There are all sorts of stories going around about how to remove these iodine stains. From granny’s remedies to persistent tips from the internet – but what really works? In this section, we answer frequently asked questions and debunk a few myths. This allows you to get started with confidence.
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Removing iodine stains
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Removing iodine stains
A drop of iodine on your floor, sofa or carpet can happen quickly – especially when treating wounds or in accidents in the bathroom. This striking brown-orange stain immediately catches the eye and is known to be difficult to remove. Iodine stains strongly, penetrates materials quickly and sometimes even leaves a mark after the stain has been treated. However, an iodine stain is not necessarily irreparable. With the right approach for each surface, the chances of a full recovery are high. Below you can read how best to approach this.
Voor deze vlekken geldt hetzelfde advies: Iodine, Betadine
Characteristics (anatomy) of an iodine stain
Iodine is a dye solution with antiseptic properties and usually contains povidone-iodine or tincture. The liquid adheres strongly to fibres and surfaces and oxidises on contact with oxygen, producing a rust-brown colour. The liquid is quickly absorbed by absorbent materials and may even leave pigments behind when it dries. Hot water or aggressive cleaning can set or spread the stain.
Removing iodine stains from carpet or rugs
Iodine stains are particularly tricky on carpet. Due to its liquid and highly colouring properties, iodine is absorbed very quickly into fibres, especially in open or natural materials such as wool or cotton. The pigment can adhere deeply, causing the brown or orange stain to remain visible even after drying. High-pile carpet poses an additional challenge, as the product becomes embedded between the pile layers.
If you leave an iodine stain in carpet, the product will oxidise and the colour will become darker and more difficult to remove. The stain may also cause rings if the liquid spreads during improper cleaning. Old iodine stains appear dull, stiff or shiny and may leave a residue even after cleaning.
For carpets, it is important to treat the stain immediately, without rubbing or using foaming agents. Work from the outside in, dab gently and choose a dye-dissolving cleaner that is safe for textile fibres. Allow the carpet to dry thoroughly afterwards and check the result in daylight if necessary.
Treat with James Stainwonder
This stain can be treated with James Stainwonder. All you need is a bottle of James Stainwonder!
- Test for colour and material resistance in an inconspicuous area: apply, let it dry completely and evaluate.
- Allow the surface to dry completely.
- Apply James Stainwonder to the dry stain by turning the bottle upside down, placing the opening of the bottle on the stain and treating the entire stain.
- The product works for 12 hours, so the effect does not have to be visible immediately.*
- Is the stain not completely gone after treatment, but it has improved? You may repeat the treatment.
* With wool: in the vast majority of cases, James Stainwonder does not cause any discolouration. You have already established this by testing the product in an inconspicuous area as described above. In that case, you do not need to carry out the following step. If a (slight) discolouration did occur, you should neutralise James Stainwonder as soon as the stain has disappeared. In this case, immediately place a damp cotton cloth on the spot where the stain was and let it dry.
Treat with James Stainwonder
This stain can be treated with James Stainwonder. All you need is a bottle of James Stainwonder!
- Test for colour and material resistance in an inconspicuous area: apply, let it dry completely and evaluate.
- Allow the surface to dry completely.
- Apply James Stainwonder to the dry stain by turning the bottle upside down, placing the opening of the bottle on the stain and treating the entire stain.
- The product works for 12 hours, so the effect does not have to be visible immediately.*
- Is the stain not completely gone after treatment, but it has improved? You may repeat the treatment.
* With wool: in the vast majority of cases, James Stainwonder does not cause any discolouration. You have already established this by testing the product in an inconspicuous area as described above. In that case, you do not need to carry out the following step. If a (slight) discolouration did occur, you should neutralise James Stainwonder as soon as the stain has disappeared. In this case, immediately place a damp cotton cloth on the spot where the stain was and let it dry.
Removing iodine stains from hard floors
Hard floors are less absorbent than textiles, but iodine can still adhere firmly – especially to rough or porous surfaces such as natural stone, wood or textured PVC. The dye sinks into small grooves or pores in the liquid and leaves a visible brown trail. On smoother floors, a haze or sheen often remains visible after drying.
With prolonged exposure or incorrect cleaning, iodine can even leave stains that are difficult to remove. Acids or alcohol can also react with the surface, especially on sensitive materials such as calcareous stone or oiled wood, leading to permanent discolouration.
When dealing with iodine on hard floors, always start by absorbing the liquid without wiping. Do not use corrosive agents or all-purpose cleaners. Clean with a pH-neutral solution that is specifically safe for your type of floor and allow the surface to dry thoroughly afterwards. If in doubt, test on an inconspicuous area first.
Treatment with James Remover
This stain can be treated with James Remover. Before use, always test the surface in an inconspicuous place for colour and material resistance: apply, leave to set for 5 minutes, wipe the tested area with water, allow to dry and assess.
- Spray directly onto the purpose area
- Leave to soak for about 1 to 5 minutes
- Then, use a white cotton cloth to remove the grease
- If necessary, gently treat stubborn stains with a soft brush or plastic spatula.
- After use, always clean the area with water.
Attention: be careful when working near a glue seams. Allow James Remover to soak in shortly. Do not let the product penetrate into cracks or seams.
Treatment with James Remover
This stain can be treated with James Remover. Before use, always test the surface in an inconspicuous place for colour and material resistance: apply, leave to set for 5 minutes, wipe the tested area with water, allow to dry and assess.
- Spray directly onto the purpose area
- Leave to soak for about 1 to 5 minutes
- Then, use a white cotton cloth to remove the grease
- If necessary, gently treat stubborn stains with a soft brush or plastic spatula.
