Guidelines for Eliminating Mustard Stains from Clothing Using Homemade Cleaning Agents
Grilling up some hot dogs and enjoying the summer sun is an unbeatable combo, but a smear of mustard on your favorite shirt can dash the fun real quick. Don't get bummed; here's some straight-up advice on how to banish those mustard stains efficiently using common household items. We reached out to fabric care expert, Kim Romine, for her top tips on how to deal with these pesky mustard stains and keep your clothes looking sharp and stain-free.
Kim Romine, a fabric care scientist at P&G, stresses the importance of acting post-haste when dealing with mustard stains. "Time is of the essence, mate," she says. "The faster you treat the stain, the better your chances of removing it completely." Turmeric, a key ingredient in mustard, can leave behind a stubborn yellow tinge if not dealt with correctly, so acting quick gives you the best chance at eliminating the stain altogether. Since mustard can penetrate fabric quickly and start to oxidize within a short timeframe, it's essential to nip it in the bud before it sets and requires multiple treatment sessions.
Essential Items
- Butter knife or spoon
- Cold water
- Powder laundry detergent
- White vinegar (optional)
- Baking soda (optional)
Steps to Success
- Scrape/Blot: Get rid of the excess mustard by gently scraping it off with a butter knife, spoon, or dull knife, being mindful not to spread the stain further. Then, blot the area with a damp cloth to soak up as much of the mustard as possible.
- Pretreat: Mustard is a pH-sensitive stain, and powder detergent is the ace up your sleeve for removal. Mix a small amount of powdered detergent containing oxygen bleach with water to form a paste. Apply it directly to the stain, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes before washing.
- Wash with care: Always consult the care label for washing instructions and stick to the recommended water temperatures and cycles. Mustard can be a tough stain, so Romine suggests washing the garment in the hottest water that is safe for the fabric. Make sure the stain vanishes before drying, as heat can set it and make removal tricky.
- For those pesky stains: If you're dealing with a particularly stubborn stain, create a baking soda and vinegar paste. Mix baking soda and water until a paste forms, then apply it to the still-damp garment and let it sit for 1-3 minutes. Slowly drizzle white vinegar on top, allowing the reaction to take place. Keep going until the fizzing stops, then rinse before reapplying the powder detergent paste and rewashing.
- Double-check before drying: Inspect the garment before drying to ensure the stain has vanished. If it lingers, repeat the treatment process. Once the stain is gone, dry it according to the garment care instructions.
Happy cleaning, and here's to a stain-free summer!
When facing a pesky mustard stain on your laundry linens, swift action is key. Follow Martha Stewart's lifestyle advice and use household items like a butter knife, cold water, powder laundry detergent, white vinegar, and baking soda for efficient cleaning and organizing. By scraping off the excess mustard, pretreating with powder detergent, washing with care, and addressing stubborn stains with baking soda and vinegar, you can keep your home-and-garden items looking fresh and stain-free this summer.
