How to Remove Ketchup and Mustard Stains From Clothes
With the season of baseball games, barbecues, and al fresco dining approaching, it’s time to remember how to remove some of the most popular seasoning stains from your clothes. Because while pool parties and picnics are fun, coming home with bright red stains on our favorite shirts is not. Here’s how you can remove those red and yellow stains and give your clothes the best possible chance of staying in your wardrobe.
How to treat a mustard stain
Mustard gets its characteristic bright yellow color from the turmeric dye. If not treated quickly, it can be almost impossible to lift it. It is best to act quickly using the following steps.
- First remove the excess with a dull knife or spoon and blot immediately. Don’t rub the stain so the mustard doesn’t hit unaffected areas and get deeper into the fibers.
- Pay attention to the fabric and care instructions. Anything that needs dry cleaning, such as silk or wool, should be left to the professionals.
- If the fabric can be washed at home, test the stain remover (whether commercial or one you can make yourself) on a small, inconspicuous area of the garment to make sure there is no damage. Avoid products with ammonia, which will further set the stain.
- For dry mustard stains, the Grove Collaborative suggests this: “Soak the fabric in cool water mixed with color-safe oxygen bleach for up to an hour.” Repeat as needed.
- Prepare a solution of rubbing alcohol and dishwashing detergent: Mix a solution of three parts dishwashing detergent with one part rubbing alcohol. Soak clothing in solution for 10 minutes. (The stain will darken temporarily – this is normal). Rinse with hot water and launder as usual.
- Prepare a solution of vinegar and dishwashing detergent: Mix half a cup of water with 1/2 teaspoon of dishwashing detergent and a few drops of white vinegar. Apply the solution to your clothes and let it soak in. Once the stain is completely removed, rinse it with hot water and launder.
How to get a ketchup stain out
When ketchup threatens to stain your favorite jeans, act quickly.
- Scrape off excess with a spoon or dull knife. Pat gently with a clean white paper towel or rag.
- Rinse the back of the stain with cold water to push the stain out. (Hot water can set stains.)
- Working from the outside in (to prevent spread), rub the problem stain with stain remover, laundry detergent, or liquid dishwashing detergent. Let stand for a few minutes. Wash off with cold water.
- For wool, knitwear, and delicate fabrics, Maytag recommends mixing a mild detergent with cool water, adding clothing to the solution, gently rubbing the solution into the stain, and soaking the clothing for 10 minutes.
- Sponge with white vinegar. Rinse and repeat the above “pre-treat” followed by vinegar as many times as necessary to remove most of the stain. If it remains, wipe it with liquid laundry detergent and soak in warm water for 30 minutes.
- Wash in the warmest water recommended on the care label. Dry flat as, according to Maytag, “the heat from the drying cycle can set stains that aren’t completely removed, especially on a tomato base.”