How to remove a mustard stain:
Yellow stain that won't go away? Not with this procedure

Story of a lifetime

"At a barbecue, I dripped a teaspoon of mustard on my beige pants. I wiped it off right away with a napkin, but after washing it, there was a nasty brown map left behind. I tried bile soap first, but only lemon, baking soda and percarbonate of soda worked. I saved the pants - thanks to my grandmother and EcoHaus."

- Andrea, EcoHaus customer

Why mustard is so hard to remove

Mustard contains curcumin (from both mustard seed and turmeric) - a natural yellow dye that oxidizes quickly and turns into a brown residue. In addition, it contains oil, vinegar, starch and salt, which fix the pigment into the substance. If you don't take care of the stain right away, it can become virtually unremovable.

How to treat a mustard stain step by step

What helps:

Cold water
Baking soda
Citric acid or lemon juice
White vinegar 10%
EcoHaus Washing Papers
Sodium percarbonate - for light-coloured laundry

Procedure:

Gently scrape off the mustard residue with a dull spoon - do not rub into the fabric.
Rinse the stain with cold water on the reverse side so that the pigment comes out.
Apply a paste of baking soda and lemon juice, or a mixture of citric acid and water.
Why it works: The baking soda helps draw out the grease and pigment, the acid breaks down the oxidized dye.
Leave on for at least 15 minutes, then gently blot.
Wash with EcoHaus washing papers - at 30-40°C.
For white or light-coloured laundry, add sodium percarbonate.
Why it works: Active oxygen brightens fabric and removes yellow or brown shadows.

What to watch out for

Don't use hot water. It will fix the pigment into the fiber.
Do not let the stain dry. Curcumin oxidizes and darkens.
Don't trust bile soap as your only salvation. Mustard is often not enough - especially for older stains.

➙ Tip from Grandma Petra

We've always dealt with mustard with lemon and soda. On white laundry, then let it soak for a while with percarbonate. If first aid is done within 15 minutes, often not a shadow is left.

➙ Tip from Vlaďka - the cleaning lady

Dried mustard? Try soaking in a solution of soda, lemon and water, leave overnight, then mop up with blotting paper. It works on coloured clothes too - just be careful and test on the inner seam first.

Need to tackle another stain?

Check out Spotter - for tips on ketchup, tomato, snacks, chocolate, blueberries and red wine. And if you're in a hurry, drop Vlaďka a line - the clever assistant in the bottom right corner. She'll respond quickly.

Share your own trick

Did you handle mustard differently? Post your technique in the comments or send it to marketing@ecohaus.cz. We'll post your verified tips on the blog or social media - and you'll help others, too.

Summary

Mustard stains can be relentless, but with the right approach, they disappear without a trace. Don't wait, act now and don't be afraid of natural remedies - they are gentle, effective and safe for you and nature.