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Messy Mustard

HELP !! Being the messy gourmet that I am, I have spilled mustard on my salmon-coloured 100% cotton T-shirt. How in the world do I get it out?? (Laura)
I have heard mustard is the hardest thing to get out and I believe this to be true-does any one have an idea as to what I should try? (Patti A.)

Laura, mustard goes very nicely with salmon. Patti, mustard stains are very difficult to remove because they contain a yellow dye. Try using a liquid detergent and hot water and hand wash the clothing item by scrubbing vigorously. If a stain remains try washing it again with all-fabric bleach.

Slight correction from David M.:
What makes yellow mustard so yellow is turmeric. It is also what makes curry yellow, and of course, it can stain things rather potently. Tumeric can also be used as a cheap coloring substitute for saffron.

Here are some other reader suggestions:

Prevention is the best medicine...
You're lucky your t-shirt wasn't silk! My desire for mustard, BBQ or berries is always in direct proportion to how new, how white and how expensive the silk I'm wearing is! While there is a new stain removal product on the market which comes in various formulae for specific types of stains (Carbona, available at all large market chains), MY solution is always to wear black t-shirts whenever I eat ANYTHING messy. It is preferable to wear the t-shirt inside out while eating and then, if necessary, off to the bathroom for a quick reversal -- VOILA, you look civilized again! OR, better yet, wear absolutely NOTHING and enjoy being messy. Does this help? (MsDelcious)

Practical products...
A great product in heavy use in our household is Zout. It gets out everything! If not try some dishwasher detergent as it does a pretty good job on food stains. Good Luck! (Einer)

Lestoil works wonders on mustard stains. Wet area; pour on some Lestoil; work it in. Let it sit for 15 minutes and wash as usual - warm water to hot water the best.(Sharon F.)

If you can't beat it...
If you can't get the mustard it out, take the path of least resistance, and squirt some in blobs all over the shirt. Let the stains set for a couple of days, and wash, and you will have a shirt that looks like it is supposed to be that way. (Sharon M.)

Let us know what you think!