How to Remove Spaghetti Stains From Carpets

Stubborn food spills on carpets are always distressing, but tomato-based food spills such as spaghetti sauce are particularly troublesome because they stain so quickly. It's vital to treat tomato-based spills immediately to avoid having them set and become more difficult to remove.

Things You'll Need

• Table salt or kosher salt Liquid hand soap Water Clean rags Sponge Ammonia Heavy weight

Instructions

1. Immediately sprinkle table salt or kosher salt on the stained area. Be generous and cover the stain completely. The salt will soak up excess liquid and allow you time to gather stain removal supplies.

2. Mix 1 tablespoon of liquid hand soap with 1 cup water.

3. Use a rag to saturate the stained area with the soap solution.

4. Use a sponge to blot the stain until the liquid is absorbed.

5. Continue to apply the soap solution and blot until the stain disappears.

6. For particularly stubborn tomato-based stains, mix 1 tablespoon of ammonia with 1/2-cup water.

7. Repeat the saturation and blotting process with the ammonia solution until the stain disappears.

8. Sponge the stain again with cold water until the ammonia smell disappears.

9. Blot the area with rags until the excess liquid is removed.

10. Place a clean rag on the area and weight it down with a heavy object. Allow the area to dry for several hours or overnight.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't rub the stain. Press the cloth or sponge to avoid spreading the stain. Make sure the object you use to weigh down the area is waterproof. Cast iron pans, clean bricks or large cans of vegetables work well.

• Never mix ammonia with chlorine bleach. The resulting fumes are hazardous.