How to remove marinara stains from carpet?

Marinara stains, while perhaps not the hardest of all to clean, definitely rank high in terms of how awful they look. Tomato sauce, as we all know, has a very intense color that will stand out on just about any fabric – especially those that are lightly colored.

Other than how dreadful they look, they’re also not too easy to clean – but entirely possible, especially if you act fast. If you’ve spotted a marinara stain on your carpet, don’t worry. We have compiled a list of quick and easy methods that will help you save your carpet.

Before you begin

For the sake of your own safety, as well as that of your carpet, please review our helpful tips and tricks before you begin cleaning.

1. For methods that require the use of detergent, please don’t clean around children and pets.
2. Air out the room to allow your carpet to dry.
3. When attempting to use a new type of substance, please first test it on a hidden patch of carpet. If it doesn’t stain, you can proceed.
4. Never scrub your carpet too hard. You may damage the fibers.
5. We don’t recommend using warm water on tomato stains. Use lukewarm or cold water.

Quick & easy ways to remove marinara stains from your carpet

Marinara stains are notoriously difficult to prevent – after all, who has never made a bit of a mess when eating pasta with tomato sauce? Fortunately, there are ways to clean them yourself without the help of a professional.

If possible, act fast. The longer you wait, the harder the stain will be to clean. No matter if you’re starting right away or a few hours later, we’re positive that one of our methods will help you restore your carpet back to normal.

Method #1: Using lemon

Time: >30 minutes

Required items: a few slices of lemon, a cloth or a sponge, cold water, a spoon or a butter knife

This is a 100% natural method recommended for fresh stains.

1. Start by removing as much of the spilled sauce as you can. 
2. Begin at the outer edge and work your way in. Scoop it up with a spoon or a butter knife. Be careful not to push it further into the carpet.
3. Next, soak your cloth or sponge in cold water and blot the stain, once again working from the outside in. Don’t rub, just blot.
4. Take one big slice of lemon and rub it onto the stain.
5. Once the entire area is covered in lemon juice, leave it to sit for 5 minutes.
6. Next, pour some water over the stain. Don’t let it sink in all the way through to the pad.
7. Blot away the water using a clean cloth.
8. If the stain is gone, leave the carpet to dry. Otherwise, repeat the steps or move on to the next method.

Method #2: Using hydrogen peroxide

Time: >30 minutes

Required items: 3% hydrogen peroxide, cold water, a clean cloth or a sponge, a spoon or a butter knife, a white towel or cloth

This method is effective, but not recommended for darker carpets. Test it first to ensure there is no discoloration.

1. First scrape away all the sauce that you possibly can, using a spoon or a butter knife. Start on the outside and work your way in.
2. Blot the stain with a clean cloth soaked in cold water.
3. Next, mix 1 tablespoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 3 tablespoons of cold water.
4. Test the mixture on a hidden patch of carpet.
5. Pour the mixture onto the stain and allow it to soak into the fibers.
6. Grab your white towel or cloth, and cover the stain for around 30 minutes. 
7. Check on the stain every 3-5 minutes to ensure that there is no discoloration on your carpet.
8. Rinse generously with cold water.
9. Blot away all the moisture and leave your carpet to air-dry.

Method #3: Using white vinegar

Time: Several hours

Required items: a clean white cloth, a spoon or a butter knife, non-bleach liquid dish soap, two spray bottles, white vinegar, cold water, a heavyweight, a vacuum cleaner.

This method is successful but time-consuming.

1. Using a knife or a spoon, scoop up as much of the sauce as possible, then blot the stain with a cloth soaked in cold water.
2. Take the first spray bottle and mix 1 quarter of cold water, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of non-bleach liquid dish soap. Stir well.
3. Spray the stain generously with your solution – remember to first perform a test.
4. Leave it to sit for 5 minutes.
5. Blot the stain using a white cloth or a towel. 
6. Keep shifting the cloth as the stain transfers onto it. Blot until there is no more transfer to the cloth.
7. Fill the second spray bottle with cold water and spray the stained area.
8. Once again, blot using a white cloth or towel. Keep blotting until the cleaning solution is gone.
9. Place a pile of clean clothes or towels on top of the stain. Then, hold them in place with something heavy, such as a paperweight.
10. Allow it to sit for several hours. The towels will soak up any fluid and the last remains of the stain.
11. After at least 3 hours have passed, remove the towels and allow your carpet to air-dry.
12. Lastly, vacuum the now dry carpet to revive the fibers.

What’s next?

The methods listed above are tested and known to be successful, but depending on the severity of the stain, you may have to try more than one. If needed, you can safely try all three, or repeat them in any order that you wish.

Getting rid of marinara stains requires a great deal of patience. Especially dry stains need a lot of time and persistence, but they are entirely possible to remove. However, if you find that the stain is stubborn, consider purchasing a stain remover.

When you go shopping for one, read the label carefully to ensure it will work fine with your carpet. As a last resort, consult a carpet cleaner. Carpets are usually delicate and sometimes it’s good to consult a professional.

If you ever find yourself with a marinara stain, try to act fast. The sooner you start cleaning, the higher the chances that your carpet will go back to normal in no time.