Mustard stains on a white tableMustard stains on a white table

How to Remove Mustard Stains from Clothes, Carpets and More

A strip of mustard might look good on a hot dog, but mustard stains on your clothes are not so tasty.

Since it can set really quickly, acting fast is the key to effectively getting rid of the yellow blotch staining your garments. Try these tips on how to remove mustard stains with a little help from Tide, and enjoy that hot dog worry free.

Before You Begin

In addition to being one of America’s favorite condiments, mustard is also among the most stubborn stains to remove, mainly because of its high turmeric content that’s responsible for coloring the fibers of your clothes. The most important thing to remember when dealing with a mustard stain is to not let it set – otherwise, there’s a pretty big chance that you’ll have to soak your mustard-stained item in cold water with some color-safe bleach added in before you could move on with the rest of the stain removal steps.

To make sure you get every last particle of mustard off your garments, carpet, and upholstery, you will need to:

act fast
have a dull knife or a spoon at hand
and use a high-quality laundry detergent.

Below, we’ll tell you how to remove mustard stains from your washable and non-washable fabrics, your carpet, and your upholstery, in a few easy-to-remember steps.

Getting Mustard Stains Out of Clothing

Whether it’s your jeans, shirts, white or colored clothes you want to remove mustard stains from, you can follow the same tried-and-true steps: Start by removing excess mustard from your garments, pre-treat the stain with some liquid laundry detergent, add the detergent and the clothes to your washing machine, press start, and at the end of the cycle, unload your garments.

Now, let’s unpack the complete stain-removal process in five simple steps so that you can say goodbye to mustard stains in just one wash:

Step 1

Remove Excess Mustard Stains.

Blot the fresh stain with a paper towel. On dried mustard stains, scrape with a fork, a dull knife, or a spoon. Turn the piece of garment inside out and rinse with cold water.

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How to Get Mustard Stains Out of Non-Washable Fabrics

Here’s what you should do when it comes to removing mustard stains from non-washable fabrics like acetate, rayon, silk and wool:

Step 1. Remove Excess. Lift away any excess mustard stains with a dull knife, a fork or a spoon.
Step 2. Pre-treat the Stain. Pour Tide Ultra Stain Release Liquid directly onto the stain and help spread the detergent into the garment’s fibers by either using a soft bristled toothbrush or gently rubbing the fabric together before letting it sit for five minutes.
Step 3. Blot the Stain. Dampen an absorbent white cloth with water and gently blot the excess laundry detergent while making light strokes in an outward motion.

So, you’ve followed these steps to a T, yet that pesky yellow streak is still as visible as ever? Indeed, mustard stains can sometimes prove difficult to remove. In that case, we’d recommend taking your clothing to your local dry cleaner. They’ll know how to deal with the garment while making sure that the fabric stays undamaged.

How to Get Out Set-in Mustard Stains

The best way to get old mustard stains out of your clothes is to first remove any excess you find on the garment, then soak the stain in cold water. Next, pour some Tide Ultra Stain Release Liquid and evenly spread it on the stain. After letting it sit for 10 minutes, rinse the treated area thoroughly with warm water, and then wash your garment as you normally would.

How to Remove Mustard Stains from Carpet and Upholstery

If you’re not spilling mustard all over your t-shirt while eating a hot dog, chances are you already tripped up and dropped the tray before that could’ve happened, so now you’re left with a carpet or upholstery covered in yellow splashes. Don’t worry, we’ll walk you through the stain removal process step by step, at the end of which you’ll be left with nothing else than a spotless carpet and impeccably clean furniture.

Step 1. Lift away excess. Use a dull knife or a spoon to remove excess mustard from the fabric. If the stain has already dried, add a dollop of fresh mustard onto the stain and let it sit for a few minutes, thus speeding up the stain removal.
Step 2. Prepare a solution. Mix 1 tablespoon of Tide Ultra Stain Release Liquid in 2 cups of warm water. Using a clean white cloth, blot the stain with the solution, and let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 3. Blot away moisture. Grab a paper towel and soak up any excess moisture from the stained area. If the stain is still visible, dip another clean white cloth into the detergent solution and continue blotting the stain until it is completely gone, taking care not to spread it further.
Step 4. Rinse. Using a clean cloth and a bit of water, absorb and blot away any remaining detergent suds from the treated area.
Step 5. Dry. Allow your carpet or upholstery to air dry, then bust out your vacuum cleaner and collect any stray fibers.

Removing Mustard Stains with Vinegar

One of the most popular DIY methods when it comes to mustard stain removal concerns the use of white vinegar in the process.

First, mix one part white vinegar with two parts water and apply the solution to the stain with a spray bottle or a clean cloth. Next, let the mixture sit on the stain for 10 minutes, then blot with a damp towel. Finally, place the garment inside your washing machine, and run it through your usual cycle, on the hottest wash temperature indicated on the clothing’s fabric care label.

Although vinegar is a less powerful and reliable stain remover than detergent, its unique chemical properties and cheap price make it a common choice against persistent mustard stains.

Will Tide to Go Remove Mustard Stains?

Tide to Go is an instant stain remover developed specifically to help remove fresh food and drink stains on the spot, and as such, is perfectly capable of dealing with a bit of mustard before it sets in. Thanks to its powerful cleaning solution, this easy-to-handle stain removing pen allows you to handle even the toughest unexpected stains, from coffee and wine to chocolate syrup and more.

Effective Stain Removal for a Variety of Stains

The kitchen is a hot spot for acquiring stains and getting messy. Whether you’re dealing with mustard stains or other saucy stains like ketchup or mayonnaise, Tide can help you clean up your chef’s outfit.

To remove mustard stains, or any other cooking stain, Tide can make your favorites clean and pristine again. Use Tide to help with tough stain removal, and although it can’t make you a pro in the kitchen, Tide can get your clothes looking and smelling their best.

Products to treat mustard stains

Tide Original Scent Liquid Laundry Detergent

Tide Ultra Stain Release Liquid Laundry Detergent

Tide Free and Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent