How do I clean a barbecue sauce stain from a dress?

The key to getting barbecue sauce stains out of a dress is to act as quickly as possible. Try using a mild detergent and cold water, white vinegar and baking soda, or a solution of clear household ammonia to loosen the stain. After treating the stain, launder the item to remove any remaining residue.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Barbecue sauce > Dresses

Say Goodbye to Barbecue Stains on Your Favorite Dress!

Q: Are there any special precautions I need to take when using a solution of ammonia?

Yes, it's important to always test a hidden area of the fabric first to make sure the ammonia won’t discolor or damage the material.

Barbecue sauce stains can be a pesky problem, but it doesn’t have to send your favorite dress to the dry cleaner. Before reaching for harsh chemicals, there are a few easy methods you can try to eliminate the stain.

Updated 19 Jun 2023

By Brane Lukman

The key to getting barbecue sauce stains out of a dress is to act as quickly as possible. The sooner you notice and address the stain, the better chance you have of removing it without damaging your clothing.

Method 1: Mild Detergent and Cold Water

Mix a solution of mild laundry detergent and cold water. Use a small amount of detergent, and make sure the solution is not too concentrated. Dip a clean cloth into the soap solution and gently dab or blot the stain.

Continue dabbing the stain with the cleaning solution until stain lightens or disappears. When the stain starts to lift from the fabric, rinse the area with cold water to remove any residue.

Method 2: Vinegar and Baking Soda

Combine white vinegar and baking soda to form a paste. Spread the paste over stained area of fabric and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, take a brush and scrub stain gently, taking care not to damage the fabric.

Once the stain has been loosened, rinse the area with cold water and pat gently with a towel to remove any excess moisture. If necessary, repeat the scraping and rinsing steps until stain is completely removed.

Method 3: Ammonia

If the mild soapy solution and vinegar-baking soda paste don’t do trick, you can try using ammonia to try to break down the stain. Just make sure to always test a hidden area of the fabric first to make sure the ammonia won’t discolor or damage the material.

Mix one tablespoon of clear household ammonia with one cup of cold water. Dip a clean cloth into the solution and press against the stain. Do not rub or scrub the fabric, as this can cause the stain to spread. Rinse the area with cold water and repeat the process if necessary.

Once you’ve removed as much of the stain as possible, it’s important to launder item. This will help to remove any leftover residue from fabric.

Conclusion

With a little patience and the right supplies, it’s possible to remove barbecue sauce stains from dresses. Before you throw out your favorite summertime outfit, give these simple methods a try and enjoy a healthy, stain-free barbecue meal.

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