Ketchup might be one of your favorite condiments, but the last place you want to have it is on your clothes! Removing old ketchup stains do not need to be a troublesome task anymore. Here are some of the best tips on how to remove old ketchup stains from clothes with ease!
How to remove ketchup stains from clothes using a bleaching agent
This method can especially work for white garments; however, if used carefully enough, you can also use it to remove old ketchup stains from other types of clothes. Here is how you can do it:
- Use either a plastic spoon or a butter knife to remove any excess dried up ketchup residue from your clothes. Make sure your scrape this off, even if it is already dry, as you might cause the ketchup stain to spread otherwise.
- Turn the cloth inside out and run it under cold water so that most of the stain is forced out through the front of the fabric. Make sure that you turn the cloth inside out otherwise the water force will cause the dye to get pushed deeper into the material. Also, be sure to use only cold water for this step and not warm or hot water.
- Take some laundry detergent and pour it directly on top of the ketchup stained area on your clothes. Using a toothbrush or your fingers, gently rub the stained area in circular motions. It should help remove most of the old ketchup stain from your clothes.
- Now, you can choose a bleaching agent that you want to use, but be sure to use only one bleaching agent for this method. You can go with either hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice or white vinegar as your bleaching agent.
- Take a sponge and lightly apply this directly on to the stained area on your clothes. Do not rub; instead, use a blotting motion to do this.
- Apply some more detergent on to the old ketchup stained area and allow it to soak for 30 minutes.
- Launder your clothes as usual.
How to remove ketchup stains from clothes using salt and baking soda
Salt and baking soda are an age-old remedy to removing any stains and marks from your clothes. Here is how you can use this method on your clothes:
- Take a small bowl and add equal parts of salt and baking soda in it.
- Add warm water to this mixture and mix it well. Add enough water to form a thick paste; do not let it get too liquidy.
- Take a spoon or a brush and apply this paste directly on to the old ketchup stained area on your clothes.
- Allow it to sit for a few minutes.
- Now, you can use either your fingers, an old toothbrush, or a sponge to massage the paste into the stained area in circular motions. Be careful not to smear the stain further into your clothes. Use a lifting motion actually to lift off the ketchup stain from your clothes.
- Turn your clothes inside out and run it under cold water. Be sure to use only cold water for this method.
- Launder your clothes as usual.
How to remove ketchup stains from clothes using ice, dishwashing liquid, and vinegar
Another old method which can work wonders to remove old ketchup stains from your clothes is using ice, dishwashing liquid, and vinegar. These are items which everyone has in their home and is a straightforward method as well. Here is how you can do it:
- The first step to this method is to apply dishwashing liquid directly on to the ketchup stained area on your clothes.
- Allow it to sit for a few minutes and soak before you take action.
- Take the ice cube and rub it directly on to the stained area. The cold water of the ice works on the ketchup stain to loosen it up and help remove the stain more easily.
- Now, using your fingers or a soft brush, work on the ketchup stain and remove it.
- Finally, if there are any remaining ketchup stains on the fabric, white vinegar can be used to remove it efficiently.
- Take a paper towel or a soft cloth and add some diluted white vinegar to it. Gently blot the stained area of the clothes with this, and you will find the remaining stain lifting off quickly from the clothes.
How to remove ketchup stains from clothes using white wine
A surprising but effective method to remove old ketchup stains from clothes is to use white wine on it. The white wine works on the ketchup to lighten the stain, after which you can clean your clothes, as usual, to remove any remaining stains from your clothes. Here is how you can do it:
- Take a bit of white wine and slowly pour it directly on top of the ketchup stained area on your clothes. Be careful not to spill too much wine as this might cause the stain to spread even further.
- Gently dab at the stain using paper towels or a soft cloth. Make sure that the wine does not cause the stain to spread further.
- Turn your clothes inside out and run it under cold water. The water force and the cold water causes the loosened up, remaining stain to be pushed out from the fabric.
- Add some laundry detergent or dishwashing soap on to the stained area and allow it to soak in warm water for about 30 minutes. Take the piece of clothing out of the warm soapy water and squeeze out the remaining water.
- Launder your clothes as usual.
- The most important thing to remember when using these methods is to allow your clothes to dry naturally. In case any stains are remaining on your clothes, the heat from the dryer will cause the ketchup stain to get set even further into your clothes.
- If you see any stains remaining after you have laundered your clothes, repeat the process until you you’ve obliterated the stain.
