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Ketchup and mustard, two of America’s favorite condiments, are also notorious for leaving stubborn stains on clothing. If your first summer hot dog turns into a messy affair, don’t throw your white shirt away. There are plenty of tips and tricks to get those stains out.
According to Lifehacker, the crucial first step is the same regardless of whether you’re dealing with ketchup or mustard: Carefully scrape off the excess condiment with a spoon or butter knife, being mindful not to spread it. Then, use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot any remaining residue.
From this point onward, the stain removal methods for the two condiments diverge. Mustard owes its yellow color to turmeric, which can leave a permanent stain if not addressed quickly. The best way to tackle this is to treat the affected area with a stain remover right away.
If you don't have the right product at home, you can create your own by combining three parts dish soap with one part rubbing alcohol, or by mixing half a cup of water with half a teaspoon of dish soap and a splash of white vinegar. Submerge the fabric in this homemade solution for 10 minutes, then rinse with hot water and run it through your washing machine. If you're using a commercial product, simply follow the instructions on the label.
While ketchup stains can be quite noticeable, they're generally easier to deal with. Start by blotting up the excess, then flush the back of the stain with cold water to remove any remaining ketchup. Follow this by gently scrubbing the area with a damp dishcloth or a soft-bristle toothbrush, using dish soap, stain remover, or laundry detergent. After letting it sit for a few minutes, rinse the fabric with cold water.
For stubborn stains, scrub the fabric with a detergent and cold water solution, allowing it to soak for about 10 minutes. If the stain is on white or colorfast clothing, you may want to apply a bleaching agent such as white vinegar (alternatively, hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice can also work).
Repeat the process as needed until the ketchup is completely removed. When you're ready to machine wash the garment, choose the hottest setting that the fabric can handle, but skip the dryer, as heat can set the stain.
No matter what condiment you're dealing with, swift action is your best defense against stains. Here are more tips for tackling stubborn stains from wine, coffee, and other tricky foods and drinks.
