First, move as quickly as possible to treat the stain. If it is dry, add a fresh dollop of wet mustard and let it sit for five minutes. Believe it or not, that will help speed the stain removal process and prevent the mustard from spreading when water is added.

Use a dull knife or the edge of a spoon to lift the blob of mustard from the carpet. NEVER rub because that will push the mustard deeper in the fibers.

Mix 1 tablespoon of dishwashing detergent in 2 cups of warm water. Dip a clean white cloth in the solution and blot the stain. Keep moving to a clean area of the cloth as the mustard stain is transferred to the cloth.

Stop and blot up any moisture with a dry white cloth or paper towel and repeat the detergent solution until the stain is gone or no more stain is transferred to the wet cloth. Finish by rinsing the area with plain water. Dip a clean cloth in plain water and blot to remove any suds that may actually attract more soil to the carpet.

If the stain is gone, allow the carpet to air dry away from direct heat. If the stain remains, mix a solution of oxygen bleach and cool water following the package directions. Use a soft bristle brush to work the oxygen bleach solution into the carpet. Allow to work for at least one hour before blotting away and rinsing with cold water on a cloth. Repeat until all of the stain is gone. Allow the carpet to air dry and then vacuum to lift the carpet fibers.