Mustard Stain Removal Guide

Stain removal of mustard is among the most difficult. Most folks that splash it onto a garment basically relegate it to the rag bin. With a few pointers, this may not be the only option. As with any stain, not allowing it to set (dry) will make successful removal much more likely. Because mustard has turmeric, both as a natural ingredient of the mustard seed and as an additive to enhance color, the stain is actually a dye. Follow this guide and you might save your favorite, lucky, t-shirt.

Most Useful Things

You can use a number of things to remove the mustard stain, depending on how stiff the stain is. However, most common stain removers and other items used in the process are rubbing alcohol, liquid dish soap, water, vinegar, mustard (exact formulation as stain), blunt edge instrument (butter knife, putty knife, credit card) and clean white rags.

Treat Fresh Stain

If possible, immediately blot the mustard stain. Do not rub the area, as this will force the turmeric to bind to the fibers of the fabric. Pre-treat the stain with any commercially available stain removal product. Do not allow the pre-treated garment to dry. Wash as directed on the garment tag. Do not place in the clothes dryer, as this will permanently set any remaining mustard.

Working with Set Stain

Using a blunt edged object (knife, credit card etc.), scrape off any dried mustard from the affected area. Be certain to shake all specks off the garment. If you have the exact mustard that stained the garment, place it over the dried stain. This will reactivate the turmeric dyes as though the stain is fresh. Although it does not always work, it is definitely worth trying as fresh stains offer easier stain removal than set stains. If the spot does reactivate into a ‘fresh’ stain, continue with Step 1. If not, continue to Step 3.

Dish Soap and Alcohol

Mix a solution of 3 parts liquid dish soap and 1 part rubbing alcohol. Fold a clean white rag in half and lay on a flat surface. Place the stained portion of the garment on top of the folded rag. Carefully apply the soap/alcohol solution to just the stained area. Use an eyedropper to apply solution if you have one. Allow the solution to sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Do not allow the area to dry. The alcohol will make the stain appear much darker, but this is natural, and will rinse out. Rinse the garment thoroughly with hot water and launder per label instructions. Do not dry, as heat will set any remaining stain. Inspect the garment carefully for stain removal.

Alternative Stain Remover

As an alternate stain removal option, mix a solution of 1/2 tsp. liquid dish soap, 1/2 cup water and a few drops of white vinegar. Follow the same instructions as in Step 3 using this alternate mixture.

Protein Stain Removers

Any commercially available stain remover that is specifically for protein-based stains will remove a mustard stain. Follow label instructions carefully. Testing the product on an inconspicuous area of the garment is recommended prior to attempting stain removal.