How to Remove Gravy Stains From Clothes, Linens, and Carpet

How to Remove Gravy Stains From Clothing or Table Linens

1. Scrape Away Excess Gravy

   Lift as much gravy as possible with the edge of a dull knife or spoon. Do not rub, which can push the gravy further into the fabric fibers.

2. Apply Stain Remover

   Apply a solvent-based laundry stain remover, such as Shout or Zout, to the gravy stained area. If you don't have a laundry stain remover on hand, you can use a bit of heavy-duty laundry detergent instead.

3. Work Stain Remover Into the Fabric

   Work the stain remover thoroughly into the stained area with a small soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush. Then let the stained garment sit for at least 15 minutes while the stain remover breaks up the gravy residue.

4. Wash in Hot Water

   Wash the garment or table linen in the hottest water indicated as safe on the care label. Use a heavy-duty laundry detergent, and add oxygen bleach (also called color-safe bleach) to the load, following package directions for amount.

   Warning

   While safe for most fabrics, oxygen bleach should not be used on silk, wool, or any garment with leather trim or wooden buttons.

5. Check for Lingering Stains

   Check the stained area before tossing the garment or tablecloth in the dryer. If the stain is not gone, repeat the stain removal steps. If there's no more traces of stain, go ahead and dry the fabric as usual.

   Warning

   Never put a stained garment into the dryer before treating and removing the stain. The high heat will set many stains, making them impossible to remove.

How to Remove Gravy Stains From Carpet or Upholstery

You can use the same techniques and products to treat gravy stains on both carpet and upholstery. However, take care not to over-wet upholstered chair or couch cushions, as this can lead to odor or mildew in the cushion filling.

1. Lift Away Excess Gravy

   Lift away as much gravy as possible with the edge of a dull knife or spoon. Do not rub, as that could spread the stain even further.

2. Sprinkle Powder to Absorb Oil

   Sprinkle the stain with cornstarch or baking soda to absorb the oil. Use a soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush to work the powder slightly into the gravy stain. Be sure to cover the entire affected area.

3. Leave Powder for at Least 30 Minutes

   Allow the powder to sit on the stain for at least 30 minutes (a couple of hours is even better). Use a vacuum cleaner or hand vacuum to remove the powder from the carpet or upholstery. This may be all that is required to remove the stain. However, if traces of gravy remain, continue to the next step.
   

4. Treat Persistent Stains

   In a mixing bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of liquid dishwashing soap and 2 cups hot water. Add 1 tablespoon household ammonia. Blot the solution onto the gravy stain with a clean sponge. Once you see the stain begin to break apart, use a clean white cloth or paper towel to blot the area dry. Continue to alternate applying the cleaning solution and blotting it away until the stain is gone.

5. Rinse away soapy residue from the treated area with a clean cloth or sponge dipped in plain water. If the cleaning solution is left in the fibers, it will actually attract more soil. After rinsing, allow the area to air dry. Vacuum carpet to lift the fibers.

   Tip

   Don't overly saturate the area, especially if it's upholstery. Just blot with enough clean water to remove any remaining soap residue.

When to Call a Professional

The best choice for gravy-stained dry-clean-only garments or table linens is to get it to a cleaner and point out and identify the stain as soon as possible. Similarly, if the gravy stain occurs on silk or vintage upholstery, contact a professional upholstery cleaner. Don't attempt to treat these delicate fabrics yourself without professional advice.

If a gravy stain persists on your clothing, table linen, furniture, or carpets despite your best efforts to follow the above guidelines, it's time to call in a professional. Take the stained clothing or table linen to a dry cleaner, or contact a carpet or upholstery cleaning service to your home. Be sure to explain the nature of the stain and let the cleaner know all of the products you've used on the stain so far.

Additional Tips for Handling Gravy Stains

If the stained item is white and can handle chlorine bleach per its care label, use 3/4 cup of it in the wash cycle. Air dry the item and check that the stain is completely removed after the wash cycle.

If the stain persists—whether it's a white or colored item—repeat all the cleaning steps at least twice. If, after those attempts, the stain doesn't come out, get the help of a professional cleaner.

After the stain comes out, continue washing the item as you usually would per the care tag instructions.