Barbecuing is one of the great pleasures of summer. The smoky aroma of grilled meats, the sizzle of burgers on the grill, the fun of outdoor eating – what’s not to love? Unfortunately, all that delicious barbecue flavor can leave some stubborn stains behind. Sauce splatters, grease spatters, char marks from the grill – BBQ mishaps can really make a mess of clothing, tablecloths, and other surfaces. Don’t panic – even set-in BBQ stains can be removed with some determination and the right stain-fighting techniques.
What Causes BBQ Stains?
BBQ stains come in many forms, but they’re typically caused by:
- Sauces and marinades – Thick, sticky, tomato-based sauces are classic BBQ culprits. Sweet glazes and mango or citrus marinades also tend to leave stains.
- Fats and oils – Grease splatters from fatty meats like ribs or chicken skin can create oily stains. Even leaner meats leave behind grease spatters from the cooking process.
- Spices and seasonings – Rubs with paprika or cayenne pepper can leave behind vivid orange and red stains. Herbs and spices also contain natural pigments.
- Smoke and char – The charring process creates black carbon stains, while wood smoke can leave behind tan, yellow, and brown discoloration.
- Condiments – Ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise are frequent drippers at barbecues. Runny aioli or tzatziki sauce can also stain.
The intensity of the stain depends on the nature of the fabric or surface. Porous materials like cotton tend to absorb and hold stains more stubbornly than synthetic fibers or surfaces with a protective coating. Stains allowed to set untreated also become much harder to remove.
How to Remove BBQ Stains from Clothing and Fabric
Clothing is often an innocent victim when grilling mishaps occur. Here are the most effective ways to remove BBQ stains from fabric:
Act Quickly
Don’t let a fresh stain sit! Blot up liquid stains immediately with an absorbent towel, working from the edge in toward the center to prevent spreading. Hold the stain under cold running water or soak in cold water for about 15 minutes to help loosen the stain.
For semi-solid stains, gently scrape off any thick or crusted material with a dull knife or spoon. Avoid vigorous rubbing, which can grind the stain deeper into the fabric.
Pre-Treat the Stain
Pre-treat spills before laundering to maximize stain removal. Use a pretreat stain stick, gel, or spray and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before washing. You can also make a DIY pre-wash stain treatment:
- Mix 1 part dish soap with 1 part hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle. Spray liberally over the stain.
- Make a paste with 1 part baking soda and 1 part water. Spread the paste over the stain and let sit for 15 minutes before laundering. The alkaline baking soda helps break down acids in stains.
- Soak in a white vinegar and water solution (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water) for about 30 minutes before washing. The acetic acid in vinegar cuts through grease.
Wash Promptly
Machine wash clothing and fabrics promptly after pre-treating stains. Use the hottest water recommended for the fabric type. For heavy stains, add an enzymatic cleaner like OxiClean or detergent booster to help break down proteins and oils. Avoid using chlorine bleach on colored fabrics, as it can set some food stains. Inspect after washing – re-treat and re-wash stubborn remnants. Air dry for best results.
Use Stain Remover Products
Liquid detergents or pretreat sprays with stain-fighting enzymes provide an effective chemical assist for stubborn BBQ stains. Look for products that contain surfactants to help emulsify grease and cut through pigments. Hydrogen peroxide also works well. Follow product label instructions carefully.
Try Stain Stick Treatments
Stain stick products like Shout or Tide to Go are extremely helpful for greasy BBQ stains. The solid formulation lets you precisely target the stain. Simply rub the stick over the stain, let sit for 5 minutes, then launder as usual. The scrubbing motion helps work the solvents into the stain.
Spot Clean with Gentle Solvents
Mineral spirits, isopropyl alcohol, or hairspray are gentle solvents that can loosen many BBQ food stains without damaging fabric. Apply a small amount directly to the stain, let sit for a few minutes, then sponge with cool water and wash immediately. This works best on sturdy white fabrics. Avoid acetone or nail polish remover – these solvents could damage or discolor fabric.
