Turmeric is a crucial ingredient in delicious Indian curry dishes, adding a golden hue to various tasty recipes. But this yellow-golden colour is why having a turmeric stain on your carpet can be a nightmare.
The yellow dye in turmeric quickly gets absorbed into rug and carpet fibres, ruining them forever if you don’t act quickly. Luckily, you’ve found this article because our same day professional carpet cleaning team will tell you how to remove turmeric stains from carpets using easy-to-prepare cleaning solutions.
How to Remove Turmeric Stain From Carpet
You don’t have to avoid turmeric if you’re worried about staining your carpets. The golden spice dates back 4,000 years ago, holding a special place in the Vedic culture of India. It’s currently used as a culinary spice and is added to various traditional remedies as it can treat digestive issues, arthritis, inflammation and muscle soreness.
Whether you’re using turmeric to spice up your recipes or for its medical benefits, there’s always the risk of spilling some of the spice or a paste that contains it on your carpet. The dye in the turmeric is so intense that it can change the colour of your bowls and other culinary tools. So, any spill should be dealt with immediately to protect your carpet or rug from damage.
If you’re dealing with a dry spice or a paste, remove as much as possible using a spoon. Avoid soaking the area because this will only make the dye settle into the fibres. After that, try one of the following potent solutions to clean the stain and save your carpet. Always test a hidden area to see if the solution will damage your carpet fibres.
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Using Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is a degreasing agent that can remove several tough stains, including turmeric stains. You can also use methylated spirit to clean the stain, as it breaks down its particles.
Alcohol and methylated spirit can do wonders for old stains that weren’t treated immediately. Yet, you should be careful because alcohol can cause discolouration and fade your rug. We recommend doing a patch test first and avoiding this solution entirely if you have a dark rug, which will probably damage it.
If the smell lingers, you can keep your windows open for a day or two. This will be enough to get rid of the annoying odour. Here’s how to use alcohol to clean your rug.
- Pour the rubbing alcohol or methylated spirit onto the stain.
- Use clean paper towels or a dry rag to blot the stain dry.
- Reapply the rubbing alcohol until the whole stain has disappeared.
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Using Glycerine
Glycerine is non-toxic and is safe to use around humans and pets. It’s also a gentle cleaning solution that won’t damage your carpet fibres or harm you if you have sensitive skin.
It’s a natural solvent that gently breaks down the stain particles. It will also work for you if you have a delicate rug that won’t withstand harsh treatment. Here’s how to use it.
- Prepare a solution of equal parts of water and glycerine.
- Soak the stained area with cold water, then spray the cleaning solution you prepared.
- Use a soft brush to work the solution into the fibres without being too harsh.
- Let the solution sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then blot it dry.
- Repeat the process if necessary.
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Using Baking Soda and Dish Soap
Baking soda and dish soap are versatile cleaning combos that tackle various stains. They’re easy to prepare, and the results are always satisfactory, even when dealing with a stubborn stain you get from spilling turmeric.
Dish soap is designed to break down food particles, making the dye easier to remove. Baking soda is abrasive, so it will help move the dye particles for easy cleanup. Here’s how to use this cleaning solution.
- Prepare a solution of equal parts of water and baking soda.
- Add a tablespoon of dish soap and use a soft brush or clean cloth to work the solution into the carpet.
- Tackle the stain from the outward towards the centre, then allow it to sit for 30 minutes.
- Use a clean rag to clean the solution, and rinse with some water if necessary.
Using Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap
This is one of the best ways to tackle old and stubborn turmeric stains. But the trick is that as it removes the turmeric’s dye, it can also cause your rug to fade.
If you plan to use this potent cleaning solution, you should do a patch test first and wait to see how the carpets’ fibres react. You can use it to treat stains if it doesn’t cause any fading or discolouration. Here’s how to use it.
- Pour hydrogen peroxide over the stain.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes or so.
- Add a few drops of dish soap and use a soft toothbrush to work the cleaning solution into the stain, from outside to inside.
- Rinse the spot with some water and blot it dry.
- Repeat the process if necessary.
Use a Professional Cleaning Product
Some stains are so difficult to remove that only a professional cleaning product will work. Luckily, several cleaning products are on the market, some of which are manufactured to break down the toughest stains.
We recommend a patch test to see if the cleaning product works for your carpet. You should also follow the manufacturers’ instructions to avoid damaging the rug’s fibres.
Wrap Up
Turmeric is one of the tastiest and healthiest spices for recipes. It is also used as a topical treatment or in tea for its medicinal benefits.
Unfortunately, removing a turmeric stain can be challenging. However, several good cleaning solutions can remove the stain without damaging your carpet.