Mustard is a favorite condiment for everything from hot dogs to sandwiches, but it’s also one of the most notorious stain-makers out there. Its bright yellow hue comes from turmeric, a spice that’s both vibrant and persistent. If you've ever found yourself asking how to get mustard out of clothes, you're not alone.
In this ultimate guide, we'll walk you through how to get mustard stains out of clothes—whether they're fresh or dried—plus what to do if it ends up on non-washable fabrics or even your carpet.
Follow the methods below to save your fabrics from permanent damage.
How to Get Fresh Mustard Stains Out of Clothes
Fresh mustard stains are easiest to remove if you act fast. Here are multiple methods on how to remove mustard stains from clothes, depending on what you have on hand.
Method 1: Cold Water Flush + Liquid Detergent
Step 1: Scrape off any excess mustard using a dull knife or spoon. Be gentle to avoid pushing the stain deeper into the fabric.
Step 2: Run cold water through the back of the stain to flush out as much of the mustard as possible.
Step 3: Apply a few drops of liquid laundry detergent directly to the stained area.
Step 4: Gently rub the fabric together or use a soft toothbrush to work in the detergent.
Step 5: Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then rinse with cold water.
Step 6: Wash the garment in the warmest water safe for the fabric.
Step 7: Air dry—heat can set any remaining stain, so don’t put it in the dryer yet.
Method 2: Vinegar and Dish Soap
Step 1: Remove excess mustard.
Step 2: Mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with 1 tablespoon of dish soap and 2 cups of cold water.
Step 3: Soak a clean white cloth in the solution and dab it onto the stain.
Step 4: Let sit for 5 minutes, then gently blot with a clean cloth.
Step 5: Rinse and launder as usual. Repeat if necessary.
Method 3: Baking Soda Paste
Step 1: Scrape off mustard.
Step 2: Mix baking soda with a few drops of water to make a thick paste.
Step 3: Apply paste to the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes.
Step 4: Scrub gently, rinse, and wash normally.
How to Get Dried Mustard Stains Out of Clothes
Dried mustard stains are tougher since the turmeric has had time to bond with the fabric fibers. Here are the best ways to remove dried mustard stains from clothes.
Method 1: Pre-Treatment Soak + Stain Remover
Step 1: Scrape off any crusted mustard.
Step 2: Soak the garment in cold water mixed with a capful of enzyme-based laundry detergent for at least 1 hour.
Step 3: Apply a commercial stain remover to the affected area.
Step 4: Let it sit for 15–20 minutes.
Step 5: Wash as directed on the garment label.
Step 6: Air dry and check the stain before repeating if needed.
Method 2: Hydrogen Peroxide (Color-Safe Only)
Step 1: Make sure the fabric is colorfast. Test on a hidden seam.
Step 2: Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and dish soap.
Step 3: Apply to the stain and let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
Step 4: Blot and rinse thoroughly.
Step 5: Wash as usual.
Step 6: Avoid the dryer until you’re sure the stain is gone.
Method 3: Lemon Juice and Sunlight
Step 1: Apply lemon juice directly to the dried mustard stain.
Step 2: Lay the garment outside in direct sunlight.
Step 3: Let it sit for 1–2 hours, checking periodically.
Step 4: Rinse and launder as normal.
Note: This method works best on whites and light-colored clothes.
How to Use the Kind Laundry Stain Remover Bar
Mustard stains can be especially tricky due to the presence of turmeric, a natural dye known for its staying power. But the Kind Laundry Stain Remover Bar offers an effective, eco-friendly way to lift stubborn yellow stains from your favorite garments without harsh chemicals. Here are the steps to follow on how to remove mustard stains using our stain remover bar.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Remove Excess Mustard
Gently scrape off as much mustard as possible using a spoon, butter knife, or edge of a credit card. Avoid rubbing, as this can push the stain deeper into the fabric.
Step 2: Rinse With Cold Water
Run cold water through the back of the stain. This helps flush the mustard out from the fibers and prevents it from setting. Never use hot water at this stage, as heat can cause the stain to bind permanently.
Step 3: Wet the Stain Remover Bar and the Stain Area
Wet both the stained fabric and the Kind Laundry Stain Remover Bar under cool water. Make sure the fabric is damp but not soaking.
