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Sometimes, when you’re ironing, scorch marks happen.
We’re all human.
You may have become distracted or you chose anironing temperaturethat was too high for the fabric.
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Too much heat can melt fibers and leave unsightly burn marks.
(Scorched wool must be handled a bit differently because it’s a protein fiber.)
Cleaning scorched clothing and carpets made from manmade fibers can be tricky.
The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska
You should be able to remedy the problem with one treatment.
However, you may have to repeat whichever process you use to completely remove the scorch or burn mark.
Keep moving the cloth to a clean area as the scorched fibers are transferred.
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Finish by wiping down the satin with a white cloth dipped in cool water.
If the stain is large, work on a small section at a time.
Start by pouring a tiny bit ofhydrogen peroxide, a mild bleaching agent, in a small bowl.
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Dip a cotton swab in the hydrogen peroxide, and apply it to the stain.
Let the treated area stand for five minutes.
Warning
Don’tmix the hydrogen peroxide and ammonia in the same bowl.
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Use a separate bowl for each ingredient.
The mixture can form toxic fumes.
Rinse and Repeat
Flush the treated area with cold water.
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Repeat if necessary, and move to another section of the scorch mark.
Do not allow the solution of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia to dry on the fabric.
Submerge the entire scorched item, and allow it to soak at least eight hours or overnight.
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Then, wash as usual.
If a stain remains, repeat the process.
Be sure to rinse well after using the vinegar to prevent discoloration.
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Submerge the entire scorched item, and allow it to soak at least eight hours or overnight.
Then, wash as usual.
If a stain remains, repeat the process.
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The oxygen-bleach soaking process is safe to use on polyester and all synthetic fibers as well as natural fibers.
To fix it, dip a white cloth in white distilled vinegar, and blot the shiny streak.
Finish by dipping a cloth in water and blotting the area to rinse.
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Allow the fabric to air-dry.
An old toothbrush also works well to remove damaged fibers.
If the scorched item is knitted, like a sweater, hand-wash instead.
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Always finish by blotting the area with cool water, and allow to air-dry.
Don’t use this method on a dark-colored carpet.
The color will be greatly affected.
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Don’t scrub heavily or you’ll have a bare spot on the carpet.
Avoid cutting too deep, or your carpet will be bald.
Remove any melted fibers from the soleplate of your iron once it’s completely cooled down.
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Don’t use an iron until the soleplate is cleaned or it can ruin another piece of clothing.
Structured wool garments like coats or suit jackets should be taken to a professional dry cleaner.
An experienced tailor may be able to fix a burned hole by reweaving the woolen fabric.
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For carpets, patching is possible.
This works best on higher-pile carpets where seams can be better hidden.
Tips for Cleaning Clothing or Carpet With Scorch or Burn Marks
Dangers of Mixing Bleach with Cleaners.
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Washington State Department of Health.
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The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska
