brown spots from ironing

[fatherseanfan]

While ironing a couple of white shirts, I noticed some smal brown spots appearing, so I stopped. Anyone know what causes this? I assume either bad water in the iron or soap residue still in the shirts? And how I can get this out? Thanks in advance.

 

[gdl203]

Originally Posted by fatherseanfan

While ironing a couple of white shirts, I noticed some smal brown spots appearing, so I stopped. Anyone know what causes this? I assume either bad water in the iron or soap residue still in the shirts? And how I can get this out? Thanks in advance.

Rust spots. Always empty the leftover water after ironing.

Now, to remove traces of rust in your iron, fill it with a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and distilled water, steam it all out, then repeat with just distilled water, steam it all out. also clean thoroughly the ironing surface to make sure all rust particles are gone

EDIT - also always start with the tail when ironing a shirt, so you can see if rust spots appear before you ruin visible parts...

 

[hughjoen]

If its not the burn spot from the iron, then washing it again will get rid of it. Bad, hard water, and soap risidue is probably it like you said. Wash your shirts w/ water softner at highest recommended temperature, and maybe rinse twice. This might be good idea to check your washing machine for buildups, drainage and use stuff like CLR to clean for older (2+ years old) machines.

 

[Stu]

I would also only use distilled water in the iron. It is free of some of the minerals and deposits that can lead to brown spots.

 

[VMan]

It's not always rust.

A lot of the time I find it's starch or detergent that didn't get completely washed out. It should come out easily the next time you wash it.

 

[trogdor]

Isn't there something you can do with lemon juice to fix this, or is that for burns?