The easiest way to get rid of a ketchup stain is to treat it immediately. As soon as you notice the spill, wipe up all the excess ketchup that you can without spreading it over unstained areas of your clothes. [1] X Research source Don’t rub the spill because this can push the ketchup farther into the fibers of the clothes. [2] X Research source
If you aren’t in a place where you can take off the article of clothing, saturate the stained area as much as possible while you’re still wearing the clothes. If you can’t get to a bathroom and running water, dip a napkin into a glass of water and blot it onto the stained area.
Test the stain remover on a small, hidden part of your clothes first to make sure it won’t discolor your fabric. It doesn’t contain bleach, so it is safe to use on most colorfast, machine washable fabrics and dry-cleanable fabrics.
When you’ve finished using the stain remover pen, blot off any excess solution with a clean cloth or napkin.
Be sure to check the garment’s care tag before setting the water temperature and cycle type!
Take care if you’re wiping up fresh ketchup not to spread it onto unstained areas of clothes.
This removes the stain’s oil base. [6] X Research source
If you don’t have white vinegar, try using hydrogen peroxide. You can also try lemon juice, but only if your clothing is white. Lemon juice can bleach colored clothing. Do a small spot test on an inconspicuous piece of fabric before using a bleaching agent. [9] X Research source
To make a quick stain remover from ingredients around your house, combine 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of white vinegar with 1⁄4 cup (59 mL) baking soda and 4 cups (950 mL) of water in an empty spray bottle. Shake well to mix the ingredients together and spray onto your clothes. [12] X Research source
Instructions for laundering the garment are found on a tag inside the clothes.
Only use bleach when washing your clothing in the washing machine if you’ve checked that it’s safe according to the care instructions. Never use chlorine bleach on colored fabric. Use all-fabric bleach if your clothing isn’t white.
