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How to remove turmeric stain from white clothes?

  • Riya Yadav
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How to remove turmeric stain from white clothes?
How to remove turmeric stain from white clothes?

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Introduction: How to remove turmeric stain from white clothes

Turmeric is an indispensable part of our daily life, consisting of many vitamins and antibacterial properties; that’s why we heavily use turmeric in our food. While it adds color and flavor to our food, it also leaves spots on our clothes when food is spilled or we wash our clothes with stained clothes by mistake, especially when turmeric stain lands on white clothes. Turmeric stains are very stubborn, and due to their strong pigmentation, they don’t come off easily that’s why in this blog we will mention easy steps on how to remove turmeric stain from white clothes with a step by step method. 

Why Is Turmeric Stain So Difficult to Remove?

We all know that turmeric stain got deep into our fabric and get stubborn which takes a special hack or technique to remove them. Before moving on the step by step process, let’s first understand the process why is it difficult to remove turmeric stain from white fabrics. 

  • Curcumin Pigment: The bright yellow compound in turmeric is curcumin, which binds quickly to fabric fibers.

  • Oil-based Stains: Turmeric is often part of oily Indian dishes, making the stain a combination of oil + pigment.

  • Sunlight Reaction: Exposure to sunlight can set turmeric stains permanently due to photochemical reactions.

  • Protein Fiber Binding: In materials like cotton or silk, turmeric clings more tightly, making removal harder.

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Immediate Action: The First 5 Minutes Matter

how to remove turmeric stain from clothes

The quicker you act, the higher your chances of completely removing the turmeric stain. Here’s what you should do immediately:

Step 1: Blot the Excess

  • Gently blot the stained area with a tissue or paper towel to soak up any excess liquid.

  • Avoid rubbing! This spreads the stain and pushes it deeper into the fibers.

Step 2: Rinse With Cold Water

  • Hold the stained area under cold running water from the reverse side of the fabric to push the stain outward.

Never use hot water, it can set the stain.

Method 1: Using Dishwashing Liquid + Baking Soda (For Fresh Stains)

Materials Needed:

  • Dishwashing liquid (degreaser type)

  • Baking soda

  • An old toothbrush

  • Cold water

Instructions:

  1. Apply Dish Soap: Pour a few drops of dishwashing liquid directly onto the stain.

  2. Sprinkle Baking Soda: Add a pinch of baking soda to help lift the stain.

  3. Gently Scrub: Use an old toothbrush to lightly scrub in circular motions.

  4. Let It Sit: Leave the mixture on the stain for 15–20 minutes.

  5. Rinse: Wash the area under cold water.

  6. Check: If the stain is still visible, repeat the process before putting it in the washing machine.

 

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Method 2: Lemon Juice + Sunlight (Natural Whitening)

Note: Use only for white clothes as lemon + sunlight acts as a natural bleach.

Materials:

  • Fresh lemon juice

  • A bowl

  • Sunlight

Instructions:

  1. Squeeze Lemon: Apply fresh lemon juice directly on the stain.

  2. Expose to Sunlight: Lay the cloth flat in the sun for 1–2 hours.

  3. Rinse: Wash normally in cold water.

  4. Repeat if Needed: This method works best for lightly stained or older garments.

Method 3: White Vinegar and Cornstarch Paste

Perfect for treating older, dried turmeric stains.

What You Need:

  • White vinegar

  • Cornstarch (or baking soda)

  • Water

  • Spoon for mixing

Instructions:

  1. Create a Paste: Mix vinegar and cornstarch to form a thick paste.

  2. Apply on the Stain: Coat the stained area with the paste.

  3. Let It Dry: Allow it to sit until it dries completely (approx. 30 minutes).

  4. Brush Off Residue: Gently remove the dried paste.

  5. Wash Normally: Launder the clothing in cold water with detergent.

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Method 4: Hydrogen Peroxide (For Tough, Set-In Stains)

Use with caution. Perform a patch test. Do not use on delicate fabrics.

Materials:

  • 3% Hydrogen peroxide

  • Cotton swab or dropper

  • Mild detergent

Instructions:

  1. Spot Test First: Apply hydrogen peroxide to an inconspicuous area.

  2. Apply on Stain: Use a cotton swab to dab the stain with hydrogen peroxide.

  3. Wait: Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.

  4. Blot and Rinse: Blot with a clean cloth and rinse thoroughly.

  5. Wash Normally: Use detergent in cold water to launder.

Method 5: Commercial Stain Removers

If DIY methods aren’t enough, try oxygen-based commercial stain removers like Vanish or OxiClean.

Instructions:

  1. Pre-Treat: Apply the stain remover as per label instructions.

  2. Soak if Required: Some brands recommend soaking the garment for a few hours.

  3. Launder: Wash as usual, preferably in cold water.

  4. Air Dry Only: Never use a dryer unless the stain is completely gone.

Bonus Hack: Milk Soak for Delicate Whites

Ideal for silks or delicate cottons.

How to Use:

  1. Soak the stained garment in a bowl of milk for 2–3 hours.

  2. Gently rub the stained area.

  3. Rinse with cold water and wash as usual.

What Not To Do

To avoid setting the turmeric stain permanently, follow these DON’Ts:

  • Don’t Use Hot Water: This sets the stain into fabric.

  • Don’t Use Bleach Recklessly: It may yellow white fabrics or damage them.

  • Don’t Iron Over the Stain: The heat will seal the stain permanently.

Don’t Wait Too Long: Immediate treatment gives the best results.

Final Wash Instructions After Stain Removal

Once you’ve removed the turmeric stain (or treated it), follow these laundry tips to maintain your white garments:

  • Use a Mild Detergent: Harsh ones can weaken fabric fibers.

  • Add a Whitening Booster: A dash of baking soda or a whitening detergent helps restore brightness.

  • Use Cold Water Cycle: Hot water may set any remaining pigment.

  • Air Dry in Shade: If lemon or hydrogen peroxide is used, let it dry in the shade to avoid yellowing.

Preventive Tips to Avoid Future Turmeric Stains

While accidents are unavoidable, you can reduce your chances of getting turmeric stains on your white clothes:

  1. Use Aprons: Always wear an apron while cooking with turmeric.

     

  2. Be Cautious with Tupperware or Containers: Turmeric can transfer from plastic storage to fabric.

     

  3. Serve Carefully: While serving curries, use serving spoons to prevent drips or splashes.

     

  4. Layer Your Clothing: Wear a washable outer layer when handling turmeric-rich foods.

     

  5. Store Clothes Separately: Don’t let turmeric-stained clothes mix with clean whites.

Conclusion

Turmeric stains may be tough, but with the right approach and a bit of patience, you can restore your white clothes to their original brilliance. The key lies in acting quickly, using the right products, and avoiding common mistakes like using hot water or bleach blindly.

From natural remedies like lemon and vinegar to chemical solutions like hydrogen peroxide and stain removers, you now have an arsenal of options to tackle even the most stubborn yellow blotches. Just remember: the sooner you treat the stain, the better your results.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not necessarily purport to reflect the values or views of Tumbledry.

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