How do I get ketchup stains out of my shirt?

To get ketchup stains out of your shirt, scrape off as much of the ketchup as you can using a butter knife. Then make a mixture of liquid detergent, water, and white vinegar or lemon juice and apply it to the stain. Lastly, wash the garment in the washing machine with hot water.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Ketchup > Shirts

Ketchup No More: How to Get That Pesky Stain Out of Your Shirt

Ketchup stains may seem like an unsolvable problem, but have no fear. Getting ketchup stains out of your shirt is as easy as 1-2-3 when you know the right steps.

Updated 30 Jun 2023

By Nishat Asif

When it comes to food stains, ketchup is probably one of the hardest to remove. Whether you’re getting messy with your burgers or having a dinner party disaster, it’s important to know how to easily get rid of these pesky red stains. Here’s what you need to do to keep your clothes looking clean and new.

Step 1: Act Fast

If you find yourself dealing with a ketchup stain, don’t wait around for it to set in or dry up – act fast. The best way to start tackling the stain is to scrape off as much of the ketchup as you can using a butter knife. This will help prevent any of the excess sauce from seeping deeper into the fibers of fabric.

Step 2: Pre-Treat the Stain

Once you’ve scraped off as much of the ketchup as possible, it’s time to pre-treat the stain. Create a mixture of water and liquid detergent and apply it directly to the stain. You can also add a few drops of white vinegar or lemon juice to the mixture to help further break down the stain. Let the solution sit for 15-20 minutes before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Wash the Garment

Now that the garment has had a chance to soak in the pre-treatment solution, it’s time for the final step – washing. Place the garment in washer with a few tablespoons of liquid detergent and set the cycle to hot water. After the cycle is complete, inspect the garment to make sure the stain has been fully removed. If there are still traces of the stain, repeat steps two and three until it disappears completely.

Conclusion

Although ketchup stains can be tricky to remove, they are definitely not impossible. Just remember to act fast to get best results, and you’ll be back to enjoying your favorite burgers and fries in no time!

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