- After use, always clean the area with water.
Attention: be careful when working near a glue seams. Allow James Remover to soak in shortly. Do not let the product penetrate into cracks or seams.
Removing iodine stains from upholstery
Furniture fabrics are highly susceptible to iodine stains. The dye quickly penetrates the fibres and oxidises there, causing a brown to orange discolouration. This is particularly noticeable with light-coloured or natural fabrics. The stain also spreads easily when touched, so a small drop can quickly become a large stain.
When iodine is left to dry on upholstery fabric, the pigment penetrates further and becomes increasingly difficult to remove completely. The stain may also become shiny or duller, even after cleaning. Incorrect cleaning attempts often cause additional discolouration, ring formation or damage to the fabric.
Always clean iodine on upholstery with care. First pat dry, avoid rubbing, and use a fabric-safe cleaner that can specifically remove dyes without damaging the fibres. Then allow the furniture to dry thoroughly and check the result – repetition is often necessary for optimal effect.
Treat with James Stainwonder
This stain can be treated with James Stainwonder. Always test for colour fastness and material perpetuation in an inconspicuous area: apply, let it dry and evaluate.
- Allow the surface to dry completely.
- Apply James Stainwonder to the dry stain by turning the bottle upside down, placing the opening of the bottle on the stain and treating the entire stain. Spread a little James Stainwonder on a clean, dry cotton cloth towel and use it to cover the stain. This is to prevent circles from appearing after drying.
- The product works for 12 hours, so the effect does not have to be immediate. Do not remove the cotton cloth until it is dry to see the result.*
- Is the stain not completely gone after treatment, but it has improved? You may repeat the treatment.
* With wool: in the vast majority of cases James Stainwonder does not cause any discolouration. You have already established this by testing the product in an inconspicuous area as described above. In that case, you do not need to carry out the following step. If there is a (slight) discolouration, neutralise James Stainwonder with water as soon as the stain has disappeared (to do this, however, lift the cotton cloth in between to be able to assess whether the stain has already disappeared). In this case, immediately place another damp cotton cloth on the spot where the stain was and let it dry.
Treat with James Stainwonder
This stain can be treated with James Stainwonder. Always test for colour fastness and material perpetuation in an inconspicuous area: apply, let it dry and evaluate.
- Allow the surface to dry completely.
- Apply James Stainwonder to the dry stain by turning the bottle upside down, placing the opening of the bottle on the stain and treating the entire stain. Spread a little James Stainwonder on a clean, dry cotton cloth towel and use it to cover the stain. This is to prevent circles from appearing after drying.
- The product works for 12 hours, so the effect does not have to be immediate. Do not remove the cotton cloth until it is dry to see the result.*
- Is the stain not completely gone after treatment, but it has improved? You may repeat the treatment.
* With wool: in the vast majority of cases James Stainwonder does not cause any discolouration. You have already established this by testing the product in an inconspicuous area as described above. In that case, you do not need to carry out the following step. If there is a (slight) discolouration, neutralise James Stainwonder with water as soon as the stain has disappeared (to do this, however, lift the cotton cloth in between to be able to assess whether the stain has already disappeared). In this case, immediately place another damp cotton cloth on the spot where the stain was and let it dry.
Would you also like to benefit from James’ effective stain removal? Discover our full range and order your James products easily online. You’ll soon be enjoying a clean and stain-free interior again!
Frequently asked questions and myths
Why do iodine stains leave such an intense colour, even with small spills?
Iodine is a powerful alcohol-based dye that quickly penetrates the fibres and pores of materials. The deep purple or reddish-brown colour adheres to organic materials such as cotton, wool or wood, but also to joints or unevenness in hard floors. Even a small drop causes a noticeable stain that is difficult to remove. The colour often affects the material itself, making the stain appear deeper than it is.
Is it true that iodine stains fade naturally when exposed to light or oxygen?
Partially. Iodine is volatile and can oxidise or evaporate over time, especially when exposed to sunlight or air. As a result, some stains appear to lighten after days or weeks. However, this does not guarantee complete disappearance. On textiles or porous surfaces, the colour often remains visible or changes to a yellow haze. Therefore, do not rely on natural fading as a solution.
Does alcohol or disinfectant help against iodine stains?
Iodine is often dissolved in alcohol, so in some cases, the same liquid can help to dissolve the stain. However, this is not a safe approach on all surfaces. Alcohol can affect other dyes, dissolve coatings or damage textiles. In addition, it sometimes spreads the iodine further. The use of alcohol requires a great deal of control and is rarely recommended for sensitive materials.
Why do yellow edges sometimes remain after cleaning an iodine stain?
During cleaning, iodine may oxidise or react with the surface, causing it to change colour – for example, to yellow or brown. This occurs particularly when the stain is treated with acid or soap. The edge forms because the iodine residues spread to the outer zone of the treated area. When dry, this appearance becomes visible as a circle or haze.
Can I remove iodine stains with hydrogen peroxide, as is often recommended online?
Hydrogen peroxide can partially break down iodine, but it is not without risk. It is a bleaching agent that can damage dyes and materials, especially on textiles, wood or coloured floors. The effect is also not always complete: the stain becomes lighter, but sometimes remains visible. In addition, it carries risks of discolouration or damage to the surface. Safe, controlled cleaning is preferable.
Deal with any stain using the right approach from James
An iodine stain is alarming at first glance, but that does not mean you have to live with it. By acting quickly, carefully and precisely, you can often remove this stubborn dye completely without causing any lasting damage. Always opt for a safe approach that is tailored to the surface and work with caution. This will restore both the surface and your peace of mind.