How to Remove Tomato Sauce Stains From Clothing

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Tomato sauce can be a delicious addition to pasta or pizza—but when it lands on your clothes, it quickly becomes a stubborn, bright-red stain. Luckily, with the right steps, you can lift tomato-based stains completely. This guide covers both a gentle pre-treatment method and a powerful OxiClean soak for deep stain removal.

You’ll need:

Liquid dish soap (like Dawn), or liquid laundry detergent
A soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush works great)
Powdered oxygen bleach (e.g., OxiClean) for stain removal

SKIP TO:

- Part 1 - Tomato Sauce Stain Pre-Treatment

- Part 2 - Remove Set In Tomato Sauce Stains

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Part 1: Pre-Treatment Using Dish Soap or Laundry Detergent

Before you reach for stain removers, it's important to pre-treat the stain to break up the oils and pigments that tomato sauce leaves behind.

Step 1: Scrape Off the Excess

Gently scrape away any remaining sauce using a dull knife or spoon. Be careful not to rub it deeper into the fabric.

Step 2: Rinse with Cold Water

Hold the stained area under cold running water, flushing the back of the fabric to push the stain out from behind.

Step 3: Apply a Cleaner

Choose either:

A drop of liquid dish soap, or
A small amount of liquid laundry detergent

Apply directly to the stain and gently massage it in with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush.

Step 4: Let it Sit

Allow the cleaner to sit for 5–10 minutes so it can break down the oils and dyes in the sauce.

Step 5: Repeat as Needed

Rinse and reapply your chosen cleaner, brushing gently each time. Repeat this process until you no longer see improvement—this usually takes 1 or 2 rounds, depending on how long the stain has been set.

Step 6: Final Rinse

Once the pre-treatment has done all it can, rinse thoroughly with cold water. If the stain remains, move on to Part 2 for deeper treatment with oxygen bleach.

Part 2: Oxygen Bleach Treatment (OxiClean Method)

For stubborn or set-in tomato stains, this step uses the power of oxygen bleach to break down dye and food residues without damaging fabric.

Note: Oxygen bleach is safe for most fabrics, including colored and dark fabrics, and won’t damage the color of your garment. Avoid using oxidizing agents on wool, silk, or other fine fibers.

Step 1: Mix the Oxygen Bleach

Fill a tub or bucket with warm water. Dissolve one full scoop of OxiClean per gallon of water, according to the label.

Step 2: Submerge and Soak

Place the pre-treated garment in the solution. Let it soak for 6 hours, or overnight for deep stains.

Step 3: Repeat if Needed

If the stain persists, repeat the soaking process with a fresh mixture of oxygen bleach until the tomato sauce stain is completely gone.

Step 4: Wash Normally

Once the wine stain is gone, rinse the garment thoroughly. Then, wash it as usual in the washing machine, or run a rinse and spin cycle to remove any remaining oxygen bleach.

Step 5: Air Dry

Avoid the dryer until you're sure the stain is gone—heat can set remaining pigment. Air dry and check the spot. If needed, repeat the oxygen bleach (OxiClean) soak.

Final Tips for Safe and Effective Tomato Sauce Stain Removal

1. Follow Product Instructions
Always follow the directions on any stain removal product, especially when using oxygen bleach. Pay attention to dilution ratios, contact times, and application methods to ensure safe and effective treatment.

2. Read the Garment Care Label
Before treating any tomato stain, check the care label on your garment. Some fabrics—especially synthetics or blends—may have limitations on water temperature or chemical use.

3. Handle Delicate Fabrics with Care
Avoid using oxygen bleach or aggressive stain removers on delicate materials like silk, wool, or lace. For these fabrics, it’s safest to consult a professional cleaner.

4. Test on a Hidden Area First
Before applying any stain-fighting product, test it on an inside seam or hidden part of the garment to make sure it won’t cause discoloration or damage.

5. Avoid Sunlight During Treatment
Keep garments out of direct sunlight while soaking or treating with oxygen-based products. Sunlight can speed up chemical reactions and may lead to uneven fading.

6. Proceed with Caution
These methods are provided for informational purposes only. Use at your own discretion, and if you're ever unsure, it's wise to seek help from a professional cleaner.