How to Remove Red Meat Stains From Clothes, Carpet, and Upholstery

Red meat stains on clothing, carpet, and upholstery can be tricky to remove. The proteins and fats in red meat can easily bond with fibers, resulting in set-in stains. However, with the right techniques and products, you can get rid of these stubborn stains. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to remove red meat stains from clothes, carpet, and upholstery.

Act Quickly to Remove Fresh Red Meat Stains

When red meat spills on fabric, it’s important to act quickly while the stain is still fresh. The faster you can treat the stain, the better chance you have of removing it completely.

Blot Excess Grease from the Stain

If the red meat spill is fresh, start by blotting away any excess grease on the surface using a clean paper towel or cloth.
Don’t rub the stain at this stage as it will just push the grease deeper into the fibers.
Blot gently but firmly to soak up as much of the oil as possible.

Flush Away Debris with Cold Water

Next, rinse the back of the fabric under cold running water to flush away any solid debris.
For carpet stains, use a spray bottle filled with cold water to spritz the area and lift particles.
Cold water can help congeal the fats in the meat juice so they don’t seep deeper into the fibers.

Apply Salt or Baking Soda to Absorb Grease

For fabric stains, sprinkle a generous amount of table salt or baking soda directly on the stain.
The grains will work to draw out and absorb the greasy oils from the meat.
Let it sit for about 5 minutes before brushing away the powder.

Use Dish Soap and Cold Water for Clothes

For clothing stains, apply a few drops of dish soap directly to the stain. Dish soap is designed to cut through grease.
Use a soft-bristle toothbrush or spot treatment brush to gently work the soap into the fabric.
Rinse the back of the clothing under cold running water until the water runs clear.

Repeat Steps if Stain Persists

Check if the stain has lightened or lifted after completing these first steps.
If signs of the stain remain, repeat the blotting, rinsing, absorbing, and dish soap steps until it’s completely removed.
The key is to not let the stain dry or set in the fabric before trying to remove it.

Use Meat Tenderizer to Break Down Red Meat Stains

If a red meat stain has already dried or set into fabric, using a meat tenderizer can help break it down for easier removal. The enzymes in meat tenderizer will work to dissolve and loosen the stubborn proteins and fats.

Make a Tenderizer Solution

Mix one teaspoon of powered meat tenderizer with two cups of cool water in a bowl or bucket.
You can also use an unflavored liquid meat tenderizer following the instructions on the packaging.
Stir the mixture well until the powder is fully dissolved.

Apply the Solution and Let Sit

Use a sponge or cloth to liberally apply the meat tenderizer solution directly to the stain.
Make sure the entire stain is saturated.
Allow the solution to soak into the fabric for at least one hour. This gives the enzymes time to break down the stain.

Rinse and Check for Removal

After letting it sit, rinse the fabric thoroughly with cool water to remove all the tenderizer solution.
Inspect to see if the stain has lifted or loosened at all. The tenderizer should help release the bonded proteins.
For more stubborn stains, you may need to repeat this process 2-3 times for full removal.

Wash Normally After Treatment

Once the stain has been lifted using the meat tenderizer, wash the item normally with laundry detergent.
The wash cycle will help rinse away any remaining residue from the stain or treatment.
Avoid using hot water when washing, as heat can set in any lingering stain particles. Stick to cool or cold water.

Use an Oxygen Bleach to Whiten Red Meat Stains

Oxygen bleach products, like OxiClean or Clorox 2, can be highly effective at whitening and removing set-in red meat stains, especially on white fabrics. The active staining agents react with the proteins to lift discoloration.

Check Fabric Care Labels First

Before using any type of bleach, check the garment’s care label to make sure chlorine or oxygen bleaches are safe to use.
Bleach can damage certain delicate fabrics like wool, silk, or spandex.
If unsure, first test the bleach product on an inconspicuous part of the garment to look for any discoloration or damage.

Make a Soaking Solution

For solid stains, make an concentrated soaking solution by mixing 1-2 scoops of oxygen bleach powder with enough warm water to cover the stain in a bucket or basin.
For liquid oxygen bleach, mix according to instructions on the bottle, using warm rather than hot water.

Soak the Stained Area

Submerge the stained portion of the fabric into the oxygen bleach solution. For carpets or upholstery, apply the solution directly to the stain using a sponge or spray bottle.
Allow it to soak for at least 8 hours so the bleach can fully penetrate and work on the set-in stain.
For thicker or heavier fabrics, you may need to let it soak overnight for the best results.

Rinse Thoroughly and Air Dry

Once sufficiently soaked, thoroughly rinse the fabric under cool running water to remove all the bleach.
Wash normally with detergent afterward to remove any residue.
Allow the fabric to air dry completely before assessing if the stain has lightened or lifted.

Repeat if Needed

For very stubborn red meat discoloration, you may need to repeat the oxygen bleach soaking process 2-3 times to see the stain completely removed. Just make sure to rinse very thoroughly between treatments.