Fade Stains with Sunlight
For white or colorfast fabrics, sunlight can help bleach and fade stains like smoke, spices, or sauces. Wet the stain and lay the garment in direct sunlight for a few hours, periodically re-wetting the stain. The UV rays help break down the stain compounds. Avoid this method for delicate or dyed fabrics, as sunlight also fades dyes.
Use Meat Tenderizer
The enzymes in unseasoned meat tenderizer help break down the proteins in stains caused by meat juices, sauces, egg, and more. Make a paste with tenderizer and water. Rub it into the stain, let sit for 30 minutes, then rinse and launder. This works best on unfinished cotton or linen fabrics.
Try Lemon Juice or White Vinegar
For oil-based stains, try soaking the fabric in lemon juice or white vinegar before washing. The acid helps dissolve grease and oils. Pour lemon juice or vinegar over the stain and rub gently, then rinse and launder. This whitening treatment is safe for most white or colorfast fabrics. Avoid vinegar on silk or wool.
Use Salt or Talcum Powder
For fresh grease stains, coat the spot heavily with table salt or talcum powder. The powder absorbs grease so it can be brushed off easily. Let the powder sit for 10-15 minutes before brushing off. Use a clean absorbent cloth to blot grease stains on delicates before further treatment. Avoid rubbing, which may push stains deeper into the weave.
Rub with Baking Soda
Baking soda is a versatile stain fighter. For char or rub marks, rub baking soda directly into the stain using a damp cloth. Rinse thoroughly. The light abrasive action of baking soda helps lift stains without damaging fabrics. It also absorbs grease and odors. Use baking soda paste to pre-treat or add to the wash cycle.
Use Oxygen Bleach on White Fabrics
For white cotton, linen, or synthetic blends, an oxygen bleach product like OxiClean can safely remove all kinds of BBQ stains without chlorine. Check the fabric care label to confirm oxygen bleaches are recommended. Follow package directions and allow oxygen bleach to soak into stains for best results.
Try Color-Safe Bleach
Color-safe bleach uses hydrogen peroxide to whiten and remove stains like tomato sauce or mustard. Test colored fabrics for colorfastness first. Apply color-safe bleach full strength directly to the stain and cover with a clean cloth. Check after 3-5 minutes and repeat as needed. Rinse thoroughly. Don’t let color-safe bleach sit too long, as this may damage fabric.
Use Cream of Tartar
The acidic nature of cream of tartar helps remove certain food-based stains. Make a paste with equal parts cream of tartar and lemon juice. Spread over the stain and let sit for 30 minutes before washing. This works well for wine, fruit juice, tea, and coffee stains. Avoid using cream of tartar on delicate fabrics.
Remove Unwanted Color with Rust Remover
For fabric discolored by spices like paprika or cayenne, try soaking in a rust remover solution. Rust removers contain oxalic acid to dissolve rust stains. Follow package directions and avoid inhaling fumes. This method may remove some dye from fabrics, so spot test first. Rinse extremely thoroughly after treatment.
Use Ammonia on Heavy Stains
For stubborn grease, oil, or smoke odors in washable white fabrics, an ammonia soak can help lift stains and odors from the fibers. Add 1/2 cup clear ammonia to a sink or bucket full of cool water. Soak garments for at least an hour, then rinse twice in clean water and launder immediately. Never combine ammonia and chlorine bleach – toxic fumes result! Use in a well-ventilated area.
How to Remove BBQ Stains from Carpet and Upholstery
Carpet and upholstered furniture are magnets for sticky BBQ drips and stains. Here are some tips for removing BBQ spills from carpets, rugs, couches, and chairs:
Blot Liquids Immediately
Prompt action is the key to avoiding permanent stains. Start by blotting up all excess liquid right away with clean, absorbent white rags or paper towels. Avoid rubbing, which can grind the spill deeper into carpet fibers. Work from the edges in toward the center of the stain.
