How to Get a Mustard Stain Out

Mustard stains are one of the more difficult of the food-based stains to remove. Ohio State University includes the staining compounds in mustard in the same category as those of ink and dye, so a mustard stain may be permanent if not treated promptly. Detergent and bleach products provide the necessary treatments for breaking down the dye in mustard and give the best chances of successful cleaning. Sturdy fabrics that tolerate these harsh chemicals have the best chance of stain removal.

Liquid detergent
Oxygenated bleach
Chlorine bleach

Instructions

- 1
  Soak the stained area with a heavy duty liquid clothing detergent. Let the detergent soak into the stain for five minutes, but don't scrub or attempt to work the detergent into the mustard stain.
- 2
  Combine 2 tbsp. oxygenated bleach powder with 2 cups of water. Soak the stained area of the fabric in the solution for 15 minutes.
- 3
  Combine 1 tbsp. chlorine bleach with 2 cups water if the stain persists.
- 4
  Soak the fabric in the bleach water for up to 15 minutes. Do not exceed 15 minutes of soaking, as the bleach will weaken the fabric fibers. Mustard that fails to fade within 15 minutes cannot be removed.
- 5
  Wash the fabric immediately after bleaching. Follow the washing instructions as detailed on the fabric's care label.

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