🧺 Why Towels Develop Orange Stains and How to Prevent Them


šŸ”¬ 5. The Science Behind Iron Oxidation

Iron in water exists primarily as ferrous iron (Fe²⁺). When exposed to oxygen, it oxidizes into ferric iron (Fe³⁺), forming rust:

4Fe²⁺ + 3Oā‚‚ + 6Hā‚‚O → 4Fe³⁺(OH)ā‚ƒ
  • Fe³⁺(OH)ā‚ƒ is the orange-brown compound that stains towels.

  • Heat, humidity, and washing accelerate this process.

Key points:

  • Rust is insoluble in water, which is why stains don’t wash out easily.

  • Even minute iron traces can become highly visible on white fabrics.

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