The step by step directions below give you instructions for removing a BBQ stain from clothing, upholstery and carpet.

Step 1: Scrape off any excess barbecue sauce from the fabric.
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 barbecue stains with liquid laundry detergent, barely rubbing it in, but more like just coating the stain, and then let it sit for several minutes.

Step 5: Use a white cloth to sponge white vinegar onto the BBQ stain, and then rinse thoroughly.
Step 6: Repeat steps 3-5 until you have removed as much of the stain as possible.
Hint: 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 then do not place in the dryer, as it will set the stain.
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 may also find this video giving tips for removing stains caused by barbecue from fabric helpful.
Step 1: Scrape off any excess barbecue stain from the upholstery.
Step 2: Mix a solution of two cups cool water and one tablespoon dishwashing liquid.
Step 3: Using this solution, sponge the barbecue stains 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 BBQ 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 barbeque sauce stains.
You can also try vinegar for barbecue 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.
The instructions for removal of a barbeque stain from carpet is the same as for upholstery.
However, if you don't have luck with this stain removal 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 attempting to remove stains will just neutralize the effects of both, unless you first thoroughly remove one stain removal solution before using the next.
Perhaps you don't want to make your own stain remover, but instead want to use something designed to remove these tomato based stains.
Here are some articles and reviews on this site which discuss various products that are designed to remove these stains, or that readers like you have said worked well on their own stains:
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| Carbona Stain Devil #2 - Designed To Remove Condiment Stains | Swash Get It Out Stain Removal Pen | Tide To Go Pen Review - Got Out Reader's Barbeque Stain |
You can also share your own stain remover reviews here, to tell me what other removers work well on barbecue or any other stain.
Looking for some good ideas about your next family barbecue? Why not try a barbecue picnic?
You can also try one of these homemade barbecue sauce recipes, and add a special touch to your barbecued foods.
Do you have your own BBQ stain removal tip to share? If so, submit your tip for BBQ stain removal 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.
Below are examples of the most common stains discussed in the Guide.
First photo by rick and second photo by drcorneilus

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CAUTION: This website is provided for informational purposes only, and Stain-Removal-101.com provides it as is, without warranties or guarantees. Some stains just won't come out, and are permanent. Further, some stain removal methods can harm your item, so if the stained item is sentimental or expensive call a professional. See disclaimer of liability for more information.
See the A-Z Stain Removal Guide for even more types of stains.
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