Adding a dash of turmeric brightens any dish with its beautiful golden hue and delightful flavor—but then there are those persistent, hard-to-remove stains that just won’t budge with a mere damp cloth. This cherished kitchen staple, while fabulous in our meals, tends to leave its stubborn, vivid marks everywhere: on plastics, steel pans, upholstery, and other household items.
Thus, it’s important to quickly treat turmeric stains. Curcumin, the compound in turmeric, not only bestows it with that rich, golden color but also acts as a potent dye that adheres firmly to fabrics and surfaces. Follow these straightforward steps to safeguard your plastic items, steel pans, juicer, rice cooker, and chair upholstery with ease.
How to Clean Turmeric Stains from Plastic
Turmeric wonderfully brightens your dishes, yet it also has a knack for leaving tenacious stains, particularly on your plastic kitchenware—think food containers, lids, cutting boards, measuring cups and spoons, knives, and even refrigerator shelves and drawers. No need to despair! There are effective, easy ways to lift these stubborn stains using household items you likely already have. Here are some practical methods to remove turmeric stains from your plastic items.
Baking Soda Paste
- Mix equal parts baking soda and water to form a paste.
- Apply the paste over the stained area.
- Leave it for 15 minutes or until it dries.
- Scrub it off with warm water and dish soap.
Oxygen Bleach
- Prepare a paste with equal amounts of oxygen bleach powder and water.
- Smear the paste on the stained area and let it act for 30 minutes.
- Rinse it well with warm water and dish soap.
Melamine Foam (Magic Eraser)
- Use a melamine foam sponge, commonly known as Magic Eraser, to gently erase the stain without scratching your plastics.
Glycerin Solution
- Combine 2 cups of water, 1/4 cup of liquid dish soap, and 1/4 cup of glycerin.
- Apply the solution on the stain, leaving it there for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
Chlorine Bleach Solution (Handle with Care)
- In a large basin, mix 2 cups of water and 1 cup of bleach for soaking.
- Place the stained plastic in this solution overnight. Ensure not to use concentrated bleach to prevent damage.
- Rinse and wash with dish soap and warm water the next day.
White Vinegar Solution
- In a sink filled with water, add 2 cups of white vinegar and a few drops of dish soap.
- Allow the stained plastic to soak overnight.
- The next day, give it a good scrub and rinse. For any remaining stains, a baking soda and water paste might be your next best step.
Removing Turmeric Stains from Steel Pans
When preparing dishes with turmeric—like curry, rice, or soup—steel pans often acquire turmeric stains due to its bright yellow hue. Washing them promptly with hot water and dish soap right after use can be pivotal in preventing those stains. If a stain has set, there are effective methods available, using either natural or commercial cleaners.
Vinegar Solution
Vinegar, a natural acid, effortlessly dissolves turmeric stains. Follow these steps for a clean your pan.
- Mix one part vinegar with two parts water.
- Apply to the stain using a cloth or sponge.
- Allow it to sit for approximately 10 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly.
Baking Soda & Dish Soap Paste
A blend of baking soda and dish soap can work wonders on turmeric stains.
- Form a paste by mixing equal parts baking soda and dish soap.
- Gently rub over the stain with a soft cloth, ensuring to scrub without damaging the pan.
- Rinse and dry after application.
Bar Keepers Friend
For those tougher stains, Bar Keepers Friend may be your ally:
- Sprinkle the cleaner over the stain, adding a touch of water to create a paste.
- Gently scrub the stain using a non-scratch sponge or cloth.
- Following this, rinse with warm water and ensure the pan is dried thoroughly.
Cleaning Turmeric from Rice Cooker and Juicer
It’s no secret that turmeric can leave behind a stubborn yellowish tint on your home appliances. But, with a little know-how, getting rid of those pesky stains is perfectly manageable. Here are a few methods you can employ to clean turmeric from your rice cooker and juicer.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
- Sprinkle baking soda over the stain.
- Pour vinegar, observing a satisfying fizz that lifts the stain.
- Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a sponge or cloth.
- Rinse with warm water and thoroughly dry the appliance.
Lemon Juice
- Apply freshly squeezed lemon juice over the stain.
- Let it penetrate for 15-20 minutes.
- Scrub with a cloth or sponge.
- Rinse and dry thoroughly.
White Vinegar Solution
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water.
- Use a sponge or cloth to scrub the stain.
- Remember to rinse with warm water and dry.
Glycerin Solution
- Combine two cups of water, 1/4 cup of liquid dish soap, and 1/4 cup of glycerine.
- Blot over the stain and leave for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Hydrogen Peroxide
- Apply a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to the stain.
- Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing off.
- Use sparingly to avoid any potential damage to your appliance.
Note
- For Juicers: Ensure to disassemble and remove any removable parts, cleaning each part separately and ensuring all nooks and crannies are turmeric-free.
- For Rice Cookers: Ensure the cooker is unplugged and completely cool before starting the cleaning process. Pay special attention to the interior coating to avoid damaging it during scrubbing.
Cleaning Turmeric Color from Chair Upholstery
Chair upholstery is crafted with a variety of materials, such as cotton, polyester, wool, leather, and velvet, each possessing distinct cleaning needs and stain-resistant qualities. If you find yourself grappling with stubborn turmeric stains on these varied surfaces, specific cleaning approaches need to be employed. Let’s delve into these straightforward steps and work together to preserve the beauty of your cherished seating!
Before You Begin
Always test the cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area of the upholstery first. This ensures that the cleaning solution does not cause unexpected damage or discoloration to the fabric. Be gentle—scrubbing the stain too vigorously could harm the fabric. After cleaning, rinse the upholstery thoroughly to banish any remaining solution and dry it promptly to thwart any potential mold and mildew growth.
Instructions
- Cotton: Cotton, a natural fabric, welcomes cleaning with water-based solutions like baking soda and vinegar or lemon juice. Simply sprinkle baking soda on the stain, then pour vinegar or lemon juice over it to create a fizz, let it sit for few minutes, scrub, rinse, and dry.
- Polyester: Managing turmeric stains on synthetic polyester fabric can be achieved with solvent-based cleaners like Tuff Stuff or Resolve. Adhere to the instructions on the product label, applying the cleaner to the stain and addressing it with a sponge or cloth.
- Wool: Wool requires a gentle touch and a cautious approach with a diluted solution of vinegar or lemon juice. Gently dab the stain with a solution-soaked sponge or cloth, avoiding rubbing, and then rinse with cold water and blot dry.
- Leather: Leather benefits from specialty cleaners like saddle soap or leather conditioner, which help to not only clean but also preserve the material. Following product instructions, apply the cleaner with a soft cloth, steering clear of water and harsh chemicals.
- Velvet: When it comes to velvet, a fabric sensitive to water and heat, a light spray of a diluted vinegar or lemon juice solution can be your ally. Spray, blot, and use a low-heat hair dryer for safe and effective drying.
When to Call a Professional
If the material of your chair upholstery is labeled as ‘dry clean only,’ or if the turmeric stain simply refuses to vanish despite your diligent efforts, seeking the expertise of a professional might be your best bet. Professional cleaners possess the right tools and knowledge to treat a variety of fabric types and can safely eliminate stains without jeopardizing the integrity of your beloved furnishings.