How to Remove Burn Marks from Clothes: Make the Impossible Task Possible
We've all been there: you're ironing your clothes, and suddenly, you spot a burn mark—or worse, a scorched patch that seems impossible to fix. Whether it's caused by a hot iron or a momentary lapse in concentration, even your favourite garments can look ruined. Knowing how to remove burn marks from clothes can work wonders. With a few smart techniques, you'll have your clothes looking as good as new.
Let’s get to know the best ways to remove scorch marks, fix iron burns, and prevent further damage.
Start by Identifying the Fabric Type
Before diving into how to remove burn marks from clothes, it's essential to identify the fabric. Different materials respond differently to treatments. For example, natural fabrics like cotton are much more likely to recover from burn marks compared to synthetic materials like polyester. If you've got an iron burn on polyester, reversing the damage can be tricky, especially if the fibres have melted. However, cotton and wool blends often bounce back with a bit of care and attention.
Steam the Burned Area
One of the simplest and most effective ways to remove scorch marks from clothes is by using steam, especially on fabrics like cotton. Here's how you can do it:
Hang your garment and use the vertical steam function on your iron, ensuring the soleplate doesn't touch the fabric to avoid causing additional burns.
If your iron doesn't have a vertical steam function, hold it a few inches above the fabric and let the steam penetrate the fibres. This helps loosen any compressed fibres caused by the burn.
Cold Water Soak for Scorched Marks
If steaming doesn't quite do the job, try soaking your garment in cold water. Let it soak for a few hours or overnight, particularly if you're dealing with scorch marks. This method is fantastic for softening the fibres and helping them return to their natural state.
Once soaked, gently press out any excess water and allow the garment to air dry.
Rewash the Garment with Vinegar
When figuring out how to remove scorch marks from clothes, vinegar is a must-try. The acid in vinegar helps break down burnt areas, making it easier to lift the marks. Here's how to do it:
This technique also works wonders on small burn marks on clothes that might resist other treatments.
Using a Toothbrush to Lift the Fibres
Sometimes, after a burn, the fabric fibres can get flattened or compressed. To help restore the fabric's texture, gently brush the affected area using a soft toothbrush. This can help lift the fibres and make the burn mark less noticeable. For tougher fabrics like denim, you might need a slightly stiffer brush, but always be gentle to avoid causing further damage.
Stopping It Before It Happens
As always, prevention is better than cure. Here are a few quick tips to avoid future burn marks on clothes:
Keep your iron at the right temperature for the fabric you're ironing.
Never leave the iron unattended.
Use a pressing cloth between your iron and delicate fabrics to prevent direct heat exposure.
Restore Your Garments
Learning how to remove burn marks from clothes doesn't have to be stressful or impossible. Whether it's a stubborn scorch mark, an iron melt, or a simple burn mark on clothes, you now have the right tools to handle the problem with confidence.
Keep in mind if you're working with synthetic fabrics like polyester, the damage may be irreversible. However, with natural fibres like cotton, you can easily undo the effects of burns and scorch marks with a little care. So, next time an accidental burn happens, use these tricks to save your clothes
Source:
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Scorch-Marks
https://ironinglab.com/remove-iroing-marks/