Removing Turmeric Stains

Cooking or eating foods containing turmeric (such as mustard or curry) can sometimes lead to mishaps and yellow stains. Though the curcumin pigments in turmeric make it a dye, some stain removal methods may work.

Fabric

For all fabrics, scrape off the offending glob of food with a dull edged tool — such as the back edge of a butter knife or rubber scraper. Flex the cloth to loosen any dried, embedded food fragments. ^(xii.40)

Avoid using ammonia, which will set the stain. ^(xii.40)

Washable Fabric — Method 1

If the cloth is not white or you are unsure if it is colorfast, test an inconspicuous corner of the fabric first before treating the area. ^(xii.40)

• Dilute hydrogen peroxide with water using a 1:6 ratio (e.g., 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide with 12 tablespoons of water). Although some experts advise using warm water, others warn that heat can set the stain. ^(xii.40-41)
• Apply hydrogen peroxide mix to stain and wash as usual. Alternatively, you can soak white/colorfast fabrics in full-strength hydrogen peroxide for ½ an hour before laundering. ^(xii.40-41)

Washable Fabric — Method 2

• Apply plain glycerin, which you can find in the skin cream section of most pharmacies. ^(xii.40)
• After letting the fabric sit for an hour (or more), launder as you normally would. ^(xii.40)

Dry Clean Only Fabric

Using a sponge and cold water, dab the stained area immediately. Apply the peroxide and water mixture with a sponge followed by more cold water, and then dry clean. ^(xii.41)

Carpet

• Rub the spot with glycerin and let soak for an hour. ^(xii.40)
• Without pressing down, wipe up area with paper towels. Repeat as necessary. ^(xii.40)