon, silk, spandex, triacetate or wool.

Make a solution of 1 tsp. sodium thiosulfate to 1/2 cup of warm water and stir until the crystals are completely dissolved. Handle this very carefully since sodium thiosulfate can cause irritation to the eyes, skin and lungs. Soak a sponge with the liquid and apply light strokes moving outward from the center of the stain. Blot with an absorbent pad. Flush well with clear water and repeat if necessary.

If stain is on: acrylic plastic, ceramic glass/tile, glass, paint, Plexiglas, polyurethane, porcelain fixtures, vinyl clothing or vinyl wall covering.

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

If stain is on: alabaster or marble.

Mix a few drops of ammonia with a cup of hydrogen peroxide. Soak a white blotter, something about the size of the stain with the solution and place it over the stain. Weight the blotter down with a heavy object. Continue applying the solution until the stain has been bleached out. Leave this overnight and then remove the dried paste, rinse the area with clear water and dry.

If stain is on: asphalt, cork or linoleum.

Rub the stain with a cloth dampened in a solution of ammonia and water as in Step 2. If the 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 normal.

If stain is on: bluestone, brick, concrete, flagstone, granite, masonry tile, slate or terrazzo.

Wash with a solution of washing soda or detergent, but not soap, along with water. Use a cloth or soft-bristled brush to scrub the area. Once finished, rinse thoroughly with clear water and allow it to dry.

If stain is on: grout.

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

If stain is on: leather or suede.

Since iodine contains a dye, it affects the hides of these materials on contact and cannot be removed.

If stain is on: wood.

Mix dishwashing soap in hot water and mix until it has a great deal of suds. Dip a cloth in the foam only, not the water and then apply the foam mix to the iodine stain. Rinse the area with a clean cloth moistened with clear water and polish the area as soon as possible.