6 Surprising Uses of Tomato Ketchup

A humble bottle of ketchup can spice up any food but it also has unexpected powers even outside the kitchen. From cleaning saucepans to repairing chlorine-damaged hair, the beloved condiment has tons of purposes in the household.

Here are some unexpected uses of ketchup.

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1. It can clean saucepans.

Since ketchup contains acetic acid, which gives the condiment its bitter taste, it can be used to prevent tarnishing of copper and stainless steel pans. Simply pour a dollop of ketchup onto the base of a saucepan and scrub it with a sponge.

2. It can be used as a face mask.

Tomatoes contain healthy amounts of the powerful antioxidant lycopene, which can heal and rehabilitate sun-damaged skin. It also contains other vitamins including A, C, and K, which can help prevent further skin damage. However, it is important to note that tomato contains vinegar, which can make your skin dry. Apply it as a juice or puree on your skin, which don’t contain vinegar, for about 15 minutes before rinsing.

3. It removes the smell of poop on your pet.

The noxious scent of dog poop can be hard to get rid of. The vinegar content of ketchup can facilitate chemical break down to help eradicate the nasty smell and easily remove residual bits on your pet’s fur. Although ketchup can make your pet smell better, you need to be extra careful with the possible stains.

4. It conditions your chlorine-damaged hair.

Tomato ketchup can be used to remove green copper sulfate, which are usually put in pools to kill algae, in your hair. Its acid content can also make your hair cuticles lie flat, thus making your hair look glossier. Keep in mind that the acids present in ketchup can also irritate your scalp and cause dandruff.

5. It can clean silver jewellery.

The acidic property of tomato ketchup can  remove copper oxide on silver to make it look less tarnished. Simply squeeze ketchup onto your jewellery making sure it’s completely covered. Rinse it off after 5 minutes.

6. It cleans rust off garden furniture.

Remove rusty layers from your garden furniture by applying ketchup on it. Its acetic acid content converts the iron oxide on your furniture into iron acetate, which can be easily washed away.

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