To diagnose a curry stain in carpet padding, lift the carpet edge and check the pad directly under the spill for yellow/orange pigment, oily darkening, and dampness. If the padding is discolored, still smells like curry after drying, or feels stiff or greasy, the stain has likely penetrated and may need deeper cleaning or pad replacement.
How to Diagnose a Curry Stain on Carpet Padding
Steps to Take Right Away
- Blot immediately. Use a clean cloth to absorb excess liquid.
What Not to Do
- Don’t flood the area with water or cleaner “to see what happens”; extra liquid can push pigment and oil deeper into the padding.
- Don’t scrub aggressively from the top; friction can spread the stain and drive residue through the backing.
- Don’t rely on heat (hair dryer on hot, iron, steam) during diagnosis; heat can set pigments and oxidize oils, making discoloration harder to remove.
- Don’t ignore faint staining underneath. Even light yellowing on the pad can later wick back up and reappear on the carpet face.
- Don’t mix multiple strong chemicals while testing; you can create damage or odors that complicate assessment.
Notes for Common Situations
If stain is fresh: Speed matters most - treat immediately for best results.
Best for Turmeric
Sil 1 für Alles Fleckensalz
Grade 2.4Why Sil works for curry: Turmeric in curry creates challenging stains, but Sil's oxygen bleach specifically targets curcumin pigments.
How to use for best results: Never use hot water first - heat sets turmeric permanently. Cold pre-soak with Sil, then normal wash cycle.
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