How to Combat Mustard Stains on Your Clothes This Summer
Summer is right around the corner which means cookouts, trips to the beach and fun activities at the ballpark. Usually with picnics, cookouts, beach and ballpark activities come hot dogs and burgers, and lots of catsup and mustard. Summertime favorites for so many people, hot dogs and burgers are no challenge at all, but the mustard stains can certainly be. That is where the folks here at Jimmy’s Cleaners and Alterations come in. We don’t want mustard stains to ruin your summer fun, outings or garments.
Though mustard is a tough stain to deal with, it’s yellow color which comes from turmeric and a yellow dye can be less of a challenge if you deal with the stain immediately. We have a few important tips to share with you on removing mustard stains that we are certain you will find useful. But before we get started, we want to provide you with an important warning. Never use any cleaning product that has ammonia in it to try and remove your mustard stains since, when mixed with turmeric will result in a permanent mustard stain.
If you have a fresh stain blot the stain immediately. Do not rub the surface of the materials because rubbing will set the stain deeper into the fabric. Before attempting to blot or remove the stain, check out the label on your clothing item. If it is not washable then don’t delay, but rather come on over to our professional dry-cleaning facility and let our team take care of your garment stains. If the label does indicate that the item is washable, then treat the stained area quickly. If you have a lemon or lemon juice, place a small amount on the stain. If not, then treat the garment with a pre-treating stain solution before washing it.
If your mustard stains are not fresh, but older, then chances are the stain is already dried. You will need to scrape off any excess hardened mustard and then proceed with one of the following two methods. Either mix a solution of dish soap and rubbing alcohol together, place an absorbent material of some type under the stained garment and then apply the solution. Allow it to soak in for 10 minutes, then rinse the area with warm water and wash it. Another simple home procedure is to mix vinegar, water and dish soap together, again place an absorbent material under the stained garment and apply the solution. Once again, allow it to soak for 10 minutes and then launder it.
If these simple home solutions are not effective, then certainly there are a variety of commercial products available on the market to help achieve your task at hand. Be certain, however, when purchasing these types of products that you ensure the product is safe for the specific garment fabric and be sure to follow the directions exactly and carefully.
Mustard stains are, without argument, very tough stains to handle. If you are not successful in removing the stains, and even if your garments are washable fabrics, perhaps you would be better served and your garment would benefit more from professional dry-cleaning care. For help with all your summer stains, and for superior dry-cleaning services, be sure to take advantage of our premier cleaning and alteration services. While you’re at it, take advantage of our weekly specials too.
We look forward to serving you and to providing you with the best all round dry-cleaning and alteration services this side of Franklin. Don’t let tough food stains rob you of your summer fun. Take time out now to contact our specialists and if need be, take advantage of our trusted drop off and pick up service today!!