How to Remove Tandoori Sauce Stains from Clothes?

 

Assess the Stain and Gather Supplies

 

• Check the fabric care label. Determine if the garment is machine washable, hand washable, or if it requires dry cleaning.
• Gather supplies such as a spoon or dull knife, cold water, mild detergent, liquid dish soap, white vinegar, and a soft-bristled brush (like an old toothbrush).
• Remember: The sooner you treat the stain, the higher the chances of complete removal.

 

Remove Excess Tandoori Sauce

 

• Gently scrape off any clumps of the tandoori sauce using the spoon or dull knife. Do not press the sauce deeper into the fabric.
• Avoid rubbing at this stage, as this can force the pigment further into the fibers.

 

Rinse with Cold Water

 

• Hold the stained area under a cold running tap to flush out as much sauce as possible.
• Do this from the back of the fabric to help push the sauce out, rather than driving it in.

 

Pre-Treat the Stain

 

• Mix a solution of equal parts liquid dish soap and white vinegar. Alternatively, use a small amount of liquid laundry detergent directly on the stain.
• Apply the mixture to the stain, gently dabbing with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush.
• Allow the solution to sit and penetrate the fabric for at least 10-15 minutes. For stubborn stains, you may let it sit longer (avoid letting it dry completely).

 

Soak the Garment

 

• Fill a basin or sink with cold water and add a bit more detergent or a stain remover if available.
• Submerge the garment and gently agitate it for about 30 minutes. This helps loosen the stain further.
• If the stain persists, consider soaking for up to an hour while periodically checking the progress.

 

Gently Agitate and Brush the Stain Area

 

• After soaking, single out the stained area and carefully work the fabric together to help release the sauce residue.
• Use the soft-bristled brush in gentle, circular motions to break up any remaining deposit. Be cautious on delicate fabrics.

 

Rinse Thoroughly and Check Progress

 

• After treatment, rinse the garment thoroughly with cold water.
• Inspect the stain. If it remains, repeat the pre-treatment and soaking steps before proceeding to wash.

 

Machine Wash or Hand Wash

 

• If the garment is machine washable, launder using a cycle suitable for the fabric. Use cold or warm water as per care instructions; avoid hot water which can set the stain.
• For hand-wash only items, gently wash the garment using cold water and a gentle detergent until the stain diminishes.
• Avoid overloading the garment in the machine to ensure thorough cleaning.

 

Air Dry and Inspect

 

• Let the garment air dry; do not use high heat from a dryer as it may set any remaining stain.
• Once dry, inspect the area. If traces of the stain persist, repeat the cleaning process before drying again.

 

Additional Tips

 

• Always perform a spot test with any cleaning mixture on a hidden area of the fabric first to check for colorfastness.
• For delicate or vintage fabrics, consider consulting a professional cleaner to avoid damage.
• If the stain remains after multiple attempts, use a commercial stain remover designed for protein-based stains following the product instructions carefully.