How to Get a Mustard Stain Off the Garage Door

An errant squirt of mustard can stain any surface.

Yellow mustard causes stains due to the turmeric found in the mustard. The spice that lends its color and flavor to mustard and as a ground seasoning is also the reason for those hard-to-remove stains. If a barbecue with family and friends has resulted in a mustard stain on your garage door, the yellow stain creates an eyesore on the front of your home. Special care is necessary when removing the mustard stain to avoid spreading it over the surface or making it worse. You can successfully remove a mustard stain using the right supplies and stain removal methods.

Things You'll Need

• Paper towels
• Bowl
• 1 tbsp. dishwashing detergent
• 1 tsp. rubbing alcohol
• Spoon
• Paintbrush
• Cleaning cloths
• White vinegar

Instructions

1. Blot the mustard stain on your garage door with paper towels. Press a towel against the door to absorb the mustard. Toss soiled paper towels in the garbage and continue to blot to remove the mustard.

2. 

   Mild dishwashing detergent is safe for cleaning your garage door.

   Pour 1 tbsp. liquid dishwashing detergent into a bowl. Add 1 tsp. rubbing alcohol. Stir the two ingredients together.

3. Dip a paintbrush into the detergent and alcohol solution. Paint the solution over the remaining mustard stain on your garage door. Allow the solution to remain there for 10 minutes.

4. Moisten a clean cloth with water. Sponge the stain to lift the detergent solution and yellow residue. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the yellow discoloration is removed.

5. Dampen another cloth with white vinegar. Wipe off the garage door to remove any residue from your cleaning solution. The vinegar also neutralizes any mustard odor left behind.

6. Dry the garage door with a clean, dry cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Tend to a mustard stain as quickly as possible for easier removal.

• Use a light touch while removing the mustard stain from your garage door to prevent wearing off paint.

• Never use ammonia-based cleaners to remove a mustard stain as this will cause the stain to become permanent.

• Avoid rubbing and scrubbing the mustard stain as this can spread the yellow discoloration farther.

References

• Mrs. Clean: How to Remove Mustard Stains
• University of Missouri Extension: Removing Catsup & Mustard Stains
• Newton Ask a Scientist: Mustard Stain Removal

Resources

• University of Illinois Extension; Watch Your Garden Grow: Mustard; Ron Wolford, et al.