How to remove iodine from linoleum

Despite the emergence of various antiseptics, iodine still remains popular among many housewives. It can help not only with wounds, but also in other matters, having many beneficial properties. And it may happen that this product spills and leaves a stain on the floor. For tiles this is not a problem, but for linoleum it’s fine. But here, too, you can cope and remove iodine stains from linoleum using various means.

Features of iodine

Before you start cleaning, you need to understand the characteristics of linoleum and iodine itself. Why is this stain considered difficult to remove?

The biggest problem is the structure of the flooring. Linoleum has a ribbed structure, as a result of which iodine penetrates between the small folds of the pattern and firmly rests there. Therefore, to remove such a stain, you will have to try.

A nice feature of iodine is that it dissolves in an aqueous environment, as well as alkaline and acidic. Therefore, there are many ways to remove such a stain.

On a note! Over time, the iodine stain can disappear on its own.

An even more pleasant feature is that this substance is volatile in structure. This means that it is capable of evaporating on its own if certain conditions are met.For iodine, just the presence of sunlight is enough. So, if the resulting stain is not important to you, you can wait 2-3 weeks until it evaporates on its own. Well, if the matter is urgent, we offer ways to remove stains.

How to remove iodine from linoleum using available means

To begin with, pay attention to the means at hand. Firstly, they are more gentle, and when used, the risk of damaging linoleum is minimal. Secondly, you don’t have to buy expensive substances, but just use what you already have in your first aid kit or kitchen arsenal. Of the available means, the most common are the following:

• soda;
• starch;
• lemon or citric acid;
• ascorbic acid;
• alcohol-containing solutions.

Let's start with soda

This is a universal remedy that helps us cope with various contaminants, including iodine stains.

1. Wipe the stain with warm water without rubbing it into the surface.
2. Add a small amount of baking soda and moisten with water to form a paste.
3. Cover with a damp cloth and leave until the soda dries completely.
4. Wipe the area with a damp cloth.
5. If the stain has become less noticeable, but still remains, repeat the procedure.

Soda is a very gentle product, but you also need to be careful with it, because if used incorrectly, it can cause a chemical burn, although not a strong one.

The next place is occupied by starch

Perhaps not everyone has this product in powder form, but potatoes can definitely be found in any kitchen. In the case of using powder, the procedure is similar to the previous one. If using potatoes, follow the instructions:

1. Cut fresh potatoes in half.
2. Rub the cut edge over the stain until the surface of the potato is dry.
3. Then cut off this layer and wipe the linoleum with a fresh cut.
4. Repeat the procedure until the stain disappears completely.
5. To finish, wipe the area with a damp cloth.

On a note! It is better to take a medium-sized potato so that it is comfortable to hold in your hand.

Lemon to the rescue

We're done with vegetables, fruits come into play - lemon. This product is more expensive than potatoes. But if alkali is not able to help you remove the stain, try using acid.

When using lemon, you should also rub the area on the floor with a slice of lemon and then rinse with clean water.

On a note! It is better to use a place with a ponytail for convenience.

The next acid is ascorbic acid

If you have an ascorbic acid tablet in your medicine cabinet, it can also help remove dirt.

1. Crush the tablet and add water to it to form a paste.
2. Apply the resulting mixture onto the floor with a brush and leave.
3. Remove any residue with a wet cloth.

You should be careful with this remedy, since modern medicines are often counterfeit, including ascorbic acid. Therefore, it is better to use it as a last resort.