Stain Buster — Iodine

Fabric

For fresh stains, flush with cold water. Soak in a solution of a litre of cool water, 1/2 teaspoon of bleach-free liquid laundry detergent, and one tablespoon of ammonia (caution: never mix bleach and ammonia – the resulting fumes are hazardous) for about 30 minutes. Wash as usual.

Upholstery

Mix one tablespoon of washing up liquid with two cups of cool water. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution and leave for about 30 minutes. Blot until the liquid is absorbed. Keep sponging and blotting until the stain disappears. Sponge with cold water and blot dry to remove the detergent solution.

Carpet

Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a proprietary dry-cleaning solvent. Blot until the solvent is absorbed.

Iodine and bleach

Do not use a detergent that contains bleach on an iodine stain. Bleach can set iodine stains, making them more difficult to remove.