How to Remove Soy Sauce Stains From Clothes & Carpet

Before You Begin

As soon as possible after the stain occurs, blot any excess soy sauce from the garment or table linen with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Remove Soy Sauce Stains From Clothing

Be sure to act quickly, following these steps as soon as possible after the stain occurs. Even if you're in a restaurant, you can follow a couple of these steps to minimize the damage.

1. Blot Any Excess Soy Sauce

   Use a clean cloth or napkin to blot the wet area. Never rub or the stain could set in and become harder to remove.

2. Flush With Cold Water

   Use cold water to prevent the soy sauce from setting. Run the cold water through the back of the garment, so it doesn't force the stain deeper into the fabric.

3. Spot Treat With Liquid Laundry Detergent 

   Use your thumb and fingers to rub liquid laundry detergent into the soy sauce stain gently. Allow the garment to sit for three minutes before rinsing it thoroughly.

4. Apply a Bleaching Agent

   If you've tested your clothing to confirm it is colorfast, or if the garment is white, you can apply a bleaching agent such as vinegar, lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide with a sponge. Do not do this with clothing that is colored or patterned and not colorfast. Alternate between rubbing liquid laundry detergent and the bleaching agent, rinsing between each application. When no more soy sauce can be removed, rinse thoroughly.

   Tip

   A natural bleaching agent like lemon juice or distilled white vinegar can be a good alternative to chlorine bleach on tough stains—and these natural products have a gentler impact on the environment.

5. Soak the Garment

   If the stain remains, soak the item. Apply liquid laundry detergent directly to the stain and soak the clothing in warm water for 30 minutes. If the stain still remains, apply a stain remover stick, gel or spray before washing the garment normally, using the hottest water suitable for the clothing.

6. Check the Fabric

   Inspect the garment after washing it but before putting it in the dryer. If the stain isn't all gone, the heat of the dryer could set it permanently. If any stain remains, repeat the cleaning process.

Remove Soy Sauce Stains From Upholstery and Carpet

If you've dropped soy sauce on upholstered furniture or a rug, the washing machine is usually not an option. Act fast to blot the wet spot with paper towels or a clean cloth, being careful not to rub the stain deeper into the fibers.

1. Blot the Stain With Soap and Water

   Mix one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid with two cups of cold water. Use a clean cloth to blot the stain until all liquid is absorbed. Repeat until the stain disappears.

   For carpet, if the stain remains, mix one tablespoon ammonia with one-half cup of water and sponge the stain with the ammonia mixture.

2. Rinse and Dry

   Sponge the soapy solution from the spot with cold water and dry by blotting with another clean cloth or paper towel.

If the stain persists, treat it once more with the methods above. If the clothing, upholstery or carpet is is vintage or made from silk or wool, contact a professional cleaner or see our guide if you need more stain removal tips.