How to Remove Mustard Stains from a Shirt

Most have experienced the occasional drip, drip, drip of sauce or condiments hitting our shirt when least expected. The culprit is usually ketchup or mustard escaping the hot dog or burger as gravity takes over. It is even more embarrassing to be in such situations to realize the spill long after the accident. The mustard is probably the worst culprit of condiments that can stain the shirt. The yellow liquid contains the ingredient turmeric that is naturally found in mustard seeds and is used as a yellow coloring dye in many products. Not all mustards have the same presence of turmeric, though the common yellow mustard used at dog and burger stands will contain a heavy dose of this yellow dye to potentially ooze on to the most coveted dress shirt.

Before giving in to the shirt becoming a painter smock for children, try and get rid of the nasty stain first. There are several ways to combat mustard spills whether fresh or ground in. It is crucial to get to the stain before it even dries.

Removing a fresh mustard stain

The first approach to removing a fresh mustard stain is to gently remove excess from surface of shirt with paper towels. Be careful to avoid spreading mustard further across fabric making the situation worse. Now if you are out at a restaurant or at work, consider blotting the stained area with club soda if available. Also consider dabbing a small solution of clear or white dish soap with a little cold water to the affected area. Once you get home, apply some a good spot stain remover according to manufacturer's directions and place in washer. If the fresh stain removal approach does not work, then consider these other approaches to combat old mustard stains.

Removing an old mustard stain

Perhaps the yellow mustard stain has had a chance to set into the fabric. The first step is to scrape off the dried excess mustard from the shirt. Use a dull blades item such as a butter knife or spoon to gently scrape off the mustard as to not tear up the fabric. Once a substantial amount of the dried mustard has been removed, one can try a variety of different solutions to remove the stain. Just remember when pre-treating stains, always use an old towel or rag underneath the shirt to catch any excess moisture or stain producing liquid.

One method of ground in stain removal involves the use of glycerin which is an oil commonly used in soaps. Apply or dab some glycerin to the ground in stain. Gently work the glycerin into the area with a tooth brush or old cloth. Let the glycerin sit for about an hour on the stain before using a common spot remover and washing once again.

A second stain removal method involves white vinegar. Apply a tablespoon or two of vinegar to the stain and let it soak for a good ten to fifteen minutes. Rinse the stain with cold water and place into washing machine once again. Staying with the vinegar theme, create a solution of one cup of water, a tablespoon of clear dish soap, and a teaspoon of vinegar. Mix this concoction thoroughly and treat the stain.

If the stain has not succumbed to treatments used above, it may be worth the long shot remedy of apply mustard once again to the original stain. It sounds crazy but he turmeric dye in fresh mustard will potentially revive the old stain bring it to the surface of the fabric. Once the new mustard is applied, it should be allowed to sit for a few minutes before blotting away with paper towel and repeating all the previous steps.

Fabric Care and Mustard Removal

There are several ways to attack the mustard stain, though one should always consider the fabric care instructions printed on the shirt. Be wary of color safe detergents and temperature settings that may compromise the fabric of the shirt. Also refrain from using cleaners that contain ammonia which can exacerbate the staining effect of turmeric.