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Ketchup Stain Removal
 ~Pooja Chakrabarty

The Basics of Ketchup Stain Removal

Tomato-based stains are one of the most common stains, and quite difficult to remove. Using one of the following solutions may make ketchup stain removal a little easier. Do note however, that with ketchup stains, as with other stains, prompt action will yield the best results.

Before going about finding ways and means for ketchup stain removal carefully read the fabric-care instructions on the label of the stained garment.

One great way for ketchup stain removal is to sponge the stained area with cold water. Then you could use glycerine over the stained region, lightly scrub it, and let it stand for about 30 minutes or so.

One great way for ketchup stain removal is to sponge the stained area with cold water

Alternatively a laundry pre-soak could be used on the dry fabric. The pre-soak should be allowed to remain for about half an hour so that it properly diffuses through the stain. Next, it should be washed normally. A stronger detergent should be used on the more obstinate stains.

Sometimes, despite your efforts the stain might not fade completely. This can be tackled by using a chlorinated bleach or a sanitizer containing sodium percarbonate.

You must definitely check to see that the bleach can be used on that particular fabric. At the same time the fabric must be tested for colorfastness. If the fabric is not colorfast, do not use the bleaching treatment to remove stains, as your entire garment will become unevenly colored. If the garment is colorfast, use bleach by all means. Bleaching, however, leads to an overall lightening of colors. So do not be surprised if your hitherto bright outfit now becomes a pale replica of what it used to be.

Sometimes, even bleaching will not remove a stain. It takes about 15 minutes and no more for the bleach to act. Do not keep the fabric in a bleach solution for longer than that as bleach can irreversibly damage the fabric by weakening the fibers.

Another method that can be used for ketchup stain removal is to place the cloth on paper towels with the stained side downwards. Then on the back of the stain can be applied a suitable dry-cleaning fluid. The stain should then be absorbed by the paper towels. Finally, the fabric should be allowed to dry before being rinsed thoroughly.

Sometimes the ketchup stains might not fade out completely. This should not make you lose hope. The next time you happen to drop ketchup on your outfit, keep it in mind that the faster you act, the higher the chances of complete ketchup stain removal.

[The picture used in this article has been taken from the photo library of stock.xchng.]

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