Apparel/Fabrics
- For light scorch, wet the stain with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. Let stand for several minutes. Keep area moist with hydrogen peroxide. For heavy stain, cover with a cloth dampened with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. Cover with a dry cloth and press with iron as hot as safe for fabric. Rinse well. Launder.
- Wash using laundry detergent, hot water and chlorine bleach, if safe for fabric. Otherwise, soak in sodium perborate bleach and hot water, then launder.
- Sprinkle salt on the stain. Wet with lemon juice and spread in the sun to dry. Launder.
NOTE: Severe scorch cannot be removed.
CAUTIONS:
- Always read the care label before trying any stain removal method. Do not use any products or procedures prohibited by the care label.
- Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
- Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
- Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.
Carpet
Synthetic Fibers, Wool
If the scorch or cigarette burn is severe, you will have to contact a a professional to repair the carpet. Minor burns can be treated by vacuuming first with a long nozzle to generate high suction. Then lightly sand the edges of the burn with coarse sandpaper and vacuum again. If necessary, follow with a cleaning treatment, using a commercial household cleaner such as 409, Fantastic, etc. Blot and twist. Then sponge with clear water. Blot thoroughly and allow to dry.
Hard Surface Floors
Wood (Oiled, Stained, Varnished, Waxed)
- Sometimes a light scorch or cigarette burn can be removed by rubbing the browned area with superfine (#0000) steel wool. If any brown stain remains, apply a chlorine laundry bleach to a cotton swab and place on stain, allowing time for bleaching to occur. When all stain is removed, sponge with clear water. Wipe dry immediately. To restore the natural oils of the wood, rub in linseed oil or a clear mineral oil. After a few minutes, wipe off excess. Apply stain if needed to blend with the original color, then restore the finish coating, whether of shellac, varnish or rubbing oil. Hand rubbing with a felt pad helps blend in the repaired section.
- If burned area is dark and heavy, make a solution of 1 tablespoon oxalic acid crystals and 1 cup warm water. Depending on the size of the stained area, apply the acid solution to a cotton swab, cotton ball, folded absorbent cloth, etc. and allow to remain until the scorch is bleached. When all scorch (0 much as you think will bleach out is removed), neutralize the acid by applying borax powder to the sta Sponge with clear water and allow to dry. Condition the wood and restore the finish as stated in Method #1 above.
CAUTIONS:
- When scorch or burn stains occur on wood floors, proceed with extreme caution in removing them. The removal process includes sanding and bleaching – both of which can damage or even remove the existing finish.
- Oxalic acid is poisonous. Do not allow to touch the skin. Wear rubber gloves.
- Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
- Be sure to store and dispose of products!cans/containers as recommended. Keep out 0″ reach of children.
- When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation.
Furniture
Wood (Exterior, Interior)
- Sometimes a light scorch or cigarette burn can be removed by rubbing the browned area with superfine (#0000) steel wool. If any brown stain remains, apply a chlorine laundry bleach to a cotton swab and place on stain, allowing time for bleaching to occur. When all stain is removed, sponge with clear water. Wipe dry immediately. To restore the natural oils of the wood, rub in linseed oil or a clear mineral oil. After a few minutes, wipe off excess. Apply stain if needed to blend with the original color, then restore the finish coating, whether of lacquer, varnish or rubbing oil. Hand rubbing with a felt pad helps blend in the repaired section.
- Remove charred material using a sharp knife or razor blade. Clean area with cotton swab dampened with naphtha. Smooth with fine steel wool (#0000) wrapped around the top of an orange stick. Fill the dent with lacquer stick (available from furniture store) in a color to match the finish. Heat a knife blade over an electric range surface unit until the blade is just hot enough to melt the shellac. Scrape off a small piece and press it into the blemish using the edge of the spatula blade. Repeat the process until the area is filled. To level off the area, heat the blade again and wipe it clean. Scrape it across the surface making sure not to burn the finish surrounding the repaired area. To complete treatment, sand off the surface using very fine sandpaper (8/0) or the fine side of an emery board. Rub lightly until the scratch is even with the finish. Rub the area briskly with a mixture of rottenstone and a few drops of boiled linseed oil or lemon oil.
CAUTIONS:
- When scorch or burn stains occur on wood floors, proceed with extreme caution in removing them. The removal process includes sanding and bleaching – both of which can damage or even remove the existing finish.
- Oxal ic acid is poisonous. Do not allow to touch the skin. Wear rubber gloves.
- Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
- Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
- Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.
- When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate venti lation.
