š¬ 5. The Science Behind Iron Oxidation
Iron in water exists primarily as ferrous iron (Fe²āŗ). When exposed to oxygen, it oxidizes into ferric iron (Fe³āŗ), forming rust:
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Fe³āŗ(OH)ā is the orange-brown compound that stains towels.
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Heat, humidity, and washing accelerate this process.
Key points:
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Rust is insoluble in water, which is why stains donāt wash out easily.
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Even minute iron traces can become highly visible on white fabrics.