Ketchup… Loved by all, spilled by all! No matter how tenderly you try to handle ketchup, spills are inevitable. Unfortunately it can leave an ugly mark or stains on whatever it falls on and sometimes these are too stubborn to come off. It can cause utter embarrassment especially during social occasions and meetings. Ketchup stains are best dealt during the initial stages of the spill, but few smart methods can also remove hard dried stains.

The best method in case of a recent spill is by simply elevating the part of the stain (In case of a garment) and washing it off with clean water. Normally holding it under a tap is a good idea, as the flowing water takes most of the ketchup off the cloth. If a tap is beyond reach, then wipe the stain with a damp cloth.

Applying glycerin to the stain, which is diluted by distilled water in the ratio of 1:2 by parts, can also be applied to the stain. This would soften the stain, in case it is dry. Leave it for sometime and then wash it with mild detergent. Occasional scrubbing can also help.

Sometimes the stain gets too stubborn, and applying a diluted peroxide solution (1:6 by parts and volume strength of 20) can do the trick. Apply this solution over the stain after washing it with normal water first. Allow the solution to do its work for sometime and wash it back again. Peroxide solution can be easily found at grocery stores or chemists. Make sure the dilution is done carefully and always wear a pair of gloves while doing it.

Using a fairly basic substance such as baking powder can also help remove those nasty ketchup stains. Sprinkle some on the stain and wait for a while. Shake the powder off and wash it with clean water.

Using soda water also seems to work for many. Soda water has a mild acid in it. Hence it helps in removing the bonds quite easily. Apply soda water on the stain and wash it well after few hours. Repeat if necessary. This works with red wine stains also. Please do not try using any other strong acid solution, as it would severely damage the surface or clothing. Using vinegar is another alternative.

Use a detergent or stain removal stick and apply over the stain. Soak the cloth in a mild detergent solution and let it sit for 30 minutes. Wash it with clean water thereafter.

To remove ketchup stains from leather, make a mild soap solution and apply it over the stain. Gently rub the stain off with a damp clean cloth. A sponge can also be used as long as the surface is smooth.

Sometimes the ketchup can spill over wallpaper. Instead of being hasty, dip a clean cloth or a sponge in warm water and gently rub the stain. Make sure it is done gently to prevent any streaks on the wallpaper. Later, using a clean dry cotton cloth, pat the area dry.

When no such chemicals are available, there is still a natural way out. Lemon can work wonderfully in case of ketchup stains. If the stain is old and dry, squeeze out some lemon juice and pour it over the stain. After a few minutes, scrub the stained area. Repeat until the stain actually starts to disappear. Wash with warm water finally.

Dealing with ketchup spills on a carpet is comparatively more difficult than the others. The first thing you need to do in such cases is to scrape the excess ketchup off the carpet. This would allow you to work on the stain left behind alone. Then spraying the stain with some dilute ammonia solution or chemicals mentioned in the steps above would help. Spray clean water on the affected area and use a blower to dry the carpet finally.