How To Get Soy Sauce Out Of Clothes 2024

How to get soy sauce out of clothes may be a big deal to you. Soy sauce is a disaster for clothes, especially white ones. Imagine the ugly black stain on the white shirt? However, things are not as bad as you think.

How would you treat the stain, throw it away or wait a while before washing it? Not at all. This article will let you know if the soy sauce stains are permanent or not and the valuable tips to remove them without sweating. Check it out!

Are Soy Sauce Permanent?

Soy sauce is considered one of the essential spices of Asian cuisine, originating from China. It is a product of the fermentation process with these main ingredients: brine, soybeans, roasted seeds, brine, and Aspergillus sojae or Aspergillus oryzae molds.

Because of this prominent color, the soy sauce stain is unsightly when it sticks to clothes. Just imagine, the pretty white shirt has an ugly black dot. It is annoying, isn’t it? So, when soy sauce gets on clothes, does it leave a permanent mark?

Maybe you will throw away your favorite shirt. Come on, do not scare yourself; soy sauce stains are not as difficult-to-remove as you think.

Rest assured that these stains are not permanent. Just a few tips below, you can ultimately say goodbye to soy sauce stains on clothes. Let’s check it out.

4 Main Stages Of Soy Sauce Removal

You may think that nasty black stains on your clothes cause you a lot of trouble, and the process of removing them must be complex. Do not complicate things like that.

Feel free to calm down because although I give you many different ways to remove stains, they still include 4 main stages:

Blot The Fabric

It is an important stage in the process of removing soy sauce from clothes. At that time, you should quickly dip the excess soy sauce as soon as possible. Do not rub to spread the stain on the fabric.

The act of rubbing only makes stain removal more difficult. Remember to only “dot,” not “rub.”

Pre-treat

Once you have completed blotting water to the stain, the next stage is to treat it. This stage will provide you with various workarounds, including both nature-friendly ways and commercial products.

Depending on your needs, you can choose and apply the most suitable.

Wash

This stage marks the completion of this stain removal process. Then, washing after the pre-treat process will help you get the shirt as clean as the original.

Check & Repeat

This stage is no less important than the other stages. Double-checking to see if the stain remains on the fabric before drying clothes will save you from struggling to remove the stubborn stain again.

16 Easy Ways To Remove Soy Sauce From Clothes

Before proceeding to remove soy sauce stains according to my instructions, what you need to do right now is to check the care label instructions. Make sure you know what detergent your fabric is suitable for and how it should be washed.

You should see the video below:

1. Cornstarch And Hydrogen Peroxide

Do you find it strange that I mention cornstarch – a familiar ingredient in your kitchen? It is the main ingredient in pastries and a thickener in many dishes. Besides, cornstarch is also considered an effective soy sauce stain remover when combined with hydrogen peroxide.

It is considered a natural abrasive, helping you to remove stains easily. Hydrogen peroxide is only recommended for use on white, color-safe fabrics. Therefore, if your material is not colorfast, you should use other methods to avoid damaging the fabric.

Preparation:

• Cornstarch
• Clean cloth
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Borax
• Soft brush
• Laundry detergent

Instructions:

Step 1: First, you use some cornstarch to soak up the soy sauce stain. Place some powder right on the stain. Wait a few minutes until the powder is absorbed.

Step 2: Use a soft brush to brush off excess

Step 3: Use a clean damp cloth to blot the stain until the stain fades away

Step 4: Test in a hidden corner of the fabric before proceeding. If nothing happens, use 3% Hydrogen to blot the stains. Repeat the blotting process until the spot is no longer visible.

If your fabric is not colorfast, pre-soak the fabric in warm water with laundry detergent and borax, following the package instruction for 30 minutes in the washer.

Step 5: Once the soy sauce stain removal is complete, run the fabric underwater and wash clothes with detergent and borax.

Step 6: Check again after washing. If the stain is remaining, use liquid laundry and a firm brush to scrub it. Keep doing this until it is removed, and rewash clothes. You can dry as usual once the stain has been removed.

2. Laundry Detergent And Natural Bleaching Agents

A combination of laundry detergent and Vinegar or Lemon juice is considered one of the effective stain removal methods. These natural bleaching agents are regarded as safe, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly bleach.

They are friendly to fabrics, except for colored and non-colorfast clothes.

Preparation:

• White vinegar/Lemon juice
• Clean cloth
• Sponge
• Laundry detergent
• Stain remover (Optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Use a clean cloth to absorb the soy sauce stain. Blot the soy sauce as much as you can. Note, do not rub the stain.

