Brightening silver
While the lady of the manor might blanche at you dolloping low-class ketchup on her precious silverware, it in fact has some remarkable results. Apply ketchup to a cloth, rub it on the silver, rinse thoroughly, and buff for a finish even shinier than many dedicated silver-cleaning products.
Shoe shine
Did you know that you can use ketchup as a homemade shoe shine ingredient? Apply a small amount of ketchup to a cloth and use it to shine leather shoes as you would with any off-the-shelf product. The acidity of the ketchup is especially helpful in breaking down ingrained dirt.
Pet hair remover
If you’re a pet owner, you know just how difficult it can be to keep pet hair off your furniture. Thankfully, there’s a solution: dab a small amount of ketchup onto a cloth or sponge and use it to remove pet hair from upholstery or clothing. The sticky texture of the ketchup helps lift the hair off the surface, and its slightly acidic nature discourages cats from re-hairing your upholstery!
Tomato facial mask
The next time you’re putting together a homemade face mask, consider using ketchup as a key ingredient! Due to its natural acidity and antioxidant properties, ketchup helps to reduce redness and gently exfoliate the skin. Apply a thin layer of ketchup to clean skin, leave it on for a few minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. You might feel like a Big Mac in the short term, but it’s worth it.
DIY fake blood
Fake blood is a must-have tool in any Halloween fanatic’s arsenal, but stores charge ludicrous seasonal prices for what’s effectively red water. Instead, mix ketchup with a small amount of chocolate syrup or red food coloring to create a homemade fake blood that’s unsettlingly realistic.
Rust removal
Got a rusty car part that just won’t budge? Apply some ketchup to the affected area and let it sit for a few hours. The natural acidity of ketchup can help break down rust, making it easier to then scrub away with a brush or sponge.
Slime ingredient
Ketchup can be incorporated into homemade slime recipes, adding a unique texture and color to the mixture. Combine ketchup with other slime ingredients like glue, borax, or corn starch for a fun sensory activity. Just make sure that your ingredients are, like ketchup, safe to be handled by children.
Fertilizer booster
Due to its tomato content, ketchup can be used as a fertilizer booster for tomato plants or other plants that benefit from extra nutrients. Do note that it’s very important to dilute the ketchup before applying to the soil. This both ensures that the pH alignment of the soil is maintained and lowers the risk of attracting pests like ants and greenflies.
Removing stains
Ketchup stains are among the most stubborn you’ll find – but did you know that ketchup itself can be effective in removing certain stains? Ironically, these include those caused by tomato-based sauces, as well as by ink and lipstick. Apply a small amount of ketchup to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wash as usual.
Conditioning hair
Some people believe that the acidity in ketchup can help remove product buildup from hair. Apply a small amount of ketchup to damp hair, leave it on for a few minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. Your hair should have a beautiful, glossy look – though it might smell a little of tomatoes…
