How to Remove Mustard Stains From Fabric

Removing Mustard Stains From Washable Fabrics

Before getting started, determine if your fabric item is machine washable or dry-clean only. There are different steps to follow depending on the fabric.

1. Remove Excess Mustard and Blot

   • Use a dull knife or a spoon to gently scrape away as much of the condiment as possible. Be careful not to scrape so forcefully that you damage the fibers of the clothing. Do not skip this step or you will risk getting mustard on other parts of the clothing and creating a new stain.
   • 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 it's properly removed.

   Warning

   Do not swipe the mustard with a paper napkin because it will only rub it deeper into the fibers and make it harder to remove.

2. Rinse With Cold Water

   Rinse through the back of the stain with cold water to further dilute it and to force as much mustard back out of the fabric as possible. Do not use warm water or it can set the mustard.

3. Treat the Stain

   There are multiple ways to treat a mustard stain after you have removed much of it with water. Choose one of these treatment methods. If they do not work to remove the stain, repeat or use a different option:

   • Detergent: Rub liquid heavy-duty laundry detergent, such as Tide or Persil, onto the mustard stain and allow the clothing to sit for up to 10 minutes. Rinse the area thoroughly with cold water. Repeat this step until no discoloration is left. If you do not have liquid laundry detergent, try a dish soap as a backup.
   • Rubbing alcohol or ammonia: 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 area well with plain water. 
   • Stain remover: Following the product directions, apply a solvent-based laundry stain remover to the area, like Zout, Shout, or Spray 'n Wash, Let the garment sit for up to 15 minutes.
   • Oxygen bleach: Mix a solution of oxygen bleach (brand names are: OxiClean, Nellie's All Natural Oxygen Brightener, or OXO Brite) in tepid water following package directions. 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.

   Tip

   Oxygen bleach is safe for natural and synthetic fabrics that are either white or colored. 

4. Wash the Garment

   • Wash as usual with liquid laundry detergent.
   • Before drying the clothing, check to make sure that all of the mustard has been removed. If any hint of mustard remains, repeat the steps above. Do not put the garment into the dryer until the stain is gone.
   • Chances are, you will need to repeat the steps at least twice. Once the discoloration is gone, go ahead and dry the clothing as usual.

Removing Mustard Stains on Nonwashable Fabrics

Use the following steps for materials that cannot be washed in a washing machine, such as acetate, triacetate, rayon, silk, wool, and burlap. Note that you cannot use dry-cleaning solvent on leather, suede, or velvet, however. If the mustard has dried, take the garment to a dry cleaner. These instructions are only for fresh stains.

Dry Cleaning Solvent

• Remove excess mustard: Lift off any excess mustard with a dull knife or spoon, taking care not to damage the fabric by scraping too hard.
• Apply a dry cleaning solvent: Apply a dry cleaning solvent stain remover to loosen the residue, such as ForceField. Follow the package directions carefully for the length of time to let the product sit.
• Brush and blot: If the fabric is not too delicate, use a brush (a new toothbrush works well) to make light strokes on the fabric (tamping), and then blot the excess with an absorbent white cloth. You can also use a dull tool to scrape a dried caked-on stain.
• Reapply dry cleaning solvent: Flush the stain with fresh dry-cleaning solvent, and check to see if any traces of mustard remain. If not, let the garment dry. If so, continue to the next step.

Vinegar

If the stain remains, use a sponge or pad dampened with water and make light strokes, moving outward from the center of the stain. Then apply a wet sponge with a few drops of distilled white vinegar. Tamp again to loosen the stain and then flush with cold water. Check to see if the stain is gone. If it remains, and the fabric is white, continue to the next step. If the fabric is colored, then you've done the best you can at home.

Hydrogen Peroxide and Ammonia

If the stain is still visible on white fabrics, moisten the area with hydrogen peroxide (3 percent) plus a drop of ammonia (except on silk and wool). Do not bleach longer than 15 minutes, and then flush with cold water and let the fabric dry.

Removing Mustard Stains From Carpet

• Lift solids: Remove solids with a dull knife or spoon but don't rub.
• Clean: Mix 1 tablespoon of dishwashing detergent in 2 cups of warm water in a small bowl. Blot the stain with a clean white cloth dipped in the solution, working 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 transfers to the cloth.
• Blot: Blot up any moisture with a dry white cloth or paper towel, and repeat the detergent solution until the stain is gone.
• Rinse: Finish by dipping a clean white cloth in plain water to rinse the area. Rinse well to remove any suds as any soapy residue remaining will attract more soil to the carpet.
• Dry and vacuum: Blot dry with a clean cloth. If the stain is gone, allow the carpet to air-dry away from direct heat. Then vacuum to lift the carpet fibers.

Removing Mustard Stains From 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 for Handling Mustard Stains

Mustard is one of the toughest stains you are ever likely to face, and there is a very good chance that you will need to soak the item several times for the best results. If you get to a stain as soon as it happens, your chances of removing it from washable and non-washable fabrics and carpet are better than if you let it set.