How to Remove Spaghetti Sauce on Upholstery

Spaghetti dishes are delicious, but the sauce can be messy and cause difficult-to-remove stains.

Spaghetti is a popular meal for the whole family, but it can be messy. While the brightly colored sauce looks and tastes great, it spills and splashes easily, leaving difficult-to-clean stains on fabric and upholstery. However, using a simple household detergent and cloth, the problem can be easily solved. Enjoy your spaghetti without worrying about cleaning messy spots and splashes.

Things You'll Need

• Small spoon
• 2 cups cold water
• Dishwashing liquid
• 2 clean white cloths
• Absorbent kitchen towels

Instructions

1. Use the spoon to scrape off any sauce from the surface of the upholstery. Do this as soon as the spill or splash occurs. Once dry, the stain will be much more difficult to remove.

2. Dilute 1 tbsp. dishwashing liquid in 2 cups cold water. Using a clean, white cloth, dampen the area of the stain by dabbing and blotting. Do not rub the stain because this forces the color further into the fibers. Ensure the upholstery is not soaked, only dampened enough to lift the stain.

3. Blot the stain with the paper towels until all of the liquid has been absorbed.

4. Dampen again with the dishwashing liquid and blot it dry with the towels. Repeat the process four or five times or until the stain has been lifted completely.

5. Dampen another clean cloth with clean, cold water. Dab it onto the stained area to remove any remaining detergent. Blot it dry with paper towels.

Tips & Warnings

• Replace the dishwashing liquid with 2 tbsp. white vinegar for an alternative cleaner.

• Always spot test a hidden area of upholstery before use to check that the vinegar does not discolor the fabric.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Stain Solutions: Spaghetti Sauce
• "Vinegar: 1001 Practical Uses"; Margaret Briggs; 2006
• Stain Removal 101: Removing Spaghetti Stains