Iodine
Soap and water.—If the material is washable, soap and water will often remove a fresh stain. Or moisten with water and place either in the sun, over a warm radiator, or hold in the steam from a boiling teakettle.
Denatured alcohol.—On materials that water would injure, sponge with alcohol. On acetate rayon and colored materials be sure to dilute the alcohol—1 cup denatured alcohol to 2 cups water.
Sodium thiosulfate (“hypo”).—Sponge the stain or dip in a solution of 1 tablespoon of the “hypo” to 1 pint of water. Rinse well in water.
Iron Rust
Use any of the methods given below to remove iron-rust stains from white materials. Test remover on sample of cloth before using on colored materials.
Lemon juice.—Spread the stain over a pan of boiling water and then squeeze lemon juice on it. After a few minutes rinse; then repeat the process. This method is rather slow, but does not harm delicate white cottons or linens. Another method is to sprinkle the stain with salt, squeeze lemon juice on it, and spread in the sun to dry. Add more lemon juice if the stain still shows. Rinse well.
Oxalic acid.—Spread the stained article over a bowl of hot water and apply a few drops of oxalic acid solution (3 tablespoons of the crystals to 1 pint of water). Or put the crystals of acid directly on the stain and moisten with hot water. Rinse in hot water, and repeat until the stain disappears. Do not use on weighted silk.
Cream of tartar.—Boil the stained article in a liquid made up of 4 teaspoons of cream of tartar to 1 pint of water. Rinse thoroughly.
Hydrosulfite.—Hydrosulfites available at drug stores as color removers or dye-stripping agents also will remove rust stains. Follow directions given on the package. Do not use on weighted silks.