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Removing curry stains

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Martijn Peters
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    Removing curry stains

    A curry stain is easily made: a spoon that spills, spilling while serving, or an enthusiastic toddler, and before you know it, there is a yellow stain on your floor, sofa, or clothing. What makes this stain particularly troublesome is the combination of strong colourants such as turmeric, greasy sauce and often spices that can penetrate deep into the material. This can cause the stain to remain visible and also leave behind an odour or stickiness. Light-coloured upholstery and porous floors are particularly susceptible to permanent discolouration.

    When it comes to curry stains, the sooner you act, the greater the chance of removing the stain completely. If you allow it to soak in, the stain may adhere to the fibres or penetrate the top layer of the floor, making it more difficult to remove. Fortunately, there is no reason to panic. With the right approach, even this stubborn stain can be effectively removed. Below you can read exactly what you can do to get your surface clean again, depending on the type of surface.

    Voor deze vlekken geldt hetzelfde advies: curry

    Characteristics (anatomy) of a curry stain

    Curry stains are notorious for their striking colour and stubbornness. The yellow colour is mainly due to turmeric, a spice that stains strongly and quickly adheres to textiles and porous surfaces. In addition, curry often contains oil or fat, which means that the stain is not only visible but can also feel sticky. The combination of grease and dye causes the stain to penetrate deep into the fibres or top layer of a floor. If the stain is not treated quickly, it can lead to permanent discolouration or a dull, greasy spot that is difficult to remove. Curry stains are particularly noticeable on light-coloured surfaces.

    Removing curry stains from carpets or rugs

    Carpets and rugs are susceptible to curry stains because they are made of fibres that quickly absorb moisture and grease. Especially when the curry is left to sit for a while, the colourings and oily components soak deep into the carpet. The yellow colour of turmeric easily sticks to fibres and can be difficult to remove, especially from lighter-coloured carpets or deep-pile fabrics.

    If you do not address the stain immediately, you run the risk of permanent discolouration or a sticky spot that attracts dirt. In addition, odours can linger in the curry, causing an unpleasant smell to develop over time. The longer the stain remains, the deeper it penetrates the fibre structure, and the more difficult it becomes to remove it completely.

    When cleaning a curry stain from the carpet, make sure you only treat the affected area to prevent the stain from spreading. Do not use large amounts of water and ensure that you dry the carpet thoroughly after cleaning.Do not use large amounts of water and ensure that you dry the carpet thoroughly after cleaning. Avoid using all-purpose cleaners or household remedies; these can make the stain worse or damage the fibres.

    First treat with James Stainspray, then with James Stainwonder

    This stain can be treated with James Stainspray and James Stainwonder. For this, you will need James Stain Spray, James Stain Wonder, and a white cotton terry towel. First, test both products on an inconspicuous area for colour and material fastness: apply, allow to dry, and assess.

    First step:

    • Spray James Stainspray on a dry, white cotton cloth.
    • Use this cloth to wipe the purpose area using wide sweeping strokes, without spreading it further. Repeat frequently with a clean part of the cloth.
    • It removes grease and oil components.

    Second step:

    • Allow the surface to dry completely.
    • Apply James Stainwonder to the dry stain by turning the bottle upside down, placing the opening of the bottle on the stain and treating the entire stain.
    • The product works for 12 hours, so the effect does not have to be visible immediately.*
    • Is the stain not completely gone after treatment, but it has improved? You may repeat the treatment.

    * With wool: in the vast majority of cases James Stainwonder does not cause any discolouration. You have already established this by testing the product in an inconspicuous area as described above. In that case, you do not need to carry out the following step. If a (slight) discolouration did occur, you should neutralise James Stainwonder as soon as the stain has disappeared. In this case, immediately place a damp cotton cloth on the spot where the stain was and let it dry.

    First treat with James Stainspray, then with James Stainwonder

    This stain can be treated with James Stainspray and James Stainwonder. For this, you will need James Stain Spray, James Stain Wonder, and a white cotton terry towel. First, test both products on an inconspicuous area for colour and material fastness: apply, allow to dry, and assess.

    First step:

    • Spray James Stainspray on a dry, white cotton cloth.
    • Use this cloth to wipe the purpose area using wide sweeping strokes, without spreading it further. Repeat frequently with a clean part of the cloth.
    • It removes grease and oil components.

    Second step:

    • Allow the surface to dry completely.
    • Apply James Stainwonder to the dry stain by turning the bottle upside down, placing the opening of the bottle on the stain and treating the entire stain.
    • The product works for 12 hours, so the effect does not have to be visible immediately.*
    • Is the stain not completely gone after treatment, but it has improved? You may repeat the treatment.

