Iron Scorch Marks (2024)

Fabric

1. Using an eye dropper, apply hydrogen peroxide to the stain. Add a drop or two of ammonia.

2. Let it stand from several minutes up to an hour. Don't let the stain dry. Keep it moist with hydrogen peroxide and ammonia.

3. Flush with water.

4. Launder, using oxygen bleach, if safe for the fabric.

stains-iron-scorch-may07

Quick Scorch Tricks

If you scorch an item while ironing it, there are two fast and easy ways to repair the damage. The trick is to do one of them immediately.

A) If you have time, rub liquid laundry detergent into the scorch mark and launder the item right away, using liquid laundry detergent and oxygen bleach, if safe for the fabric.

B) If you need to wear or use the item immediately and the scorch marks are slight, lightly rub white distilled vinegar on the fabric. Wipe with a clean cloth.

Heavily scorched fabrics where the fibers are burned and damaged can't be returned to their original state. Nor can melted or shiny areas.

stains-iron-scorch-may07

For more on stain removal, see Good Housekeeping's Stain Rescue