How to Remove Turmeric Stains

How to Remove Turmeric Stains From Clothing and Linens

1. Remove Excess Liquid

   If your clothes or linens have a wet turmeric oil-based stain, like a tikka masala sauce, keep reading. If not, skip to step three.

   Use a spoon or knife to remove any of the excess sauce that's sitting atop your clothing. Act quickly so the stain has less time to set.

2. Sprinkle Baking Soda

   Next, grab some baking soda and generously sprinkle it on top of your stain. Let it sit for 20 minutes. The powder will draw out and soak up the oil in your stain. Once 20 minutes has passed, brush off the excess baking powder.

3. Submerge Your Stain

   If your clothing or linens are stained with turmeric powder, rather than an oil-based turmeric stain, start here. If you have an oil-based turmeric stain, these steps also apply.

   Place the stained part of your clothing inside a bowl of white vinegar, and let it sit for 20 minutes. Wring out any excess vinegar before continuing, and repeat steps one to three as needed.

4. Start Your Laundry

   Wash your turmeric-stained clothing in your washing machine with a cold water cycle. The clothing can either be thrown in the dryer to dry (but make sure the stain is completely gone, as the heat of the dryer will set it), or line-dried outside, where sunshine will help remove any stubborn parts of the turmeric stains.

How to Remove Turmeric Stains from Dishes

1. Run Dishes Through the Dishwasher

   If you've noticed a turmeric stain on your plates, bowls, or other dishware, begin by running them through the dishwasher, assuming they're dishwasher-safe. Don't use the heat-dry option on your dishwasher, though—use the air-dry function to ensure a stubborn turmeric stain doesn't get set.

   If your dishes aren't dishwasher safe, hand-wash them like you would normally.

2. Soak Dishes in Vinegar and Hot Water

   If there's still a turmeric stain after a spin in the dishwasher, break out the white vinegar. Place your stained dishes in a container that's filled with two parts hot water and one part white vinegar.

   Depending on the severity of the stain, let them soak anywhere from 20 minutes to overnight. Repeat as needed.

3. Re-Wash Dishes Like Normal

   Once your stains have disappeared, run your dishes through the dishwasher (or hand wash) like normal. This time around, feel free to use the heat-dry function. Time to enjoy your clean dishes again.

How to Remove Turmeric Stains From Countertops and Cabinets

1. Make a Baking Soda Paste

   To begin getting rid of the massive orange stain that sits on your otherwise-immaculate countertop or cabinet, create a paste of one part baking soda to one part water.

2. Apply the Paste to the Countertop or Cabinet

   Generously apply the baking soda paste to the stained area of your surface and let it sit for 20 minutes. Once this time has passed, scrub at the stained area with a clean, damp cloth.

3. Wipe Off Your Counters

   Once you've applied the baking soda paste and scrubbed, grab a few more clean and damp washcloths. Begin to wipe away the paste—this may take a few passes. Once most of it has been wiped away, confirm that your turmeric stain is gone (if it isn't, repeat steps one through three as needed), and wipe down your countertops or cabinets with a clean, wet cloth.

How to Remove Turmeric Stains From Carpets

1. Blot the Stain

   The steps for cleaning turmeric from carpet are similar to cleaning turmeric from clothing and linens. To start, remove as much excess turmeric as you can with a spoon or knife, then blot the carpet stain with a cool, damp cloth.

2. Add a Baking Soda Paste

   Next, create a baking soda paste that's equal parts baking soda and water. Apply to the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes.

3. Remove the Paste

   Remove the paste with a clean, damp cloth, blotting gently to soak both the paste and stain up. If you have a steam cleaner, now is the time to use it.

   Let the stained carpet air-dry to finish the job.

Additional Tips for Handling Turmeric Stains

If your turmeric-stained item is especially delicate or valuable, like an expensive dress, nice tie, or high-end carpet, seek professional help rather than trying to DIY it. Though this is certainly more expensive than trying to remove the stain yourself, it also saves you the risk of ruining your high-quality item.

Additionally, if baking soda and vinegar aren't doing the trick for your turmeric stain, look for specific stain removal products to use instead, like a carpet stain removal spray or an ink and oil stain removal liquid.