Use an Enzyme Cleaner on Delicate Fabrics

Enzyme stain removers utilize natural enzymes to help break down organic-based stains like meat juices without harsh chemicals. They are a great option for delicate fabrics that may get damaged by bleaches.

Select an Enzyme-Based Stain Remover

Look for stain removal products that specifically contain enzyme cleaners, like Biz, OxiClean, or Biokleen.
For best results, select one formulated for protein stains, as the enzymes will target meat proteins.
Check that it’s safe to use on the fabric by reading the product label.

Apply the Enzyme Cleaner

Start by dabbing or spraying the enzyme cleaner directly onto the set-in red meat stain.
Use a small brush or sponge to gently massage the cleaner into the fabric. This will activate the enzymes.
Let the cleaner soak in for at least 30 minutes to adequately treat the stain.

Rinse and Air Dry the Item

Once it has soaked, rinse the fabric thoroughly with cool water to remove all the cleaning solution.
It’s important to rinse well so the fabric is free of any soap residue.
Allow the item to completely air dry to see if the stain has lifted or lightened.

Wash and Repeat if Needed

After stain removal treatment, wash the fabric with regular laundry detergent.
Examine after washing and repeat the enzyme cleaner application if the stain persists. Multiple applications may be required.
For badly set stains, reapply and let the cleaner soak overnight for maximum effect.

Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Remove Dried Blood

If the red meat stain contains blood residues that have dried and bonded to the fabric, hydrogen peroxide can help oxidize and lift the blood.

Dilute the Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide works best on stains when diluted, so mix one part 3% hydrogen peroxide with two parts cool water.
Prepare enough diluted solution to fully saturate the stained area you are treating.

Apply and Let Sit for 10 Minutes

Use a clean cloth to liberally apply the hydrogen peroxide solution directly on the blood stain.
Allow it to soak into the fabric for about 10 minutes. This gives the peroxide time to start oxidizing the blood.

Lightly Dab with a Sponge or Towel

After 10 minutes, start lightly dabbing the stain using a sponge or white towel.
The dabbing action will help lift blood residues to the surface so they can be rinsed away.
Avoid aggressively scrubbing, as this can further set in the stain.

Rinse and Check for Removal

Once dabbed, rinse the fabric under cool running water to wash away any lifted blood or peroxide.
Inspect the stain and repeat this entire process if any blood remains. It may take multiple peroxide applications.

Wash as Usual After Treatment

After the blood is removed using peroxide, wash the fabric normally with laundry detergent.
Make sure to rinse very thoroughly after washing to remove any bleach residues.
Avoid using hot water when washing, as heat can set in any lingering blood particles.

Use White Vinegar for Pet Food Stains

If your red meat stain comes from spilled pet food or treats, using white vinegar can help cut through the fat, oils, and meat proteins. The high acidity in vinegar breaks down stains.

Create a Vinegar Solution

Mix one part white vinegar with one part warm water in a bowl or spray bottle.
For heavier set-in stains, use a 1:1 ratio of vinegar to warm water for a stronger solution.

Apply Vinegar and Let Soak In

Spray or sponge the vinegar solution liberally on the pet food stain so it’s fully saturated.
Allow it soak into the fibers for 15-20 minutes. This gives the vinegar time to break down the stain’s particles.

Blot and Scrub Lightly

After it has soaked, blot the stain with a clean towel to lift grease and debris to the surface.
Use a soft-bristle brush to lightly scrub and agitate the stain to release it from the fibers.

Rinse, Wash, and Air Dry

Once scrubbed, rinse the fabric thoroughly with cool water to remove all vinegar solution.
Wash normally with laundry detergent to eliminate any remaining residues.
Allow the fabric to fully air dry before checking if the stain has lifted.

Reapply if Stain Persists

For stubborn pet food grease stains, repeat the vinegar application and let it soak overnight for maximum effect.
The high acidity will continue breaking down the stain with prolonged exposure.

Use Baking Soda and Lemon to Lift Dried Stains

For dried or set-in red meat stains on fabrics, the combination of baking soda and lemon juice can help naturally dissolve and lift the discoloration.

Make a Paste with Baking Soda

Add just enough lemon juice to baking soda to create a spreadable paste.
The paste should be thick enough to stay on the stain without running or dripping off.
Adding lemon juice to baking soda creates an alkaline solution.

Spread Paste Over Stain and Let Sit

Use an old toothbrush or your fingers to spread the baking soda paste onto the stained area.
Ensure you cover and coat the entire stain with a thick layer.
Leave the paste on for at least 2-3 hours for maximum staining lifting power.

Scrub and Rinse Away

Once it has soaked in, gently scrub the paste over the stain using a soft brush or sponge. This will lift stain particles.
Rinse the fabric thoroughly with cool water to wash away all paste residue.
Avoid using hot water, as heat can set in staining.

Wash and Dry as Usual

After rinsing, wash the item as you normally would with laundry detergent.
The wash cycle will remove any leftover paste and debris freed by the treatment.
Allow the fabric to air dry fully before checking if the stain has lifted.