    * With wool: in the vast majority of cases James Stainwonder does not cause any discolouration. You have already established this by testing the product in an inconspicuous area as described above. In that case, you do not need to carry out the following step. If a (slight) discolouration did occur, you should neutralise James Stainwonder as soon as the stain has disappeared. In this case, immediately place a damp cotton cloth on the spot where the stain was and let it dry.

    Removing curry stains from hard floors

    On hard floors such as PVC, vinyl, laminate, LVT and natural stone, a curry stain can leave permanent marks surprisingly quickly. The combination of fats and colourings in curry means that the stain not only remains on the surface, but can also penetrate small pores, seams or scratches. Turmeric, which is responsible for the yellow colour, easily sticks to the top layer of the floor and often leaves a noticeable stain – especially on light-coloured floors.

    If the stain is not removed immediately, differences in gloss or even dull spots may occur. With laminate and PVC, the protective top layer can be damaged, making the floor more susceptible to further soiling. On natural stone, there is a greater risk of grease and colourants being absorbed, which can lead to discolouration or a permanent haze. Over time, the area may also feel sticky and attract dirt.

    When cleaning a curry stain on hard floors, be careful with the use of water. Too much moisture can cause damage, especially to laminate or wooden parts in the vicinity. Avoid aggressive cleaning agents or abrasive sponges, as these can damage the top layer. Only treat the affected area and dry the surface thoroughly to prevent further problems.

    Treatment with James Remover

    This stain can be treated with James Remover. Before use, always test the surface in an inconspicuous place for colour and material resistance: apply, leave to set for 5 minutes, wipe the tested area with water, allow to dry and assess.

    • Spray directly onto the purpose area
    • Leave to soak for about 1 to 5 minutes
    • Then, use a white cotton cloth to remove the grease
    • If necessary, gently treat stubborn stains with a soft brush or plastic spatula.
    • After use, always clean the area with water.

    Attention: be careful when working near a glue seams. Allow James Remover to soak in shortly. Do not let the product penetrate into cracks or seams.

    Treat using a moist cotton cloth

    This stain can be treated immediately with water. Use clean water and preferably a white, cotton cloth.

    Removing curry stains from upholstery fabric

    A curry stain on a sofa or chair is not only immediately visible, but also treacherously stubborn. Furniture fabrics, especially those with an open or coarse weave, quickly absorb the greasy sauce and yellow colourings. Turmeric is known for its strong colouring power and can adhere deeply to fibres. If the stain is not dealt with quickly, you run the risk of the discolouration becoming permanent – especially on light-coloured upholstery.

    In addition to discolouration, the oil in curry can spread through the fibres to the underlying filling. This can cause a persistent odour or a stain that seems to keep getting bigger. In addition, any residue left behind can attract dirt, making the area darker and increasingly difficult to clean.

    When removing a curry stain from upholstery fabric, caution is important. Do not use excessive amounts of moisture and only treat the area where the stain is located. This will prevent the stain from penetrating further into the fabric or spreading. Also avoid aggressive cleaners or abrasive agents, as these can damage the fabric or cause colour differences.

    First treat with James Stainspray, then with James Stainwonder

    This stain can be treated with James Stainspray and James Stainwonder. You will need James Stain Spray, James Stain Wonder and a white terry towel. First test both products on an inconspicuous area for colour and material fastness: apply, allow to dry and assess.

    First step:

    • Spray James Stainspray on a dry, white cotton cloth.
    • Use this cloth to wipe the purpose area using wide sweeping strokes, without spreading it further. Repeat frequently with a clean part of the cloth.
    • It removes grease and oil components.

    Second step:

    • Allow the surface to dry completely.
    • Apply James Stainwonder to the dry stain by turning the bottle upside down, placing the opening of the bottle on the stain and treating the entire stain. Spread a little James Stainwonder on a clean, dry cotton cloth towel and use it to cover the stain. This is to prevent circles from appearing after drying.
    • The product works for 12 hours, so the effect does not have to be immediate. Do not remove the cotton cloth until it is dry to see the result.*
    • Is the stain not completely gone after treatment, but it has improved? You may repeat the treatment.

    * With wool: in the vast majority of cases James Stainwonder does not cause any discolouration. You have already established this by testing the product in an inconspicuous area as described above. In that case, you do not need to carry out the following step. If there is a (slight) discolouration, neutralise James Stainwonder with water as soon as the stain has disappeared (to do this, however, lift the cotton cloth in between to be able to assess whether the stain has already disappeared). In this case, immediately place another damp cotton cloth on the spot where the stain was and let it dry.