Use Baking Soda
Baking soda is an effective absorbent for fresh BBQ grease or sauce spills. Liberally cover the stain with baking soda and let sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out the spill. Vacuum thoroughly when done. For heavier stains, mix baking soda with just enough water to form a paste and apply to stain.
Spray with Vinegar or Dish Soap
For oil-based stains, spray the spot with undiluted white vinegar or dish soap solution (1 tbsp soap in 2 cups water). Avoid scrubbing. Tamp the area gently with a cloth to lift the grease, blotting frequently with clean sections until no more stain transfers. Rinse the area with water and blot dry.
Use Enzyme Cleaner
Spray carpet stains liberally with an enzyme cleaner formulated for pet stains, like Nature’s Miracle. This breaks down proteins and oils. Let sit for 5 minutes, then blot and rinse with clean water. Avoid scrubbing. Let carpet dry completely before vacuuming up any dried cleaner residue.
Try Dry Cleaning Solvent
Mineral spirits, dry cleaning solvent, or lighter fluid can effectively dissolve oil and grease stains. Use sparingly and rinse area thoroughly with clean water afterwards. Test an inconspicuous spot first and don’t oversaturate carpet. Avoid using on loosely woven or jute carpets, as solvents may damage fibers.
Use Stain Remover Spray
Carpet stain remover sprays like Resolve work well for food-related stains. Spray liberally over the stain according to package directions. Let sit briefly, then blot excess liquid with clean cloths, moving from the outside toward the center. Rinse with water and blot dry. Avoid scrubbing motions that can damage carpet.
Try Aerosol Carpet Cleaners
Foaming aerosol carpet cleaners are convenient for spot-cleaning stains. Use an oxygen-bleach formulation suitable for carpets and upholstery. Spray liberally over the stain, let foam penetrate for 5 minutes, then blot thoroughly with clean rags, frequently changing rags as they absorb stain. Rinse area thoroughly.
Use Club Soda
Carbonated water helps lift some BBQ grease and sauce stains. Pour club soda directly over the stain. Blot continuously with clean rags or paper towels as the bubbles bring the stain up. Replace rags frequently to prevent redepositing the stain. When no more stain transfers, rinse area well with clean water.
Try Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is effective for organic BBQ stains like sauces or blood. Spray full-strength hydrogen peroxide liberally over the stain. Let bubble for 2-5 minutes, then blot thoroughly and rinse. Hydrogen peroxide can bleach some fabrics, so test first.
Use Powdered Carpet Cleaner
Cleaning powders contain absorbents and solvents tailored for greasy messes. Sprinkle the powder liberally over the spill and let sit overnight. Vacuum thoroughly the next day. For heavy stains, apply a thick layer of powder and cover with plastic wrap secured with tape at the edges. After 24 hours, remove the plastic and vacuum up the cleaner.
Rent a Carpet Cleaner
For large or stubborn BBQ stains in carpeting or upholstery, renting a deep carpet cleaning machine may be necessary. Look for a cleaner that uses hot water extraction for thorough stain removal. Pretreat heavily stained areas before operating the cleaner. Move slowly and allow areas to dry completely before using.
How to Remove BBQ Stains from Driveways, Sidewalks, Patios, and Brick
The splatters, drips, and spills that come with outdoor grilling and dining can really do a number on outdoor surfaces like concrete, brick, and stone. Here are some cleaning solutions for removing BBQ stains from outdoor living areas:
Power Scrub with a Stiff Brush
For concrete, brick, or textured stone surfaces, grab a stiff scrub brush and cleaning power! Mix 1/4 cup powdered automatic dishwasher detergent with 1 gallon hot water and scrub away at stains. The surfactants and enzymes in dishwasher detergent cut through grease, while scrubbing lifts carbonized food particles. Rinse thoroughly.
