How to remove curry stains

Known for its fiery flavour, vivid colours, and rich, creamy sauce, curry is a favourite of takeaway enthusiasts and discerning gastronomes alike. However, as anybody who has ever missed their mouth will tell you, curry stain removal can be a tough task.

Vibrant spices such as saffron and turmeric have the ability to stain everything they touch. This makes our guide a useful place to come and discover how to remove curry stains from a variety of fabrics and materials. Read on for our top tips and tricks to be able to remove a curry stain with ease.

Removing curry stains: the basics

1. Remove any excess curry still on the fabric

   Use an implement with a clean edge (like a spoon or knife) to gently lift off any residue.

   

2. Blot the stain

   Do this to remove the majority of the moisture, being very careful not to scrub and smear it further and deeper into the fabric.

3. Test your stain removal method

   Always test any stain removal method on a small area first to ensure you don't damage the fabric.

4. Check the label

   Don't forget to check your garment’s care label.

5. Follow the directions

   Follow the directions on the packaging if you're using a commercial product.

6. Air dry clothes

   Always air dry unless you are certain the stain has been removed. If the stain isn’t fully out when you put it in a tumble dryer, the heat may set the stain for good.

How to get curry stains out of clothes

1. Apply detergent

   Apply a bit of liquid laundry detergent directly on the stain.

2. Rub in the detergent

   Starting at the edge and working towards the centre gently rub it in.

3. Allow to sit

   Allow it to sit for 30 minutes, or as long as directed on the product label. For more stubborn stains allow the detergent to sit on the fabric for longer – a few hours or even overnight.

4. Wash your clothing

   Wash the garment at a lower temperature, using a quality detergent such as Persil.

How to remove curry stains naturally

1. Apply lemon juice

   Slice a lemon in half and squeeze the juice over the stain.

   

2. Let it soak

   Leave the lemon juice to soak overnight.

3. Wash as normal

   Wash your garment as per the advice on the care label.

How to get a curry stain out with a homemade solution

1. Apply toothpaste

   Gently dab on a drop of toothpaste onto the stain.

   

2. Allow to settle

   Leave it for a couple of hours to allow the toothpaste to work its magic.

3. Wash as normal

   Wash the garment as usual following the advice on the care label of your garment.

3 steps to removing curry stains using a glycerine solution

1. Wet the stain

   Wet the stain thoroughly with warm water.

2. Mix the glycerin solution

   Mix an equal solution of glycerine and water and apply to the stained area.

3. Rinse then wash as normal

   Rinse again and then machine wash as usual with a biological detergent.

How to get curry out of clothes using hydrogen peroxide

1. Make the hydrogen peroxide solution

   Fill a spray bottle with one part 20-per-cent-volume hydrogen peroxide and nine parts water. Spray liberally onto the stained area.

2. Allow to soak

   Leave to soak for around four hours.

3. Wash the clothing

   Machine wash the garment with detergent, as directed on the care label.

4. Allow to dry

   If possible, allow to air dry using sunlight, which will help with the bleaching action (though leaving a garment for too long in the sun can cause discolouration, so be careful).

How to remove stubborn curry stains

1. Use an oxygen-based bleach.

   Look for the ingredient ‘sodium percarbonate’ on the label to know you have the right product, and only use a bleach that is designated as colour-safe if you're soaking a coloured garment.

   

2. Mix the solution following the instructions on the label.

   Take care to follow the safety guidelines on the product and wear protective clothing.

3. Soak the garment in the solution.

   We recommend doing so for up to 8 hours (but no longer than the product instructions direct).

4. Check the stain.

   If it’s no longer there, launder in the washing machine as usual.

How to remove curry stains from your hands

It’s easy to get curry stains on your hands, but you’ll want to get it off as soon as possible to avoid the risk of spreading to your clothes. Here are some simple steps for removing curry stains from your hands using baby oil.

1. Squeeze some baby oil onto a cotton wool pad.

2. Use the pad to wipe your hands and nails. 

3. Use as many pads as you need to get all the curry stains off.

4. Wash your hands afterwards using soap and water.

How to remove curry stains around your home

It's not just your clothes and hands that can end up needing you to remove a curry stain or two. From tablecloths to carpets we'll show you how to remove curry stains from a variety of surfaces below.

Removing curry stains from hard surfaces

If you've noticed curry on kitchen tops, floors, or any other hard surface first try an anti-bacterial spray using the instructions on the bottle. Alternatively, try to remove the curry stain with a homemade cleaning paste.

1. Mix water and baking soda together to form a paste.

2. Apply the solution to the stain and rub gently with a soft cloth.

3. Rinse and repeat as necessary.

For more cleaning advice using bicarbonate of soda, check out our uses and tips.

How to remove curry stains from furniture, table cloths and other household fabrics

Having a curry night in the comfort of your own home runs the risk of a few spillages and furniture stains. If you need to remove a curry stain from your furniture, follow the basic steps above before trying this method of curry stain removal.

1. If possible, remove any stained fabric and launder them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

2. If you can't wash the fabric, take a liquid biological detergent and rub a small amount directly into the stain.

3. Leave for a minute or so.

4. Dab the mark gently with a cold, wet cloth to flush out the stain.

5. Rinse the cloth, and repeat until the stain has gone.

Top tip: If you’re in a hurry and can’t get hold of a biological detergent, follow the same steps using a homemade solution. Simply mix together two cups of cold water, one tablespoon of a good quality washing up liquid, and one tablespoon of white vinegar.

Alternatively, if you are a curry fanatic, you can invest in a specialist furniture cleaner – just follow the instructions on the label.

How to get curry stains out of a carpet

If your curry happens to hit the carpet rather than your mouth, all is not lost. Just act fast, following these steps.

1. First, follow the basic steps above.

2. Create a homemade stain remover with one tablespoon of washing up liquid, one tablespoon of distilled white vinegar and 500ml of cold water.

3. Apply the solution to the stain, making sure to use a clean cloth.

4. Leave for a few minutes. Then blot with a dry cloth (rotating the cloth so you are always using a clean area).

5. Repeat until no colour is picked up by the cloth.

6. Use a clean cloth dabbed in hot water to remove any remaining solution.

7. Finally, dab out any wet spots with a dry cloth or paper towel. Leave the carpet to air dry.

How to remove curry stains from nails?

Removing curry stains from nails can be challenging, but there are a few methods to try. Start by washing your hands with soap and warm water, using a nail brush to scrub under the nails. If the stain persists, create a paste with baking soda and water and gently rub it onto the stained nails. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Alternatively, you can try using lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide as natural bleaching agents. Soak your nails in a small bowl of either solution for a few minutes, then rinse and moisturise your hands. Eating in a state of high alert isn’t fun for anyone. Luckily, with these tips for removing curry stains from a number of different surfaces you can enjoy a delicious curry and relax, knowing that you’re prepared for anything. Now you know how to remove curry stains on your clothing, check out how to remove grease stains from clothes in our comprehensive guide.