The Best Way to Get Mustard Stains Out of Clothes

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Eliminate mustard stains from washable and non-washable fabrics with these tips and tricks
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There’s nothing worse than dropping a big glob of mustard on your favorite shirt, but there’s no need to stress—removing mustard stains is a lot easier than it may seem. In this article, we’ll walk you through all the steps on how to get mustard out of clothes, both machine-washable and dry-clean only. Plus, learn how to get mustard stains out of carpet and upholstery and how to remove other condiment stains from your clothes.

Mustard Stain Removal: Quick Steps

Spot treat the stain with laundry detergent and let it sit for up to 10 minutes, then machine wash as normal. For dry-clean-only items, apply a dry-cleaning solvent and scrub the stain with a soft-bristle brush.

Section 1 of 4:

Removing Mustard from Washable Fabrics

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  1. For fresh stains, gently scrape a dull knife or spoon across the affected area to remove as much mustard as possible, being careful not to rip the garment’s fibers. Then, dip a cloth or paper towel in water and blot the area to dilute the mustard. [1]
    • Note: This process is only for cleaning clothing and fabrics that can be washed in a washing machine. For clothes that are dry-clean only or fabrics that otherwise cannot be washed, go to the next section.
    • If the stain isn’t fresh, first soak the fabric in cool water mixed with color-safe bleach for up to an hour, repeating as necessary to soften the stain.
    • Scraping the excess mustard off is important because it reduces the risk of the mustard getting on other parts of the clothing and creating new stains.
    • Do not try to remove the mustard with a paper towel, as this will only rub the condiment deeper into the fibers and make it harder to remove.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Get Mustard Out of Clothes
    Flip the fabric over or inside out so the back of the stain is facing out. Run it under plain, cold water to further dilute the stain and force as much of the mustard back out of the fabric as possible. Do not use warm water, as this could set the stain and make it more difficult to remove. [2]
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Get Mustard Out of Clothes
    Flip the garment back around so the front of the stain is facing out. Rub a heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent onto the affected area and let the garment sit for up to 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cold water, and repeat as necessary until there is no discoloration. If laundry detergent isn’t available, dish soap will also work. [3]
    • Other ways you can spot treat the stain include blotting on a bit of rubbing alcohol or non-sudsing ammonia with a cloth, applying a solvent-based laundry stain remover per the product’s instructions, or mixing oxygen bleach in tepid water and submerging the garment overnight.
  4. Wash the garment as you normally would with liquid laundry detergent. For an extra boost, apply a laundry stain remover. Before drying the item, make sure all the mustard has been removed. If the stain is still visible, repeat the steps above until you’re satisfied. Then, dry the garment like usual. [4]
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Section 2 of 4:

How to Dry Clean Mustard Stains

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  1. Use a dull knife or spoon to remove as much mustard as possible, being careful not to rip the fibers of the garment. Then, follow the product’s instructions to apply a commercial dry-cleaning solvent stain remover to loosen the stain. [5]
    • This process works well for materials that cannot be washed in a washing machine, like rayon, silk, wool, and burlap.
    • This method is meant for fresh stains only. If the mustard stain has already dried and set in, take the garment to a dry cleaner .
    • Note that you cannot use a dry-cleaning solvent on leather, suede, or velvet. Instead, find a professional cleaner who offers services for these fabrics. [6]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Get Mustard Out of Clothes
    A toothbrush works well. [7] Gently brush and scrub the stained area to work the stain out as much as possible. Then, blot the area with an absorbent cloth to remove excess moisture.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Get Mustard Out of Clothes
    Following the solvent’s instructions, apply it again to flush the stain, then check if any traces of mustard remain. If the stain is gone, let the garment dry. If not, scrub and blot the garment again, or move on to the following step.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Get Mustard Out of Clothes
    If the stain remains after applying the dry-cleaning solvent, dampen a sponge or pad and scrub the affected area, making light, outward strokes from the center of the stain. Then, add a few drops of distilled white vinegar to the wet sponge and gently scrub the stain out. Rinse the garment with clean water to see if the stain is gone. [8]
    • If the garment is white and the stain remains, continue to the next step. If it’s colored and still stained, this is the best you can do at home. Take it to a dry cleaner for additional help.
  5. If your white garment is still stained after applying the vinegar, moisten the affected area with 3% hydrogen peroxide and a drop of ammonia. Let it sit for a maximum of 15 minutes, then rinse with cold water and let it dry. [9]
    • When combined, hydrogen peroxide and ammonia can produce strong fumes. Use with caution and work in a well-ventilated area.
    • The stain should be gone after this step, but if it still remains, it may be best to take the garment to a dry cleaner for professional assistance.
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Section 3 of 4:

