How to Remove Mustard Stains from Clothes and Carpet
Mustard is the number one condiment on hot dogs and sausages in America. But no matter how you like your mustard—yellow, brown, spicy, or mild—the stains can be difficult to remove.
Mustard stains are caused by the yellow pigment in the mustard seeds or the turmeric added to most commercial mustard recipes. The yellow pigment can actually dye fibers, so it is important to remove the stain as quickly as possible. Rubbing it will only push the mustard further into the fibers of your favorite shirt, but following the below steps will help you remove mustard stains properly.
Stain type | Dye-based |
Detergent type | Heavy-duty, stain remover |
Water temperature | Varies depending on the type of fabric |
Cycle type | Varies depending on the type of fabric |
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Spoon, dull knife, or credit card
- Clean white cloths
- Paper towels
- Small bowl
- Soft-bristled brush
- Vacuum
Materials
- Rubbing alcohol or ammonia
- Stain remover spray or gel
- Heavy-duty laundry detergent
- Oxygen-based bleach
- Liquid dishwashing detergent
Instructions
How to Remove Mustard Stains from Washable Clothes
Read the care label on the piece of clothing before removing the stain. If the garment is labeled as dry clean only, lift away as much of the mustard solids as possible with a spoon or dull knife, and then blot with a paper towel dipped in plain water. As soon as possible, head to the dry cleaner and point out and identify the stain to your professional cleaner. If you are using a home dry cleaning kit for a small mustard stain, be sure to treat the area with the provided stain remover before putting the garment in the dryer bag.
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Remove Solids
Remove any mustard solids on the stained fabric using a spoon, dull knife, or even the edge of a credit card. Even if the stain is fresh, do not use a napkin to wipe, as this can spread the stain.
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Blot the Stained Area
Blot the area with a white cloth or paper towel dipped in plain water. This won't remove the stain, but it will dilute the mustard until you can properly remove the stain.
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Treat the Stain
As soon as possible, sponge the stain with a bit of plain rubbing alcohol or non-sudsing, clear household ammonia using a clean white cloth, working from the outside in to prevent spreading the stain. Then rinse the stained area well with plain water.
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Check and Retreat the Stained Area
Examine the area that was stained. If any stain remains, there are two options you can choose from:
Try a Stain Remover: Treat the stained area with a solvent-based stain remover spray or gel, like Zout, Shout, or Spray 'n Wash, and allow it to sit 15 minutes before washing as usual.
Use a Heavy-Duty Detergent: Or, if you don't have a stain remover, use a bit of heavy-duty, liquid laundry detergent to treat the stain as these detergents contain enough enzymes to break down the stain. Work the detergent into the fabric with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush and allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes, and wash as usual.
Recheck the stained area again before drying. If the mustard stain remains on the fabric after washing, do not throw the item into the dryer and move to the next step.
Warning
Drying the item on high heat if it is still stained will make the stain even harder to remove, if not permanent.
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Mix a Soaking Solution
- Mix a solution of oxygen-based bleach (such as OxiClean, Nellie's All Natural Oxygen Brightener, or OXO Brite) in tepid water following package directions. This type of bleach is safe for natural and synthetic fabrics that are either white or colored.
- Submerge the garment and allow it to soak for at least four hours or overnight.
- Check the mustard stain. If it is gone, rinse well, and then launder as usual. If the stain is not gone, repeat this step.
How to Remove Mustard Stains on Carpet
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Remove Solids
Move as quickly as possible to treat the stain. Use a dull knife or the edge of a spoon to lift the mustard from the carpet. Do not rub, as that will push the mustard deeper into the fibers.
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Mix a Cleaning Solution
Mix 1 tablespoon of dishwashing detergent in 2 cups of warm water in a small bowl.
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Apply the Cleaning Solution to the Stain
- Dip a clean white cloth in the solution and blot the stain. Work from the outside edge of the stain toward the center to keep it from spreading. Keep moving to a clean area of the cloth as the mustard stain is transferred to the cloth.
- Stop and blot up any moisture with a dry white cloth or paper towel, and repeat the detergent solution until the stain is gone or no more stain is transferred to the wet cloth.
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Rinse the Stained Area
- Dip a clean white cloth in plain water to rinse the area.
- Blot dry with a second clean cloth.
- Rinse well to remove any suds as any soapy residue remaining will attract more soil to the carpet.
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Air-Dry and Vacuum
If the stain is gone, allow the carpet to air dry away from direct heat and sunlight, then vacuum to lift up the carpet fibers.
How to Remove Mustard Stains on Upholstery
To remove mustard stains from furniture and car upholstery, use the same cleaning techniques recommended for carpet. Be careful not to saturate the fabric because excess moisture can cause problems with the cushion fillings. Allow the upholstery to air dry away from sunlight and direct heat.
Before cleaning any furniture, always follow the manufacturer's care label on cleaning upholstery. This tag can be found under the sofa cushions or fabric skirt with letter codes that indicate how to clean the furniture.
If the furniture fabric is silk or vintage, lift away the solids and then contact a professional upholstery cleaner.
Additional Tips on Handling Mustard Stains
If the mustard stain on the carpet is persistent or older, you will need to tackle it with oxygen-based bleach. This process might have to be repeated again if any stain is still present.
If you don't want to use bleach, distilled white vinegar is also a natural option for stain removal.
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Are mustard stains permanent?
If you have tried the above steps to no avail, there is a possibility that the mustard stain is permanent. A professional cleaner may be able remove the stain further or attempt to fade any discoloration it had caused.
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Can baking soda remove mustard stains?
The carbon dioxide in baking soda when paired with the acid in vinegar can neutralize and break down the proteins of a stain. Baking soda is also used to absorb oil stains.
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Will hydrogen peroxide remove mustard stains?
When combined with ammonia, hydrogen peroxide can help to reduce a stain. Apply the affected area with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and a drop of ammonia. Let sit for 10 minutes and blot with a clean cloth wet with cold water.