Use a Pressure Washer
A pressure washer is the ultimate stain fighting tool for outdoor surfaces. Not only does the intense spray help dissolve and blast away stains, but the high pressure gets into textured surfaces to remove grime from all angles. Adjust pressure for each surface type. Add an appropriate patio surface cleaner for faster and more controlled cleaning.
Apply Poultice Paste
Some porous surfaces like concrete, grout, or natural stone may need a poultice to draw out obstinate stains. Mix a paste with laundry detergent and talcum powder or whiting (calcium carbonate.) Spread a 1/4 inch layer over the stain and cover with plastic. After 24 hours, scrape off the dried poultice and rinse the area thoroughly. Repeat as needed.
Use Oxygen Bleach
Oxygen bleach products (like OxiClean) excel at removing organic stains from outdoor surfaces. Mix powder with just enough water to make a paste. Apply to the stain, allow to sit for 15 minutes or more, and rinse thoroughly. For tougher stains, cover paste with plastic wrap overnight before rinsing. Avoid metal surfaces, which can corrode.
Soak with Sodium Hydroxide
For extremely stubborn oily stains, use caution and don a mask, gloves and goggles to apply a sodium hydroxide solution. Mix 1 lb. sodium hydroxide with 1 gallon water. Slowly pour the alkaline solution over the stain and allow to sit overnight before rinsing. Avoid letting the solution dry. Rinse extremely thoroughly. Not suitable for polished stone.
Use Muriatic Acid
For concrete surfaces, a muriatic acid solution helps remove some stubborn stains like smoke or tannins from wood. Carefully follow product safety directions – this is dangerous stuff! You must thoroughly neutralize the treated surface immediately with an alkaline solution (1/2 lb. baking soda in 1 gallon water.) Rinse extremely well.
Apply Lime Solvent Spray
Lime-A-Way and similar acid-based cleaners help dissolve mineral deposits and lift stains from masonry surfaces. Spray over stained areas, allowing the product to foam and work for 5-10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Avoid use on polished stone. Rinse vegetation nearby to avoid damage from drifting spray.
Scrub with Baking Soda Paste
For oil-based stains, the light abrasive properties of baking soda lift residues when combined with scrubbing. Make a paste with 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Scrub into the stain with a stiff brush, allow to sit briefly, then rinse. Baking soda neutralizes and absorbs odors too.
Use Grease-Cutting Dish Soap
Simple dish soaps marked “grease-cutting” are extremely effective for scrubbing up BBQ drips and spatters outside. Mix a few big squirts of dish soap in a bucket of warm water. Scrub with a stiff broom, then rinse thoroughly with clean water, changing rinse water often for heavily soiled areas. Avoid soaps with added bleach or abrasives.
Try White Vinegar
The acid in white vinegar cuts through grease, dissipates odors, and helps remove some staining. Mix 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water in a spray bottle. Liberally spray over stained areas and let sit briefly before rinsing. For tougher stains, scrub with a brush. Avoid vinegar on polished marble, which can etch surfaces.
Use TSP Substitute
Tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) used to be the go-to for really dirty outdoor cleaning jobs. TSP has been phased out, but TSP substitutes using citric or gluconic acid are still available. Follow package directions carefully, as high concentrations are corrosive. Rinse thoroughly and avoid allowing cleaner to dry on the surface.
Bleach Tough Stains
For concrete surfaces or colorfast outdoor fabrics, chlorine bleach can help remove some of the most stubborn stains and discoloration. Use caution and avoid splashing vegetation or yourself! Mix 1/3 cup bleach in 1 gallon water and scrub over stain with a stiff bristle brush. Rinse thoroughly. Never mix bleach with vinegar or ammonia!
How to Remove BBQ Stains from Grills, Pans, and Outdoor Furniture
The grill itself is often covered in sticky black grime after a summer of BBQing. Plastic serving pieces and outdoor furniture also attract messy barbecue stains. Here are some cleaning tips for the hardest-working items: