Salsa Stain Removal Guide

Salsa stain removal is an important skill to learn if you love chips and salsa, because it can be a messy snack (or meal).

Below are tips and techniques for removing salsa stains from clothing, upholstery and carpeting.

Please remember that these spots are generally tomato based, meaning that it is best to treat them as quickly as possible.

That is because the acids and colors in the tomato can set quickly into the fabric.

Typically, stains set with time and/or heat.

Just because they set easily isn't to say that they cannot be removed after they become old, but only that it will take more time and effort.

Salsa Stain Removal Techniques For Clothing

Step 1: Scrape off any excess salsa from the fabric, being careful not to spread the spot further.

Step 2: Run the fabric under cold running water (not warmer water), letting the water run over the back of the stain so it does not spread it further.

Step 3: Pretreat the stain with liquid laundry detergent and then let it sit for several minutes.

Step 4: Rinse well.

Step 5: Use a white cloth to sponge white vinegar onto the stain, and then rinse thoroughly.

Step 6: Repeat steps 3-5 until you have removed as much of the spot as possible. (The sooner you do this after the stain occurs, the easier it will be).

Step 7: Pretreat with a laundry stain remover and wash as normal.

Step 8: Make sure before you place the item in the dryer that the stain is completely removed. If it is not removed then do not place in the dryer, as it will set it.

Step 9: If step number 7 did not get out the stain again coat the stained area with liquid laundry detergent and let it soak in warm water for around half an hour. Then, launder again.

You can also check out this video which gives alternative instructions for fresh salsa stain removal from clothing and fabrics using lemon juice and salt.

How To Remove Salsa Stains From Upholstery

Step 1: Scrape off any excess salsa from the upholstery, being careful not to spread the spot further.

Step 2: Mix a solution of two cups cool water and one tablespoon dishwashing liquid.

Step 3: Using this solution sponge the stain caused by the salsa with a clean white cloth.

Step 4: Next, blot at the stain until the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Repeat steps 3-4 until the salsa stain is removed from the upholstery.

Step 6: Now that the stain is removed you should get plain cold water and a new white cloth and sponge the area to remove the cleaning solution, and then blot dry.

Hint: Be sure to get the upholstery only as wet as necessary to remove the spot.

You can also try vinegar for salsa stain removal, but be careful on upholstery to test first in an inconspicuous location to make sure the vinegar will not discolor the upholstery fabric.

You can get more information on how to clean upholstery here.

Removing Stains Caused By Salsa From Carpet

The instructions for removal of salsa stains from carpet is the same as for upholstery.

However, if you don't have luck with this method above you can also do something additional with the carpet stain, which is to mix a solution of one tablespoon of ammonia with two cups warm water, and use this as a stain removal solution.

CAUTION: Since vinegar is an acid and ammonia is a base, using one after the other in an attempt to remove stains will just neutralize the effects of both, so thoroughly rinse one solution before applying another.

Recommended Salsa Stain Removers

Perhaps you don't want to make your own stain remover, but instead want to use something designed to to remove salsa stains, or tomato based stains in general.

Here are some articles and reviews on this site from readers who shared what products worked for them to remove these stains (or tomato based stains in general), or which discuss products that are designed to remove them:

Tide To Go Pen

Borax Powder For Laundry

Carbona Stain Devil #2 For Condiments

Swash Get It Out Pen

You can also share your own stain remover reviews here, telling me what remover worked well for you to get out stains caused by salsa, or anything else.

Do You Have Any Tips To Share For Removing These Stains?

I'm always looking for more tips and ideas for how to remove stains. You can share your stain removal tip here, for salsa stain removal or anything else.

Get Even More Stain And Spot Removal Help Here

Are you a stain magnet like me? If so, check out the A to Z Stain Removal Guide which gives directions for how to remove over 100 types of stains from all kinds of surfaces.

Bottom photo courtesy of smith

Related Pages You May Enjoy

A-Z Guide: Instructions For Removing Over 100 Types Of Stains

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Go From Salsa Stain Removal To Home Page

CAUTION: This website is provided for informational purposes only. It is provided as is, without warranties or guarantees. Some stains and messes just won't come out, and are permanent. Further, some cleaning methods can harm your item, so if what you want to clean or launder is sentimental or expensive call a professional. See disclaimer of liability for more information.