Step 4: Rub the Bar Into the Stain
Gently rub the stain remover bar directly onto the mustard stain, working it in with a circular motion. You should see a mild lather forming as the bar begins to break down the stain.
Step 5: Let It Sit
Allow the lathered area to sit for 5–10 minutes. This gives the plant-based ingredients in the Kind bar—like coconut oil and soapberries—time to penetrate and lift the stain.
Step 6: Rinse and Wash as Usual
Rinse the garment thoroughly with cold water. Then wash it in the warmest water safe for the fabric, using your regular laundry detergent, we recommend Kind Laundry detergent sheets.
Step 7: Air Dry
Do not use a dryer until you’re sure the stain is completely gone. Heat can set any remaining stain, making it harder to remove later.
Kind Laundry’s stain remover bar is travel-friendly, zero-waste, and gentle on delicate fabrics—making it ideal for removing mustard stains from everything from t-shirts to table linens.
How to Use the Kind Laundry Detergent Sheets
Kind Laundry Detergent Sheets offer a simple, eco-conscious solution to treat and remove even tough mustard stains without the use of harsh chemicals or plastic waste.
Whether you’ve spilled mustard on your favorite white tee or a delicate blouse, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to remove mustard stains effectively using our laundry detergent sheets.
Step 1: Act Quickly and Blot the Stain
The sooner you treat the stain, the better your chances of completely removing it. Begin by gently blotting (not rubbing) the excess mustard with a clean paper towel or cloth. Use a spoon or dull knife to carefully scrape off any remaining mustard solids, taking care not to spread the stain or grind it deeper into the fabric fibers.
Step 2: Rinse the Stain With Cold Water
Turn the garment inside out and run cold water through the back of the stained area. This helps flush the mustard out of the fabric. Avoid hot water at this stage—heat can set the turmeric pigment and make the stain more difficult to remove.
Step 3: Pre-Treat Using a Kind Laundry Detergent Sheet
Tear off a small portion of a Kind Laundry Detergent Sheet—about a quarter of a sheet will do—and dissolve it in a small bowl of cold or lukewarm water to create a concentrated cleaning solution. Once the detergent sheet dissolves, dip a clean toothbrush or soft cloth into the solution and gently work it into the mustard stain.
Massage the solution into the stain using circular motions. Let the garment sit for 10–15 minutes to allow the plant-based cleaning agents to break down the mustard pigments.
Step 4: Wash as Usual With Kind Laundry Detergent Sheets
Place the entire garment in the washing machine. Add a Kind Laundry Detergent Sheet directly into the drum of your washer (not the detergent drawer). The sheet will dissolve completely in both hot and cold water, so you can select the warmest water temperature that is safe for your fabric based on the care label.
Kind Laundry Detergent Sheets are safe for all washing machines, including high-efficiency (HE) units, and are formulated without harsh chemicals, making them ideal for sensitive skin and delicate fabrics.
Step 5: Air Dry and Inspect
After washing, air dry the garment instead of using a dryer. Heat from the dryer can permanently set any lingering stain. Once dry, inspect the area to ensure the mustard stain is gone. If any stain remains, repeat the pre-treatment and washing steps before drying again.
Why Use Kind Laundry Detergent Sheets?
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Powerful Enzyme Formula: Formulated to tackle tough stains
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Zero plastic waste: Better for the planet.
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Compact and lightweight: Great for travel and storage.
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Free from harsh chemicals: Gentle on skin and fabrics.
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Effective plant-based formula: Powerful enough for tough stains like mustard.
Using Kind Laundry Detergent Sheets is not only effective at tackling mustard stains but also a sustainable and simple way to care for your clothes and the environment.
How to Get Mustard Stains Out of Non-Washable Fabrics
Non-washable fabrics like wool, silk, or upholstery need special care. The key is a gentle touch and the right products. Here are 3 methods you can use to remove mustard stains from non-washable fabrics.
Method 1: Mild Detergent + Cold Water
Step 1: Dab—not rub—off the excess mustard.
Step 2: Mix a solution of 1 cup cold water and 1 teaspoon mild detergent (like Woolite).
Step 3: Use a clean cloth to dab the stain gently, working from the outside in.
Step 4: Blot with a dry cloth to absorb moisture.
