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How to Get Ketchup And Tomato Sauce Stains Out

Tomato's acidity and lycopene pigment respond to a vinegar soak.

Quick answer

Fresh Ketchup And Tomato Sauce on Cotton

Before you startAlways test any treatment in an inconspicuous area first, and check the garment's care label before you begin.
  1. Scrape off excess.
  2. Rinse the back of the stain with cool water.
  3. Soak in equal parts white vinegar and water.
  4. Rub in liquid detergent and launder.
  5. Do not dry until the stain is gone.

Sources: Apartment Therapy; Iowa State University Extension (AnswerLine)

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Ketchup And Tomato Sauce on specific materials

Ketchup And Tomato Sauce on CottonFresh & dried steps Ketchup And Tomato Sauce on LinenFresh & dried steps Ketchup And Tomato Sauce on PolyesterFresh & dried steps Ketchup And Tomato Sauce on NylonFresh & dried steps Ketchup And Tomato Sauce on SilkFresh & dried steps Ketchup And Tomato Sauce on WoolFresh & dried steps Ketchup And Tomato Sauce on DenimFresh & dried steps Ketchup And Tomato Sauce on LeatherFresh & dried steps Ketchup And Tomato Sauce on SuedeFresh & dried steps Ketchup And Tomato Sauce on Upholstery fabricFresh & dried steps Ketchup And Tomato Sauce on Carpet/rugFresh & dried steps Ketchup And Tomato Sauce on WoodFresh & dried steps Ketchup And Tomato Sauce on Stainless steelFresh & dried steps Ketchup And Tomato Sauce on Stone/marbleFresh & dried steps Ketchup And Tomato Sauce on Plastic/laminateFresh & dried steps

Frequently asked questions

Why vinegar for ketchup?

White vinegar helps dissolve tomato's pigment. Apartment Therapy's testing found a 1:1 vinegar–water mix the most effective home method.

Does hot water help?

No — rinse with cool water first. Heat sets tomato stains.

Safety rules for every treatment
  • Test every treatment in an inconspicuous area first — some treatments can fade dyes or damage finishes.
  • Blot a wet stain; never rub it. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper into fibers.
  • Check the garment's care label and follow it — skip any step the label prohibits.
  • Never put the item in the dryer until the stain is completely gone; heat sets most stains.
  • Never mix ammonia with chlorine bleach — the fumes are toxic and dangerous.
  • Never use chlorine bleach on rust — it can intensify the stain.
  • Rubbing alcohol is flammable and can fade some dyes; spot-test first and ventilate the area.
  • Acetone dissolves acetate, triacetate, and modacrylic fabrics — check the fabric label first.
  • Use cold water first on blood and other protein stains; hot water sets them.
  • When in doubt — a valuable, vintage, or delicate item — take it to a professional cleaner instead.

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