How to Remove Tomato Stains

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 5 - 15 mins
  • Total Time: 10 mins - 12 hrs
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $10-15

Tomato stains are tannin-based, meaning they come from a color-causing, natural compound found in fruits and vegetables. Like most tannin stains, you can remove tomato stains like from a juicy tomato, ketchup, or salsa at home using products you likely already have in your cupboard. The best products are a heavy-duty detergent, commercial stain remover, and bleach. Never use soap or soap flakes on a tannin stain, as they can set it and make it difficult to remove. 

How to Remove Tomato Stains from Clothes

The Spruce / Michela Buttignol

Tomato stains are easy to remove when you follow these simple, at-home steps.

Stain type  Tannin-based
Detergent type Heavy duty
 Water temperature Tepid or cool
Cycle type Varies depending on type of fabric

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • White cloth
  • Soft brush
  • Paper towel
  • Bowl or small bucket
  • Vacuum
  • Butter knife or spoon

Materials

  • Chlorine bleach (for white natural-fiber fabrics)
  • Oxygen bleach (for colored and synthetic fabrics)
  • Stain remover (optional)
  • Laundry detergent

Instructions

How to Remove Tomato Stains from Washable Clothes

Tomato stains on washable clothing are relatively simple to remove, using a combination of detergent, bleach, stain removal, and soaking. Repeat the following steps as often as needed if the stain doesn't come out the first time.

  1. Apply Liquid Detergent

    Work a bit of liquid detergent or stain remover into the stain using your fingers or a soft brush. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes before washing the garment as usual.

    Using laundry detergent on a ketchup stain

    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

  2. Apply Chlorine Bleach

    Applying a chlorine bleach solution to tomato stains removes tannins in white fabric. Following package directions, you can use chlorine bleach on natural fiber white garments and linens in the washing machine. Do not use chlorine bleach on synthetic materials because it can cause yellowing. Always check garment labels before using chlorine bleach in the laundry.

    Using a bleaching agent to remove ketchup stains

    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

  3. Apply Color-Safe Bleach

    Apply a color-safe oxygen bleach (recommended brands include OxiClean, Nellie's All-Natural Oxygen Brightener, or OXO Brite) to synthetic and washable colored fabrics. Following product directions, mix a solution of the oxygen bleach and cool water. Completely submerge the stained fabric and allow it to soak for at least four hours or overnight. Wash as usual.

    Using color safe bleach to remove ketchup stains

    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Tip

Sometimes, you can use ketchup to clean rust stains on metallic surfaces. The acid in ketchup is the active ingredient eating away at rust.

Additional Tips for Handling Tomato Stains

  • Be persistent: Repeat the cleaning steps if the stain doesn't come out the first time you apply the steps.
  • Try baking soda and vinegar: In addition to detergent and bleach, you can create a baking soda and vinegar solution to apply to the tomato stain.
  • Use ice: Rub an ice cube on the stain before applying detergent. An ice cube hardens or reconstitutes the stain, making it easier to clean up.
  • Work fast: As with any stain, the sooner a fresh tomato-based stain can be treated, the better the chances of success for removal. Remove any food solids, but do not rub the stain immediately. That will only push it deeper into the fabric fibers, making the stain harder to remove.
  • Read the clothing label: Check the care label on the garment and test any detergent or cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area first to ensure that it does not discolor the fabric. While most cleaning methods are gentle enough for a diverse range of materials, knowing an item's specific care needs will help you choose the best stain-removal option.
  • Take the item to the dry cleaner: If the stained garment is labeled dry clean only, visit your dry cleaner and point out the mark. If the stain does not come out after several tries using the home instructions, ask a dry cleaner to try their methods.
  • When using a home dry cleaning kit: Home dry cleaning kits have a special stain remover. Try using it before putting the garment in the dryer bag.
FAQ
  • Can you use vinegar to remove tomato stains?

    Try a vinegar and baking soda combination to remove tomato stains. The acid in vinegar acts reacts with baking soda to lift stains. For an even stronger reaction, try hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. However, use it cautiously since hydrogen peroxide has stronger bleaching properties if used on colored fabrics.

  • Why are tomato stains so hard to remove?

    Tomato stains, especially if it's a tomato soup or tomato sauce, contain several stain-causing components: oils, tannins, and proteins. These stains are tougher to eliminate, but it's possible with the right cleaning agents and persistence.

  • What home remedies can I use to remove tomato stains?

    Mild bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, and lemon juice can remove tomato stains. Only use these options if the item is white or you tested the fabric for colorfastness.