Is there some sort of unspoken rule that says “messy food must leave a stain”? It sure feels like it, doesn’t it?
Well, there’s no need to be scared of spaghetti anymore, we’ve got some tips here for removing the most common (and often stubborn) food stains!
*As a reminder, always check care instructions prior to trying any stain removal tips*
Ketchup
1. Run the stain under cold running water to remove as much ketchup as possible.
2. Blot the stain with white vinegar to remove the stain as much as possible.
3. Pretreat the area thoroughly and launder as you normally would.
Mustard
1. Run the stain under cold running water to remove as much mustard as possible.
2. Apply dishwashing detergent and gently rub into the stain.
3. Pretreat the area thoroughly and launder as you normally would.
Tomato Sauce
1. Begin by wetting the stained area with water.
2. Apply dishwashing detergent and gently rub into the stain.
3. If the stain remains, blot it with a clean cloth moistened with vinegar.
4. Launder as you normally would.
Red Wine
1. Apply white vinegar liberally to the stain.
2. Immediately after applying the white vinegar, rub in liquid detergent.
3. Repeat the process as necessary.
4. Launder as you normally would.
Butter & Oil
1. Cover the stain with a liberal amount of baking soda or corn starch to draw out the stain.
2. Allow to sit for 30 minutes to an hour.
3. Using a toothbrush or your fingers, brush the powder away from the stain.
4. If the stain remains, wet the stain with warm water and rub dish detergent into the stain.
5. Once the stain is lifted, launder as you normally would.
Jelly
1. Mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and ½ teaspoon of laundry detergent with 1 quart of warm water.
2. Allow to soak for 15 minutes.
3. If the stain remains, dab with rubbing alcohol.
4. Launder as you normally would.
Coffee & Tea
1. Mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and 1 tablespoon of dish soap into 2 cups of warm water.
2. Blot the stain with the mixture.
3. Repeat this process as necessary.
4. Launder as you normally would.
Berries
1. Stretch the stained area over a bowl and carefully pour boiling hot water over the stain using a tea kettle.
2. If any staining remains, blot the area with white vinegar and rinse with cold water.
3. Launder as you normally would.
A little bit of know-how and some elbow grease can get most stains out, and may even save your favorite shirt!
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