How to Remove Turmeric Stains From Clothing
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Turmeric stains can be stubborn, but by following a simple two-step process, you can remove them successfully.​
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You’ll need:
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Liquid laundry detergent or an enzyme cleaner (like Biokleen Bac Out)
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Soft-bristled brush or clean towel
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Powdered oxygen bleach (e.g., OxiClean) for stain removal
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SKIP TO:
- Part 1 - Pre-treat the stain
- Part 2 - Remove Turmeric Stains
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Part 1: Pre-Treat the Turmeric Stain
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Remove any excess turmeric: Gently brush off any loose turmeric powder or solid pieces using a soft-bristled brush or a clean towel. Avoid rubbing, as this can push the pigment deeper into the fibers.
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Apply a spot cleaner: Choose a cleaning agent:
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Liquid laundry detergent works well.
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Enzyme cleaner (like Biokleen Bac Out) is ideal if the turmeric has dried and hardened into the fabric.
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Lightly agitate: Apply gentle agitation with a soft bristle brush like a horse hair brush. Agitation is best done while the fabric is submerged underwater so as not to spread the stain to other parts of the fabric.
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Rinse: Rinse the stained area with cold water.
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Repeat: Repeat steps 2–4 one or two times or until stain removal progress stalls. ​​
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Note: Turmeric will virtually always leave a yellow pigmentation stain after pre-treatment. learn how to remove these yellow stains in the next step!
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Tip: If the stain spreads during spot cleaning, don’t worry! It can be fixed in the next step.
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PART 2: Stain Removal - How to Remove Set-In Turmeric Stains From Clothing
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Even after spot cleaning, turmeric will virtually always leave a yellow stain behind. This is due to curcumin pigments in the turmeric that bind to the fabric. Thankfully, these pigments can be broken down using an oxidizing agent like oxygen bleach (color safe bleach).
Before moving on to Part 2, make sure all turmeric solids have been completely removed during the pre-treatment. The fabric should feel normal to the touch, with only a yellow discoloration remaining. If any solid turmeric or food residue remains in the fabric, repeat Part 1 until the solids are completely gone.​​
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Mix the oxygen bleach: In a bucket or basin, mix hot water with the recommended amount of powdered oxygen bleach (follow the instructions on the product).
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Soak the stained fabric: Submerge the stained item in the solution and let it soak for up to 8 hours or until the stain is gone.
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Rinse and wash: Once the stain is gone, rinse the garment thoroughly. Then, wash it as usual in the washing machine, or run a rinse and spin cycle to remove any remaining oxygen bleach.
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Repeat if needed: If the stain persists, repeat the soaking process until it’s completely gone.
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​Note: Oxygen bleach is safe for most fabrics, including colored and dark fabrics, and won’t damage the color.
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Final Tips
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Follow Product Directions: Always follow the instructions on stain removal agents, including mixing concentrations and application methods, for optimal results.
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Handle Delicates with Care: Avoid using these methods on delicate materials such as wool, silk, or other natural fibers. For these fabrics, it’s best to consult a professional cleaner to avoid damage.
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Test in an Inconspicuous Area: Always test cleaning products on a small, hidden area of the fabric, or on a sample piece of fabric, to ensure compatibility with the material before applying them to the stain.
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Avoid Direct Sunlight: Do not use oxygen bleach (like OxiClean) outdoors or in direct sunlight, as the sun can accelerate the bleaching effect and may cause fabric damage.
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Use at Your Own Risk: These methods are offered for informational purposes, and we recommend using them at your own risk. Always exercise caution and, if unsure, consult a professional.