How To Remove Sriracha Stain From Washable Fabrics

February 16, 2023

If you're a fan of the spicy goodness of Sriracha sauce, then you know just how satisfying it can be to add a dash of it to your meals. But as delicious as it may be, accidents can happen and you might find yourself with a pesky Sriracha stain on your clothes or linens. Don't worry - with the right technique, removing a Sriracha stain from washable fabrics is easier than you might think. In this article, we'll go over some simple and effective methods to help you get rid of those stubborn stains for good.

COLOR

Red

APPEARANCE

These stains may appear as a reddish or orangish mark on the fabric and could be slightly sticky or dry. They may also have a spicy or garlicky smell.

WATER TEMP

Cold (65° to 75°F)

RATIONALE FOR WATER TEMP

Cold water helps to prevent the stain from setting and spreading.

The Science Behind Sriracha Stains

Sriracha sauce contains red chili peppers, which contain a natural dye called capsaicin that gives the sauce its distinctive red color. Capsaicin can penetrate the fibers of some fabrics, particularly those made of natural fibers like cotton or linen, and can be difficult to remove once it sets in. The combination of the bright red color and the ability of capsaicin to bond with fabric can result in unsightly stains that are tough to get rid of.

sriracha

What You'll Need To Get Rid Of Sriracha Stains

  • White vinegar
  • Dishwashing liquid
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Baking soda
  • Stain remover (household or commercial)
  • Clean white cloths or paper towels
  • Cold water
  • Laundry detergent
  • Washing machine

Step By Step Process To Remove Sriracha Stains

  1. Remove any excess sriracha sauce from the fabric using a clean white cloth or paper towel. Be careful not to rub the stain, as this can push it deeper into the fabric.
  2. Run cold water through the back of the stain to flush out as much of the sauce as possible.
  3. Apply white vinegar to the stain and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Rinse with cold water.
  4. Apply dishwashing liquid to the stain and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Rinse with cold water.
  5. Mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to form a paste. Apply to the stain and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Rinse with cold water.
  6. If the stain persists, apply a stain remover (household or commercial) to the fabric and let it sit for the recommended amount of time. Rinse with cold water.
  7. Wash the fabric in the washing machine using the hottest water temperature that is safe for the fabric (check the care label). Use laundry detergent and add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Do not put the garment in the dryer if the stain has not been completely removed, as the heat can set the stain.
Please note that some fabrics may require special care and may not be able to withstand hot water or certain cleaning products. Always check the care label and test any cleaning products on an inconspicuous area of the fabric before treating the stain.

In Brief

Sriracha sauce contains capsaicin, which can stain fabric and is hard to remove. To remove the stain, first remove excess sauce and rinse with cold water. Then apply white vinegar, dishwashing liquid, a hydrogen peroxide and baking soda paste, and a stain remover if needed. Wash in the hottest water that's safe for the fabric, adding white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Check the care label and test stain removers with caution.

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