Repeat for Stubborn Stains

For challenging set-in stains, repeat this baking soda and lemon treatment up to 2-3 times for complete stain removal.
You may need to let the paste soak overnight on badly stained areas.

Use Commercial Carpet Cleaners

For red meat stains on carpets and rugs, commercial carpet stain removers can penetrate deep into fibers for thorough cleaning. Look for ones formulated specifically for food and grease.

Select a Carpet Cleaner for Food Stains

Look for carpet cleaners such as Resolve, Zep, or Folex that are marketed for food and grease stains.
Consult the product label to confirm it’s safe for your particular carpet or rug material.
Avoid bleach-based formulas, as these can discolor carpets.

Apply a Small Amount of Cleaner

Start by spraying or pouring a small amount of carpet cleaner directly onto the stained area, about a 1/4 cup worth.
Use a clean cloth to gently blot and work the cleaner into the carpet fibers.
Too much liquid can overly saturate the carpet backing and padding.

Let the Cleaner Soak In

Allow the cleaning solution to soak into the carpet for about 5-10 minutes.
This allows time for the active agents to penetrate deep into the fibers and break down staining compounds. Don’t let area dry.

Blot Away Staining Residue

After soaking, press a clean white cloth or towel onto the stain to blot away freed residue.
Avoid excessive rubbing, as this can spread the stain and damage fibers
Use a tapping or lifting motion to transfer stains from carpet to towel.

Rinse Away Cleaner Residue

Once thoroughly blotted, rinse the treated area with cool clean water to remove any leftover cleaner.
Blot again with dry towels to absorb as much moisture as possible.
Allow the carpet to fully air dry before reassessing any remaining stain.

Use an Ammonia Solution on Old Carpet Stains

For deeply set, older red meat stains on carpets, an ammonia solution can help lift and dissolve the embedded proteins that remain even after cleaning.

Dilute Clear Ammonia

In a spray bottle, mix one teaspoon of clear ammonia with 1 cup of cool water.
Diluting it prevents the ammonia from discoloring or damaging the carpet fibers.
Shake well to fully incorporate the ammonia into the water.

Apply Ammonia Solution to Stain

Lightly spray the ammonia solution directly onto the remaining stain mark on the carpet.
Don’t oversaturate the area to avoid excess moisture seeping into carpet backing.

Let Solution Sit for 10 Minutes

Allow the ammonia solution to penetrate and work on the stain for about 10 minutes.
This gives the ammonia time to react with steak proteins and lipids.
If stain is heavy, reapply after 10 minutes for added effect.

Blot Stain Residue

After ammonia has lifted staining, press a clean white towel or cloth onto the area to blot.
The blotting motion will transfer faded stain compounds from the carpet fibers.
Avoid vigorous rubbing, which can spread particles around.

Rinse and Dry Thoroughly

Once blotted, use cool water on a towel to rinse away any remaining ammonia solution.
Blot repeatedly with dry towels to remove all moisture.
Let carpet completely air dry before rechecking for stain removal.

Use an Upholstery Cleaning Machine

Upholstery cleaning machines provide the deep cleaning power needed to suction away set-in red meat stains from upholstered furniture and mattresses.

Select an Extractor Machine

Look for an upholstery cleaner that uses water and suction extraction to deeply clean fibers.
Models like Bissell and Rug Doctor work well for embedded staining.
Avoid steam cleaners, as heat can set stains rather than remove them.

Mix Cleaning Solution

Fill the machine’s dispenser with an enzyme-based, pet-formulated upholstery cleaning solution. This dissolves proteins.
Avoid detergent-only formulas which won’t treat organic stains as effectively.
Follow machine directions for proper concentration ratios.

Treat Stain with Cleaner

Use the spray nozzle to liberally pre-treat the meat stain until fully saturated.
Allow the enzyme cleaner to soak in for 10-15 minutes to start breaking down the stain.

Extract with the Upholstery Tool

Attach the upholstery cleaning wand and head to suction up the stain and cleaning solution.
Move slowly over the stain to allow thorough water extraction.
Avoid excess scrubbing, as this can damage delicate upholstery fabrics.

Blot Away Residual Moisture

After extracting with the cleaner, blot any remaining moisture using clean, dry towels.
Allowing upholstery to air dry prevents mold or mildew growth.

Repeat for Stubborn Stains

If signs of the stain persist, repeat the enzyme cleaning and extraction process until it’s fully removed.
This may take several applications for more embedded staining.

Try Dry Cleaning for Difficult Red Meat Stains

For extremely challenging red meat stains, or with delicate fabrics like silk or velvet, professional dry cleaning may be required. Dry cleaning fluids can dissolve stubborn staining.

Point Out Stains to Your Cleaner

Alert your dry cleaner to all red meat stains on the garment when dropping it off.
They have stain removal solutions on-hand, but need to know where to focus treatment.
Request stain treatment along with standard dry cleaning