How to Get Carbon Out of Cotton Gloves

Gloves in need of a serious washing

Most carbon stains are caused by coming in contact with carbon particles found in soot, smoke residue and carbon paper. Often, carbon stains on cotton gloves result from maintaining and cleaning a wood-burning fireplace or stove. This is a messy, but necessary, chore. If you have cotton gloves that are now black with carbon residue and stains, don't throw them in the trash right away. Since carbon is insoluble, you must first remove as much of the carbon as possible before attempting to launder your gloves.

Things You'll Need

• Soft-bristled brush
• Newspaper
• Cornstarch
• 1 cup dishwasher detergent
• 8 pints water
• Laundry detergent
• Washer

Instructions

1. Use the brush to remove as much of the carbon residue as possible. Do this over a trash can to avoid making an unnecessary mess.

2. Lay the gloves on newspaper, and sprinkle them with cornstarch on both sides. The cornstarch will absorb the carbon and make it easier to remove the stains. Let the gloves sit for several hours, then brush the cornstarch off of the gloves into the garbage. The cornstarch will most likely have turned from white to black.

3. Fill your sink with eight pints of water. Add one cup of dishwasher detergent. Place the gloves in the water, and let them soak overnight.

4. Rinse the gloves well, and launder them as usual. To avoid staining other articles of clothing, wash the gloves with rags, old towels, etc.

5. Inspect your gloves for traces of carbon stains before placing them in the dryer. Placing a stained item in the dryer will set the stain permanently.

6. Repeat steps 2 through 5 if there are still traces of the carbon stain on the gloves.

References

• Stain Expert - Black Marks: Stains from Smoke, Soot and Heat
• ChestofBooks.com: Soot Stain Removal