How To Remove Ketchup Stains From Clothes
Ketchup goes great on everything except clothing. Learn how to get ketchup stains out once and for all. The video deals with scrubbing, soaking, pre-washing, and a hot wash to ensure the ketchup is totally removed.
Step 1: Scrape Away
With a dull knife or spoon, carefully scrape away any excess ketchup on the clothing. Work from the outside inward to avoid spreading the spill.
Step 2: Simply Soak
With patience, water can be the solution for many water-based stains. Soak the item in cold water for at least an hour. For dried or old stains, soak overnight.
Step 3: Inside Out
When possible, work from the inside out. This helps the stain to lift off of the fabric instead of through the fabric. Fold a light-colored cloth and place it underneath the stain to prevent the stain from spreading to the other side of your shirt.
Step 4: Pre-Wash
Blot the stain with a solution made of cool water and clear or white dishwashing liquid. Stay away from products made with bleach, fragrance and moisturizer. Make sure you are blotting and not rubbing. Rubbing can spread the stain and cause the fabric to fray, often times making the stain more noticeable than before.
Step 5: Hot Wash
First try washing the garment in the hottest water recommended by the care label. If the stain remains after that, treat the stain with a solution of 1 teaspoon ammonia and 1/2 cup of cool water, then wash again. Ammonia can have a bleaching effect on some fabric, so be sure to test this solution on a hidden area first.
Step 6: Ketchup Meets Tenderizer
If all else fails, try treating the stain with unseasoned meat tenderizer. Make a paste of the powder and cool water (very little water is needed). Apply it to the stain (an old toothbrush works great for this), let sit for 30 minutes and then brush off. Follow this option with washing the item again. Just don't dry or iron the stain until the stain is completely gone.
