How to Remove Ketchup Stains From Clothes, Carpet, and Upholstery

How to Remove Ketchup Stains From Cotton and Synthetic Clothes

Follow this entire process for a fresh ketchup stain. But if you find a piece of clothing with dried ketchup stains on it, try soaking the stained area in cold water for 15 minutes to loosen up the ketchup from the fibers. Then proceed to Step 3 of the stain removal method below.

1. Scrape Off the Solids

   • Remove as much of the excess ketchup from the fabric as possible with a spoon or the back of a butter knife, which won't damage the fabric.
   • Try not to rub or push down hard, as this can trap the stains deeper into the fibers. Any excess ketchup can smear and spread the stain when you apply cleaners.

2. Flush the Stain

   Run cold water through the back of the stain as quickly as possible. Flushing from the wrong side of the fabric will force the ketchup back out through the fibers. Don't run it through the front of the stain, as this will only push it deeper into your clothing.

   Warning

   Be sure to use cold water because hot water will set this tomato-based stain.

3. Rub in Detergent

   • Rub a liquid laundry detergent into the stain in a circular motion using your finger or a sponge. Liquid laundry detergent helps to remove the color as well as the oily component of the ketchup stain. You can also use mild dish soap, as that also can help remove the oil.
   • Work from the outside in to prevent spreading the stain.

4. Apply a Bleaching Agent (Optional)

   • Apply a mild bleaching agent, if desired, but do this only if the garment is white or you have tested it for colorfastness.
   • Usually, the best options are hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar applied with a sponge.
   • You can also use lemon juice—on white fabrics only.
   • Be sure to use only one bleaching agent at a time.
   • Rinse out any cleaner thoroughly before trying a different one.

   Warning

   Before applying any type of bleaching agent, make sure it's right for the color of your clothing. If necessary, do a small spot test in an inconspicuous area to see if it affects the color. White and colorfast materials can handle most cleaning agents without problems.

5. Use Stain Removers (Optional)

   • Hold the stain up to the light after rinsing to make sure all of the ketchup is gone.
   • If you see any hint of brown or pink, repeat the previous steps. Ketchup is notorious for seeming to be gone, but when the garment dries a faint hint of the stain may remain.
   • Apply a stain remover stick, gel, or spray.
   • Allow it to sit for at least five minutes.

6. Wash as Usual

   Wash the garment as you normally would, using your regular detergent. You can use hot water in the wash only if the stain has been successfully removed.

7. Air-Dry Clothes

   • To make sure all traces of the stain are gone, play it safe by air-drying your item for a wash cycle or two. If you air dry, you can always attack the stain again.
   • If you use a dryer, the stain may be set for good. If you must use a machine to dry your garment, double-check to make sure the stain is completely gone before you put it in the dryer.
     

8. Repeat if Necessary

   • If the stain remains after a full removal treatment, try rubbing detergent into the fabric.
   • Soak the garment with the detergent in warm water for 30 minutes.
   • Rinse it well.
   • Then, apply a stain remover stick, gel, or spray to the stain.
   • Wash the garment as usual.

How to Remove Ketchup Stains From Delicates

Always refer to the care label of your garment. Some wool and knit clothing may say "dry clean" or "dry clean only" on the label.

• Scrape off the solids: Gently remove as much of the excess ketchup from the fabric as possible with a plastic spoon. Do not rub or push down hard on the stain as it can push it deeper into the fibers.
• Soak in detergent and water: In a sink or basin, mix a few drops of detergent and cool water. Place the garment into the water (remember to first check the label to see if it's dry clean or dry clean only). Gently rub the stain with your fingers for a few seconds. Let the garment soak for about 10 minutes.
• Wash as usual: Rinse the garment and wash normally per the care label (if it is not dry clean or dry clean only).
• Air-dry: If the stain is gone, dry the garment, but only air-dry delicates. If the stain is still present, do not dry the item and repeat the steps.
  

How to Remove Ketchup Stains From Carpet and Upholstery

• Scrape off solids: Remove as much of the excess ketchup from the carpet or upholstery as possible with a spoon or the back of a butter knife. Do not rub or push down hard on the stain so it stays on the surface.
• Dab the stain: In a bowl or bucket, mix 1 tablespoon of a mild liquid dish soap into 2 cups of cool water. Soak a clean white cloth in the cleaning mixture, squeeze, and dab the moist cloth onto the ketchup. Repeat until the stain is gone.
• Rinse: Use another clean white cloth to rinse the area thoroughly in cool water. Do not saturate carpet or upholstery with moisture to avoid mold developing.
• Air-dry: For carpet, you may have to fluff up the fibers with your fingers or with a light vacuuming once it's dry.

Additional Tips for Handling a Ketchup Stain

You may need the help of a professional cleaner if your garment says dry clean only on the label. Take it to your dry cleaner as soon as possible and point out and identify the ketchup stain. If you are using a home dry cleaning kit, be sure to treat the spot with the provided stain remover before putting the garment in the dryer bag.

If you cannot seem to remove the stain or the smell from your carpet or upholstery, call in a professional carpet or upholstery cleaning service to do the job. They will have the proper equipment to handle the toughest stains and odors. In addition, if you have very delicate upholstery, such as silk or velvet and you are concerned about creating areas with uneven color or water stains, a professional cleaner can help.