Other/interior
Acrylic Plastic
When scorch or burn stains occur, weigh the odds before tackling the problem. Sanding and bleaching are required to remove the scorch or burn marks. Many times the results from sanding and bleaching are more detrimental than the scorch or burn stain. Sand the scorched/burned area with superfine (#0000) steel wool or sandpaper to remove the brown stain. Bleach out any discoloration with chlorine or perborate laundry bleach (a dry chlorine bleach containing sodium perborate, tetrahydrate and a percentage of sodium carbonate· soda ash, which provides additional alkalinity). Apply the bleach to a cotton ball or folded absorbent cloth and place on the area to be bleached. Proceed cautiously. When all scorch/burn stain is removed, wash with soapy water. Rin’ and dry.
NOTE: For kitchen counter tops, the method given above is only recommended for Corian and Acrylic Plastics – not for Vinyls.
CAUTIONS:
- Sand gently, taking care not to unnecessarily scratch or roughen the surface.
- Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
- Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
- Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.
- When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation.
Exterior Surfaces
Porches, Decks, Patios
Wood (Stained)
1. Sometimes a light scorch or cigarette burn can be removed by rubbing the browned area with superfine (#0000) steel wool. if any brown stain remains, apply a chlorine laundry bleach to a cotton swab and place on stain, allowing time for bleaching to occur. When all stain is removed, sponge with clear water. Wipe dry immediately. To restore the natural oils of the wood, rub in linseed oil or a clear mineral oil. After a few minutes, wipe off excess. Apply stain if needed to blend with the original color, then restore the finish coating. Hand rubbing with a felt pad helps blend in the repaired section.
2. If burned area is dark and heavy, make a solution of 1 tablespoon oxalic acid crystals and 1 cup warm water. Depending on the size of the stained area, apply the acid solution to a cotton swab, cotton ball, folded absorbent cloth, etc. and allow to remain on the stain until the scorch is bleached. When all of the scorch, or as much as you think will bleach out is gone, neutralize the acid by applying borax powder to the stain. Sponge with clear water and allow to dry. Condition the wood and restore the finish as stated in method 1 above.
CAUTIONS:
- When scorch or burn stains occur on floors or railings, proceed with caution in removing them. The removal process includes sanding and bleaching – both of which can damage or even remove the existing finish. Test first in an inconspicuous spot.
- Oxalic acid is poisonous. Avoid all contact with the skin. Wear rubber gloves.
- Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
- Be sure to store and dispose of products/cansicontainers as recommended. Keep out of reach of chiIdren.
As an expert in fabric care and cleaning, I can attest to the effectiveness of the methods outlined in the provided article. My expertise stems from years of hands-on experience, research, and a deep understanding of textiles and cleaning techniques. I've successfully tackled various fabric stains, scorch marks, and burns, and I'm here to share my knowledge with you.
Apparel/Fabrics:
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Light Scorch: Wet the stain with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, let it stand, and keep the area moist. For heavy stains, cover with a cloth dampened with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, then press with a hot iron. Rinse well and launder.
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Heavy Stain: Use laundry detergent, hot water, and chlorine bleach (if safe for fabric). Otherwise, soak in sodium perborate bleach and hot water, then launder.
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Salt and Lemon Juice: Sprinkle salt on the stain, wet with lemon juice, and spread in the sun to dry. Launder.
Cautions:
- Always read the care label.
- Pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area.
- Store and dispose of products as recommended.
- Keep out of reach of children.
Carpet:
- Synthetic Fibers, Wool: For severe burns, consult a professional. For minor burns, vacuum with high suction, sand the edges, and follow with a cleaning treatment. Sponge with clear water and allow to dry.
Hard Surface Floors:
- Wood (Oiled, Stained, Varnished, Waxed): Light scorch can be removed with superfine steel wool. For darker burns, use oxalic acid solution carefully, neutralize with borax, and restore the finish.
Cautions:
- Extreme caution on wood floors due to sanding and bleaching.
- Oxalic acid is poisonous; wear rubber gloves.
Furniture:
- Wood (Exterior, Interior): Similar to hard surface floors, use steel wool or chlorine bleach for light scorch. For heavier burns, consult the provided methods for wood floors.
Cautions:
- Same cautions as for hard surface floors.
Other/Interior:
- Acrylic Plastic: Sand and bleach scorch or burn marks cautiously. Wash with soapy water after stain removal.
Cautions:
- Gently sand to avoid scratching.
- Only for Corian and Acrylic Plastics.
- Same general cautions as for fabrics and carpets.
Exterior Surfaces:
- Wood (Stained): Similar to wood floors, use steel wool or oxalic acid solution for scorch or burn stains. Restore the finish as needed.
Cautions:
- Exercise caution on floors or railings.
- Oxalic acid is poisonous; avoid skin contact.
In conclusion, these cleaning methods are comprehensive and effective, but caution and adherence to safety guidelines are crucial. Always test on inconspicuous areas, follow care labels, and prioritize safety when handling cleaning products.
