5 Brilliant Ketchup Household Hacks (That Don't Involve Eating It)

Simplify
by Simplify

Ketchup: who doesn't have it in their fridge? It is one of America's most classic condiments and can be found in almost every household.


While it's typically used to add flavor to food, did you know that ketchup can also be used for a variety of hacks around the house? We do! In this article, we'll lay out some creative ways to use ketchup outside of the kitchen.

Ketchup home hacks

1. Brass Cleaner

Brass items such as doorknobs, lamps, and decorative objects can lose their shine over time. Ketchup can help restore their luster. Apply a small amount of ketchup to a soft cloth and rub it onto the brass surface.


Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth. The acid in the ketchup helps to dissolve the tarnish and reveal the shiny brass underneath.

Using ketchup as polish

2. Silver Polish

Just like brass, silver items can become tarnished over time. Ketchup can help bring them back to their original shine. Apply a small amount of ketchup to a soft cloth and rub it onto the silver surface.


Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth. The acid in the ketchup helps to dissolve the tarnish and restore the shine.


3. Car Polish

Ketchup can be used to clean and shine car parts such as the bumper, hubcaps, and grill. Apply ketchup to a soft cloth and rub it onto the surface.


Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off with a clean, damp cloth. The acid in the ketchup helps to remove dirt and grime and reveal a shiny finish.

Removing stains with ketchup

4. Stain Remover

Ketchup can also be used to remove stains from clothing, upholstery, and carpets. Apply ketchup directly to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes.


Then, rinse the area with cold water and repeat if necessary. The acidity in the ketchup helps to break down the stain and lift it from the fabric.


5. Plant Fertilizer

Believe it or not, ketchup can be used as a plant fertilizer. The sugar and vinegar in ketchup can help plants grow and thrive.


Mix one tablespoon of ketchup with one gallon of water and use it to water your plants. Be sure to only use this mixture once a month to avoid over-fertilizing.

Growing plants with ketchup

You see: Ketchup can be used for more than just adding flavor to food! From cleaning brass and silver to removing stains and fertilizing plants, ketchup is a versatile household item that can help solve a variety of problems.


Next time you're in a bind, reach for the ketchup bottle and let us know what other hacks you can come up with in the comments!


This article was written using AI technology and was then heavily edited and optimized by our editorial team.

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