I accidentally scorched a pair of pants. Can I remove the iron scorch marks?
Bev I.,
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Scorching is caused by pressing with an iron that's too hot for the fabric, or by pressing too long in one spot. This creates the brownish-yellow discoloration on fabrics containing natural fibers such as cotton, linen, silk, wool and rayon. Synthetic or man-made fabrics such as polyester, acetate, acrylic and nylon can also be scorched if they're combined with natural fibers. Quite often, man-made fabrics melt instead of discoloring, producing a shiny look or completely melting a hole in the fabric.
Experiment using one of the following remedies in an inconspicuous area of the garment or on a fabric scrap to see which will work best. Note: Treat the mark as soon as possible after scorching for best results.
For a light scorch mark, brush gently with a soft brush or a dry sponge to remove the discoloration. If the fabric is washable, wash as usual using detergent.
On white fabrics, try sponging the area with a diluted solution of hydrogen peroxide and water. This solution won't damage fibers, but it can remove color, so only use it on whites. Don't use on nylon fabrics.
A solution of water and all-fabric or oxygen bleach (1 quart water to 1/4 cup bleach) can be used to soak the scorched garment. Wash as usual to remove the solution.
In cases where the scorch cannot be removed or the fabric is melted, try covering the area with an appropriate embellishment such as embroidery, stenciled or stamped design, or a pocket.
