HOW TO REMOVE KETCHUP STAINS
Ketchup stains can look bad at first, but if you act fast, that tomato-based blotch can be a thing of the past. It’s always best to check your clothing’s care tag before spot-treating, as some fabrics may have specific requirements like dry cleaning.
These step-by-step treatments will help you tackle those stubborn ketchup stains, whether on cotton, synthetics, or delicates like wool.
ARE KETCHUP STAINS PERMANENT?
Like many other kinds of stains, ketchup stains are easiest to remove when they are fresh. They may not be permanent with the right steps. You may be able to remove them and return your clothing to normal.
HOW TO GET KETCHUP STAINS OUT OF COTTON AND SYNTHETIC FABRIC
With quick action and just a few simple steps, you can remove ketchup stains from your favorite garments. Be sure to check your garment’s care tag before you begin the stain removal process to ensure you don’t damage it.
SUPPLIES
Dull butter knife or spoon
Paper towel or cloth
Cold water
STEP 1: SCRAPE OFF EXCESS KETCHUP
Scrape off any excess ketchup with a dull butter knife or spoon, then blot gently with a clean, white paper towel or cloth to remove as much as possible.
STEP 2: RINSE THE STAIN IN COLD WATER
Rinse from the back of your clothing with cold water only. Hot water could set the stain.
STEP 3: USE STAIN REMOVER OR DETERGENT
Working from the outside in to the center, rub enzyme detergent, stain remover or liquid dish soap (for handwashing) into the stain. Let it sit for 5 minutes so it can start working on the stain's oil base.
STEP 4: RINSE AND AIR DRY CLOTHES
Rinse completely and let air dry. If the stain is still present, you can repeat the above steps.
STEP 5: WASH CLOTHES
Wash the clothing according to its care instructions, but go for the warmest water recommended on the care tag.
STEP 6: LINE DRY CLOTHES
Line dry. Heat from a dryer cycle can set stains that aren’t completely removed, especially tomato-based ones. If the stain still remains, repeat the steps above.
ALWAYS RINSE STAINS FROM BACK TO FRONT
Rinse with cold water from the back of the clothing to push the stain back out. Rinsing from the front may set the stain further into the fabric.
HOW TO REMOVE STAINS FROM WOOL, KNITS & OTHER DELICATES
Removing stains from delicates such as wool and knits is a slightly different process than removing the stains from cotton. Some delicate fabrics are dry clean only, so be sure to check your garment’s care tag before trying to remove any stains or machine-washing.
SUPPLIES
Spoon or dull butter knife
Paper towel or cloth
Laundry detergent
Cold water
STEP 1: REMOVE EXCESS KETCHUP
Gently scrape off excess ketchup with a spoon or dull butter knife, then blot with a clean, white paper towel or cloth to remove as much as possible.
STEP 2: MIX DETERGENT IN WATER, ADD CLOTHES & LET SOAK
Mix a mild detergent in cool water and add the stained clothing to this cleaning solution, then gently rub the solution through the stain and let soak for 10 minutes.
STEP 3: RINSE AND MACHINE WASH CLOTHES
Rinse and machine wash normally or dry clean, depending on the care tag instructions.
STEP 4: LINE DRY CLOTHES
Heat can set stains that aren't completely removed, especially tomato-based ones. If a stain still remains, repeat the above steps.
Jumpstart the Stain Removal Process When You’re On the Go
When you get a ketchup stain away from home, remove all of the excess, and saturate the stain with water by blotting. Do not scrub, as this might set the stain in more. Sprinkling artificial sweetener on the stain could help absorb some of the oils.
HOW DO YOU GET KETCHUP STAINS OUT OF CLOTHES WITHOUT WASHING?
You may be able to remove a fresh stain without washing by first scraping off any excess ketchup followed by blotting it with cold water.
If you aren’t able to wash your clothing right away, the first priority is to keep the stain from setting in by keeping it away from direct heat and applying a pretreatment solution. You can also help prevent the stain from setting in by refraining from scrubbing it vigorously or applying too much pressure to it.
HOW DO YOU GET DRIED KETCHUP STAINS OUT?
If you find a dried ketchup stain on a garment in the laundry, you can try soaking it in cold water for 15 minutes and then following the steps above based on the type of fabric. The cold water soak may help loosen the dried ketchup from the clothing’s fibers.
DOES BAKING SODA REMOVE KETCHUP STAINS?
Equal parts baking soda and hydrogen peroxide mixed into a paste can help remove ketchup stains from clothing. Once you have created the paste, spread it over the stain and allow it to sit for up to twenty minutes. Hydrogen peroxide can discolor some fabrics, so test this method in an inconspicuous spot first. Just like in cleaning a nail polish stain, treatment of the stain will vary depending on the fabric of the garment.
TIPS FOR REMOVING KETCHUP AND TOMATO STAINS
Always act fast if you can
Use only cold water
Remove excess ketchup before cleaning
Air or line dry garments only
Do not scrub vigorously or apply too much pressure
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Washers from Maytag brand provide the power and dependability you need to tackle tough laundry jobs. Features like the Extra Power Button and the Sanitize Cycle on select models give you peace of mind that your washer can make quick work of hard to handle messes.
