How to Remove Ketchup Stains

Whether at a backyard BBQ, a drive-thru detour, or a toddler with fast hands, ketchup has a knack for ending up where it doesn’t belong, from shirts and shoes to carpets and furniture.

If ketchup stains are making you see red, we have good news. In this guide, Molly Maid^® home cleaning experts dish out the ultimate tips for how to remove ketchup stains from fabric, carpets, and even your favorite white sneakers.

First Things First: Act Fast!

Ketchup contains tomato (a very stubborn pigment), vinegar, and sugar—all of which make it a staining triple threat. The sooner you address the mess, the better your odds of a full recovery. No matter where the ketchup lands, lift away (don’t rub!) the excess before you begin cleaning.

How to Get Ketchup Out of Clothes

So, ketchup found its way onto your favorite shirt? It happens to the best of us. Whether the result of a wayward fry or a sloppy bite, here’s how to get ketchup out of clothes quickly and effectively.

1. Scrape off the excess. Use a dull knife or the edge of a spoon to gently lift off any remaining ketchup. Be careful not to smear it deeper into the fabric.
2. Rinse from the back. Turn the clothing inside out and run cold water through the back of the stain. This pushes the ketchup out of the fibers instead of deeper in.
3. Apply a gentle detergent or dish soap. Dab liquid laundry detergent or clear dish soap directly onto the stain. Gently rub it in with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush.
4. Let it sit, then rinse again. Let the detergent sit for 5–10 minutes, then rinse with cold water. If the stain is gone, run the item through the laundry as usual. If not, move on to the next step.
5. Try white vinegar or baking soda. For tougher stains, apply a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water or make a paste with baking soda and water. Gently blot, then rinse.
6. Wash, but skip the dryer. Throw the item into the wash with cold water. Don’t use the dryer until you’re 100% sure the stain is gone, as heat can set it permanently.

Need a handy guide for every splatter and spill? Check out our Stain Removal Guide for expert-approved help on all kinds of messes.

How to Get Ketchup Out of White Shoes

Ketchup on the kicks? While a ketchup stain on crisp white sneakers may be a crime against style, it’s not an irreversible one. Follow these steps to remove a ketchup stain from shoes.

1. Remove laces. Take out the shoelaces to get full access to the fabric and avoid spreading the stain.
2. Dab the excess. Use a paper towel to gently blot the stain. Don’t rub—it can spread and deepen the discoloration.
3. Use a baking soda paste. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water and apply to the stain. Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub in a circular motion.
4. Wipe and rinse. Wipe the area with a damp cloth. Rinse lightly if possible and let the shoe air dry.
5. Use a whitening touch-up (optional). Once the shoes are dry, use a sneaker whitener or magic eraser to touch up any residual discoloration.

How to Get Ketchup Out of Carpet

A ketchup spill on the carpet might seem like the end of the world (or at least the end of your spotless home), but it doesn’t have to be! Here’s the ketchup crisis plan for your floors:

1. Blot, don’t rub. Use a spoon to scoop up excess ketchup, then blot the area gently with a clean white cloth. Rubbing will only make things worse.
2. Mix your cleaning solution. Combine one cup of cold water with a few drops of dish soap. Test a small, hidden section of the carpet first to be safe.
3. Apply and blot. Dampen a clean cloth with the soapy solution and gently blot the stained area. Don’t soak the carpet—just dab.
4. Rinse and dry. Dampen another cloth with clean water and blot to remove soap residue. Blot again with a dry cloth to absorb moisture. If needed, repeat the process.
5. Baking soda bonus. If a smell lingers, sprinkle baking soda over the area once it’s dry and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming.

Pro Tip: Do your high-traffic areas or pet messes need more than DIY care? Our thorough, professional cleaning services keep your home in tip-top shape.

Additional Tips for Ketchup Stain Removal on All Surfaces

No matter where ketchup lands, there’s likely a solution for avoiding a permanent stain. Here are some tips for getting stains out of common household materials.

• Cotton: Stains in cotton respond well to cold water and detergent.
• Silk or wool: Delicate! Blot gently and use a mild soap. When in doubt, leave these stains to the pros.
• Upholstery: Blot with soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid saturating the fabric.
• Leather: Wipe with a damp cloth and dry immediately. Follow up with a leather cleaner or conditioner.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Ketchup Stains

Don’t panic when you see a new ketchup stain. Taking the wrong approach can actually make things worse! Avoid these common mistakes when addressing a stain.

• Hot water: Heat sets the stain. Always start with a cold rinse.
• Bleach: Chlorine bleach may clear the stain but can cause additional discoloration, especially on colored fabrics.
• Aggressive scrubbing: Friction can wear down fibers and spread the mess.
• Dryer use before complete removal: Heat from the dryer bakes the stain into permanence.

Let Molly Maid Handle the Cleanup

If you're cleaning up after a party, a holiday cookout, or everyday kid-created chaos, a ketchup stain is likely just one of many. From carpets to countertops and everything in between, the pros at Molly Maid are here to help you reclaim your home. Our experienced cleaning professionals will handle the cleanup while you rest easy. All of our services are backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise^® to ensure your satisfaction with every visit.

Need help beyond ketchup? Whether it’s a full-home refresh or regular weekly tidying, contact your local Molly Maid team and explore helpful tips anytime in our ever-growing library of cleaning tips.

This article is intended for general guidance only and is not applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and situation. Molly Maid is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of advice and/or guidance derived from its blog content. Molly Maid services may vary by location. For the most accurate guidance, contact the Molly Maid nearest you for more information and a professional on-site assessment.

FAQs About Ketchup Stain Removal

Since 1984, Molly Maid has proudly provided a reliable, professional, and affordable solution to a messy, dirty home. Providing the house cleaning services that busy homeowners need also includes using our years of experience to answer your questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about how to remove ketchup stains.

What’s the fastest way to get ketchup out of clothes?

To get ketchup out of clothes without staining, scrape off excess ketchup, rinse from the back with cold water, and apply detergent or dish soap. Let it sit, then rinse again. Don’t blot, as this can exacerbate the stain.

How do you remove ketchup stains from a carpet without damaging it?

For ketchup stain removal on your carpet, remove the excess with a spoon or paper towel by blotting (don’t rub). Apply a mild soap and water solution, then blot again with clean water. Repeat as needed and let air dry. Test the soap and water solution on a hidden area of the carpet first.

How can I get ketchup out of white shoes?

To get ketchup out of white shoes, create a baking soda and water paste and gently scrub it against the stain with a toothbrush. Rinse and air dry. Finish with a whitening product if needed.

Will ketchup come out in the wash?

Ketchup stains will only come out in the wash if treated first; washing alone won’t get them out. Pre-treat fabrics with detergent or vinegar to remove stains before washing. Be sure to let a stained garment air dry, as heat from the dryer can set stains permanently.