Step 5: Repeat until the stain lifts.
Step 6: Let air dry completely.
Method 2: Cornstarch or Talcum Powder
Step 1: Remove surface mustard.
Step 2: Sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder generously over the stain.
Step 3: Let it sit for 30 minutes to absorb oils.
Step 4: Gently brush off and assess the stain.
Step 5: Follow with mild detergent treatment if needed.
Method 3: Professional Dry Cleaning
Step 1: Blot the stain and do not treat it with home chemicals.
Step 2: Take the garment to a dry cleaner as soon as possible.
Step 3: Point out the stain to ensure it gets special treatment.
How to Get Mustard Stain Out of Carpet
Ever wondered how to remove mustard stains from carpet? Here are 3 successful ways you can utilize.
Method 1: Dish Soap + Cold Water
Step 1: Blot the excess mustard using paper towels—do not rub.
Step 2: Mix 1 tablespoon of dish soap with 2 cups cold water.
Step 3: Dip a clean cloth in the solution and blot the stain.
Step 4: Continue blotting until the stain begins to lift.
Step 5: Blot with a dry cloth to absorb moisture.
Method 2: Vinegar + Baking Soda
Step 1: Sprinkle baking soda directly onto the mustard stain.
Step 2: Pour a small amount of vinegar over the baking soda.
Step 3: Let the mixture bubble and sit for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Blot with a damp cloth.
Step 5: Rinse with a little water and blot dry again.
Step 6: Vacuum when fully dry to restore texture.
Method 3: Carpet Cleaner or Enzyme Cleaner
Step 1: Use a carpet-safe stain remover or enzyme cleaner.
Step 2: Follow label instructions for application.
Step 3: Blot—not scrub—the area to lift the stain.
Step 4: Repeat if necessary and rinse with water afterward.
How To Use The Kind Laundry Stain Remover Bar On Carpet Stains
While the Kind Laundry Stain Remover Bar is primarily formulated for clothing, its gentle yet effective ingredients can also be used to tackle mustard stains on carpet in a pinch.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Blot Up Excess Mustard
Use a paper towel or clean cloth to gently blot (not rub) the mustard stain. Absorb as much of the condiment as you can without spreading it further.
Step 2: Wet a Clean Cloth and the Bar
Dampen the stain remover bar and a separate clean, white cloth with cold water.
Step 3: Rub the Bar Into the Cloth, Not Directly on the Carpet
To avoid over-saturating or damaging carpet fibers, rub the bar into the damp cloth until it lathers.
Step 4: Blot the Stain With the Soapy Cloth
Press the lathered cloth onto the stain, gently blotting the area. Continue blotting without rubbing until you see the stain start to lift.
Step 5: Rinse and Blot Dry
Dampen another clean cloth with plain water and blot the area to remove any soap residue. Then blot with a dry towel to remove excess moisture.
Step 6: Let Air Dry and Vacuum
Allow the area to air dry completely. Once dry, vacuum the spot to restore the carpet’s texture.
This gentle method won’t harm most carpets and helps remove mustard stains without introducing harsh synthetic chemicals into your home.
Final Tips for Removing Mustard Stains
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Act fast. The quicker you treat the stain, the easier it is to remove.
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Avoid hot water for fresh stains—it can set them.
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Never put stained clothes in the dryer until you’re sure the stain is gone.
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Always test stain removers on an inconspicuous area first.
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Be patient. Mustard stains can be stubborn. Multiple treatments may be required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the best method for how to get mustard out of clothes fast?
A: Cold water and a stain remover bar or laundry detergent are the quickest and most accessible methods.
Q: Can bleach remove mustard stains?
A: For white fabrics only—and even then, use with caution.
Q: What if the stain won’t budge?
A: Repeat treatments or consider professional cleaning, especially for delicate fabrics.
Conclusion
Mustard stains can be frustrating, but with the right know-how and a little patience, you can successfully remove them from clothes, carpets, and even delicate fabrics. Whether you're dealing with a fresh spill or a dried-on disaster, this guide provides multiple effective methods to help you get your items looking good as new.
Next time you reach for that mustard bottle, you’ll be armed with the tools to deal with any unexpected squirts—without sacrificing your favorite outfit.
