How to Remove Turmeric Stains From Carpet
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In this post, I’ll show you EXACTLY how professional carpet cleaners remove turmeric stains from carpet - This method can be used by anyone!​​
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Turmeric is a spice that is found in many different types of foods like curry, mustard, soups, teas, supplements and much more.
If you have a turmeric stain in your carpet, you have likely tried to remove it using many different remedies, but were unsuccessful. This is because turmeric contains a yellow pigment called curcumin.
Curcumin easily sticks to most carpet fibers resulting in a set-in yellow stain.
When I say that the stain is set-in, I mean that the molecules that cause the stain (curcumin) can likely never be cleaned out of the carpet.
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Thankfully there is a stain removal method called an advanced oxidation reaction that we can use to destroy the curcumin molecules and cause the turmeric stain to vanish.
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SKIP TO:
- Step 2 - Remove Set-In Turmeric Stains
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Step 1 - Remove Turmeric Stains Using a Spotter
When someone asks me how do I remove [insert random spot/stain here] from my carpet, the first thing I always tell them is to start with a really good spot removal method.
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Spot removal is the process of using a cleaning agent (spotter) to clean the contaminants that are causing the stain out of the carpet.
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If you have turmeric powder, chunks of curry paste, or any kind of solid in your carpet, it is critical that you begin with step 1 (spot removal) before proceeding to step 2 (stain removal).
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There are many different types of spotters or spot removal methods that can be used for step 1.
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The most common method is to use a store bought spotter like Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover, Resolve, or Spot Shot. Follow the directions as noted on the bottle.
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These store bought spotters work reasonably well. However, if you are looking for a highly effective spot removal method, I recommend checking our my How to Remove Spots From Carpet Just Like a Professional Carpet Cleaner article.
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If after completing step 1, you are still left with a yellow stain in your carpet, proceed to step 2 (stain removal).
Remove Set-In Turmeric Stains From Carpet (Step-By-Step Guide)
Unless your carpet is highly stain resistant, it is unlikely that you will be able to fully remove the turmeric stain by only using a spotter.
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The purpose of step 1 (spot removal) is to remove as much of the stain from the carpet as possible before using a stain removal method. The more of the stain we remove in step 1, the better the final results will be.
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The method we are going to use to remove the remainder of the yellow turmeric stain from the carpet is called an advanced oxidation reaction.
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This method uses hydrogen peroxide and a UV light to break down and destroy the yellow curcumin molecules that are stuck to the carpet fibers.
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Once all of the yellow curcumin molecules have been destroyed, the yellow stain will vanish.
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YOU WILL NEED:
1) 6% Hydrogen Peroxide / 20 Volume Clear Developer (USA, UK, CAN)*
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* 3% medical grade hydrogen peroxide can also be used.
Step 1 - For this demo, I'll be using 6% Salon Grade Hydrogen Peroxide (known as 20 Volume Clear Developer), with a 10 Watt UV Light.
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Step 2 - Spray the hydrogen peroxide over the turmeric stain liberally. All of the stained fibers should be coated in hydrogen peroxide.
Step 3 - Cover the stain with a 10-Watt UV light and let it sit for approximately 15 minutes. Do not place the UV light directly on the carpet, as the light can get quite hot and could damage the carpet.
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Step 4 - After 15 minutes, the yellow turmeric stain is starting to disappear. This yellow stain was caused by millions of curcumin pigments/molecules that were permanently stuck to the carpet fibers. The UV light caused the hydrogen peroxide molecules to split into hydroxyl (OH-) radicals, then the hydroxyl radicals attacked and destroy the curcumin pigments. Once the curcumin pigments are broken down/destroyed, they lose their color properties and become invisible.
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Step 5 - Using a toothbrush, rearrange the carpet fibers, exposing other parts of the stain. Then cover the stained area again with the UV light and allow it to sit for another 15 minutes. For this stain, I repeated step 4 & 5 about 10 times before the stain completely disappeared.
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Step 6 - When you are satisfied with the result, turn the light off. Leaving the light on for multiple hours, or days could result in permanent color loss in your carpet. Do not use this advanced oxidation method longer than necessary. When you are done, use a towel to absorb any remaining hydrogen peroxide from the carpet. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen so there is no need to rinse it our of the carpet.
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Remove Turmeric Stains From Carpet Video Instructions
Notes
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Wondering how well this turmeric stain removal method works? check on the comments on our YouTube video to find out what other people are saying about it!
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I recommend only using this method on turmeric stains. Normal oxidation reactions, which are gentler on carpets, can be used for other stains.
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This advanced oxidation reaction is safe to use on colored carpets. However, if used long enough (many hours), it can cause carpet discoloration.
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Do not use this method on fine fibers like wool, silk, or other natural fibers. Advanced oxidation reactions can break down organic matter, so it is best to not use this method on carpets that are made from organic materials. Carpets made from organic materials are extremely expensive and should be cleaned by specialists.
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I strongly recommend testing this method before using it on your carpet. Testing can be done in an inconspicuous area on your carpet, like the corner of a closet. Test the hydrogen peroxide and UV light as if you were using it on a stain. After testing, observe carpet for discoloration or damage. If there is no damage, proceed to use this advanced oxidation stain removal method anywhere on your carpet.
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If after 30 minutes, the stain has not begun to lighten, stop using the advanced oxidation reaction, as more time will not help remove the stain.
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Be sure to adjust the time intervals as necessary. 15-minute time intervals are used in the demo above. However, time intervals should be adjusted depending on the stain removal progress. It is best to check the progress and rearrange the carpet fibers frequently.
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Do not overuse this method. Leaving or forgetting the UV light on the carpet for extended periods of time could cause discoloration or damage to your carpet. In my experience with 6% hydrogen peroxide and a 10-Watt UV Light, you will begin to see faint carpet discoloration after 8 hours. This varies depending on the strength of your UV light, distance the UV light is from the carpet, type of carpet, and strength of hydrogen peroxide.
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If you have spilt turmeric powder in your carpet, make sure you thoroughly vacuum the affected area before using a spotter, or a stain removal method.
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Use this method at your own risk!