Most hot sauce formulas consist of peppers, spices, and vinegar. They added has been added a significant amount of artificial food coloring, so the stains are usually difficult to remove. You can learn how to remove sauce stains from the clothes with ease here.
Before You Begin
Test any detergent or cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area first to ensure that it does not discolor the fabric.
Older stains will be harder to remove. You might need to repeat the cleaning process a couple of times before the stain disappears.
Before placing the stained garment in a hot dryer, check to be sure the stain is removed. High heat may set the stain permanently and make it difficult to remove.
If the garment is labeled as dry clean only, remove any solids and blot with a clean white cloth. Do not rub because that will make the stain harder to remove. As soon as possible, head to the dry cleaner and point out and identify the stain to your professional cleaner. If you are using a home dry cleaning kit, be sure to treat the stain with the provided stain remover before putting the garment in the dryer bag.
If attempting to remove stain from upholstery and the fabric is silk or vintage, consult a professional before attempting to remove the stain.
What You’ll Need
Tools:
- A dull knife, spoon, or plastic scraper (optional)
- Clean white cloth, napkin, or sponge
- Water faucet
- Washing machine (optional)
- Soft-bristled brush (optional for carpet or upholstery)
- Vacuum (for carpet or upholstery)
Materials:
- Water
- Stain remover or liquid laundry detergent
- Distilled white vinegar
- Oxygen-based bleach (optional)
- Dishwashing liquid (for carpet or upholstery)
How to Remove Hot Sauce Stains From Clothing
1. Lift-Away or Blot the Stain
If there are solids in the hot sauce, use the edge of a dull knife, spoon, or edge of a credit card to lift the sauce from the surface of the fabric. Do not rub because that pushes the stain deeper into the fabric. For liquid sauces, blot the stain with a white cloth or napkin. If nothing else is around, use a slice of plain white bread to absorb the liquid.
2. Spot Treat With a Stain Removal Pen
If you have one handy, treat the stain with a stain removal pen.
3. Flush With Water
As soon as possible, flush the stain from the fabric with cold water. It is best to hold the shirt or tablecloth with the wrong side of the stain directly under a running faucet and let the force of the water do its work to force the stain out of the fabric fibers.
4. Blot With Vinegar and Rinse
Dip a sponge or clean white cloth in distilled white vinegar. Working from the outside edge of the stain toward the center, sponge the stain, and then rinse well. Repeat until no more of the stain is transferred from the fabric to the sponge or cloth.
5. Treat With Stain Remover and Wash
Treat with a stain remover or a bit of heavy-duty liquid detergent (Tide or Persil are rated as the best brands with enough enzymes to break apart stain molecules) and then launder as recommended on the care label.
6. Use Oxygen Bleach, If Necessary
If any stain remains, mix a solution of oxygen-based bleach (OxiClean, Nellie’s All-Natural Oxygen Brightener, or OXO Brite) and tepid water. Submerge the entire garment. Allow it to soak for at least four hours or overnight and then launder as usual.
Oxygen-based bleach is safe to use for all washable fabrics, white and colored, except for silk, wool, and anything trimmed with leather.
