How To Remove Barbecue Sauce Stains From Clothing

Steps To Remove Barbecue Stains From Clothing

1. Scoop Up Excess Sauce

   Scoop any excess food or sauce off the garment with a spoon. Take care not to press too hard, or you may drive the stain deeper into the clothing fibers.

2. Flush With Cold Water

   • Run cold water through the back of the stain as quickly as possible. This will force the stain back out through the fabric the way it came. (Avoid hot water, which can set this stain and make it much more difficult, if not impossible, to remove.)
   • Keep running water through the stained fabric for several minutes, or even longer if you feel it is helping and making a difference in fading or removing the stain.

3. Apply Liquid Detergent

   • Rub a liquid laundry detergent into the stained portion of the fabric (liquid dish soap will also work). Work it in gently with your fingers. You want both sides to be soaked through.
     
   • Let the detergent sit for up to 10 minutes before thoroughly rinsing in ​lukewarm water.

   Tip

   Liquid laundry detergent is excellent at removing the greasy parts of the barbecue sauce that cling to the fibers of the clothing. Most laundry detergents will pack a punch needed to soak into the stain. Tide and Persil are both highly effective for this.

   
   

4. Bleach With Peroxide, Lemon Juice, or Vinegar

   • Sponge a mild bleaching agent, like hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar, or lemon juice onto the stain if the garment is white or you have tested it for colorfastness. Vinegar is safe to use on whites but can fade some colored fabrics; for those, you can wash with a color-safe bleach instead.
     
   • Rinse the clothing thoroughly.

   Warning

   Hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar make good bleaching agents, but don't mix them. The mixture contains corrosive acid and produces fumes that can damage skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.

5. Apply a Stain Remover

   Apply a stain remover stick, gel, or spray to both sides of the fabric to make sure it is fully covered. Allow it to sit for 5 to 15 minutes (or as directed).
   

   Tip

   The best stain remover for the job is one designed for fats and/or ketchup.

6. Wash and Air-Dry

   • Wash the clothing with your favorite laundry detergent and the hottest water that is safe for the fabric.
   • Before drying, you need to be sure the stain is fully removed because heat from a dryer will set the stain. Line-dry the garment and check again for the stain after the clothing is dry.
   • Sometimes only a faint ring near the outside of the stain remains. Repeat the above steps until the stain is completely gone. Then, wash and dry as usual.

When to Call a Professional

Barbecue sauce is an oil-based stain with pigments that can be extra hard to get out. If you can't get the stain out on your own, bring the garment to a dry cleaner. They have solvents that might work more effectively, and in the long run, if it's requiring too much of your time and it's frustrating you, let the pros handle it.

Additional Tips for Handling Barbecue Stains

If a stubborn barbecue sauce stain remains after washing, try rubbing liquid laundry detergent or dish soap into the stain and soak in warm water for 30 minutes. Rinse the clothing well, then wash it again per the care label instructions. Air-dry it and confirm the stain is gone before putting the item in the dryer.