Remove food stains with cold water and dish soap

Scrape off any solid residue with a spoon, then flush the back of the stain under cold running water. For tougher food stains like tomato sauce or curry, apply a drop of liquid dish soap and gently work it into the fabric before rinsing.

Why It Works

Flushing from the back pushes the stain outward rather than deeper into the fabric. Cold water prevents protein components in food from coagulating and setting. Dish soap cuts through oily components that water alone cannot dissolve.

Tips

• Never use hot water on protein-based food stains — heat sets them permanently
• Tomato and curry stains respond well to lemon juice or white vinegar after the initial rinse
• If the stain has dried, soak in cool water with detergent for 30 minutes before washing