Turmeric’s rich flavor and usefulness as a natural food coloring additive make it a prime ingredient in many dishes. However, this spice can also leave behind stubborn yellow stains on kitchen cabinets and countertops. If this happens to you, how do you remove turmeric stains from kitchen cabinets?
Always remove turmeric stains from kitchen cabinets right after a spill. The stains grow more stubborn and deep-set the longer you let them sit. You want to remove the stains without damaging your cabinet’s finish, so warm water, soap, vinegar, and a soft cloth/ sponge are the main ingredients necessary for this task.
Here’s a post explaining how to remove turmeric stains from kitchen cabinets. Before we start, let’s review why turmeric stains are tough to wash away.
Why Turmeric Stains Are Tough to Remove
Curcumin levels in turmeric are pretty high, giving turmeric its distinctive yellow color. Curcumin has strong staining properties and can easily penetrate into porous surfaces such as wood or laminate used in kitchen cabinets.
How Strong Pigmentation Stains Your Cabinets
One ounce of turmeric will add more color to a gallon of water than most other grocery items. Only a small amount of turmeric is needed to give dishes and drinks that beautiful golden color.
When spilled or splattered, these potent pigments can leave behind unsightly stains on your kitchen cabinets. Curcumin is also oil-soluble, meaning it can bond well with oily substances like cooking oil or grease.
Oil-solubility makes turmeric stains even more challenging to remove, as they often occur in the kitchen where such spills are common. You may need the same effort required for cleaning white cabinets that have yellowed.
Supplies Needed to Remove Turmeric Stains from Cabinets
To effectively remove turmeric stains from kitchen cabinets, you will need:
1. Hydrogen Peroxide
It’s a potent oxidizing agent commonly used in household cleaning products. Apply some diluted hydrogen peroxide on a cloth and gently scrub the stained area.
When applied to the stain, the hydrogen peroxide will fizzle, indicating that it is reacting with the turmeric and breaking down its color compounds. Rinse and repeat until the stain disappears.
It may leave a slight bleaching effect, so test a small, inconspicuous area first before using it on the entire stain.
Hydrogen peroxide also has other benefits when used in cleaning. It helps sterilize bacteria and viruses, so it’s a great disinfectant for kitchen surfaces.
2. Dish Soap
Dish soap is a staple in every kitchen and helps remove oily turmeric stains from cabinets. It contains surfactants that cut through the oily residue and help lift it from the surface.
Mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water. Then, dip a sponge in the soapy, warm water and use it to scrub on the stain gently.
Rinse with clean water, and repeat the washing process until the stain fades and disappears.
3. Baking Soda
Baking soda is another versatile household cleaning agent that helps to wear off turmeric stains from cabinets. Its abrasive texture helps scrub away stubborn stains, while its alkaline nature can help neutralize turmeric’s acidic components.
Mix baking soda and water in equal ratio for a gentle scrubbing paste. Then, spread it on the stain and wait about 10 minutes before gently scrubbing it with a soft-bristle brush or sponge. Rinse with water and repeat if needed.
Baking soda also has deodorizing properties, making it an effective solution for removing unpleasant odors and turmeric stains.
4. Warm Water
Warm water helps loosen up the stain and makes it easier to remove. Avoid hot water, which may damage your cabinet’s finish. Cold water won’t lather as well, nor will it help break up oil-based stains.
5. White Vinegar
Some natural cleaning agents like white vinegar have acidic properties that aid in breaking down turmeric pigments and greasy messes too.
You want white vinegar, not apple cider vinegar, as it may stain your cabinets. Dilute white vinegar with warm water and apply it to the stain with a sponge. Wait about 15 minutes before wiping it clean with water.
6. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice contains citric acid, which can help dissolve turmeric pigments, making it easier to remove from surfaces.
Mix lemon juice with warm water in an equal ratio and apply the mixture to the stain. Let it sit briefly before wiping it clean with a damp cloth.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Methods
Let’s review three different methods to remove turmeric stains from kitchen cabinets.
Method 1: For Light Stains
Light turmeric stains are mostly from fresh spills that haven’t had time to set in. These stains are easy to remove with everyday household items.
You just need to:
- Dissolve some soap in warm water.
- Generously spread the soapy, warm water on the stains.
- Scrub on the stain with a brush or microfiber cloth.
- Use a wet cloth to rinse and dry with a sponge.
Method 2: For Stubborn Stains
You’ll need to use stronger cleaners like baking soda, lemon juice, or vinegar for stubborn turmeric stains that have set into the surface.
Follow these steps:
- Make a cleaning paste using baking powder and warm water in equal parts.
- Spread the paste on the stain, then wait for 10 minutes.
- Scrub on the stain with a soft brush.
- Rinse with warm water and repeat if necessary.
- If using white vinegar, dilute it with warm water and apply it to the stain with a sponge.
- Wait for a few minutes before wiping it clean with water.
Method 3: For Deep Stains
You may need to use stronger chemical cleaners for deep turmeric stains that have been left unattended for a long time.
Follow these steps:
- Go for specialized cleaners, which are meant for kitchen cabinets.
- Adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions when using specialized cleaners.
- We recommend hydrogen peroxide or bleach-based cleaners for tough stains.
- Test the hydrogen peroxide or bleach on a small area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the surface.
- After applying the cleaner, let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it clean with lemon water.
- Warm lemon water can also help remove any residual chemicals from the surface.
- Always wear gloves and properly ventilate the area while using chemical cleaners.
- Paint over any remaining discoloration with a matching paint or stain to restore the appearance of your kitchen cabinets.
Tips to Prevent Future Stains
To avoid dealing with tough turmeric stains in the future, here are some preventative measures you can take:
- Use cabinet liners or protective coatings to safeguard surfaces.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage cabinet finishes.
- Use a cutting board when handling turmeric to prevent direct contact with your kitchen cabinets.
- Clean up any spills or splatters immediately before they can set in.
- Use hand gloves so you don’t potentially stain cabinet surfaces with your hands while fetching other ingredients or utensils.
- Regularly clean and maintain your kitchen cabinets to prevent buildup and discoloration over time.
- Consider storing turmeric in a sealed container to prevent any accidental spills or leaks.
When to Call a Professional
If the turmeric stain is particularly stubborn or has caused significant damage to your kitchen cabinets, it may be best to seek the help of a professional cleaning service.
You need an expert who knows how to clean kitchen cabinets as well as how to effectively remove tough stains without causing further damage.
Professionals can also assess and fix damages to the cabinet finish, ensuring it looks as good as new.