Accidents happen! Nobody's perfect. Unfortunately, sometimes those accidents involve hot sauce and our clothes. If you’ve ever experienced the horror of your favorite hot sauce staining your shirt, don’t worry, you're not alone, and removing hot sauce from clothes doesn’t have to be a two-hour mission! (We've got the details on how to quickly and easily get hot sauce out of your clothes.)
In this step-by-step guide, you will learn how to tackle those stubborn hot sauce stains, saving both time and effort.
Let’s get right into and start with step one!
Step One: Remove Large Chunks & Dried Spots
The first step to getting rid of hot sauce stains is to remove any large chunks or dried spots of sauce. To do this, you will want to put your clothes in the sink and use a spoon or butter knife to scrape away as much of the hot sauce as possible.
You should also try dabbing the stain with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any remaining dry bits of sauce. If the stain is still wet, you can also use a spoon to remove excess liquid from the stained area.
Once the large chunks and dried spots have been removed, your clothes will be ready for the next step.
Step Two: Flush With Cold Water
The second step to removing hot sauce stains from your clothes is flushing the stain with COLD water. Make sure to use only cold water, as hot water can cause the stain to set and become harder to remove.
Aim the cold water at the stain from the back side of the garment, flushing the stain with a gentle stream of water. Be careful not to rub or scrub the stain as this may cause it to spread or worsen.
Step Three: Blot The Stain
The third step to removing hot sauce stains from your clothes is to blot the stain.
As we previously mentioned, try NOT to rub or scrub the stain.
Instead, use a clean cloth or paper towel (or surprisingly white bread) to very gently blot the stain. Make sure to use a light hand and dab, rather than rub/scrub. You may also want to try using a solvent-based spot cleaner specifically designed for removing stubborn stains (such as hot sauce).
If you choose to use a spot cleaner, be sure to follow the instructions on the label and test it on an inconspicuous area of your garment first.
Step Four: Use Liquid Detergent Or White Vinegar
Next, you'll want to use liquid detergent or white vinegar. If you choose to use detergent, make sure to select one that is designed specifically for removing stubborn stains.
For best results, dissolve the detergent in warm water (NOT HOT) and then apply it to the stained area.
Alternatively, you can create a mixture of white vinegar and water and use it to blot the stain. When blotting with the vinegar mixture, be sure to blot from the outside in to prevent spreading the stain.
Steps to removing a stain using white vinegar:
Mix 1/3 of white vinegar with 2/3 water.
Use a clean cloth and sponge the stain.
Blot until absorbed.
Let it soak for 15-30 minutes
Repeat until the stain is gone.
For more white vinegar methods, you can try these steps.
Once the liquid detergent or white vinegar has been applied, your clothes should be good to go at this point. However, if this still hasn't removed your hot sauce stain, you can continue to step five.
Step Five: Use A Stain Remover (Don't Use Hot Water)
The fifth and additional measure to remove a hot sauce stain is to use an actual stain remover (Specifically designed for removing stubborn stains). Many stain removers on the market are designed to tackle tough stains, such as hot sauce stains.
When using a stain remover, just make sure to follow instructions to the "T".
My Stain Is Still There.... Now What?
If you've followed all of the steps outlined in this guide and your hot sauce stain is still present, don't worry! There are a few more options that you can try.
For example:
You can try soaking the garment in a mixture of 1/3 of white vinegar and 2/3 cups of cold water for 30 mintues.
You can also try using an enzyme-based spot cleaner or a bleach solution. Keep in mind that these methods may have a different effect depending on the type of fabric you're dealing with.
Once you've tried one of these methods, rewash your garment for the best results.
Last, but not least, you can try taking your clothes to a professional cleaner as they may have additional methods and products to take care of the stain.
FAQ
Q: What is the best way to remove hot sauce stains from clothes?
A: The best way to remove hot sauce stains from clothes is by using a combination of scraping away large chunks and dried spots, flushing the stain with cold water, blotting the stain with a cloth or paper towel, and then washing with liquid detergent or white vinegar.
Q: Can I use hot water to remove hot sauce stains?
A: No, we do not recommend using hot water to remove hot sauce stains as it can cause the stain to set and become harder to remove. Instead, use only cold water when washing or rinsing the stained area.
Q: How do you remove dried hot sauce stains?
A: Blot with white vinegar and rinse with cold water. Keep repeating until the stain has been removed.
Q: What products can I use to remove hot sauce stains?
A: You can use a mixture of 1/3 white vinegar with 2/3 cup of cold water, or a spot cleaner specifically designed for removing stubborn stains. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label though.
Cleaning Hot Sauce Off Your Clothes
Cleaning hot sauce off your clothes can be tricky, but with a few simple steps, you can keep your favorite garments looking their best.
In case you have clothes that can only be dry cleaned, start by following the first step to eliminate any solid or dry spots. After that, it's best to take the garment to a professional dry cleaner and bring their attention to the specific stain.
Otherwise, just follow our steps above.
If you have any home remedies for removing hot sauce stains from clothes, make sure to leave a comment down below and share with everyone else!