Step 2: After blotting, remember to rinse the stained clothes. Note that use cold water to flush the back to prevent soy sauce from penetrating deeply into the fabric.

Step 3: Use laundry detergent to treat the soy sauce spot. Take some solution and place it on the stain. Then, use your fingers to rub the stained area gently. Let it rest for 3 minutes so that the detergent penetrates the fabric.

Step 4: Feel free to apply a bleaching agent (vinegar/lemon juice) to white fabrics and colorfast fabrics after testing. Alternate between laundry solution and the agent; remember to rinse after each application. Apply continuously until the stain is gone.

Step 5: Rinse the fabric again; if the stain is still there, you can proceed to the soaking step. Use laundry detergent mixed with warm water. Soak the fabric for about 30 minutes. If it remains, apply a commercial stain remover before washing.

Step 6: Wash as usual with the hottest water. After washing, please check carefully before drying.

3. White Vinegar, Liquid Detergent And Rubbing Alcohol

You can also combine white vinegar with alcohol as a cleaning solution. This solution will help you increase the ability to remove stains effectively. You can apply this method to colorfast fabrics.

Preparation:

• White Vinegar
• Clean cloth
• Sponge
• Rubbing alcohol
• Laundry Detergent

Instructions:

Step 1: Absorb excess soy sauce with a white cloth. Do not rub the fabric.

Step 2: Soak the stain with a mixture of warm water, laundry detergent, and vinegar. Combine 1-quart warm water, 1/2 teaspoon liquid detergent, and 1 tablespoon white vinegar to create a mixture.

Step 3: Soak the fabric for about 15 minutes so that liquid penetrates the fabric.

Step 4: After soaking, rinse the fabric with water

Step 5: Soak a sponge with some rubbing alcohol, then dab the sponge over the remaining stain. Dot until no more stains

Step 6: Wash off the alcohol on the cloth

Step 7: Wash as usual; repeat the process if stain remains

4. Dish Soap And Hydrogen Peroxide

Dishwashing liquid often includes ingredients that remove grease and stubborn food stains. Therefore, you can use it as a perfect soy sauce stain remover. Note: Use this method for light-colored fabrics only.

Preparation:

• Dish soap
• Clean cloth
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Large basin

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare a large basin with warm water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. To increase the effectiveness of stain removal, you can apply dishwashing liquid directly to the stain.

Step 2: Soak the clothes in this basin overnight.

Step 3: Use a white cloth to absorb the hydrogen peroxide solution, dab the cloth onto the stain, and leave it to sit for about 30 minutes.

Step 4: After blotting the stain with hydrogen peroxide, rinse it off with water

Step 5: Wash as usual with colorfast bleach; before putting in the dryer, recheck the stain. Repeat if necessary.

5. Toothpaste

The bleach in toothpaste can not only help you whiten your teeth and remove plaque, but it can also treat stains on clothes. Soy sauce stains can be removed entirely with toothpaste.

Preparation:

• Toothpaste
• Soft bristle toothbrush
• Clean cloth

Instructions:

Step 1: Blot the stain with a white cloth. Do not rub to avoid spreading stains.

Step 2: Take an appropriate amount of toothpaste, apply it to the stained area. Use a soft-bristled brush to brush the mixture into the stain.

Step 3: After brushing all the stains, rinse with water

Step 4: Check for stains; repeat the process if needed.

Step 5: Wash as usual; you need to check the fabric carefully and then hang it to dry.

6. Ammonia And Laundry Stain Remover

You can use Ammonia to dissolve the fat and colorants of the soy sauce. Then, the ugly black stains are easily removed without too much effort. When applying this method, wool and silk are not recommended.

Preparation:

• Ammonia
• Laundry stain remover
• Non-chlorine bleach
• Clean cloth
• Sponge

Instruction:

Step 1: Rinse the fabric under cold running water or dab a clean cloth over the stain. Remove as many stains as possible.

Step 2: Test for ammonia on an inconspicuous fabric corner to make sure your fabric is safe for this method. Soak a sponge in some ammonia and apply it to the stained area. Dot continuously until there are no more stains

Step 3: Pre-treat fabric with laundry stain remover before putting it in the washing machine

Step 4: Wash as usual with the hottest water with non-chlorine bleach. Check the stain thoroughly if you want to use a dryer.

Note: When applying ammonia, you should not use chlorine bleach to avoid creating harmful gas.⁽²⁾

Here is the reason why you should never mix ammonia and bleach.

7. Glycerol And Ammonia

Glycerol is an inexpensive but highly effective cleaner. Glycerol can easily dissolve soy sauce pigments and fats, so it is reasonable to use it for soy sauce stain.

