Pakistani cuisine uses liberal doses of turmeric in almost every dish, and while this spice is great for our immunity and health, the end-result of this can be a nasty yellow stain that is hard to get rid of. How can you tackle tough turmeric stains in your home? We bring you the low down.
Quick Cleaning tips keep in mind when removing Turmeric Strains:
- Wipe the surface right away, so the stain doesn’t set.
- Use cold water, and not hot water as heat will also cause the colour to deepen.
- Marble is porous, so if your kitchen counter or floor is made of marble, you should always get the surface sealed.
- Bleach and lime are not safe for use on marble as they will cause the surface to get etched.
- Sunlight is known to fade a turmeric stain. If you can allow the stain to sit in sunlight for a while, the intensity will reduce.
- Even if the stain does not go away initially, rest assured that it will diminish over time. Keep cleaning the surface daily.
Baking Soda to the Rescue
If the stain is from liquid turmeric, pack baking soda around the stain and leave it for a while. The powder will absorb the stain, which can then be lifted off with a tissue. Always lift the tissue gently; don’t wipe it across the surface as it could spread.
Alternatively, make a cleaning solution by dissolving 1 2/3 cups baking soda in 1/2 cup of liquid soap. Add another half cup of water and two tablespoons of vinegar. This is a potent mix that will get your counter sparkling again.
Another hack is to make a paste of baking soda in water, leave it on a tough stain and let it sit for a couple of minutes before wiping it clean. Use a microfiber cloth to lift tiny particles with ease.
Try Toothpaste To Remove Turmeric Strain
White toothpaste, not the gel variety, will work for this hack. After the stain has been lifted using tissue, apply a thick layer of toothpaste on the surface and let it sit for ten minutes. Using cold water, wipe it away while minimizing the spread of the stain.
Vinegar and Lemon Juice
Make a solution of white vinegar(not any other kind) in water or lemon juice in water, and wipe the stain, allowing the solution to soak in the stained surface. You can use a microfiber cloth or a scrubber to wipe the surface after ten minutes.
Liquid Organic Cleaners
Organic cleaners are gentle and non-abrasive, and sometimes work where harsher solutions have failed. What’s more, you can apply them in concentrated form on the surface as they do not contain chemicals. Let the cleaner soak in the stain and then wipe it off.
Bleach
Diluted bleach can be applied on hard, non-porous surfaces like granite to wipe away any stains. Make sure that bleach is never used on marble, limestone or softer stones as it can permanently damage the surface.
Turmeric on Fabrics
Turmeric stains on your cleaning cloths are sometimes tough to remove. Apply the juice from half a lemon on the stain and leave it till it dries. Then, wash the fabric with a strong detergent and dry it in the sun. Note that the turmeric tends to turn red when it mixes with the soap, do not get alarmed as this is natural! In most cases, the stain will disappear entirely in direct sunlight. Sunlight would also cause the fabric colour to fade overall, so do not leave the cloth outside for too long.
Turmeric Stains on Stove Tops or Appliances
Stainless steel countertops will not cause turmeric to stain. Wiping with any cleaner will suffice, and the stain will get lifted right away.
