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How to Remove A Ketchup Stain from Clothes

Spilt tomato ketchup on your favourite shirt? No problem – read our guide to removing ketchup on clothes and the stain will be gone in no time!

Updated

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Written by Eunice Samson

how to remove a ketchup stain from clothes
Laundry

Many kids love a big blob of tomato ketchup on their burger, or in a little dish to dip their fries in to. There is, however, a downside to tomato ketchup – the stains. Tomato sauces have a very deep, rich red colour that can wreak havoc on white clothing, but with these ketchup stain removal strategies, you could remove them in no time!

A high quality detergent like Breeze with ActivBleach is ideal for removing ketchup stains on clothes – just read the directions on the label and wash as normal. Easy!

How to Remove Ketchup Stains

If the clothing that you’ve stained can be washed in the washing machine then you have absolutely nothing to worry about. In fact, removing ketchup stains isn’t actually any more difficult than removing any other type of stain. For quick and simple stain removal, follow this step-by-step guide on how to remove ketchup stains from clothes:

  • First, remove any excess ketchup gently before continuing – use a clean cloth, or flush it with cool water.

  • Then, check the care label of your garment for advice on how to wash it. If it says ‘dry clean only’, you’ll need to take it into the dry cleaners.

  • If you’re pressed for time, you could just pop the clothing in the wash with a good detergent such as Breeze with ActivBleach – it’s great for removing tough stains.

  • You can also pre-treat the ketchup stain – rub a little into the fabric with a damp cloth and blot to remove.

  • Then, wash as normal for best results.

Now you know how to remove a ketchup stain, you and your kids can enjoy a big dollop of tomato sauce with your dinner without fear of any spillages!

Do you want to learn which household cleaning tasks cause the most stress?  Then read our Heated Household data analysis. 

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Frequently asked questions on removing ketchup stains

How do you remove ketchup stains without washing your clothes?

There are 3 simple steps for how to remove ketchup stains without washing. First, use a spoon to lift off any excess ketchup, taking care to lift it off and not rub it into the fabric. Next, mix 1 tbsp of laundry detergent and 2 cups of warm water. Using a clean cloth, blot this solution over the stain. Take care to blot not rub, as rubbing could push the stain further into the fibers. Continue to blot at the stain, ensuring you change to a clean part of your cloth throughout the stain removal process, until the stain is fully removed. Use a damp, clean cloth to ‘rinse’ the area where you have removed the stain. Use a paper towel to soak up the excess moisture and leave it to air dry.

How do you remove old ketchup stains from clothes?

There are 2 methods we recommend when it comes to how to remove old ketchup stains from clothes. First, try dousing the entire stain with white vinegar followed by the application of a paste of equal parts baking soda and water. After 5-10 minutes, use a damp cloth to clean off any baking soda paste and vinegar. The stain should be gone but if you still have signs of ketchup on your garment you can try soaking it overnight in a bowl of water mixed with 2 tablespoons of mild detergent and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar. In the morning, rinse in cold water and pop the clothing on a normal wash.

What type of stain is a ketchup stain?

Ketchup is a form of plant-based stain. This is why acidic stain removal techniques such as lemon or vinegar work so well.

Is catsup stain removal the same as ketchup removal?

Whether you call it ketchup or catsup, you are basically looking at the same product – it is simply an alternative spelling. Therefore, catsup stain removal + ketchup removal steps will be identical.

Originally published