How to remove a soup stain (goulash, cumin...):
Small accident, big stain?

A story from life

"The little one knocked over a bowl of stew soup on the tablecloth. A red spot, a greasy centre and a yellowish shadow after washing. I was about to resign, but I tried soda-citron-EcoHaus paper. The result? Not a hint of it left. So yeah, it's working!"

- Radka, EcoHaus customer

Why a soup stain is not "just water"

Soups often contain:

fat from broth or meat
starch and flour to thicken it
spices (paprika, pepper, cumin) - strong natural colouring agents
vegetables or onions that oxidise and smell

All this absorbs into the fibres and the stain may appear after washing - like a greasy or discoloured map. And the more distinctive the soup (stew, cabbage soup...), the more of a challenge.

How to stain soup step by step

What helps:

Cold or lukewarm water
Baking soda
Citric acid or lemon juice
White vinegar 10%
EcoHaus Washing Papers
Sodium percarbonate - ideal for light-coloured laundry

Procedure:

Gently blot soup residue with a paper towel - don't press.
Rinse with cold water on the reverse side to get the grease out.
Sprinkle with baking soda, sprinkle with lemon or citric acid in water.
Why it works: Soda absorbs fat and starch, acid breaks down pigments from spices.
Let sit for 15 minutes, rinse lightly.
Wash with EcoHaus washing papers at 30-40°C.
For white/light laundry, add sodium percarbonate.
Why it works: Active oxygen will brighten and pull out even older discolouration.

What to watch out for

Don't use hot water before washing. You'll bake the grease and starch into the fibers.
Don't wait. Even clear soup can leave a greasy shadow.
Don't wash it without first treating it. Paprika, turmeric or pepper will leave a pigment even after washing.

➙ Tip from Grandma Petra

Soups? Soda and lemon. For the greasier types - like goulash - add a splash of vinegar. For white stuff, I recommend percarbonate and dry in the sun, as the light helps.

➙ Tip from Vlaďka - the cleaning lady

A mixture of baking soda and vinegar works for greasy and spicy stains. If the fabric is absorbent (e.g. cotton, linen), leave it for 20 minutes before washing with paper. A white tablecloth? Percarbonate makes sure of it.

Dealing with another stain?

Check out Spotter - you'll find articles on sauces, broth, oil, tartar, chocolate and baby food. And when there's a crisis, email Vlada - our clever assistant in the bottom right corner.

Send your tip

Got a tip for stew, potato soup or potato cakes? Send it to marketing@ecohaus.cz or write it in the comments. A shared experience saves more than one tablecloth.

Summary

Soup is the heart of home cooking - but it can leave nasty marks on textiles. If you know what to use, you can do it chemistry-free, with a clear conscience - and preserve the peace and beauty of the fabric.