Get Rid Of Turmeric Stains: Pan Solutions

Turmeric is a popular spice used in cooking and as a health supplement. It is known for its distinctive taste, colour, and health benefits. However, turmeric stains can be difficult to remove from various surfaces, including pans, countertops, clothes, and skin. To effectively remove turmeric stains, it is essential to act quickly and use the appropriate cleaning methods and products. Here are some tips and techniques to get rid of turmeric stains from different surfaces.

Soak in a hot water and vinegar solution

If you have a turmeric stain in your pan, the best thing to do is act fast. The longer the stain has to sit, the harder it will be to remove.

To remove a turmeric stain, you can soak the item in a hot water and vinegar solution. For this, you will need a 2:1 ratio of water to pure white vinegar and a few drops of dish detergent. Leave the item to soak overnight. The next morning, rinse out the mixture and then wash with detergent and water.

You can also leave the item to air-dry in the sunshine, where the sun will help to naturally bleach the stain. This can take time, but if you don’t need the item immediately, it’s a great “hands-off” way to remove turmeric stains.

If you are looking to remove a turmeric stain from a countertop, you can make a paste using a 1:1 ratio of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to your countertop and leave it to sit for 15 minutes. Then, use a damp/wet cleaning cloth to gently scrub the surface and wipe it away.

For turmeric stains on your skin, you can wash your hands thoroughly with hot soapy water. Then, use lemon juice to rub over your hands/fingers and, if possible, use a hand brush or an old toothbrush to gently scrub your skin. Then, rinse your hands and wash once more with soapy water. You can repeat this 2-3 times.

For turmeric stains on clothes, the top tip is to act fast. The longer the stain has to sit on the fabric, the harder it will be to remove. Use only cool/cold water, as hot water will cause the stain to set. For oil-based stains, use a spoon or knife to remove any excess. Then, use cornstarch, baking soda, or flour to liberally sprinkle over the stain. Leave for 20 minutes. You should see the powder start to soak up the excess liquid. After 20 minutes, you should be able to brush away the excess powder.

Pre-treat the turmeric stain with either liquid detergent or lime juice/vinegar. Pour some of the liquid directly over the stain and then use either your fingers or an old toothbrush/damp towel to gently rub into the material. Rinse the area with cool water and repeat if needed. Alternatively, you could submerge the stained part of the material into a bowl of white vinegar and leave it to soak for around an hour.

Use a baking soda paste

To remove turmeric stains from pans, a baking soda paste is an effective solution. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Combine equal parts baking soda and water to create a thick paste. The paste should be applied immediately to the stain for the best results.
• Apply the paste to the stained area of the pan. Ensure the paste is generously coating the stain and leave it to sit for around 15-20 minutes. The longer it is left, the more effective it will be at drawing out the stain.
• After the paste has been left to sit, use a clean, damp cloth to gently scrub the stained area in a circular motion. This motion will help to lift the stain without damaging the surface of the pan.
• Continue to scrub the area until the paste is mostly removed. Then, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe down the pan, ensuring all residue is gone.
• If the stain is particularly stubborn, the process can be repeated as many times as necessary.

This method is also effective for removing turmeric stains from countertops, cabinets, and carpets.

Bleach or hydrogen peroxide

Bleach:

Bleach is a heavy-duty solution for removing turmeric stains, especially from white fabrics. It should be used with caution and only on white items as it may ruin coloured fabrics. After washing off the turmeric stain, soak the item in a 1:1 solution of water and bleach for about 15-20 minutes. Rinse the bleach thoroughly and then wash the item as usual.

Bleach can also be used to remove stains from ceramic mugs and some countertops, but always follow manufacturer instructions to avoid damage. For example, do not use bleach on natural stone countertops like granite or marble.

Hydrogen Peroxide:

Hydrogen peroxide is a milder alternative to bleach and can be used as a pre-soak for turmeric-stained fabrics. It is particularly useful for removing turmeric stains from fingernails. Use 3% hydrogen peroxide in a 1:2 ratio with water. Soak a cotton ball or rag in the mixture and wipe your nails or the stained fabric.

For turmeric stains that are the result of oily curry, a pre-treatment with hydrogen peroxide can be a good first step. Wash off the turmeric with soap and water, then soak the stain in a soapy solution of water and dish soap before washing with your regular detergent.

General Tips:

• Always act quickly when dealing with turmeric stains as they are easier to remove before they settle.
• For fabrics, avoid using hot water as it can set the stain. Use cold water and treat the stain as soon as possible.
• For dishes, a mixture of warm water, white vinegar, and liquid dish soap can be an effective pre-soak before scrubbing with a non-scratch sponge.
• For countertops, a paste of baking soda and water can be applied and scrubbed gently with a microfiber cloth. Lemon juice or vinegar can be added for extra cleaning power, but avoid using these on natural stone countertops.
• Always follow manufacturer instructions when using cleaning products, and avoid mixing different products together as it may produce undesirable results.

Lemon juice and baking soda

To make a more powerful scrub, create a paste by mixing lemon juice and baking soda. Gently rub the paste into your skin to exfoliate and lift the yellow pigment. Wash away with warm water.

If the stain persists, you can try using a Magic Eraser sponge, but be careful not to use abrasive materials on delicate surfaces like natural stone countertops, including granite and marble.

Liquid detergent

To remove turmeric stains from a pan, you can use liquid detergent in the following ways:

For Clothing and Fabric:

• Spot-treat stains quickly with water, then apply a small amount of liquid detergent to the stain and gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush or damp towel. Let the detergent soak for 10 minutes, then wash the item in cold water in the washing machine.
• Alternatively, you can soak the stained part of the fabric in a bowl of white vinegar for 20 minutes, then wring out the excess vinegar and repeat the process as needed.
• For oil-based stains, sprinkle baking soda on the stain and let it sit for 20 minutes, then brush off the excess powder.
• For white fabrics, you can use bleach to remove the stain. Add a few spoonfuls of bleach to a bucket of hot water and soak the garment for about 15 minutes before tossing it into the washing machine.
• If the stain persists, apply a paste of baking soda and lemon juice to the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes, then rinse and apply liquid detergent or stain remover.

For Dishes, Counters, and Cabinets:

• Soak stained dishes in a solution of two parts hot water and one part bleach or vinegar overnight.
• For countertops and cabinets, create a paste of one part baking soda and one part water, then apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Scrub the stained area with a clean, damp cloth and wash with dish soap and water.
• If the stain is still there, try using a Magic Eraser sponge, which is effective for removing stains due to its abrasive components.

Frequently asked questions