How To Remove Iron Marks From Clothes

Have you ever gone to iron one of your favorite shirts without realizing that the iron was too hot? Next thing you know, you're looking at a very unwanted iron mark and left scrambling to find another outfit before you walk out the door. These marks can look like scorch stains, shiny patches where the heat has melted the fibers, or deep creases. Iron marks happen when your iron is too hot, you forgot to dampen your item, or you've applied too much pressure to your clothing. You might give up and think all is lost — but don't throw that shirt out just yet. You may be able to fix it with items you probably already have in your home, like a lemon or some baking soda. Keep in mind that these methods will be most effective on mild to moderate iron marks. If your fabric is badly damaged, these remedies may not be able to fully restore it, and you may need the help of your local dry cleaners.

The method you use will vary depending on if you're looking for a general solution to remove iron marks from lighter or darker clothes or if you are dealing with a specific fabric or stubborn mark. Head to your kitchen and look to see if you have the following household items: Lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, or white vinegar. What do all of these items have in common? These household ingredients, such as white vinegar, can be used to both clean your home and remove iron marks from your clothes because they have stain-removing and disinfectant properties.

The first step is to determine the type of clothing you're working with. For lighter fabrics, dilute some hydrogen peroxide and apply it on top of your iron mark. Let it sit on your fabric for 20 minutes before rinsing. For tougher marks, baking soda is your best friend. You'll mix 2 tablespoons of hot water with 1 tablespoon of baking soda and apply that to the spot. The natural abrasiveness of the baking soda will help to remove the mark, and then you can wash the fabric after 30 minutes. 

White vinegar is another easy fix but should be avoided if you're working with silk. Cover the iron mark with a sponge soaked in white vinegar, then let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes before washing it out. Or, you can opt for lemon juice if you're dealing with darker or textured fabrics, but you'll want to skip this method if your fabric isn't bleach-safe. Mix equal parts lemon juice and water, scrub it on the iron burn for three to five minutes, and let the solution sit for about 10 minutes before soaking it in hot water for 30 minutes.

Ironing isn't a one-size-fits-all, and you can incorporate a few ironing tips to get great results every time. Avoid having to remove iron marks by adjusting your iron's temperature based on fabric type, dampening your clothes, reversing your fabric before ironing, and even using a protective layer of parchment paper to protect delicate fabrics. With these simple tips, you can eliminate those pesky iron marks for good.