Effective Ways To Remove 5 Common Food Stains: Ketchup, Turmeric, Coffee And More

Food stains are always an irritation. Nothing spoils your mood during a good meal quicker than dropping a bit of food or spilling a drink on your clothes. If it's a new or pricey outfit, one feels doomed. Sometimes it may not even be your fault. Food stain removal is a skill in itself. Sometimes, you have to act quickly to prevent permanent stains. At other times, you have to wait to let the stain dry before acting on them. Are you confused about how to deal with common food stains? We have prepared a short list of useful techniques for removing stains caused by foods and drinks. Here is a quick guide:

5 Common Food Stains and How to Remove Them

1. Tomato sauce/ Ketchup

When you're enjoying a burger, a bowl of spaghetti or tacos and salsa, the possibility of tomato-based stains lurk on the horizon. The red colour may also suspiciously look like blood, which never creates a good impression. To remove tomato sauce from your clothes, gently remove any semi-solid remnants from the surface. You can use a spoon to scrape them off. Then blot the stained area with a wet cloth. Soak the piece of clothing for around five minutes in cold water. Use a toothbrush to scrape the stained area with laundry detergent. Rinse the stain and then wash the entire garment in warm water.
(Also Read: Kitchen Tips: 5 Easy Ways To Remove Turmeric Stains From Utensils)

_{Tomato-based liquids can be easily removed from some garments. Photo Credit: iStock}

2. Turmeric

Turmeric stains can be extremely persistent. Sometimes, you may have to wash the garment multiple times before the stain vanishes completely. If the stain is due to powdered turmeric, remove any excess powder and then rub liquid detergent carefully onto the discoloured area. Later, wash the garment with plain water. If it is an oil-based stain like a curry, it may be harder to get rid of. One method you can try is using lime juice, which acts as a bleaching agent. First blot the stain with a clean cloth. Squeeze a few drops onto it and rinse with cold water after 15-20 minutes. For certain coloured clothes, you can try another method: mix white vinegar and dishwashing liquid in a 2:1 ratio and soak the stain-affected area into this solution. Rinse with cold water after around half an hour.

_{Keep your clothes safe from turmeric-based curry stains by using simple techniques. Photo Credit: iStock}

(Also Read: How to Remove Turmeric Stains from Your Kitchen Utensils and Linen)

3. Coffee

Sometimes we're so focused on work, that we accidentally knock over our mug of coffee or tea. But don't worry, your expensive formal outfits are not ruined forever. If it is a coffee stain, you are in luck because there are 3 extremely quick hacks to fix them: soda water, lemon juice and shampoo. For the first method, simply use club soda to blot the stain and you will notice it gradually disappearing. For the second, soak a clean cloth in lemon juice and use it to blot the stain. You can also use a mild shampoo (mixed with a little water) to blot the coffee stain.
 

_{We have all been victims of coffee stains, especially at work. Photo Credit: iStock}

4. Tea

Tea stains might need a bit more effort. Due to its absorbent qualities, baking soda is usually great for stain removal. On the damp stain surface, thickly layer baking soda to cover it completely. Dab it lightly to allow it to start soaking up the liquid. Keep the garment aside (with the baking soda on top). You can leave it overnight, or wash it off after a few hours. You can also use vinegar in a spray bottle to remove tea stains.
(Also Read: The History Behind White Tea, And Why It Is A Great Health Companion)

5. Wine

Spilling this drink can easily endanger your clothes, especially during parties and get-togethers. One method to remove wine stains from your involves using white vinegar. This liquid is particularly effective against red and purple pigments. All you have to do is cover the stain with white vinegar, dab liquid detergent and then wash the stained clothing in hot water. If you don't have vinegar, use salt (the coarser the better). First, lightly dab a clean cloth to remove any excess liquid. Then isolate the wine stain by pulling the stained cloth taut over the mouth of a bowl or glass. Apply salt to the wine stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Slowly pour boiling water over the salt-covered area from 6-8 inches above. Later, wash the clothes in warm water. The salt method is especially useful for thicker fabrics.

_{White vinegar is usually effective against wine stains. Photo Credit: iStock}

Remember to check the labels on your garments before trying any of these methods. Avoid using concentrated stain removers on delicate fabrics like silk. It is best to get it laundered professionally.

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