How to Get Curry Stains Out From Fabric

A firm favorite of households across the globe, curries are infused with bold and unique flavors – all thanks to the traditional ingredients. Fiery flavors and the rich, creamy consistency pleases the takeaway enthusiasts and those who love to please their gastronomical senses. However, delicious a curry meal is anyone who has spilled curry while their mouth has missed gobbling it will vouch for how tough it is to remove the stain. But there is good news. Whether you have spilled a balti or tikka masala on a worktop or a white shirt, you have no reason to fear. Follow the below tips for curry stain removal from clothes, carpets, and upholstery.

How to Remove Curry Stains From Clothes

To get rid of curry stains from clothes, just follow this simple step-by-step procedure, and you might be able to salvage any damage to your favorite dress.  It is important to address it sooner than later.

What You’ll Need

• Knife
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Water
• Oxygen-based bleach

Instructions

• Use a dull edge of a spoon or knife to remove the curry solids from the fabric. Even the sides of a credit card will work. Do not try to wipe out the stain with a sponge or a cloth, as it will deepen the stain into the fabric.
• If your garment is fast on dye, then make a solution of hydrogen peroxide (of regular strength-20% volume) and water. It should be a weak solution- a tablespoon hydrogen peroxide mixed with half a cup of water. A bleaching agent, hydrogen peroxide, must not be used undiluted. It can discolor fabrics.
• After making the solution in a tub or a glass container, dip the stained area of the cloth in the solution for at least two hours. Use cold and clean water to rinse the stained area. Use a regular detergent to wash the garment as per instructions on the clothing label.
• If the stain persists, mix a bleach solution (oxygen-based) and warm water as per the package directions. Prepare enough solution to immerse the entire garment and soak it all night. If the stain does not go away, repeat the soaking solution. Once stains disappear, do the laundry as usual.
• Examine the stained area before putting the garment in the dryer. The excess heat of the dryer can seal the stain permanently.

How to Get Curry Stains From Dry Clean Only Clothes

Clothes that require dry cleaned get a little tougher to deal with when it comes to stains. Clothes meant to be dry cleaned are delicate and need to be dealt with carefully. Find steps below to know how to clean curry stain from dry clean only clothes.

What You’ll Need

• Knife
• Borax Powder
• Water
• Sponge

Instructions

• Start by removing the stain with the dull end of a knife, spoon, or credit card. Make sure not to rub with a cloth or sponge.
• Mix a tablespoon of borax powder with two cups of lukewarm water. Take a sponge and apply the prepared solution to the stained area. Do not apply too much of a solution. Gently dab the sponge in the solution and sponge it on the stained area. Blot the curry away on a paper towel or absorbent cloth and continue the procedure until no curry color is transferred to the absorbent cloth or tissue.
• Sponge the area with cold and clean water once the stain is removed. Allow it to dry directly in the air, and make sure to keep away from direct heat. A dry cleaner will help to remove any remaining stains.

How to Get Curry Stains Out of Carpets and Upholstery

Fabrics are easy, but when a blob of curry happens to fall on the carpet or upholstery, it is a tougher job to remove it. Not impossible, though. Follow the instructions below to remove curry stains from a carpet or upholstery.

What You’ll Need

• Knife
• Dishwashing liquid
• Water
• White distilled vinegar
• Household ammonia

Instructions

• Use the dull edge of a knife or spoon to rub off the solids from the stain. Make sure not to rub; otherwise, the stain will spread.
• Mix a solution of dishwashing liquid (1 tbsp), cold water (2 cups), and white distilled vinegar or household ammonia (one tbsp). Stir and mix well.
• Use a paper towel or clean white cloth and sponge the solution on the stain. Let the mixture sit for five minutes and blot it away with a dry cloth. Keep repeating until no more color is transferred to the white cloth.
• Dip a clean white cloth in plain water and dab the stain to rinse out any residue. Now use a dry cloth and remove all the moisture. Let the carpet air dry and keep away from direct heat.
• Remove any remaining stains with a solution of all-fabric oxygen bleach and warm water. Dab the area with the solution and let it rest for 30 minutes or one hour. Then blot the area with a dry white cloth and let it air dry. Vacuum the carpet to lift any fibers.
• Follow the same procedure for any upholstered fabrics and do not wet the fabric too much. Consult a professional cleaner if the fabric is made of silk, wool, or any vintage material.

Some Other Home Remedies to Remove Curry Stains

Sometimes, simple home remedies can also help to remove stains. A few home tricks that you can try to get rid of stains are:

1. Lemon Juice

Apart from making some tasty lemonade, you could use a generous squeeze of lemon to win your war against curry stains. Just slice a lemon in half and squeeze it onto the stain. Leave the juice overnight and wash the garment as normal.

2. Toothpaste

If you do not have lemons in your refrigerator, you will surely have toothpaste in the bathroom. Just drop a pea size of toothpaste on the curry stain. Leave it for a couple of hours and wash the garment as usual.

3. Glycerine

Mix glycerine with water, and you will get a stain removal solution that feels like a breeze. Use warm water to wet the stain and make a solution of equal parts of water and glycerine. Apply the solution to the stain, rinse with cool water before washing the garment in the machine.

4. Detergents and Stain Removers

Take a small amount of liquid detergent and rub it on the stain. Start at the edges and work towards the center. Leave it for 30 minutes to an hour and wash as normal. If the stain remains, repeat the procedure. To use a stain remover, soak the garment in a stain remover solution and water or rub it on the stain directly.

5. Hydrogen Peroxide

Make a hydrogen peroxide solution (one part of 20% volume) and water (9 parts) in a spray bottle. Spray on the stained area and leave for about 4-5 hours. Wash with regular detergent as usual. Make sure to check the instructions on the clothing label to make sure you can use the solution.

FAQs

1. Are curry stains permanent?

Not necessarily. If you act quickly and use any of the above methods to tackle curry stains, it should help. But the most important thing is to act quickly. Once the dye of turmeric and saffron set in, it is next to impossible to remove them.

2. How to remove curry stains from a countertop?

Tackling curry stain from worktops, stoves, or any other hard surface is easy with an anti-bacterial spray. Spray and leave for a few minutes before wiping it away with a cloth. Remove the stain with a homemade cleaning paste. Make sure to test the paste in a small, inconspicuous area as it could create abrasions. Follow the below steps to make the solution:

• Mix water and bicarbonate of soda to make a paste.
• Apply the solution to the stain and rub with a soft piece of cloth
• Rinse and repeat if needed

You do not have to be high alert when eating a curry or cooking one. Mistakes happen, and it is normal to drop food on oneself or the floor. If you ever face the situation of a curry stain, the above hacks will help you if you act immediately. So there is no need to fear, and you do not have to worry about stains whilst enjoying your curry!

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