How do you remove iodine from the skin after surgery?

To remove iodine from the skin, use household isopropyl alcohol and a cotton ball, according to the Mayo Clinic. Iodine is a brown solution that stains any material with which it comes into contact. To remove iodine from clothing, wash the garment in diluted ammonia.

Iodine is an anti-microbial solution that is used by medical professionals to disinfect the surrounding area of a surgical site. Iodine is a strong tincture that should never be used on a burn, deep cut or animal bite because of its side effects. This solution makes an effective topical treatment that kills bacterial infections on the skin.