Fish sauce is a delicious and essential ingredient in many Asian dishes, but it can be a nightmare when it gets on your clothes.
The pungent smell can linger for days, and the stain can be tough to remove. Don’t worry, though – we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll share some tips and tricks on how to get fish sauce out of clothes. From using baking soda to vinegar and even pet stain remover, we’ll explore various methods to help you get rid of that fishy smell and stain.
So, let’s dive in!
How To Get Fish Sauce Out Of Clothes?
Method 1: Baking Soda
Baking soda is a versatile and effective cleaning agent that can help remove fish sauce stains and odors from your clothes. Here’s how to use it:
1. Mix half a cup of baking soda in a bucket or sink full of warm water, or add one cup of baking soda to a washing machine filled with warm water.
2. Submerge the smelly clothing in the solution for as long as possible, preferably overnight.
3. After soaking, wash the clothes as usual, and the fishy smell should be gone.
Method 2: Vinegar
Vinegar is another household item that can help neutralize fish sauce odors. Here’s how to use it:
1. Combine three tablespoons of white vinegar and one cup of water in a saucepan and bring to a boil for several minutes.
2. Because vinegar is acidic and odors are alkaline, it can neutralize odors.
3. After boiling, let the solution cool down, and then soak the smelly clothing in it for an hour or two.
4. After soaking, wash the clothes as usual, and the fishy smell should be gone.
Method 3: Pet Stain Remover
Pet stain remover is a powerful cleaning agent that can help remove tough stains and odors from your clothes. Here’s how to use it:
1. Apply pet stain remover directly to the fish sauce stain on your clothes.
2. Let it sit for a few minutes, then blot with a damp cloth until the stain no longer comes up on the cloth.
3. After blotting, wash the clothes as usual, and the fishy smell should be gone.
Method 4: Oxygen Bleach
Oxygen bleach is a color-safe bleach that can help remove stubborn stains from your clothes. Here’s how to use it:
1. Soak the smelly clothing in warm water with oxygen bleach for 30 minutes, as directed on the package.
2. After soaking, wash the clothes as usual, and the fishy smell should be gone.
Act Fast: Remove Excess Fish Sauce
Fish sauce can be a particularly stubborn stain to remove from clothing, especially if it has been left to set in. However, acting fast can make all the difference when it comes to removing excess fish sauce before it becomes a permanent stain. Here are some tips to help you remove excess fish sauce from your clothes:
1. Use a blunt knife or spoon to gently scrape off any excess fish sauce from the fabric.
2. Blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb as much of the liquid as possible.
3. Avoid rubbing the stain, as this can cause it to spread and become more difficult to remove.
4. Apply a small amount of heavy-duty laundry detergent directly to the stain and gently rub it in with your fingers.
5. Allow the detergent to sit on the stain for at least 10-15 minutes before washing the garment.
6. Make sure to check the garment care label for washing instructions and use the hottest water recommended for the fabric type.
7. After washing, air dry the garment instead of using a dryer, as heat can set in any remaining stain particles that have not come off in the wash.
By following these steps and acting fast, you can increase your chances of successfully removing excess fish sauce from your clothes before it becomes a permanent stain.
Pre-Treat The Stain
Before attempting any of the above methods, it’s important to pre-treat the fish sauce stain to increase the likelihood of successful removal. Here’s how to do it:
1. Blot the stain as dry as possible with a clean cloth or paper towel. Avoid rubbing the stain, as this can spread it further.
2. Apply an enzyme-based stain remover or a bit of heavy-duty liquid detergent, such as Tide or Persil, directly onto the stain. Let it sit on the fabric for at least 10 minutes before washing as you usually would.
3. If the stain persists after washing, try an oxygen bleach soak. Soak the smelly clothing in warm water with oxygen bleach for 30 minutes, as directed on the package, before washing again.
4. For particularly stubborn stains, try dabbing the stain with white vinegar using a cotton swab or sponge, followed by hydrogen peroxide if needed. Rinse and pretreat again if any stain remains before laundering as usual.
Remember to always check the care instructions on your garment label before attempting any cleaning methods and to test any new cleaning products on an inconspicuous area first to avoid damaging your clothes.
Wash With Baking Soda
Baking soda is a versatile and effective cleaning agent that can help remove fish sauce stains and odors from your clothes. Here’s how to use it:
1. Mix half a cup of baking soda in a bucket or sink full of warm water, or add one cup of baking soda to a washing machine filled with warm water.
2. Submerge the smelly clothing in the solution for as long as possible, preferably overnight.
3. Baking soda is an effective option for removing grease stains because it easily absorbs excess oil. Before washing, make a paste with six tablespoons of baking soda and 1/3 cup of warm water, rub it into the stain and let it do its thing. The baking soda will lift the stain out of the fibers.
4. After soaking or rubbing the baking soda paste into the stain, wash the clothes as usual, and the fishy smell should be gone.
5. For particularly stubborn stains, you can also sprinkle baking soda directly onto the stain and let it sit overnight before washing.
6. Baking soda is also great for removing food and drink stains from colored clothes, white clothes, carpets, and mattresses. To create a baking soda paste for stain removal, slowly mix warm water to two tablespoons of baking powder until you get a thick paste. Then, spread the paste over the stain, fully covering it. Leave the paste over the stain for an hour before you remove the paste and rinse any excess away with water.
Using baking soda is an easy and affordable way to remove fish sauce stains and odors from your clothes. Give it a try next time you find yourself in this situation!
Try Vinegar
Vinegar is a highly effective cleaning agent that can help remove fish sauce stains and odors from your clothes. Here’s how to use it:
1. Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water in a spray bottle.
2. Spray the solution onto the fish sauce stain on your clothes and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
3. After letting it sit, use a clean cloth to blot the stain until it is no longer visible.
4. Rinse the area with cold water to remove any remaining vinegar solution.
5. If the odor persists, you can add one cup of white vinegar to your washing machine during the rinse cycle to help neutralize the smell.
It’s important to note that while vinegar is an effective cleaning agent, it may not be suitable for all types of fabrics. Always check the care label on your clothing before using any cleaning solutions and test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage or discoloration.
Use Pet Stain Remover
Pet stain remover is a highly effective cleaning agent that can help remove fish sauce stains and odors from your clothes. Follow these steps to use pet stain remover:
1. Apply the pet stain remover directly to the fish sauce stain on your clothes.
2. Let it sit for a few minutes, then blot with a damp cloth until the stain no longer comes up on the cloth.
3. After blotting, rinse the clothes thoroughly with warm water.
4. If the fishy smell persists, repeat the process until the odor is gone.
5. Wash the clothes as usual, and line-dry them in direct sunlight.
Pet stain remover works wonders because it contains enzymes that break down organic matter, such as fish sauce. It’s important to note that not all pet stain removers are created equal, so make sure to choose one that is safe for use on clothing and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Additionally, test the product on an inconspicuous area of the garment before applying it to the stain to ensure that it doesn’t cause any damage or discoloration.
Consider Professional Cleaning
If the fish sauce stain on your clothes is particularly stubborn or you are unsure of how to properly treat it, consider taking the garment to a professional cleaner. They have access to specialized cleaning agents and equipment that can effectively remove tough stains without damaging your clothes. It is important to note that not all fabrics are suitable for professional cleaning, so be sure to check the care label on your garment before taking it in for cleaning. Additionally, be sure to inform the cleaner of the type of stain and any previous attempts at removal so they can tailor their cleaning approach accordingly. While professional cleaning may be more expensive than DIY methods, it can be a worthwhile investment for preserving the quality and longevity of your clothes.
