Buzz
Soy sauce has been around longer than many common condiments, including ketchup. ©iStockphoto.com/ShingopixSoy sauce is a widely-used condiment, particularly to enhance the flavor of meat. Unfortunately, the strength of its flavor comes with the challenge of removing stains it may leave behind. Fortunately, we’ve got the tricks to enjoy the taste without worrying about the mess. Continue reading to discover how to get soy sauce out of clothes and other materials.
How to Remove Soy Sauce Stains From:
Acetate, Fiberglass, Rayon, Triacetate
Gently blot away any excess soy sauce. Use a dampened pad to sponge the stain, working from the center outwards. Apply a wet spotter along with a few drops of white vinegar. Cover the area with an absorbent pad that is also dampened with the wet spotter. Let it sit while the stain is being lifted. Replace the pad as it absorbs the stain, and continue to keep both the stain and pad moist with the wet spotter and vinegar. Flush the stain with water and repeat the process until no more stain can be removed.
How to Remove Soy Sauce Stains From:
Acrylic Fabric, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Spandex
Blot up any excess sauce using a clean cloth. Next, pre-soak the stained area in a solution of 1 quart warm water, 1/2 teaspoon of liquid laundry detergent, and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar for 15 minutes. Rinse with water. For any remaining stain, sponge it with rubbing alcohol and wash the item as soon as possible.
How to Get Soy Sauce Stains Out of:
Acrylic Plastic, Aluminum, Asphalt, Bamboo, Brass, Bronze, Cane, Ceramic Glass/Tile, Copper, Cork, Enamel, Glass, Gold, Grout
Ivory, Jade, Linoleum, Paint (Flat or Gloss), Pewter, Plexiglass, Polyurethane
Stainless Steel, Tin, Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Tile, Vinyl Wallcovering, Zinc
First, wipe away any excess spill. Then, use a cloth or sponge soaked in warm soapy water to clean the area. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
How to Get Soy Sauce Stains Out of:
Alabaster, Marble
Blot up any excess soy sauce with a paper towel or rag. Clean the stain by wiping it with a cloth dipped in a mixture of washing soda or laundry detergent (not soap) and water. If the stain persists, mix a few drops of ammonia with 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide to create a bleaching solution. Soak a white blotter in the solution and place it over the stain. Continue applying the solution until the stain is completely removed and the oil is absorbed. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry with a soft cloth.
Dry Spotter:
To create a dry spotter, combine 1 part coconut oil (available at pharmacies and health food stores) with 8 parts liquid dry-cleaning solvent. Store in a tightly capped container to prevent the solvent from evaporating. Mineral oil can be used as a substitute for coconut oil, though it is slightly less effective.
Caution: Dry-cleaning solvents are poisonous and may be flammable.
Wet Spotter:
To prepare a wet spotter, mix 1 part glycerine, 1 part white dishwashing liquid, and 8 parts water. Shake the solution well before each use. Store it in a plastic squeeze bottle for convenience.
How to Get Soy Sauce Stains Out of:
Bluestone, Brick, Concrete, Flagstone, Granite, Limestone, Masonry Tile, Sandstone, Slate, Terrazzo
Clean the stain with a solution of washing soda or detergent (not soap) mixed with warm water. Use a cloth or soft-bristled brush to scrub. Rinse thoroughly with cool, clear water and let it air dry.
How to Remove Soy Sauce Stains From:
Burlap, Silk, Wool
Blot up any excess soy sauce using a clean pad. Gently sponge the stain with water, then apply a wet spotter along with a few drops of distilled white vinegar. Place an absorbent pad dampened with the wet spotter over the stain. Allow it to stand for as long as the stain is being lifted. Change the pad as it absorbs the stain. Keep both the stain and pad moist with wet spotter and vinegar. Rinse with water and repeat the process until no more stain can be removed.
If any stain persists, apply rubbing alcohol to the affected area and cover it with an absorbent pad soaked in alcohol. Let it sit until the stain is lifted. Replace the pad as it absorbs the stain, ensuring both the stain and pad stay moist with alcohol. Rinse with water once the stain is gone.
For tougher or older stains, dampen the stained area with a mixture of 1 teaspoon of alcohol and 1 cup of warm water. Place a pad soaked in the solution, almost wrung dry, over the stain. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes, adding more solution as needed to keep the area warm and slightly damp. Once the stain is gone, flush with cold water and let it dry.
How to Remove Soy Sauce Stains From:
Carpet (synthetic or wool), Foam Rubber
Blot as much excess as you can with a clean pad. Use Spot Shot Carpet Stain Remover or Up & Out (avoid Up & Out on wool carpets). Then rinse the stain with a solution of 1 quart warm water, 1/2 teaspoon liquid detergent, and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Blot with a fresh absorbent pad and rinse thoroughly with water.
How to Remove Soy Sauce Stains From:
Cotton, Linen
Blot up any excess soy sauce, then perform a patch test with Shout Liquid Laundry Stain Remover in an inconspicuous area, following the package instructions. If the fabric shows no damage or color change, pretreat the stain. If pretreatment isn't possible or the stain remains, soak the stain in a mixture of 1 quart warm water and 1/2 teaspoon liquid detergent for 15 minutes.
Rinse the fabric thoroughly with water, then sponge the stain with rubbing alcohol. Rinse again and let it dry. If the stain persists, soak the fabric in a mixture of 1 quart warm water and 1 tablespoon enzyme presoak for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry. Launder as soon as possible.
How to Remove Soy Sauce Stains From:
Leather, Suede
Gently blot any excess liquid. Prepare a solution of mild soap in lukewarm water. Swish the mixture to produce a lot of foam. Apply only the foam to the stain using a sponge. Wipe the area with a clean, dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture.
If an oil stain persists, sprinkle the stained area with an absorbent material like cornmeal. Let it sit for a while to absorb the oil. Carefully brush the powder off with a stiff-bristled brush, collecting it onto a piece of paper. If necessary, reapply the absorbent and repeat the process. For leather, follow up with Fiebing's Saddle Soap to condition the leather.
How to Remove Soy Sauce Stains From:
Porcelain Dishes, Porcelain Fixtures
Clean the stain by washing it in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a cloth. If the fixture cannot be removed for washing, use a cloth soaked in warm, soapy water to wipe it clean.
How to Remove Soy Sauce Stains From: Silver
Clean silverware with hot, soapy water. Rinse in hot water and dry with a soft cloth to avoid tarnishing.
How to Remove Soy Sauce Stains From: Wood
Combine dishwashing detergent with hot water and swirl to create a lot of suds. Use only the foam to gently apply to the stain with a cloth. Rinse using a cloth dampened with clear water. Polish or wax the wood immediately afterward.
Soy sauce is a staple in many kitchens worldwide. With the help of these stain removal methods, this flavorful ingredient will stay where it belongs: on the food and not on your linens.
Publications International, Ltd.
