In this article, we will discuss how to remove turmeric stains from carpets, plastic, kitchen counter, and leather.
How to Remove Turmeric Stains from Carpet
Baking Soda
Baking soda is an effective food stains cleaner and deodorizer. It can be used to remove dry, liquid or food-grade turmeric stains.
- Use a paper towel or old cloth to suck up as much as the stain on the floor. If it is a curry-based stain, blot it dry and remove the excess moisture to prevent the stain from setting in.
- If the stain is powder-based, use a spoon or spatula to pick as much powder as you can. Do not rub the stain before applying the cleaning solution.
- Add 1 tablespoon baking soda and 1 tablespoon dishwashing detergent in a cup of water. Stir the solution well to form a uniform paste.
- Dip a clean cloth in the liquid and squeeze the cloth over the stained surface. This will remove the excess moisture from the cleaning cloth.
- Use an old toothbrush to scrub the stained area. Scrub gently in a circular motion and avoid the unstained area while scrubbing.
- Blot, rewet, and scrub. It will take some time, but you will have a clean carpet after some elbow grease.
- You can use a commercial cleaner to remove residual stains.
Methylated Spirits/Denatured Alcohol
Use safety goggles, a face mask, and work gloves for this method.
- Start by picking as much turmeric from your carpet as you can.
- Pour some methylated spirit or denatured alcohol on the stained area and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. The stain may turn red, so don’t panic this is how alcohol reacts with turmeric.
- Blot the stain with a paper towel or an old towel.
- Repeat the process until the stain disappears or the cloth/paper towel doesn’t change its color.
- Pour some cold water over the stained area.
- Make a mild solution of dishwashing detergent in water and spray some on the stained area. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes and rub with a damp cloth to remove the solution and rinse.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an effective cleaner and works well against turmeric stains.
- Remove as much turmeric as you can from the stain.
- Add a 2-3 drops of liquid dishwasher in a cup of warm water and dab the stain’s surface until the stain is totally covered. Let the soapy solution sit on the stain for 10-15 minutes.
- Blot the surface of the stain with a clean paper towel. Change the towel once it gets dirty. Continue this process until the towels stop changing colors.
- Use a towel or old toothbrush to scrub the surface of the stain.
- Add 1 part hydrogen peroxide and 9 parts water in a spray bottle. Shake the bottle, spray the mixture on the stained surface, and let it sit for 2-3 hours.
- Blot the wet area with paper towels. Apply some diluted liquid soap and clean with a damp cloth.
- Turn on the fans for drying the carpet.
Glycerin
Glycerin is an effective solvent and can remove turmeric stains from carpets.
- Pour some lukewarm water into the stained area and use an absorbent towel to blot the stain.
- Add equal parts glycerin and water in a spray bottle and mix them well. Spray the stained area and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
- Pour a few drops of lukewarm water again on the surface wait for a couple of minutes. Blot the stain with an absorbent towel and repeat the step until the stains disappear.
- Use a diluted mixture of liquid dishwashing soap to wash the carpet and remove any leftover cleaning solution.
Bleaching White Carpets
Bleach is a powerful turmeric stain remover. Dilute it (1 part bleach, 4 parts water) before cleaning as concentrated bleach can damage carpet fibers. Please note that bleach can discolor colored carpets.
Washing the Carpet
It is recommended to deep clean your carpet if the stain doesn’t come off after trying the methods listed above.
Household Items
Talcum Powder: Spraying talcum powder over the stained area will absorb wet stains like curry.
Flour: It also works in the same way as talcum powder. You can rinse off the floor once it sets in.
Lemon Juice/Vinegar: A couple of drops of vinegar/lemon juice diluted in a cup of water can be used as a cleaning solution for your turmeric-stained carpet.
Tips to Clean Turmeric Stains on Carpets
- Avoid hot water to remove turmeric stains from the carpet. It can force turmeric powder/curry stains to settle in the fibers.
- Dilute bleach before using it on your carpet.
- Don’t scrub your turmeric-stained carpet vigorously.
- Make sure you dry the cleaned spot before you start walking over it. Place a fan directed towards the wet spot.
FAQs for Removing Turmeric Stains from Carpet
Are turmeric stains permanent?
Turmeric stains are not permanent but can be stubborn if you don’t act timely. The easiest way to get rid of the turmeric stain is to clean it instantly.
Why do turmeric stains turn red when exposed to dishwashing detergent?
Turmeric contains curcumin. It is acidic and reacts with alkalis in the soap. This is just plain chemistry.
How to Remove Turmeric Stains from Counter?
Natural Stone (Marble) Countertop: Start the cleaning process by removing as much as turmeric powder/curry from your countertop. Wipe with a cloth dipped in a solution of dishwashing soap and water. Use a paste of baking soda and water if the stain persists.
Ceramic Tile: You can use diluted bleach to clean ceramic tiles. Start by mixing ¼ cup bleach in 2 cups water and spraying over the tiles. Let the bleach solution sit for 10-15 minutes. Use the soft side of a scrub pad for scrubbing the stained tiles. Rinse the scrub pad if it gets dirty while cleaning. Use a damp cloth to wipe off the excess cleaning solution.
Laminates: Wipe with a non-abrasive brush or sponge dipped in a dishwashing liquid and warm water mixture. Sprinkle some baking soda over the stained area and scrub it gently with a soft sponge. Clean with a damp cloth.
Wood/Butcher Block: Clean turmeric stains from wood countertops with a damp cloth and then clean with a mixture of warm water and dish soap.
Stainless Steel: Wipe the counter with a soap/water mixture. You can also use some baking soda to remove turmeric stains.
How to Remove Turmeric Stains from Plastic?
- Add 2 cups of white vinegar and a few drops of dishwashing liquid in a sink full of water.
- Place the turmeric-stained dishes and containers in the sink and let them sit overnight.
- Scrub the dishes and rinse.
- You can also use hot water for quick cleaning.
- Use baking soda to remove any leftover stains.
How to Remove Turmeric Stains from Leather
- Apply Vaseline generously to the stain. Vaseline is a petroleum-based jelly and helps dissolve turmeric without damaging or discoloring leather. Use a soft dry cloth to rub the area until the stain starts fading.
- Spray the stained area lightly with water. Be careful while spraying water as you don’t want water to leave stains on the leather.
- Pour some baby powder/talcum powder over the stained area and let it sit overnight. Talcum powder absorbs the remaining stain.
- Clean the powder with a damp cloth until all the powder comes off.
You may also find this interesting: 12 Easy Tips to Clean Bacon Grease from Pan
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