“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.
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
Contents
- Non-washable Fibers
- Washable Fibers
- Hard Surfaces
- Other Hard Surfaces
- Stone Surfaces
- 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.
