How To Remove Menudo Stain From Washable Fabrics
January 26, 2023
Orange Menudo stains can be difficult to remove, especially if left untreated for too long. Menudo is a traditional Mexican soup that is typically made with tripe and hominy, which can be quite messy to eat. The orange color of the soup can easily be transferred to clothes, leaving behind stubborn stains. But don't worry, with the right approach and a few simple household items, you can easily remove these stains and restore your clothes to their original condition. These tips will help you get rid of the stains effectively. Keep reading to learn more about how to remove orange Menudo stains from clothes.
COLOR
Red
APPEARANCE
These stains appear as discoloration of the fabric that is usually red or brown in color. They can be slightly wet or dry to the touch and may have a slightly spicy or savory smell. These stains are often caused by spills or splashes of menudo or other similar stews.
WATER TEMP
Hot (120° to 140°F)
RATIONALE FOR WATER TEMP
Hot water helps to break down the sauce and make it easier to remove.
The Science Behind Menudo Stains
Menudo is a traditional Mexican soup that is made with tripe (the stomach of a cow) and a variety of spices, including chili peppers. The orange color in the soup comes from the use of chili peppers, which contain a pigment called capsanthin. When the soup is spilled on clothes, the capsanthin can stain the fabric and leave an orange mark. Additionally, if the soup is not cleaned up immediately, the acidity of the soup can also lead to discoloration on the clothes. To avoid staining, it is best to be careful when handling and eating the soup, and to clean any spills immediately.
What You'll Need To Get Rid Of Menudo Stains
- Dish soap or laundry detergent
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Lemon juice or citric acid
- Enzyme-based stain remover
- Chlorine bleach (if the fabric is white and safe for bleaching)
Step By Step Process To Remove Menudo Stains
- Blot the stain with a clean, white cloth to remove as much of the soup as possible.
- Apply a small amount of dish soap or laundry detergent directly to the stain and gently rub it in with a scrub brush or an old toothbrush.
- Mix a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Rinse the garment with warm water. If the stain is still visible, mix equal parts of white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the stain and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Rinse the garment again with warm water.
- If the stain persists, mix a solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of dish soap or laundry detergent. Apply the solution to the stain and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Rinse the garment again with warm water.
- If the stain is still visible, apply lemon juice or citric acid to the stain and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Rinse the garment again with warm water.
- If the stain is still visible, use an enzyme-based stain remover and let it sit according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Launder the garment in the washing machine using the hottest water safe for the fabric, along with laundry detergent. If safe for the fabric, you can add chlorine bleach to the wash cycle.
In Brief
Menudo, a traditional Mexican soup, can cause orange stains on clothes due to its use of chili peppers which contain pigment called capsanthin. To remove the stain, you can use a combination of household products, such as dish soap, baking soda, white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice or citric acid, and an enzyme-based stain remover. The key is to act quickly and to keep testing and rinsing the fabric until the stain is removed. Always check the fabric label before using any product, and always test a small inconspicuous area first before applying to the entire stain.
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