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Turmeric is a well-known culinary spice, that has a recognized wealth of health benefits. This is down to its active ingredient, curcumin. From its anti-inflammatory properties to its impressive antioxidant capacities, turmeric is a valued addition to many dietary and wellness routines.
Turmeric baths have gained popularity for their potential to soothe the skin, reduce inflammation, and even impart a healthy glow. However, despite these benefits, turmeric has a potent color that can leave persistent stains, particularly on the bathtub.
Immediately after a turmeric bath, use dish soap and warm water to scrub away stains. For tougher or older stains, use methods such as baking soda and vinegar, a bleach solution, hydrogen peroxide, or commercial cleaning products like Bar Keepers Friend.
This article guides you through the process of effectively removing turmeric stains from your bathtub using a variety of tried and tested methods.
Clean Turmeric Off Bath With Baking Soda and Vinegar
This natural cleaning method for stubborn stains is safe, effective, and uses items you likely already have in your kitchen.
- Gather your materials. You’ll need baking soda, white vinegar, a soft cloth or sponge, and warm water.
- Prepare the cleaning solution. Mix equal parts of baking soda and vinegar in a bowl. The mixture should form a paste.
- Apply the cleaning solution. Using the cloth or sponge, apply the paste to the stained areas of the bathtub. Make sure all the stained areas are covered with the paste.
- Let the solution sit. Allow the paste to sit on the stains for at least 30 minutes to give it time to break down the turmeric stains.
- Scrub the stained areas. After 30 minutes, gently scrub the stained areas with the sponge. The baking soda is abrasive and will help to lift the stain.
- Rinse the bathtub. Rinse the paste off with warm water. If any stains remain, repeat the process.
- Dry the bathtub. After all the stains have been removed, dry the bathtub thoroughly to prevent water spots from forming.
Bleach Solution to Clean Turmeric From Bathtub
While baking soda and vinegar work well for many stains, for tougher or more persistent turmeric stains, a bleach solution can be a more potent alternative. Bleach is a strong oxidizing agent that can break down the color compounds in turmeric, making it easier to remove the stains. However, due to its strong chemical nature, it’s essential to use bleach carefully to avoid damaging your bathtub or causing health issues.
Here’s how to use a bleach solution to remove turmeric stains from your bathtub:
- Gather your materials. You’ll need bleach, water, a bucket, a soft cloth or sponge, and rubber gloves.
- Prepare the bleach solution. Mix one part bleach with four parts water in the bucket. Always add bleach to water, not the other way around, to avoid a splash of concentrated bleach.
- Apply the bleach solution. Put on your rubber gloves, then dip the cloth or sponge into the bleach solution and apply it to the stained areas of the bathtub.
- Let the solution sit. Allow the bleach solution to soak into the stains for about 10-15 minutes. The bleach needs some time to break down the turmeric stains.
- Scrub the stained areas. After the bleach has had time to work, gently scrub the stained areas with the sponge. If necessary, apply more of the bleach solution as you scrub.
- Rinse the bathtub. Rinse the bathtub thoroughly with warm water to remove all traces of the bleach solution. It’s important to do this thoroughly, as any remaining bleach can be harmful.
- Dry the bathtub. Dry the bathtub thoroughly with a towel to prevent water spots from forming.
Hydrogen Peroxide to Clean Turmeric From Bathtub
Hydrogen peroxide is another excellent option for removing turmeric stains from your bathtub. This common household item is a mild bleaching agent, making it a less harsh but still effective alternative to regular bleach. Here’s how to use hydrogen peroxide to clean your bathtub:
- Gather your materials. You’ll need hydrogen peroxide (3% solution, which is common for household use), a soft cloth or sponge, and gloves.
- Apply the hydrogen peroxide. Put on your gloves to protect your skin, then pour a generous amount of hydrogen peroxide directly onto the stains or onto the cloth or sponge.
- Let it sit. Allow the hydrogen peroxide to sit on the stains for about 30 minutes. This gives it time to break down the turmeric stains.
- Scrub the stained areas. After the hydrogen peroxide has had time to work, scrub the stained areas with the sponge. If necessary, apply more hydrogen peroxide as you scrub.
- Rinse the bathtub. Thoroughly rinse the bathtub with warm water to ensure all the hydrogen peroxide is washed away.
- Dry the bathtub. Dry the bathtub thoroughly with a towel to prevent any water spots from forming.
Remember to work in a well-ventilated area when using bleach and never mix bleach with other cleaning agents, especially those containing ammonia, as this can create harmful gases.
Dish Soap and Warm Water For Fresh Turmeric Stains
If you’ve just finished a turmeric bath and noticed staining, a quick clean-up method involves using dish soap and warm water. This is a gentle method that can help lift the turmeric stains before they have a chance to set in. Here’s how it’s done:
- Gather your materials. You’ll need dish soap, a soft cloth or sponge, and warm water.
- Apply the dish soap. Squeeze a good amount of dish soap directly onto the stained areas or onto your cloth or sponge.
- Scrub the stains. Using the cloth or sponge, scrub the stained areas with the dish soap. The soap helps to break down the oils in the turmeric that can cause staining.
- Rinse the bathtub. Rinse the bathtub thoroughly with warm water. Make sure to remove all the dish soap to prevent a slippery surface.
- Check the stains. If any stains remain, repeat the process. Dish soap is gentle, so it won’t harm your bathtub surface.
- Dry the bathtub. After the stains have been removed, dry the bathtub thoroughly with a towel to prevent water spots from forming.
This method is most effective when done immediately after the bath before the turmeric has a chance to set into the bathtub’s surface. So, next time you take a turmeric bath, keep your dish soap handy.
This is by far our preferred method because it works. Sometimes if there are any light scratches or abrasions on the surface that can make the turmeric stain more easily. Also any built up limescale will attract staining that will require more work to clean.
Does It Wash Team
FAQs
What are the benefits of soaking in a turmeric bath?
Taking a turmeric bath can have numerous potential health benefits. Turmeric is an effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory which may help soothe a variety of skin conditions. Most commonly eczema, acne, and psoriasis. It can also aid in soothing muscle aches and joint pain. Some even believe that turmeric baths can help improve mood and promote better sleep due to its calming properties.
Will turmeric stain my bathtub?
Yes, turmeric has a very vibrant color that can stain surfaces, including your bathtub. However, with immediate and proper cleaning, these stains can be prevented or removed.
How long does it take to remove turmeric stains from a bathtub?
There can be several factors that influence the time it takes to remove turmeric stains from a bath. These include the material of your bathtub, the age of the stain, and the cleaning method used. With the baking soda and vinegar method, the cleaning process, not including the time for the solution to sit, can take around 10-15 minutes. However, if the stain is older or more set in, it may require a few rounds of cleaning or a longer sitting period.
Summary
Turmeric baths offer numerous potential benefits, but they can also leave stubborn stains on your bathtub. However, with natural cleaning agents like baking soda and vinegar, these stains can be effectively and safely removed. As with most strains the earlier it’s treated, the easier it will be to remove.
So, next time you enjoy a soothing turmeric bath, with the right know-how you can now deal with any staining that happens.
