StainLookup

Home › Stains › Soy Sauce

How to Get Soy Sauce Stains Out

A dark, salty liquid that behaves like a tannin stain.

Quick answer

Fresh Soy 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. Blot up excess — never rub.
  2. Flush the back of the stain with cool running water.
  3. Mix 1 tablespoon dishwashing liquid, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and 2 cups warm water.
  4. Blot the solution onto the stain and let it sit 15–20 minutes.
  5. Sponge with cold water, then launder in the warmest water safe for the fabric.
  6. Do not dry until the stain is gone.

Don’t do this

  • Test first — vinegar and dish soap can affect some dyes.

Sources: Apartment Therapy (Martha Stewart Living method); The Spruce; Iowa State University Extension (AnswerLine)

For dried stains or other materials, use the lookup tool below.

Look up Soy Sauce on your material

How old is the stain?

Pick a stain and material above, then press “Show treatment”.

Soy Sauce on specific materials

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

Frequently asked questions

Is soy sauce a tannin stain?

It behaves like one — rinse with cool water and treat with the dish-soap and vinegar method.

Does soy sauce stain permanently?

Fresh spills usually come out. Like other dark liquids, heat and time make it much harder.

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.

Related stain guides