How to Remove Mustard Stains

Find out how to remove mustard stains from various surfaces­.

­Mustard contains a yellow dye called turmeric, which is usually the cause of mustard stains. Follow these stain removal tips to keep your household surfaces spot-free.

The first step in removing mustard stains is to identify the stained material.­­­

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­Below are the most common types of materials that can become mustard-stained, with steps on how to remove mustard from each:

  • Non-washable fibers such as Acetate, Burlap, Carpet (synthetic or wool), Fiberglass, Rayon, Silk, Triacetate or Wool
  • Washable fibers such as Acrylic Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester or Spandex
  • Hard surfaces such as Acrylic Plastic, Asphalt, Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Tile or Vinyl Wallcovering
  • Other hard surfaces such as Aluminum, Bamboo, Cane, Ceramic Glass/Tile, Cork, Glass, Linoleum, Paint (flat or gloss), Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Porcelain Dishes, Stainless Steel, Tin or Zinc
  • Stone surfaces such as Bluestone, Brick, Concrete, Flagstone, Granite, Limestone, Masonry Tile, Sandstone, Slate or Terrazzo
  • Grout
  • Leather or Suede
  • Silver
  • Wallpaper
  • Wood

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Non-washable Fibers

Follow these steps to remove mustard stains from Acetate, Burlap, Carpet (synthetic or wool), Fiberglass, Rayon, Silk, Triacetate, Wool:

Note: Mustard contains turmeric, a yellow dye. If not treated immediately, it can be impossible to remove.

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  • Lift off any excess spill with a dull knife or spatula.
  • Flush (the method of applying stain remover to loosen staining material and residue from stain removers) the area with cleaners such as Afta Cleaning Fluid.
  • If fabric is strong enough, tamp (the method of bringing a brush down with light strokes on stained durable fabrics and materials) or scrape (the method of using a dull tool to gently lift off excess solid or caked-on stains) to loosen the stain.
  • Flush with the dry-cleaning solvent.
  • While tamping stain, blot excess material with an absorbent pad.
  • If stain remains, sponge (the method of using a dampened pad to apply light strokes, moving outward from the center of the stain) with water and apply a wet spotter and a few drops of white vinegar.
  • Tamp again to loosen stain.
  • Flush with water.
  • If stain persists, moisten area with 3% hydrogen peroxide and add a drop of ammonia (except on silk and wool).
  • Do not let it bleach any longer than 15 minutes, then flush with water and allow to dry.
  • When treating carpets, blot all excess liquid, then weigh down an absorbent pad with a heavy object.
  • When all liquid has been absorbed, allow to thoroughly air dry.

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Washable Fibers

Follow these steps to remove mustard stains from Acrylic Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Spandex:

  • If stain has just occurred, spray on a spot cleaner. If stain is older, scrape as much of the spill as possible.
  • Flush with water, apply liquid detergent to the stain, and flush again.
  • If the stain remains, presoak (the method of soaking a stained article in warm water before laundering it) for several hours or overnight in a warm-to-hot solution of detergent.
  • Rinse and launder as soon as possible.

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Hard Surfaces

Follow these steps to remove mustard stains from Acrylic Plastic, Asphalt, Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Tile, Vinyl Wallcovering:

  • Once mustard has set, the stain is almost impossible to remove from plastic materials.
  • Immediately wipe up any spills with a cloth or sponge dipped in warm sudsy wa­ter.
  • Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry with a soft cloth.

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Other Hard Surfaces

Follow these steps to remove mustard stains from Aluminum, Bamboo, Cane, Ceramic Glass/Tile, Cork, Glass, Linoleum, Paint (flat or gloss), Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Porcelain Dishes, Stainless Steel, Tin, Zinc:

  • Scrape to remove any excess spill (except on ceramic glass rangetops).
  • Wipe the area with a cloth or sponge dipped in warm sudsy water.
  • Rinse well with water and wipe dry with a soft cloth.

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Stone Surfaces

Follow these steps to remove mustard stains from Bluestone, Brick, Concrete, Flagstone, Granite, Limestone, Masonry Tile, Sandstone, Slate, Terrazzo:

  • Remove any excess spill.
  • Wash stain with a solution of washing soda and water.
  • Use a cloth or soft-bristled brush to help clean.
  • Rinse thoroughly with clear water and allow to air dry.

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Grout

Follow these steps to remove mustard stains from grout:

  • Wipe up any excess with a cloth dipped in warm sudsy water.
  • If stain remains, dip a wet toothbrush into a little baking soda or powdered cleanser and gently scrub the spot.
  • Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry with a soft cloth.

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Leather or Suede

Follow these steps to remove mustard stains from leather or suede:

  • Although mustard usually causes permanent stains on these materials, try mixing a solution of mild soap in lukewarm water, swishing to create a great volume of suds, and applying only the foam with a sponge.
  • Wipe with a clean cloth dampened with clear water.
  • Dry with a soft cloth.
  • On leather only, follow with cleaners such as Tannery Vintage Leather Cleaner & Conditioner or Fiebing's Saddle Soap to condition the leather. ­

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Silver

Follow these steps to remove mustard stains from silver:

  • Wash in hot soapy water as soon as possible.
  • Rinse in hot water and dry with a soft cloth immediately.

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Wallpaper

Follow these steps to remove mustard from wallpaper:

  • The turmeric in mustard usually permanently stains wallpaper.
  • If the stain is fresh, gently wipe the stain with a cloth dipped in the suds of a mild detergent and water.
  • Rinse with a clean cloth moistened with cool clear water.
  • Gently pat dry.

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Wood

Follow these steps to remove mustard stains from wood:

  • Immediately mix dishwashing detergent in hot water and swish to make a great volume of suds.
  • Dip a cloth in only the foam and apply to the mustard.
  • Rinse with a clean cloth dampened with cool clear water.
  • Polish or wax when dry.

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