Summer festivities are some of the best of the year. We’ve got BBQs, picnics, and pool parties galore. Are you ready for some of summer’s most common stains? It’s likely that at least one hot dog will be consumed during these warmer months, and in the event that a bit of mustard makes its way onto your clothing, we want you to be able to treat it without stress! Read on to learn how to get mustard out of clothes.

What causes mustard stains?

Did you know that mustard gets its bright yellow hue from tumeric? Turmeric, a natural yellow dye, is naturally present in mustard seeds. Many commercially produced mustard brands add extra turmeric to their formulas to achieve the bright yellow color most of us are used to associating with the condiment. Turmeric is credited as having many benefits, including acting as an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant. But while it’s great for your body, it can be bad for your clothes–and the further it sets, the harder it is to remove.

It’s best to act as quickly as possible when dealing with a mustard stain to prevent it from settling in the fibers. Ready to learn how to get mustard out of clothes? Read on!

How to Get Mustard Out of Clothes

What you’ll need: Oxi Booster Pods, Stain & Odor Laundry Pods

Step 1: Remove Excess

First, it’s time to remove any excess mustard from your clothes. If the stain is fresh and the mustard is still wet, you can use a paper towel or cloth to gently lift off any excess. If the mustard has dried, try using a dull knife or the side of a credit card to gently scrape off any excess nail polish lingering on your item.

Step 2: Flush Out Stain

Now that the excess is gone, it’s time to learn how to remove mustard stains! Place the stain wrong side up under your faucet and flush it out with cold water. Be sure to run the cold water through the back of the stain to help push it out of the fibers. This will get out as much of the stain as possible before moving on to treat it.

Step 3: Fill Sink or Basin

After flushing with water, fill a clean basin or sink with warm water. Drop in one Oxi Booster Pod, and wait for it to dissolve fully and create a cleaning, stain-fighting solution.

Step 4: Soak & Fight Stain

Now that you have your cleaning solution, it’s time to fight the stain! Submerge the garment in the Oxi Booster Solution and allow it to soak for 1-3 hours. How do Oxi Booster Pods help remove mustard from clothes? Oxi Booster Pods are a chlorine-free bleach alternative which naturally fights stubborn stains and odors. It should attack the structure of the stain and lift it out of the fabric–without bleaching the colors you want out of your clothes. After the stain has been lifted, rinse the garment with cool water.

Step 5: Wash

Now that the stain has been removed, wash the item as you normally would according to the care label. We recommend using a Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent Pod for extra stain fighting. If any slight staining remains, you can also add an additional Oxi Booster Pod to the wash.

Step 6: Dry

Let your garment dry! Be sure that the stain is completely removed before putting the item in the dryer, as the dryer’s high heat can cause stains to set permanently. We recommend leaving your garment out to air dry, preferably in the sunshine for extra natural bleaching power. After following all of these steps, your clothes should be as good as new!

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions about how to get mustard out of clothes? We’re here to help.

Is Mustard a Permanent Stain?

Mustard is a tricky stain, but not necessarily a permanent one! With the right tools, getting mustard out of clothes is easy. The quicker you treat the stain, the easier it will be, so try to act fast.

How Do You Get Dried Mustard Stains Out?

Dried mustard stains may require a bit more product and patience to remove. First, remove any excess dried mustard using a butter knife or the side of a credit card. If the stain is not lifted after being soaking in an Oxi Booster Solution, you can try a more targeted stain fighting approach. Apply one pump of Ultra Concentrated Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent directly to the stain, and let sit. The enzymes in the laundry detergent should break down the stain causing agents, so it can be more easily washed away.

Does Baking Soda Remove Mustard Stains?

Baking soda is a fan favorite natural cleaner for most stains, and mustard is no exception! You can create a natural spot cleaner using baking soda and vinegar. Mix the two ingredients together and apply to the stain directly. The baking soda and vinegar mixture should break down the proteins in the stain and make it easier to remove.

Does Mustard Come Out of Clothes?

Mustard stains may be bright and alarming looking, but you can absolutely get mustard out of clothes. Follow the steps in our above guide carefully to restore your clothing to their pre-mustard selves. Be sure not to use any cleaning products that contain ammonia, as ammonia reacts with turmeric. You don’t want to end up with a bigger stain than before!