However, glycerol should be combined with ammonia for maximum effect to eliminate stains on jeans and colored blouses.

Preparation:

• Glycerol (pure liquid)/Glycerin (contain 95% glycerol)
• Ammonia

Instructions:

Step 1: Use a clean cloth to rub Glycerol into the stained area. Let it sit on the stain for about 20 minutes and rinse the fabric under cold running water or washing gel.

Step 2: To increase the effectiveness of glycerin, mix 1 tsp of ammonia and 4 tsp of glycerin and apply the mixture to the stained area. Rinse off the stain after 15 minutes. You should use a lot of water to flush off the residue on both sides of the clothes.

Step 3: Wash as usual, hang to dry immediately after testing the stains.

8. Medical Alcohol, Ammonia And Gasoline

Besides glycerol or laundry stain remover, you can also combine ammonia with other products like gasoline and rubbing alcohol. This combination will help you increase your ability to remove stains comprehensively.

Preparation:

• Ammonia
• Gasoline
• Rubbing alcohol

Instructions:

Step 1: Mix gasoline, rubbing alcohol, and ammonia together. Prepare 0.5 cups of rubbing alcohol, 1 teaspoon of ammonia, 1 teaspoon of gasoline, and mix well to make a paste.

Step 2: Apply the solution to the stain. Leave the solution on the fabric until it is completely dry.

Step 3: Wash the fabric as usual. Before putting the fabric in the dryer, check it carefully.

9. Oxalic Acid

Oxalic acid is considered a mild, safe, yet highly effective cleaner for stubborn stains. This acid will help you penetrate deep into each fabric, so using it for soy sauce is a wise decision.

Preparation:

• Oxalic Acid
• A basin

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare a glass of water and dissolve a tablespoon of acid in it.

Step 2: Proceed to soak the fabric with the solution. Let it sit in for about an hour.

Step 3: After the stain fades, remove the cloth from the solution.

Step 4: Wash the fabric as usual. Check before putting the fabric in the dryer.

10. Salt

Salt is an essential ingredient in the kitchen; salt is also effective for cleaning soy sauce stains on clothes. Salt has strong reducing properties, so stains are easily removed by salt. This method is suitable for denim fabrics like jeans.

Preparation:

• Salt

Instructions:

Step 1: Sprinkle some salt directly on the stain

Step 2: Let the salt rest on the cloth for a while until the salt soaks up the soy sauce.

Step 3: Brush off the salt and rinse the fabric with clean water.

Step 4: Wash as usual; check the stain before proceeding to dry.

11. Potato

Potatoes are used to prepare popular dishes such as french fries, potato cakes, or baked herb potatoes and can be used as a cleaning material. For dark stains like soy sauce, potatoes are a good option.

Preparation:

• Potato

Instructions:

Step 1: Cut the potato into slices with appropriate thickness, not too thin, or you can cut the potato in half, then press the stain on both sides of the fabric.

Step 2: Rub the potato pieces on the stain and let them sit for 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Rinse the fabric again

Step 4: Wash as usual; recheck the stain before drying.

12. Vanish

Vanish is always the first choice of housewives in cleaning and stain removal. Vanish does not contain chlorine bleach, so it is entirely safe for fabrics, including colored clothes. In terms of removing soy sauce stains, Vanish is also a perfect choice.

However, Vanish is not recommended for wool, silk, and leather fabrics.

Preparation:

• Vanish
• Laundry Detergent

Instructions:

Step 1: Put the Vanish on the cloth, gently rub the stained area for 1 minute.

Step 2: Mix washing powder with Valish at the ratio of 4 liters of water at 40C, 20 grams of regular detergent, and a scoop of vanishing. Mix well and rub the stain. Continue rubbing until the stain is completely gone.

Step 3: Wash as usual, hang to dry immediately after checking stains

13. White Wizard

Besides Vanish, you can use White Wizard to remove soy stains on washable fabric. The instructions are even more accessible than their cousin-Vanish.

Preparation:

• Cool water
• White Wizard
• Paper towel
• Biological detergent

Instructions:

Step 1: Use cool water to rinse your clothes. Water will help you get rid of as many soy stains as possible.

Step 2: Apply White Wizard directly to the stains, and rub them gently.

Step 3: Wait a few minutes to allow the cleaner to penetrate the stains and break them.

Step 4: Use a paper towel to blot the stains before putting the clothes into the washing machine.

Step 5: According to the fabric, you can choose different cleaning modes. Opting biological detergent for cotton and wash at 40C. For silk and wool fabric, do not forget to select delicate cycles, and the appropriate water temperature is 30F to protect their texture.

