How to Clean Mustard Stains in a Carpet

It is believed that the Romans were the first to use mustard as a condiment, of course to them it was "mustem ardens," from which the word mustard is derived. Mustard is a popular condiment for sandwiches, hot dogs and burgers that comes in varying degrees of brown to shockingly yellow. This choice condiment is great on a sandwich, but if it happens to find its way to other surfaces, such as carpeting, you may not find it so great anymore. Fortunately, with the right materials it's an easy fix to get mustard stains off of your carpet.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hydrogen peroxide
• Soft, clean cloth
• Vinegar
• Laundry detergent without bleach
• Dish soap
• Club soda

1. Cover the stain with a hydrogen peroxide. Don't use the industrial-strength peroxide as that will surely bleach your carpet. Use the 3 percent solution you can get at the grocery store. Let the stain soak for about 10 minutes and blot it up with paper towels.

2. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the stain with the solution and allow it to sit for at least five minutes before scrubbing it gently with a soft, clean cloth. Add more of the solution, as needed, and continue scrubbing until all of the stain is gone.

3. Mix powdered bleach-free laundry detergent and water into a paste. Work the paste into the stain with a clean cloth by scrubbing gently. Leave the paste to dry on the stain for about 10 minutes. Scrub again with a damp cloth to ensure that the stain is gone. Allow the area to dry and vacuum up the dried paste.

4. Mix a solution of 2 tbsp. of dish soap and 1 qt. of warm water. Scrub the stain with a soft, clean cloth dipped in the solution until the stain is gone.

5. Pour club soda onto a soft, clean cloth and scrub the stain with it. Add more club soda, as needed, and continue to scrub until the stain is gone.

Tips & Warnings

• Test each method on an inconspicuous area of the carpet before using it to treat the carpet.