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University of Illinois Extension
Mustard

Mustard

Treat stains as soon as possible after staining. The older the stain, the more difficult it will be to remove.

All stain removal methods should be applied prior to laundering washable garments. Stains that have been laundered and dried are almost impossible to remove.

Washable Fabrics

What you will need

  • Heavy-duty liquid detergent
  • Dilute solution of all-fabric powdered bleach
  • Liquid chlorine bleach
  • Commercial color remover

Steps to Clean

  1. Pretreat the stain with heavy-duty liquid detergent. Rinse.
  2. Soak fabric in dilute solution of all-fabric powdered bleach.
  3. If stain persists and garment is white or colorfast, soak entire garment in diluted solution of liquid chlorine bleach and water. Chlorine bleach may change the color of the garment or cause irreversible damage. Check for bleach tolerance on a hidden seam. If stain does not come out in 15 minutes of bleaching, if cannot be removed by bleaching.
  4. If bleaching is not safe or does not work, use a commercial color remover according to package directions. Note that color remover will take out the fabric color as well as the stain. Do not exceed 160 degrees Fahrenheit water with any synthetic fabrics*. Launder.

*Synthetic Fabrics are: Acetate, Acrylic, Polyester, Nylon, Olefin, Triacetate and anything labeled static-resistant, wrinkle-resistant, permanent-press, no-iron, stain-proof or moth-repellent

Carpet

What you will need

  • Detergent
  • Ammonia

Steps to Clean

  1. Scrape off excess foreign material.
  2. Mix one tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with two cups of warm water.
  3. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
  4. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the stain disappears.
  6. If the stain remains, mix one tablespoon of ammonia with two cups of warm water. (Caution: Never mix chlorine bleach and ammonia – fumes are hazardous)
  7. Sponge the stain with the ammonia solution.
  8. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
  9. Sponge with cold water and blot dry.

Or


Chemical solvents and supplies

  • Detergent
  • White vinegar
  • Enzymeproduct
  1. Mix one (1) teaspoon liquid dishwashing detergent with one (1) cup lukewarm water. 
  2. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
  3. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
  4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.
  5. If the stain remains, mix 1/3 cup white vinegar with 2/3 cup of water. 
  6. Apply using the clean white cloth, sponge the stain with solution. 
  7. If the stain still remains, mix a solution of cool water and a product containing enzymes following direction on the label or box.  (Some laundry detergents contain enzymes.)
  8. Cover the stain with a cloth drenched in the solution.  Allow to remain on the stain the length of time recommended by the manufacturer. 
  9. Rinse the area with clean water.  Blot dry.

Steps to Clean

Upholstery

What you will need

  • Detergent

Steps to Clean

  1. Mix one (1) tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with two (2) cups of cool water.
  2. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
  3. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
  4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.
  5. Sponge with cold water and blot dry to remove the detergent solution.