How to Remove Barbecue Sauce Stains

It’s almost a universal truth: the moment you splurge on a shirt that’s definitely not barbecue-sauce-colored, someone manages to land a perfect dollop of sauce right on the front. Whether it’s your 5 year old, your 48 year old husband, or your 75 year old parent, you suddenly find yourself in the middle of how to remove barbecue sauce stains without losing your cool (or the shirt).

How to Remove Barbecue Sauce Stains from Clothing

• Act fast. Whisk that shirt off the wearer as soon as possible.
• Scrape, don’t smear. Use the edge of a spoon or a dull knife to gently lift off any extra sauce. Avoid spreading it around.
• Flush from the back. Run cold water through the back of the fabric to push the stain out rather than further in.
• Detergent dab. Rub a small amount of liquid laundry detergent into the spot with your fingertips – no aggressive scrubbing.
• Baking soda volcano trick. Sprinkle baking soda, then pour on white vinegar. Watch it fizz while it works on the stain. Flush from the back again.
• Repeat if needed. If the stain persists, reapply detergent and flush again. Never put stained fabric in the dryer – heat will make it permanent.
• Extra grease-busting. Soak in warm water mixed with a bit of dishwasher detergent for stubborn oily spots.
• When all else fails. Use a store-bought stain remover or, for high-end fabrics, take it to the dry cleaner.

Getting Barbecue Sauce Stains Out of Carpets or Rugs

• Test first. Always test cleaning solutions in a hidden spot.
• Blot, don’t rub. This prevents fraying fibers and spreading the mess.
• Rinse well afterward. Leftover cleaner can attract dirt.
• The process:
  1. Scrape up excess sauce.
  2. Dab with warm water to lift what you can.
  3. If you have a steam cleaner, use it with a gallon of water plus a squirt of dish soap.
  4. No steam cleaner? Mix 1 tablespoon dish soap with 4 cups warm water and blot.
  5. For lingering stains, apply 3% hydrogen peroxide, cover with plastic wrap and a towel, and let sit for 30 minutes. Repeat if needed.
  6. Still there? Try 1 tablespoon ammonia in 1 cup water, blotting carefully.
  7. Rinse thoroughly with plain water.

Removing a Barbecue Sauce Stain from Upholstered Furniture

• Step one: stay calm. No good stain story starts with panic.
• Lift the excess. Use a spoon or dull knife to remove sauce without grinding it in.
• Blot with warm water. Use a damp paper towel or cloth to lift as much as possible.
• Steam clean if you can. A small upholstery attachment plus dish soap in water works wonders.
• Manual method: Mix 1 tablespoon dish soap with 2 cups warm water and blot.
• Peroxide lightening: Apply 3% hydrogen peroxide, cover to keep out light, check after 30 minutes, and repeat if necessary.
• Don’t overdo it. Let the spot dry between treatments to avoid damaging the fabric.

Congratulations – stain gone, shirt saved, carpet spared, couch redeemed. Now you can proudly say you know how to remove barbecue sauce stains and enjoy your barbecue without fear… just maybe keep the ribs away from the good clothes next time.