14. Mild Soap

Leather is one of the fabrics that are not easy to treat stains. However, you can apply mild soap to remove soy sauce stains effectively.

Preparation:

• Mild soap
• Sponge
• Soft-bristle brush
• Cornmeal
• Warm water

Instructions:

Step 1: Use a clean cloth to soak up as much soy sauce as you can. Only dot, do not rub to avoid the stain spreading to other areas.

Step 2: Mix warm water with mild soap, stir the mixture to create foam

Step 3: Use a sponge to absorb the solution and apply it to the stain. Then use a clean cloth to wipe the stain.

Step 4: Check whether the stain is still there; if not, proceed to the next step. In case the stain persists, sprinkle cornmeal on the stain and leave it on for a while.

Next, brush the powder off the fabric with a soft-bristled brush. You can re-sprinkle and do the same steps until your clothes are clean.

15. Commercial Bleach

Bleaching products are effective on dark stains, especially soy sauce. If you are afraid that bleach will harm colored fabrics, do not hesitate to choose Clorox – a product for even colored clothes.

Preparation:

• Clean cloth
• Clorox Bleach Pen Gel (white clothes)
• Clorox Stain Remover & Color Booster (colored clothes)

Instructions:

Step 1: Make sure you blot as much of the stain as you can with a clean cloth. Then, rinse the stain with cool water.

Step 2: Pretreat the stain. Use products that are appropriate for your fabric.

Step 3: Wash the fabric as usual with the hottest water. Add bleach solution to increase efficiency in the washing process. Before putting the fabric in the dryer, check it carefully.

16. Liquid Laundry Stain Remover

If you are looking for a method for cotton or linen fabrics, go for it. A liquid laundry stain remover will not let you down (Shout is an effective product)

Preparation:

• Shout liquid laundry stain remover
• Liquid detergent
• Rubbing alcohol
• Enzyme

Instructions:

Step 1: Blot the stain as much as possible with a clean cloth.

Step 2: Pretreat the stain. Test the Shout liquid laundry stain remover on an intimate area of ​​the fabric first. If nothing happens, pre-treat the stain with the product. If the stain is gone, wash the garment as usual.

Step 3: If stains persist, mix ½ teaspoon liquid detergent with 1 quart of warm water. Submerge your clothes in the solution for 15 minutes. Rinse with water and use a sponge to dab rubbing alcohol on the stain. Rinse and let it dry.

If the stain is stubborn, prepare a tablespoon of the enzyme with 1-quart warm water. Take at least 30 minutes to presoak. Then rinse and let it dry.

Step 4: After the stain has been removed, wash as usual

Unignorable Notes For Soy Sauce Removal

For a comprehensive stain removal process, you must not only apply the proper methods but also pay attention to some important notes such as:

• Speed is the key: Act quickly as soon as you discover soy sauce stains on your clothes. It is always easier to treat a new stain than old stains – stains that have been too long on clothes.
• Follow label instructions: This is considered a prerequisite in removing any stains; soy sauce is no exception. Knowing what your fabric is suitable for will help you quickly find the proper method for you.
• A spot test is highly recommended: A picture is worth a thousand words, so you should try the methods in a hidden corner of the fabric for the surest results. Then you will know for sure which way will work for your material.
• Avoid heat drying: It is best to let it dry naturally. Avoid using the dryer as if the stain persists; heat drying will make the stain permanent.
• Ask the expert: For sensitive fabrics such as wool, satin, silk, it is best to find a professional dry cleaner. Your fabric may not be damaged by soy sauce, but it can be damaged by applying the wrong cleaning method.
• Safety first: When working with chemicals, you must be careful. Remember to wear gloves and work in open areas when handling chemicals, especially when using ammonia and rubbing alcohol. Ensure you do not stand near heat sources while working with alcohol.

FAQs

Some frequently asked questions about soy sauce stain removal have been summarized below. Stay tuned and find your answer.

Better Safe Than Sorry

More than finding treatments for stains, carefulness is always a prerequisite. Therefore, if you do not want to ruin your favorite shirt with the ugly black dot of soy sauce, be careful when using these dishes.

In addition, in dealing with stains, you should adhere to the procedure that I mentioned above. Then, the cleaning process will go more smoothly, and the stain will probably be less stubborn.

Hopefully, my tips will help you deal with these ugly stains. Share with your friends and relatives if you find it useful. Please leave your idea in the comment section to let me know what you think.

References

1. “Soy sauce – Wikipedia”. En.Wikipedia.Org, 2021.
2. “Danger Of Mixing Bleach With Cleaners – doh.wa.gov, 2021.