Turmeric is a vivid yellow-orange spice renowned for its culinary and health benefits, like reducing inflammation, enhancing brain function, and lowering heart disease risk. Yet, this super spice has a disadvantage: it leaves stubborn stains on fabrics and hard surfaces. Despite its healthy reputation, turmeric poses a cleaning challenge, especially when it comes into contact with clothing, dishes, and countertops.

When cooking with turmeric, use metal or dark-colored utensils, as well as dark-colored table linens and serving pieces. White or light-colored items will show stains from turmeric that are difficult to remove. Additionally, pay particular attention to rinsing items used for cooking and serving after they’ve been in contact with turmeric to reduce the spice’s propensity for staining. Wear food service-grade gloves if you use your hands to prepare foods containing turmeric.

When a turmeric stain happens, use these techniques to remove it from clothing, table linens, counters, dishes, hands, and more.

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What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

• Non-scratch scrub sponge
• Magic Eraser
• Laundry brush
• Nail brush

Materials

• Laundry detergent
• Rubbing alcohol
• Laundry bluing
• Baking soda
• Lemon juice
• Citrus dish soap
• Hand soap
• Hand cream or salve

Instructions

How to Remove Turmeric Stains from Clothes and Table Linens

Turmeric stains on fabric can be stubborn and may need multiple treatments for complete removal. Follow these steps to tackle turmeric stains on clothes, dish towels, or table linens.

Step 1: Remove Solids

1. Use a spoon to lift off any turmeric or food containing it. Ensure you remove all solids before treating the stain, as adding liquid at this stage can cause it to spread and become more challenging to remove.

Step 2: Pretreat Stain

1. Apply rubbing alcohol, citrus dish soap, or liquid laundry detergent directly to the stained area to pretreat it. Let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes before proceeding.

Step 3: Launder in Cold Water

1. Wash the item as usual using cold water. After laundering, let the item air-dry. Keep in mind that turmeric stains might require several treatments, and using a dryer can set the stain, so avoid heat.

Step 4: Treat with Laundry Bluing (Optional)

1. For persistent turmeric stains on fabric, you might need to use laundry bluing, a product that counteracts yellow stains on clothing and textiles, including those from turmeric.

How to Remove Turmeric Stains from Countertops 

When turmeric spills on countertops during cooking, you can tackle the stains effectively using simple pantry items and some effort.

Step 1: Brush Away Turmeric

1. Gently brush away any powdered turmeric from the countertop. Avoid wiping or smearing it, and refrain from using liquid cleaners at this stage to prevent spreading.

Step 2: Apply a Baking Soda Paste

1. Create a paste using equal parts baking soda and water. Spread the paste over the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Gently Scrub the Stain

1. Gently scrub the stain using a damp, non-scratch sponge in a circular motion to work in the baking soda paste. Wipe away the paste. If the stain persists, repeat the process until it fades.

Step 4: Use a Magic Eraser (Optional)

1. If the baking soda paste doesn't fully remove the stain, try using a Magic Eraser, a type of melamine foam. Wet the sponge, wring it out, and gently rub it over the stain. The sponge will naturally wear down as you use it.

How to Remove Turmeric Stains from Dishes and Utensils

Turmeric stains can be persistent on dishes and utensils, even post-dishwasher. Use these steps to remove stains from plastic, glass, silicone, and ceramic items.

Step 1: Soak the Item

1. In a sink or dishpan, mix warm water with a few drops of citrus dish soap. Place the stained item in this solution and let it soak for 15 to 30 minutes.
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Step 2: Scrub and Rinse

1. Once soaked, use a non-scratch sponge to scrub the item, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Step 3: Apply a Baking Soda Paste (Optional)

1. If any stains persist post-scrubbing, prepare a paste of baking soda and water. Rub this paste onto the stain in a circular motion, then rinse it off with warm water.

Step 4: Use a Magic Eraser (Optional)

1. If the stain still remains after using the baking soda paste, try a Magic Eraser sponge to effectively remove it.

Step 5: Place in the Dishwasher (Optional)

1. To address any remaining stains, consider running the items through the dishwasher using a stain-fighting detergent.

How to Remove Turmeric Stains from Hands

Handling turmeric can stain hands and nails yellow or orange. While wearing food service gloves is advisable during food prep, if stains occur, follow these steps to remove them from your skin.

Step 1: Wash Hands and Fingernails

1. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap, using a nail brush to scrub under your nails to eliminate as much turmeric as possible.

Step 2: Apply Rubbing Alcohol

1. Use a cotton pad or ball to apply rubbing alcohol to the turmeric stains on your hands and nails, much like you would with nail polish remover.

Step 3: Apply a Baking Soda and Citrus Paste (Optional)

1. If stains remain post-alcohol treatment, create an exfoliating paste of baking soda and lemon or lime juice. Rub it into your hands, focusing on spaces between fingers and under nails where turmeric lingers. Rinse with warm water after use.

Step 4: Soak Hands in Dish Soap (Optional)

1. Should the turmeric stains persist, soak your hands in a mixture of warm water and citrus dish soap for 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 5: Wash and Moisturize Hands

1. Once you've removed the turmeric stains, clean your hands thoroughly and apply a moisturizer or salve to negate the drying effects of alcohol on your skin.