An accidental drop of ketchup, soy sauce or greasy gravy on a light-colored shirt often seems like a verdict. However, most of these stains can be removed even at home if you act quickly and use the right methods. The main rule of thumb is. do not rub stain to prevent the pigment from penetrating deeper into the fabric fibers.
First steps to take when a stain appears
As soon as the sauce has got on the clothes, it is necessary to carefully remove the excess with a napkin or the blunt side of a knife. Afterwards, it is advisable to put the cloth under a jet of water cold water on the underside. This will help to wash the sauce particles out of the thread structure without setting them. Hot water is contraindicated in this case, as it can literally “boil” the proteins or dyes inside the material.
Effective remedies for different types of sauces
The choice of cleaning agent depends directly on the composition of the product:
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Greasy sauces (mayonnaise, oil-based sauces). Regular dishwashing detergent works best here. It effectively breaks down fats. It is necessary to apply a drop on the stain, leave it for 10-15 minutes, and then rinse gently.
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Tomato sauces (ketchup, ajika). Such stains contain natural dyes. A solution of vinegar or lemon juice will help. The acid destroys the pigment, returning the fabric to its original appearance.
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Soy sauce. Because of its high salt content and dark color, it is best removed with ammonia or soaking in warm milk.
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White sauces (cream sauces, garlic sauces). It is important to treat them only with cool water, as the protein in them curdles at temperatures above 40 degrees.
Working with delicate fabrics
If the stain appears on silk or wool, aggressive stain removers can damage the structure. In such situations, you should use glycerin. It should be slightly heated, applied to the soiled area and left for half an hour, then blotted with a soft sponge. For white cotton clothes, a porridge of baking soda and water, which has a mild bleaching effect, works well.
Rules for finishing washing
After the main stain has disappeared, the whole thing should be washed. This will help to avoid the appearance of streaks and finally remove the residues of the cleaning agent. Before sending the garment to the dryer, it is important to make sure that the sauce residue is completely gone, as exposure to hot air will make any remaining stain last forever.
Timely response and use of available household remedies can completely restore the appearance of things without going to a dry cleaner.
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