How To Remove Iron Water Stain From Washable Fabrics

January 26, 2023

If you live in an area with hard water, you may have noticed that your clothes often come out of the wash with rust-colored stains caused by iron in the water. These stains can be difficult to remove and may make your clothes look old and worn out. But don't worry, with the right approach and a few simple household items, you can easily remove these stains and restore your clothes to their original condition. Keep reading to learn more about how to effectively remove stains caused by iron-rich water from your clothes.

COLOR

Yellowish-brown

APPEARANCE

These stains appear as discoloration of the fabric that is usually yellow or brown in color. They can be dry or slightly damp to the touch and may have a metallic or slightly musty smell.

WATER TEMP

Hot (120° to 140°F)

RATIONALE FOR WATER TEMP

Hot water helps to dissolve the minerals in iron water and make it easier to remove.

The Science Behind Iron Water Stains

When water that contains iron comes into contact with fabrics, the iron can transfer onto the fabric and leave behind a stain. Iron can exist in water in different forms such as ferrous iron, ferric iron, and iron bacteria. Ferrous iron is dissolved and clear, while ferric iron is suspended and can create a red-brown color. Iron bacteria can also cause staining, they are microorganisms that can grow in water and form slimy layers on surfaces, including clothes. These microorganisms can also cause staining on clothes.

iron water

What You'll Need To Get Rid Of Iron Water Stains

  • White vinegar
  • Lemon juice
  • Baking soda
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Stain remover spray or laundry detergent

Step By Step Process To Remove Iron Water Stains

  1. Mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar. Apply the solution to the stain and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
  2. Mix a solution of equal parts water and lemon juice. Apply the solution to the stain and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
  3. Mix a paste of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
  4. If the stain is still present, apply hydrogen peroxide to the stain and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
  5. Rinse the garment with cool water.
  6. Wash the garment in the washing machine on the warmest water setting that is safe for the fabric with laundry detergent or stain remover spray.
Note : Iron-rich water can cause staining that may require professional cleaning. Always test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of the fabric before using it on the stain, to make sure that it does not cause any damage or discoloration to the fabric. Always follow the care instructions on the garment's label.

In Brief

Water rich in iron can cause staining on clothes because iron can transfer onto fabric when it comes into contact with clothes. To remove the stain, one can use a combination of white vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and laundry detergent. Iron-rich water can cause staining that may require professional cleaning. Always test the solution on an inconspicuous area and follow the care instructions on the garment's label.

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