Saffron stain removal

Despite being careful, you may eventually have a spill when cooking with saffron or eating products containing saffron. Saffron, a spice, contains a yellow dye, which can leave behind hard-to-remove spots and stains when spilt. If saffron is not immediately cleaned after a spill, it can leave behind a permanent stain, so it's important to immediately clean and remove any spilt saffron as quickly as possible.

Add 1 tsp of a non-chlorine based, powdered dish detergent or washing powder with 1 cup of the warmest water that your fabric type can withstand in a bowl. Stir the water until the powder dissolves. Alternatively, you can spray the stain with a heavy-duty laundry stain remover.

Dip a small, soft- to medium-bristled cleaning brush into the cleaning solution. Rub the solution into the fabric in a circular motion with the brush, starting on the outer edge of the stain, working your way toward the centre of the stain. Avoid rubbing the stain into areas of the fabric not affected by the stain, as this could cause the stain to spread.

Allow the mixture to sit on the stain overnight.

Rinse the stain under cool running water. If the stain remains, repeat the process until the stain has been removed.

Dampen a soft cloth under room temperature water.

Dab the saffron stain with the dampened cloth to remove as much of the stain as possible. Do not rub or you will spread the stain.

Spray the stain with a cleaning product safe for the surface you are using. For example, clean granite only with a gentle granite cleaner, whereas you can clean linoleum with an all-purpose household cleaner. Allow the cleaner to sit on the stain for 10 minutes.

Wipe away the cleaning soap with a dampened cloth or sponge. Repeat the process as many times as needed until the stain is removed.