How to remove mustard stains
Updated · By the Luniva team
Quick answer
Use Luniva Enzyme Powered (the pink one). Spray it directly onto the stain, leave it for 1–3 minutes, then wash as normal following the garment care label.
Don't reach for chlorine bleach on mustard: it can turn a turmeric stain bright orange. If a faint yellow shadow is left after the wash, treat and wash it again.
Step by step
- 1
Scrape, don't wipe
Lift off any excess with the back of a spoon or a blunt knife. Wiping smears the pigment over a bigger area.
- 2
Spray directly
Spray Luniva Enzyme Powered onto the stain until it's covered. Don't rub.
- 3
Wait 1–3 minutes
Leave it to work. Don't let it dry on the fabric.
- 4
Wash as normal
Wash with your usual detergent, following the garment care label. Air-dry and check the mark has gone before tumble drying.
Mustard is one of the brightest food stains there is: a blob from a hot dog, a sandwich or a Sunday roast can leave a vivid yellow mark. Most yellow mustard gets its colour from turmeric, the same pigment that makes curry stains so stubborn, so treat it the same way: spray Luniva Enzyme Powered, wait 1–3 minutes, then wash as normal.
Why mustard stains are so stubborn
Turmeric's yellow pigment clings to fabric fibres, and mustard adds oil and vinegar that help carry it in. Chlorine bleach can react with turmeric and turn the mark orange, and heat or strong sunlight can help it set. Treat it before it goes anywhere near a hot wash or the tumble dryer.
Fabric guide
Best on washable everyday fabrics
Cotton, linen, denim, polyester and cotton blends: clothes, kidswear, bedding, towels and washable covers.
Test first on delicates
Patch-test an inconspicuous area on silk, wool, viscose, leather-trimmed items or anything labelled dry-clean only.
Don't let it dry
Spray, leave 1–3 minutes, then wash. Don't let the treated area dry out before washing.
Check before drying
Inspect the area after washing and repeat if any shadow remains. Dryer heat can set a leftover mark.
Mustard: questions
Often, yes. Spray Enzyme Powered until the stain is wet through, leave it for 1–3 minutes and wash as normal. Older stains may need a second treatment rather than a longer one.
Yes. Enzyme Powered is bleach-free and colour-safe on colour-fast washable fabrics. Follow the care label and test on a hidden area first if you're unsure.
Both get their yellow colour from turmeric, so the method is the same. Bright yellow American-style mustard tends to leave the most visible mark, so treat it as soon as you can.
Pink. Mustard is a food stain, which is what Enzyme Powered is for. If it's mixed with a lot of grease, such as from a burger, treat the food stain with Enzyme Powered first and wash; use Pro Formula separately on any oily mark that's left.
Based on controlled laboratory testing. Performance may vary by stain type, fabric, age of the stain and wash conditions. Always follow the garment care label and test an inconspicuous area first.