Ask A Scientist General Science Archive

name         Maggie M.
status       other
age          60s

Question -   How can I remove Mustard stain from clothing?
----------------------------------------
That one is a toughie.  The yellow of mustard is typically from turmeric,
which bonds very well to textiles, especially cotton.  If the clothing is
white, you are in luck: chlorine bleach works very well.  If the clothing is
colored, sorry.  Its color pattern now includes mustard yellow.

Richard E. Barrans Jr., Ph.D.
Director of Academic Programs
PG Research Foundation, Darien, Illinois
==============================================================
Maggie,

If the garment is "washable," moisten the soiled area with more of the same
kind of mustard, allow it to work for a minute or so, and then soak the
affected area with a liquid detergent full-strength. Wash the garment in the
normal way and hope for the best. Sometimes stains can be best lifted by the
solvents that were present in the original staining material. No guarantee,
but worth a try.

Regards,
ProfHoff 469
=============================================================
If the cloth is rayon, silk or wool:
      Mustard contains turmeric, a yellow dye.  If not
treated immediately, it can be impossible to remove.
Use a dull knife or spatula to lift off as much
spilled mustard as you can.  Flush the area with dry
cleaning solvent.  If the fabric is strong enough,
tamp or scrape to loosen the stain.  Flush with dry
cleaning solvent.  While tamping stain, blot excess
material with an absorbent pad.  If stain remains,
sponge with clear water and apply wet spotter and a
few drops of white vinegar. Tamp again to loosen
stain.  Flush with water.  If stain persists, moisten
the area with 3-percent hydrogen peroxide and add a
drop of ammonia (except on silk and wool).  Do not let
the bleaching solution remain on the stain any longer
than 15 minutes, then flush with water and allow to
dry.

If fabric is cotton, linen, modacrylic, nylon,
polyester, or spandex:
      Mustard contains turmeric, a yellow dye.  If not
treated immediately, it can be impossible to remove.
If the stain has just occurred, spray on fabric spot
cleaner.  If stain is older, scrape as much of the
spill as possible.  Flush with water, apply liquid
detergent to the stain, and flush again.  If the stain
remains, soak for several hours or overnight in a
warm-to-hot solution of detergent and water.  Rinse
and launder as soon as possible.

The above are direct quotes from:How to Beat Housework
by Eureka Vacuum Cleaners, Publications International
Ltd., Lincolnwood, IL,1988.  I have found that their
directions often work quite well.

Korah A. Erbacher
==============================================================