How to Remove Mustard Stains: Tips and Guidelines

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.