Ketchup is our favorite condiment on all sorts of summer foodsuntil it lands on our clothes.
Like most stains, ketchup or anytomato-based stainis easier to remove right after it happens.
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The Spruce / Michela Buttignol
Never rub the stainit pushes the ketchup deeper into the fibers, and you don’t want that.
Cleaning Tip
Be sure to use cold waterhot water will set in any tomato-based stain.
Work from the outside edges of the stain toward the center to prevent spreading the stain.
The Spruce / Michelle Becker
Wash as Usual
Wash the garmentas you normally would in cool water.
Hot water should only be used if the stain has been successfully removed.
Check the stain, if it is gone, rinse well and air dry.
The Spruce / Michelle Becker
If it remains, mix a fresh solution and repeat the steps.
Then follow the same cleaning steps recommended for fresh ketchup stains.
Does Baking Soda Remove Ketchup Stains?
The Spruce / Michelle Becker
Baking soda alone will not remove ketchup stains.
Start by following the recommended stain removal guidelines.
Mix a paste of equal parts baking soda andhydrogen peroxideorlemon juice.
The Spruce / Michelle Becker
Spread the paste on the stain and let it dry.
Wash the garment and repeat as needed.
This mixture should not be used on colored fabrics because it can cause color loss.
The Spruce / Michelle Becker
Try soaking the garment in a solution of oxygen bleach and water for eight hours and checking the stain.
The process may need to be repeated with a fresh solution several times.
Tomato-based products, such as ketchup, have high levels of tannins in them.
A tannin is an organic dye that stains clothing.
Let the liquid work for at least 10 minutes.Wash the jeansas usual in cool water.
