How to Remove Turmeric Stains from Carpet (7 Easy Ways)

Turmeric may help you make a beautiful curry, but you will regret your ingredient choice as soon as that turmeric gets on the carpet. The good news here is that if you know how to remove turmeric stains, this process is not terrible. Until I found my favorite method (using household ingredients), I was actually avoiding turmeric in some of my recipes, but not anymore. I’ll show you how to remove turmeric stains from carpet, whether they are new or old! 

How To Remove Turmeric Stains From Carpet 

To remove a turmeric stain from a carpet, first remove any excess Turmeric using a spoon, do not scrub or soak the area. Next, pour some hydrogen peroxide on the stain, cover the stain with baking soda, add a few drops of liquid dish soap, and finish by pouring some white distilled vinegar over the stain. This method combines the power of several different stain fighting components, and it works incredibly well to loosen and release the stain. Scrub the solution in with an old toothbrush, rinse it with water, and then blot dry. 

Alternative Methods To Remove Turmeric Stains From Carpet 

My favorite method for removing turmeric stains from carpet is the hydrogen peroxide/baking soda/dish soap/vinegar method, but there are other options for removal that can be just as effective. 

The Basics (Can’t Miss First Steps) 

Before you start the stain removal process, don’t miss these initial steps. 

• Take action as soon as the turmeric stains occur; old stains are stubborn stains. 
• Home remedies and commercial products are available to fight turmeric stains; find one that will not damage your carpet.
• Always test an inconspicuous area before applying any stain remover to the carpet 
• The first step should always be to use a spoon to remove any excess turmeric sitting on the carpet; you can use a vacuum but hover it over the stain, don’t push it in further. 

Baking Soda, Water, and Dish Detergent 

Here is our magic household favorite baking soda returning once again to help us fight another stain. 

1. Make a paste with equal parts baking soda and water, and add a few drops of liquid detergent to the paste. 
2. Spread the paste on the stain and then use a toothbrush or a damp cloth to work the solution into the stain. 
3. Allow it to sit for about 30 minutes. 
4. Wipe away with a soft cloth (use a little water if necessary). 

Glycerin Treatment

If you have glycerin in your home, it can help to remove curry stains and turmeric from a carpet. 

1. Mix equal parts glycerin and water into a spray bottle. 
2. Pour a little cold water on the stained area, and then spray with the glycerin solution you made 
3. Use a soft brush to work the stain remover into the carpet, and then allow it to sit for 15 minutes.
4. Use paper towels (clean ones) to blot the area dry after use.

Hydrogen Peroxide and Liquid Soap 

Although I highly recommend treating a turmeric stain immediately, if you have an old stubborn yellow stain, this is probably your best method to try. 

1. Pour hydrogen peroxide over the stain.
2. Let the peroxide sit for 20 to 30 minutes. 
3. Use an old soft toothbrush with a few drops of liquid soap and scrub it into the peroxide. 
4. Use a little water to rinse the area and then a clean towel to blot up any excess. 

Liquid Dish Detergent 

Liquid dish detergent mixed with cold water in a spray bottle is a good stain fighting solution. With this method, don’t use hot water to avoid making the turmeric stain permanent. When using a mild detergent solution like this, I often go over it with a wet vacuum to make sure the stain is really treated. 

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice won’t be used by a professional carpet cleaning service, but if you have a turmeric stain that has just happened and you have a lemon nearby, squeeze a little on the stain to start the process, and then treat the remaining stain with the hydrogen peroxide method. 

Methylated Spirit Method 

Rubbing alcohol or methylated spirit does an excellent job of fighting those tough yellow stains from turmeric. 

1. Pour methylated spirit on new or old turmeric stain. 
2. Take a clean paper towel to remove excess moisture 
3. Continue pouring the cleaning agent and blotting until no more color is picked up on your clean cloth.
4. Use a mild dish liquid solution to clean the area. 

Commercial Carpet Cleaning Products 

Turmeric powder is a very popular yellow Indian spice, so plenty of commercial carpet cleaning products are well prepared for removing stains like this. Resolve is a good solution to try even on light colored carpets, but always test an area before applying. 

OxiClean stain remover works to remove stains on laundry, but it can help with carpet stains as well, don’t soak the carpet too much, you want it to air dry naturally within a short period of time. 

In addition, I’ve had luck with Tide Rescue on a curry spill in the past, but remember to remove any powder form of turmeric before just applying the stain remover. 

You may also like:
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How To Remove Turmeric Stains From Clothes (Don’t Miss This Step)

How To Finish Cleaning A Carpet After A Turmeric Stain 

Now that your stain is out, you can blot the area dry. I like to use a clean cloth, so I know I’m not transferring any turmeric back to the carpet. Then I will use the brush on the vacuum, with the vacuum turned on, to pull up the carpet fibers and get the area of the carpet to return to normal. 

Tips To Remove Turmeric Stains From Carpet The Right Way 

I’ve had turmeric stains that would have been easy to get out, and then I followed the wrong method. Learn from my mistakes; this stain is not the end of your carpet. 

• Heat will set your stain in; avoid it at all costs, and don’t use hot water or even warm water when fighting turmeric stains. 
• Removing mild turmeric stains still requires the same process; even mild stains can turn permanent if you aren’t careful. 
• If you have pets or babies that roll around on the carpet, be mindful of the commercial carpet spray you choose, some stain removers are a bit harsh with their ingredients. 
• Avoid your steam cleaner when working on stubborn turmeric stains; heat is not the best solution. 

Dealing with Stubborn and Old Stains 

Not only is turmeric a bright yellow spice it is often used as a dye. Therefore it makes sense that this yellow stain can often linger on your carpet. Fight the stain right away, and your chance of removing the yellow turmeric stain is much higher. 
I would attempt our hydrogen peroxide/baking soda/dish soap/vinegar method and try to remove the stain completely. If the stain remains, you may try a professional carpet cleaner like Stanley Steemer or Chem-Dry, which have additional methods to fight carpet stains.