Fries and ketchup go well together. Your clothes and ketchup, unfortunately, do not.

So if you’ve stumbled upon this article after searching for “how to get ketchup out of clothes,” you’ve come to the right place! 

At Branch Basics, we’re experts in natural cleaning and stain removal methods that really work.

In this article, we’re sharing four effective, human-safe methods that naturally lift and remove ketchup stains and bring your garment back to life.

How to Begin + What You’ll Need

Step 1: Act Fast

For fresh ketchup stains, it’s always best to act quickly to avoid the stain from setting.

Remove excess ketchup by gently scraping with a spoon or dull butter knife. 

Do not rub the stain! Rubbing will push the ketchup into the fibers, making it more difficult to remove later.

Step 2: Rinse From the Back 

Turn the garment inside out and run cold water through the back of the stain.

A cold rinse flushes the ketchup from the fibers and prevents it from setting.

Step 3: Pre-Treat the Stain + Wash

To pre-treat, apply a natural stain removal method – we’ve included four options below.

As you do, work from the outside edges of the stain moving toward the center. This will help prevent the stain from spreading.

Let sit, per the instructions below, and wash as usual.

4 Natural Stain Removal Methods

Now, let’s take a look at four natural stain removal methods to help you learn how to get ketchup out of clothes.

1. Branch Basics Concentrate and Oxygen Boost

At Branch Basics, we offer several safe and effective stain-removal options.

Our products were created to the highest human-safe and environmentally-friendly standards and are Certified Made Safe, EWG-Verified, Cruelty-Free Verified/Never tested on animals, and the Concentrate is independently, third-party tested as non-skin or eye irritant.

All of our products have their unique benefits, but our liquid all-in-one Concentrate and Oxygen Boost are our go-to for tough stain removal.

For fresh stains, we typically recommend starting with Branch Basics All-Purpose dilution (made by combining Concentrate with water).

Add Oxygen Boost on top of All-Purpose, or as a soaking agent, to make a stain-removal solution – this is especially useful on old, dried, or set-in stains.

Here’s how to use them to get ketchup stains out of clothes:

1. Spray the stain with All-Purpose. Sprinkle with Oxygen Boost* and wet with a few sprays of All-Purpose.
2. Work it into the fabric, then soak the stain in cold water to cover for 10-15 minutes or until the stain loosens.
3. Every five minutes, gently agitate the stain. Rinse with cold water, running it through the back of the stain.
4. Repeat this process until the stain lifts. Wash as usual.

If the stain is old or hardened, it may need more dwell time and/or an overnight soak.

If this is the case, soak the garment in cold water with 1 tsp. Concentrate and a scoop of Oxygen Boost overnight, then wash as usual.

If the stain is stubborn, and some still remains, don’t despair. Don’t dry the garment; treat the stain again. Sometimes stains take some extra effort.

2. Vinegar + Baking Soda

Vinegar and baking soda are common household staples. Together, they create a powerhouse stain-removing combo.

Sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, has absorbent and whitening qualities that make it an effective stain remover.

Combined with the acetic acid in distilled white vinegar*, the two work together to brighten and break down stains without harming fabrics.

To remove ketchup stains with vinegar and baking soda:

1. First wet the stain with water, then cover it with baking soda.
2. Spray the area with vinegar – this will trigger a fizzing chemical reaction.
3. Let fizz, then gently agitate the stain with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
4. Let sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly under cool water. Repeat as needed and wash as usual.

*Note: Even though it’s a safe, natural stain-removing product, the acetic acid found in vinegar can be a lung irritant when used as a spray. Care must be taken to avoid inhaling aerosolized vinegar.

Open the windows while cleaning, use fans, and/or good ventilation until the vinegar smell is cleared.

Avoid using vinegar as a spray in the presence of someone with asthma or chronic illness.

Learn more about vinegar in 12 Ways To Use Vinegar In Your Home. 

3. Lemon Juice 

Lemon juice* contains natural citric acid and enzymes that make it an effective natural bleach alternative that can be used to remove and lighten stains, among many other household uses.

To use on ketchup stains:

1. Apply lemon juice directly or combined with salt, then agitate. 
2. Let sit for 15-30 minutes, then rinse with cold water.
3. Repeat if needed or wash as usual.

*Note: Lemon juice has a bleaching effect, so it’s important to test it on an inconspicuous place before doing a full application. Best used on white garments, so take care with colored fabrics.

4. Branch Basics Laundry Detergent

Branch Basics Laundry Detergent powder is a concentrated, water-free formula free of common laundry detergent toxins, including optical brighteners, bleach, sulfates, fragrance, phthalates, formaldehyde donors, phosphates, and more.

The powder can be used directly on ketchup stains to pre-treat.

To use:

1. Sprinkle with detergent, spritz with some All-Purpose spray, agitate, and let sit for about 5-10 minutes*.
2. Wash as usual.

*Note: Do not allow the Laundry Detergent powder to dry on the fabric.

Tips to Prevent Ketchup Stains from Setting

To prevent ketchup stains from setting in the fabric, try these simple tips:

• Act quickly. Fresh stains are much easier to remove than those over 24 hours old.
  
• Rinse from behind the stain. This pushes the ketchup out of the fibers, preventing it from going deeper into the fabric.
• Check before drying. If the ketchup stain is still visible, do not place the garment in the dryer. The heat can set the stain. Instead, treat and wash again.

Learn more in our How to Get Stains Out of Everything With Branch Basics [Complete Guide].

Toss the Toxins with Branch Basics

Now you know how to get ketchup out of clothes using natural methods like Branch Basics, lemon juice, vinegar, and baking soda.

If you’re interested in trying Branch Basics’ all-in-one cleaning system for human-safe stain removal, laundry, house cleaning, and more, be sure to check out the Branch Basics Starter Kits.

Available in refillable plastic or glass bottles, our kits have everything you need to clean your home naturally and effectively.

Our kits include the Concentrate, refillable bottles to make All-Purpose, Bathroom, Streak Free, Laundry, and Foaming Wash, and a full-size bag of Oxygen Boost.

To round out your human-safe laundry room, stock up on Branch Basics Laundry Detergent, Wool Dryer Balls (a safer alternative to dryer sheets), and the Natural Scrub Brush for stain removal.

For more natural cleaning, stain removal, and healthy living resources, check out our Wellness Center and Toss The Toxins Online Course.