John D. Johnson has manned the line at Camp Washington Chili for more than 60 years. He’s turned the reins over to his daughter, Maria Papakirk, but the 78-year-old still cooks the chili—and he does it in a white shirt. “I asked him why,” Papakirk says. “He said, ‘Because white always looks clean.’ ”
That is until you inevitably splosh chili all over yourself. Then what? First try dabbing it with some soda water. That’s what they’ll offer you at Camp Washington Chili, anyway. Or just check your pride at the door and preempt that stain with a bib. “I try to tell these business and media execs who come for lunch that all it takes is one little spot to ruin a crisp white shirt,” Papakirk says. “The worst is when their tie gets a stain. That’s a lost cause.” And hot sauce? Don’t even think about it. “Even when it spills on the table it’s hard to scrub off, let alone an article of clothing.”
Johnson sends his chili-stained whites over to Dick Zahneis of Parkway Cleaners. Zahneis starts with a pre-treat and a soak. “Pre-treat with a mild washing detergent, cold water, and if the fabric is sturdy enough, like cotton or polyester, a soft-bristled brush before you throw it in the wash,” Zahneis says. “Grease won’t come out without it.” In a pinch, he recommends Dawn dish detergent; “It’s one of the best for grease.” And really make sure you attack that spot before you throw your shirt in the dryer. After that, “it’s set,” Zahneis warns. But the real moral of the story, according to Papakirk, is this: “You assume the risk when you don’t wear a bib.” Fair enough.
John D. Johnson has manned the line at Camp Washington Chili for more than 60 years. He’s turned the reins over to his daughter, Maria Papakirk, but the 78-year-old still cooks the chili—and he does it in a white shirt. “I asked him why,” Papakirk says. “He said, ‘Because white always looks clean.’ ”
Johnson sends his chili-stained whites over to Dick Zahneis of Parkway Cleaners. Zahneis starts with a pre-treat and a soak. “Pre-treat with a mild washing detergent, cold water, and if the fabric is sturdy enough, like cotton or polyester, a soft-bristled brush before you throw it in the wash,” Zahneis says. “Grease won’t come out without it.” In a pinch, he recommends Dawn dish detergent; “It’s one of the best for grease.” And really make sure you attack that spot before you throw your shirt in the dryer. After that, “it’s set,” Zahneis warns. But the real moral of the story, according to Papakirk, is this: “You assume the risk when you don’t wear a bib.” Fair enough.
That is until you inevitably splosh chili all over yourself. Then what? First try dabbing it with some soda water. That’s what they’ll offer you at Camp Washington Chili, anyway. Or just check your pride at the door and preempt that stain with a bib. “I try to tell these business and media execs who come for lunch that all it takes is one little spot to ruin a crisp white shirt,” Papakirk says. “The worst is when their tie gets a stain. That’s a lost cause.” And hot sauce? Don’t even think about it. “Even when it spills on the table it’s hard to scrub off, let alone an article of clothing.”
Ammonia can be used in place of a specialized stain fighter, but dilute it using one part ammonia and two parts warm water. Never combine ammonia with any bleach products.
Chili is a delicious comfort food that can be made to satisfy anyones palate from vegetarians to meat lovers, spice enthusiasts to those who enjoy a more mild flavor. While chili can hit the spot when hunger strikes, it can also hit your clothing, leaving behind red, greasy stains that can look next to impossible to get out. If you see a big pot of chili stewing in your future, arm yourself with the necessary tools and know how to combat chili stains.
Always treat a chili stain as soon as possible after it occurs. If you don’t have vinegar and stain fighter on hand, blot and soak the stain with cold water until you can get to your laundry room.
Run the stain under cold water for a minute, then soak it in a mixture of ½ cup of cold water and ½ cup of white vinegar. Let it soak in the mixture for 10 minutes to help lift the stain and prevent it from setting on fabric.
Spray the stain on both sides with a pre-laundry stain fighter and wash the garment according to the instructions on the inside tag. Inspect the stained area; if the stain is still present, spray and wash until it has disappeared, then dry the garment accordingly.
How to remove chili stains from clothes
How do you remove chili stains?
Factors like the type of fabric, type of chili sauce, and time elapsed since the stain occurred should be considered when trying to remove chili stains. Effective methods for removing chili stains include using dish soap or laundry detergent, white vinegar or lemon juice, rubbing alcohol, and borax or baking soda.
Can rubbing alcohol remove chili stains?
When dealing with chili stains, you can use rubbing alcohol to remove them. Simply follow these steps. Pour rubbing alcohol to a clean white cloth, cotton ball, or white paper towel. In case the stain goes beyond the pile, utilize a blotting motion until the spot is removed or the color does not transfer to the cloth.
Are chili stains hard to remove?
Chili stains may seem harmless, but they can be quite stubborn. Understanding the science behind chili stains and why they are difficult to remove is the first step in successfully getting rid of them. Chili stains can be tough. This is because chili sauce has oil in it. The oil sticks to your clothes and does not like water.
How do you remove chili sauce stains from clothes?
Say goodbye to unsightly chili sauce stains and hello to fresh, clean clothes and the freedom to enjoy as much chili sauce as you want. A reddish or orange stain with a slightly spicy smell. Hot water helps to break down the sauce and make it easier to remove.