How to Remove Sushi, Soy Sauce, and Wasabi Stains

How to Remove Sushi, Soy Sauce, and Wasabi Stains From Clothes

The occasional stain is to be expected while enjoying a sushi meal. You can treat sushi stains using products like heavy-duty detergent, stain remover, and ammonia.

1. Remove Solids and Blot

   Remove any solids, like wasabi or roe, using a blunt knife or the edge of a credit card. Be careful not to rub the substance into the fabric, making the stain more difficult to remove. If the stain is liquid, blot up as much fluid as possible with a white cloth or paper towel.

2. Flush With Water

   Flush the stained area by holding it inside-out directly under running, cold water. Never use hot water because that can cook the protein from the fish into the fabric fibers and make the stain more difficult to remove. 
   

3. Pre-Treat

   Pretreat the stain with an enzyme-based stain remover or a bit of heavy-duty liquid detergent, such as Tide or Persil. Let the cleaner sit on the fabric for at least 10 minutes before washing as you usually would. If the stain persists, try an oxygen bleach soak.
   

4. Fill Basin

   Fill a basin with cool water and, following package instructions, add oxygen bleach. OxiClean, Nellie's All-Natural Oxygen Brightener, and OXO Brite are highly recommended brands.

5. Soak

   Submerge the garment and allow it to soak for at least 30 minutes. Check the stain and if it remains, continue soaking for another two hours or overnight before laundering as usual. This treatment is safe for all fabrics except silk, wool, or garments with leather trim.

How to Remove Sushi, Soy Sauce, and Wasabi Stains From Carpet and Upholstery

You can use the same cleaning solution and techniques recommended for carpets to remove stains from upholstery. Take extra care not to over-saturate the fabric because excess moisture can cause mold and mildew in cushions.

1. Remove Solids and Blot

   Remove any solids as quickly as possible with a dull knife or credit card, and blot any fluids with a white cloth or paper towel.
   

2. Mix a Solution

   Mix 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid in 2 cups of lukewarm water, and use a sponge or soft-bristled brush to work the solution into the stain. Rinse and blot using a white cloth or paper towel dipped in cool water to remove any soapy residue that may attract dirt.
   

3. Mix Secondary Solution

   Mix a solution of oxygen bleach and cool water if the stain remains. Saturate the stained area with the solution, allow it to rest on the stain for at least 30 minutes, and then blot the moisture.

4. Sponge Stain

   
   Sponge older stains with a mixture of 1 teaspoon of non-sudsing household ammonia with 1 cup of water. If the carpet or upholstery is dark, test the mixture in a hidden spot before treating the stain, as it might cause colored fabrics to fade.

5. Air-Dry

   Finish by blotting and air-drying. When dry, vacuum carpets to lift the fibers.

When to Call a Professional

When your stained garment is labeled dry clean only, scrape or blot any excess matter and head to the dry cleaner soon as possible. Point out and identify the stain to help your professional cleaner choose the proper treatment. If you choose to use a home dry cleaning kit, treat the stain with the provided remover before putting the garment in the dryer bag. Remove the solids and contact a professional upholstery cleaner if the stained upholstery is vintage or silk.

Additional Tips for Removing Soy Sauce and Sushi Stains

To remove soy sauce stains, you can pre-treat the spot using a bit of hydrogen peroxide, followed by soaking. You may repeat your preferred cleaning method as many times as you see fit. While at-home methods are reliably effective, you can visit a professional cleaner for more specialized treatment advice if the stain doesn't seem to budge. You may need to tackle the smell of spilled fish products separately from treating the stain.