COIT’s Guide to Ketchup Stain Removal
Have you ever tried to remove ketchup stain residue in your home? If you need a helping hand, COIT can offer some fairly simple tips for at-home stain removal.
The 411 on Ketchup
As one of the most popular and widely-consumed condiments on the planet, ketchup can be found in most pantries in America. In the US, approximately 214,041 gallons of ketchup are consumed per day, which adds up to more than 78,124,000 gallons per year! It’s safe to say this famous condiment is here to stay.
But that doesn’t mean that ketchup stains have to stick around! With COIT’s guide to ketchup stain removal, you’ll have a few trusty methods to turn to so you can keep up with ketchup.
Before we dive into specific ketchup stain removal techniques, let’s learn a bit more about the history of and ingredients in this popular condiment.
History of Ketchup
Did you know that the word “ketchup” comes from the traditional Chinese word “koechiap”, meaning the brine of pickled fish or shellfish? When this sauce made its way to Malaysia and Singapore, it was discovered by British explorers, who called it “kechap.” The pronunciation eventually turned into “ketchup.”
Over time, this sauce gradually evolved into a tomato-based version that was actually created by Thomas Jefferson’s cousin, Mary Randolph, in 1801. The sauce that evolved into “ketchup” was actually more popular than eating plain tomatoes alone, as many people in the 1800’s believed that raw tomatoes were poisonous! This tomato-based brand of ketchup was then produced and sold locally by farmers.
Heinz Ketchup is Born
As ketchup’s popularity grew, more ketchup producers attempted to capitalize on the market. In 1876, F. and J. Heinz introduced Heinz Tomato Ketchup, a brand that is still widely consumed all over the world today. Heinz was sure to keep the word “Tomato” in the product name, as ketchup in the 1800’s was made of other ingredients that went beyond just tomatoes.
Today, Heinz sells over 650 million bottles of Heinz tomato ketchup per year!
Ingredients in Ketchup
To properly remove ketchup stain residue, it’s good to know which type of ingredients you’ll be scrubbing, right? The following ingredients can be found in Heinz ketchup:
• Tomato concentrate from red ripe tomatoes
• Distilled vinegar
• High fructose corn syrup
• Salt
• Spice
• Onion powder
• Natural flavoring
Other brands of ketchup contain similar ingredients, with variations by brand.
Removing Ketchup Stain Residue
With 97% of US households keeping ketchup in their pantry, removing ketchup stain residue at home is definitely a common chore – you’re not alone! If you encounter a ketchup stain on your carpet and want to get rid of it quickly, check out COIT’s easy to follow at-home techniques:
• COIT’s guide to ketchup stain removal from carpets
For more advanced carpet cleaning support, contact COIT carpet cleaning services to schedule an initial assessment.
How to Remove Ketchup from Carpet
COIT’s Guide to Removing Ketchup Stains from Carpet
Looking for effective ways to keep your carpet ketchup free? If you encounter a ketchup stain and need a few do-it-yourself solutions that are quick and effective, COIT can help.
With COIT’s guide to get ketchup out of carpet, a few unexpected ketchup stains won’t last long.
How to Remove Ketchup Stain from Carpet – Method # 1
- To get ketchup out of carpet, start by scraping off any remaining ketchup from the carpet fibers using knife.
- Take one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid and mix it with 2 cups of cool water.
- Sponge the stain with a white cloth that’s soaked in this solution.
- Blot the ketchup stain, slowly absorbing the liquid and the stain.
- Repeat the above mentioned steps until the ketchup stain has disappeared.
- Rinse the stain with cold water to remove any cleaning solution residue.
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How to Get Ketchup Out of Carpet – Method # 2
- Vacuum any excess ketchup off the carpet as soon as you discover the stain. If you rub the stain, this will cause the ketchup to set into the carpet fibers even more, so avoid rubbing!
- If you don’t have a vacuum, a spatula works as well when you’re wondering how to remove ketchup stain from carpet.
- Spray the ketchup stain with a store-bought laundry pre-spray solution. Leave the stain to soak up the solution for 15 to 20 minutes.
- After 15 to 20 minutes has passed, vacuum the solution for a second time.
- Rinse the affected area of the carpet with warm water.
- If the carpet looks clean, you’re all set. If you still see any residue on your carpet, continue with the steps below when tackling the question of how to get ketchup out of carpet.
- Mix 4 parts warm water with 1 cup of ammonia in a spray bottle.
- Shake the bottle very well.
- Spray the ketchup stain 3 to 4 times and begin scrubbing with a toothbrush.
- Vacuum the solution with a wet/dry vacuum after scrubbing for 10 to 15 additional seconds.
- Pour warm water over the affected area to rinse the ammonia solution.
How to Get Ketchup Out of Carpet
Remember, if you can get to the ketchup stain quickly, it’s less likely to settle into your carpet’s fibers – so act fast. If your ketchup stains are more severe and need more than household stain removal techniques, COIT carpet cleaners can show you how to get ketchup out of carpet. We’ll use a professional, truck-mounted cleaning system to remove the toughest of carpet stains.
Learn more about COIT professional carpet cleaning services and don't forget to checkout our coupons!
Remember to always do a spot removal test on a portion of carpet or upholstery that is normally not visible. These are suggested treatments only and COIT can't be held accountable for any damage sustained by use of the treatments in this spot removal guide.
