How to Remove Mustard Stains from Carpet

🧪 Why Mustard Is So Hard to Clean

The bright yellow color in mustard comes from turmeric. Turmeric contains curcumin, a natural dye that binds tightly to carpet fibers. This makes mustard much harder to remove than most other food stains.

🧰 What You’ll Need

• Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
• Spray bottle
• UV flashlight or blacklight
• Clear plastic wrap
• White cloths or paper towels
• Clean water for rinsing
• (Optional) Wet/dry vacuum

🧼 Step-by-Step Guide

1. Blot the Stain

Use a dry cloth or paper towel to blot up as much of the mustard as possible. Avoid rubbing — it will only push the stain deeper.

2. Apply Hydrogen Peroxide

Spray 3% hydrogen peroxide onto the stain until the area is damp. It acts as a gentle oxidizer to break down the dye.

3. Cover with Plastic

Place a piece of clear plastic wrap over the area to keep the peroxide from drying out. Let it sit for 30 minutes.

4. Activate with UV Light

Shine a UV flashlight (or blacklight) over the stained area for 5–10 minutes. The UV light reacts with the turmeric dye and boosts the peroxide’s stain-lifting power.

5. Blot and Rinse

Use a damp cloth to blot up the stain and remaining peroxide. Rinse with a little clean water and blot dry again.

6. Repeat if Needed

Mustard may need several rounds of treatment. Don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t disappear immediately.