Save the Rug: How to Remove Tomato Sauce Stains from your Rug or Carpet

July 2, 2021 Nourison Staff

Last updated on March 31st, 2025

Tomato sauce spills are bound to happen, and they always seem to land in the worst possible spot.

Whether it was a splash from spaghetti night or a runaway meatball, seeing that bright red stain on your rug can feel like a disaster. But before you panic or start moving furniture to cover it up, take a breath—this is one mess you can tackle.

With the right steps and quick moving, you can lift the stain and save your rug or carpet from long-term damage.

Washable rug with fallen spaghetti on it — Featured: Astra Machine Washable ASW10 Boho Rug in Sage

How to get tomato stains out of your rug before they set in

Time is of the essence! Since tomato sauce and soup stains set in over time, it’ll be much harder to clean if you wait too long. Your top priority is to remove as much of the liquid or solid spill as possible.

Follow these steps to clean tomato sauce stains out of most rugs and carpets, including those made of wool, polyester, and polypropylene:

Step 1: Scoop up the mess

Scoop up the excess sauce with a dull knife or spoon. Don’t use a cloth or sponge as this can push the stain deeper into the fibers
If you have one, use a wet/dry vac to suck up more of the spill

Step 2: Apply cleaning solution

Mix a solution of two cups of cool water and 1 tbsp dish washing liquid
Apply a generous amount to the soiled area but don’t saturate it
Let the cleaning solution soak into the fibers for a few minutes before blotting

Step 3: Blot from the outside in

Use a white paper towel or clean white cloth that has been dipped in the solution to gently blot the stain, working from the outside in

Step 4: Rinse and repeat

Rinse the stain by dabbing or spraying clean water on the area
Never pour water directly onto the rug as this can soak through to the floor
Keep rinsing until no more color is transferred from the stain and the solution is absorbed

IMPORTANT

If your rug is made with art silk, viscose, bamboo silk, or Luxcelle, do not rub the rug surface. This can weaken the fibers and cause more damage. Use a soft brush to comb the solutions in the direction of the rug’s pile. Once the rug has dried out, brush it a second time to help it regain its original texture.

Looking for more rug care and cleaning tips?

Check out our at home rug cleaning guide, which covers additional ways to clean rugs by material type, plus routine maintenance.