Removing Mustard Stains FAQs

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Get Mustard Out of Clothes
    If the stain isn’t taken care of quickly, it can become permanent. [10] Try the methods listed above, and if nothing works, take the item to a dry cleaner and explain everything you’ve tried so far. A professional may be able to reduce discoloration further, even if they can’t remove it altogether.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Get Mustard Out of Clothes
    Yes, Dawn dish soap (and similar dish soaps) can often remove mustard stains. [11] Mix 1/2 tsp of dish soap with 1/2 cup of cool water, then add a couple drops of white vinegar. Soak the stain for 20 minutes, then rinse with hot water and wash the item normally.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Get Mustard Out of Clothes
    Yes, baking soda can remove mustard stains. Mix 2 tbsp (34 g) of baking soda with a few drops of water and mix until it forms a thick paste. Use a spoon to apply the paste directly to the stain, then use a soft-bristle brush to spread it evenly. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, then remove as much of the paste as possible with a clean cloth. Rinse the garment with cold water, removing all residue. If the stain is still there, repeat the process. [12]
    • Alternatively, mix baking soda and vinegar together and apply it directly to the stain. The mixture should break down the proteins in the stain and make it easier to remove. Let it sit for a while, then toss the garment in the washing machine.
  4. In addition to using products like baking soda and vinegar, try using lemon juice. Lemon juice contains natural bleaching properties that can help remove stains. Squeeze some juice onto the stain, then set it in the sun. Sunlight works with the citric acid to reduce stains. [13]
    • Note that this method may not be as effective, and it could discolor your clothes.
  5. Getting mustard out of jeans works the same way as removing mustard from other types of clothing. Scrape off as much excess mustard as possible, rinse the back of the stain with cold water, then rub the affected area with liquid laundry detergent. Let it sit for 10 minutes, rinse it out, then toss the jeans in the washing machine. [14]
  6. Mustard contains turmeric, a spice that gives the condiment its bright yellow color, and in turn, causes it to stain fabrics. Mustard seeds also contain tannins, a type of dye, which can also contribute to the problem. This condiment sets quickly, as well, which makes the stains even more difficult to remove. [15]
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Section 4 of 4:

How to Remove Other Condiment Stains from Clothes

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Get Mustard Out of Clothes
    Rinse the stained area with water to remove as much ketchup as possible, then pretreat the garment with laundry detergent. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse and gently scrub the area with a soft-bristle brush. If the stain remains, dampen it with white vinegar and rinse again. Repeat these steps as necessary until the stain has been removed, then toss in the washing machine. [16]
    • If the garment is dry clean only, take it to the dry cleaner instead. This also applies to garments stained with mayo or BBQ sauce.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Get Mustard Out of Clothes
    Apply dish soap to the stain and scrub it with a soft-bristle brush. Let it sit for up to 10 minutes, then rinse with clean water. Repeat as needed until the stain is completely gone. Or, simply pretreat the garment with a prewash stain remover, then wash with the hottest water that’s safe for the fabric. [17]
  3. Scoop up any excess sauce, then run cold water through the back of the stain for several minutes. Rub liquid laundry detergent or dish soap onto the stain, working it in with your fingers. Let it sit for up to 10 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. Apply a bleaching agent (like white vinegar, lemon juice, or hydrogen peroxide) or a stain remover if needed, then run the item through the washing machine with the hottest water that is safe for the fabric. Check that the stain is completely gone before drying. [18]
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      Tips

      • Mustard can be a very tough stain to remove, so it’s best to take care of it as soon as possible so it doesn’t set. You may need to soak the fabric several times to properly remove the stain.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://site.extension.uga.edu/textiles/care/stain-removal/remove-stains-from-mustard/
      2. ↑ https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clothes/stain-removal-guide
      3. ↑ https://site.extension.uga.edu/textiles/care/stain-removal/remove-stains-from-mustard/
      4. ↑ https://suny.oneonta.edu/oneonta-auxiliary-services-oas/comforts-home/quick-easy-stain-removal-tips
      5. ↑ https://site.extension.uga.edu/textiles/care/stain-removal/remove-stains-from-mustard/
      6. ↑ https://suny.oneonta.edu/oneonta-auxiliary-services-oas/comforts-home/quick-easy-stain-removal-tips
      7. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/how-to-tackle-tough-summer-stains.html
      8. ↑ https://alldiysolutions.com/how-to-remove-mustard-stains-from-clothes/
      9. ↑ https://site.extension.uga.edu/textiles/care/stain-removal/remove-stains-from-mustard/
      1. ↑ https://site.extension.uga.edu/textiles/care/stain-removal/remove-stains-from-mustard/
      2. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/dawn-dish-soap-stains-36974529
      3. ↑ https://alldiysolutions.com/how-to-remove-mustard-stains-from-clothes/#step-1-make-a-paste-with-baking-soda
      4. ↑ https://alldiysolutions.com/how-to-remove-mustard-stains-from-clothes/
      5. ↑ https://site.extension.uga.edu/textiles/care/stain-removal/remove-stains-from-mustard/
      6. ↑ https://site.extension.uga.edu/textiles/care/stain-removal/remove-stains-from-mustard/
      7. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/how-to-remove-ketchup-stains-on-clothes.html
      8. ↑ https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clothes/stain-removal-guide
      9. ↑ https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clothes/stain-removal-guide

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