How to Remove Ketchup Stains

Like most stains, ketchup (or catsup) stains are easier to remove when they are fresh, so try to get to them early. Even if the stain has been forgotten until laundry day, you can still get rid of it if you take the time to work through the cleaning process. The keys to successfully salvaging your favorite shirt or pants are patience and using the right cleaner for the fabric. You also don’t want to dry the clothing until you’re sure the stain is gone. Tomato-based stains are notoriously stubborn, so removing them may take a while, but it’s a relatively simple process.

What You’ll Need

Equipment / Tools

• Spoon or butter knife
• Sponge (Optional)

Materials

• Liquid laundry detergent
• Stain remover
• White vinegar (Optional)
• Hydrogen peroxide (Optional)
• Lemon juice (Optional)
• Mild dish soap (Optional)

Instructions

Before You Begin

Most of the cleaners you can use for ketchup stains may already be in your laundry room or kitchen. You have a few options for stain removers, and household cleaners like vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or dish soap may work even better than a commercial product. Some ketchup stains, especially if they have dried, will require a combination of cleaning agents.

Before applying any type of bleaching agent, make sure it’s right for the color of your clothing. If necessary, do a small spot test in an inconspicuous area to see if it affects the color. White and colorfast materials can handle the most cleaning agents without problems.

1. Scrape Off the SolidsRemove as much of the excess ketchup from the fabric as possible, using a spoon or the back of a butter knife, which won’t damage the fabric. It’s important to remove the bulk of the ketchup because any excess can smear and spread the stain when you apply cleaners.
2. Flush the StainRun cold water through the back of the stain as quickly as possible. This will force the stain back out through the fabric. Don’t run it through the front of the stain, which will only push it deeper into your clothing. Also, be sure to use cold water because hot water will set this tomato-based stain.
3. Rub in DetergentRub a liquid laundry detergent into the stain. Gently work it into the fabric in a circular motion, working from the outside in to prevent spreading the stain. Liquid laundry detergent helps to remove the color as well as the oily component of the stain. Mild dish soap can also help remove the oil.
4. Apply a Bleaching Agent (Optional)Apply a mild bleaching agent, if desired, but do this only if the garment is white or you have tested it for colorfastness. Usually, the best options are hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar applied with a sponge. You can also use lemon juice—on white fabrics only. Be sure to use only one bleaching agent at a time. Rinse out any cleaner completely before trying a different one.
5. Check for the StainHold the stain up to the light to make sure all of the ketchup is gone. If you see any hint of brown or pink, repeat the previous steps. Ketchup is notorious for seeming to be gone, but then when the garment dries a faint hint of the stain may remain.
6. Hit It With Stain RemoverApply a stain remover stick, gel, or spray. Allow it to sit for at least 5 minutes.
7. Wash as UsualWash the garment as you normally would, using your regular detergent. Before drying, double-check to make sure the stain is completely gone. Stains that are dried in the dryer will often be permanent.

Tip

If you have any suspicion that traces of the stain may remain, play it safe by air drying for a wash cycle or two. If you air dry, you can always attack the stain again. If you use a dryer, the stain may be set for good.

If the stain remains after a full removal treatment, try rubbing detergent into the fabric, soak it in warm water for 30 minutes, and rinse it well. Then, apply a stain remover stick, gel, or spray, and wash the garment as usual.

How to remove ketchup from clothing

Dmitri Kara, supervisor with Fantastic Cleaners in London turns to this method to remove ketchup stains:

1. First, check the care label to make sure the fabric is washable.
2. Remove as much ketchup as you can from the stain.
3. Next, flush cold water through the underside of the stain as soon as possible.
4. Rub a bit of liquid detergent (such as Tide or Persil) into the stained area. This will help attack the stain’s oil-base.
5. Let this set for a few minutes, then soak the stain in warm water for about half an hour.
6. Rinse the stained area completely.
7. If the stain is still there, repeat the process.
8. If the stain persists, apply an enzyme-based stain remover, testing first on an inconspicuous part of the garment.
9. Give it 15 minutes to work.
10. Machine wash or hand wash as usual.
11. Repeat as needed.
12. Important! Do not put the garment in a dryer, but rather let it dry in the fresh air. A dryer will set the stain.

Kara says you can also try lemon juice, vinegar, bleach (if the fabric is colorfast) or bleach alternative, following the same procedure. As always, test these products on an inconspicuous area first to ensure no damage to the garment.

How to remove ketchup from upholstery

Lauren Haynes, cleaning expert with Star Domestic Cleaners, suggests that silk, antique and vintage upholstery should be professionally cleaned. Here’s how to remove ketchup stains from other pieces of upholstery:

1. Follow suggestions on the fabric care label.
2. Remove the excess ketchup and blot with a clean white cloth.
3. Mix two cups of cool water with a tablespoon of liquid dish washing detergent.
4. Lightly apply the solution using a white cloth.
5. Blot with a clean cloth until the liquid is absorbed.
6. Repeat as needed until the spot is gone.
7. Remove the remaining cleaning solution from the upholstery by blotting the area again with another cloth rinsed in cool water.
8. Blot dry and you are done.

How to remove ketchup from a carpet

Jack White, vice-president of Rainbow International, removes ketchup from carpet like this:

1. If there are large amounts of ketchup or dried-on ketchup, remove it by scraping lightly with a spoon.
2. Using a white cotton towel, blot to remove any residual ketchup.
3. Mix a solution of 1 teaspoon dishwashing detergent and 1 cup of water. Apply to the stained area on the carpet using a clean white towel.
4. Starting at the outer edge and working inward, work the solution into the spot with the towel.
5. Rinse by dabbing with water, then blot until dry.
6. If the stain remains, you can attempt to remove it with a 3 % hydrogen peroxide solution but first test it in an inconspicuous part of the carpet. Allow it to dry. If there is no color change, it is safe to use.

Rinse by dabbing with water and blot to dry.

Conclusion

You also don’t want to dry the clothing until you’re sure the stain is gone. Tomato-based stains are notoriously stubborn, so removing them may take a while, but it’s a relatively simple process.