    First treat with James Stainspray, then with James Stainwonder

    This stain can be treated with James Stainspray and James Stainwonder. You will need James Stain Spray, James Stain Wonder and a white terry towel. First test both products on an inconspicuous area for colour and material fastness: apply, allow to dry and assess.

    First step:

    • Spray James Stainspray on a dry, white cotton cloth.
    • Use this cloth to wipe the purpose area using wide sweeping strokes, without spreading it further. Repeat frequently with a clean part of the cloth.
    • It removes grease and oil components.

    Second step:

    • Allow the surface to dry completely.
    • Apply James Stainwonder to the dry stain by turning the bottle upside down, placing the opening of the bottle on the stain and treating the entire stain. Spread a little James Stainwonder on a clean, dry cotton cloth towel and use it to cover the stain. This is to prevent circles from appearing after drying.
    • The product works for 12 hours, so the effect does not have to be immediate. Do not remove the cotton cloth until it is dry to see the result.*
    • Is the stain not completely gone after treatment, but it has improved? You may repeat the treatment.

    * With wool: in the vast majority of cases James Stainwonder does not cause any discolouration. You have already established this by testing the product in an inconspicuous area as described above. In that case, you do not need to carry out the following step. If there is a (slight) discolouration, neutralise James Stainwonder with water as soon as the stain has disappeared (to do this, however, lift the cotton cloth in between to be able to assess whether the stain has already disappeared). In this case, immediately place another damp cotton cloth on the spot where the stain was and let it dry.

    Would you also like to benefit from James’ effective stain removal? Discover our full range and order your James products easily online. You’ll soon be enjoying a clean and stain-free interior again!

    Frequently asked questions and myths

    There are all sorts of stories going around about how to remove these curry stains. From granny’s remedies to persistent tips from the internet – but what really works? In this section, we answer frequently asked questions and debunk a few myths. This allows you to get started with confidence.

    I have heard that the best way to remove turmeric from curry is with lemon juice. Is that correct?

    Lemon juice is often mentioned as a home remedy for turmeric or curry stains, as the acid is said to help bleach the yellow colour. In practice, however, this rarely works well and can even cause damage to your floor or furniture fabric, especially with sensitive materials such as natural stone or coloured fabrics. In addition, the acid may react with certain finishes or cause discolouration. It is wiser to choose a professional cleaner that is tailored to the type of surface and the nature of the stain.

    The curry stain seems to have disappeared, but after a few days a yellow haze reappears. How is that possible?

    This is often because the colourings or fats from the curry have penetrated deeper into the material and have not been completely removed. With carpet or upholstery fabric, the stain can migrate back to the surface through the fibres. A thin layer of grease may remain on hard floors, which may discolour or attract dirt later on. That is why it is important not only to treat the visible part of the stain, but also to dry it thoroughly and ensure that no residue remains. For best results, use a suitable product such as James Stain Remover for a thorough approach.

    Can I bleach curry stains with baking soda?

    Although baking soda is sometimes touted as a solution for stains, it is not a safe choice for curry stains. It has a slightly abrasive effect, which can damage your floor or fabric, and it usually does not remove the colour effectively. It can also cause white circles or new colour differences on fabric surfaces. It is preferable to use a product that is tailored to the material and has been tested for safety, such as James products, which are specially developed for textiles or hard floors.

    Will a curry stain remain if I don't clean it immediately?

    A curry stain does not necessarily have to be permanent, but the longer you wait, the greater the chance that the colourants will set and the fats will penetrate deeper into the material. Particularly with materials such as natural stone, light-coloured carpets or furniture fabrics with an open structure, delay can lead to permanent discolouration. It is therefore really important to act quickly – even if you are only providing first aid at that moment, such as removing excess curry and patting the area dry.

    Can I use a steam cleaner to remove curry stains from carpet or sofa?

    It sounds logical: high temperatures to release fat and colour. However, a steam cleaner is usually not a good idea for curry stains. The heat can actually set the colourings in the curry, making the stain even more difficult to remove. In addition, you can damage furniture fabric or carpets with sensitive fibres, or push the moisture too deep into the padding. It is preferable to choose a method that uses as little moisture as possible and the correct cleaner, tailored to the type of material.

    Deal with any stain using the right approach from James

    Curry stains may be stubborn, but fortunately they can be removed with the right approach. Whether it’s carpet, upholstery or hard flooring, James offers effective and safe solutions that really work. With nearly 100 years of experience and extensive testing, you can be confident that you are tackling stains without causing damage. Therefore, use James products to restore your surface to its former glory and feel free to contact us for personalised advice – we are happy to assist you.