How to Remove Tomato Sauce Stains From Clothing

Tomato stains can be easily removed even from white shirts

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 15 - 30 mins
  • Total Time: 1 - 8 hrs
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $0 to $10

Removing tomato sauce stains is much more simple than you think and can be done using common household products.

When you find a stain, hold the garment under cold water for 10 to 15 minutes, work in a liquid detergent or a dab of dishwashing liquid until the stain is no longer visible, rinse the fabric well, and let it dry.

With the right steps, your favorite clothes and linens can look brand-new again. Learn the steps on how to effectively remove tomato sauce stains from clothing.

How to Remove Tomato Sauce Stains

The Spruce / Michela Buttignol

How to Remove Tomato Sauce Stains from Clothing

Stain Type Tannin-based, oil-based
Detergent Type Heavy-duty laundry detergent or dishwashing liquid
Water Temperature  Cold 
Cycle Type Varies with type of fabric

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Spoon or butter knife
  • Water faucet
  • Sponge (Optional)
  • Washing machine

Materials

  • Cold water
  • Heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent or dishwashing liquid
  • Stain remover (Optional)
  • White vinegar (Optional for white/colorfast clothing)
  • Hydrogen peroxide (Optional for white/colorfast clothing)
  • Lemon juice (Optional for white-only clothing)

Instructions

materials for removing tomato sauce stains
The Spruce / Ana Cadena
  1. Remove Excess Tomato Sauce

    Use a dull knife, spoon, or the edge of a credit card to lift away as much tomato sauce as possible from the fabric.

    Don't rub a fresh stain because it pushes it deeper into the fibers or makes it larger.

    removing excess sauce with a spoon
    The Spruce / Ana Cadena 
  2. Flush the Stain With Cold Water

    Hold the reverse side of the stained area under cold running water for 10 to 15 minutes as soon as possible after the stain occurs.

    Flushing with water will force the stain out of the fabric. Do not hold it under the faucet on the front of the tomato stain because the water can force it more deeply into the fabric fibers.

    rinsing the garment under cold water
    The Spruce / Ana Cadena 
  3. Apply Liquid Laundry Detergent or Dishwashing Liquid

    Rub a small amount of liquid laundry detergent or dishwashing liquid into the stained portion of the fabric.

    Work it into the fabric gently in a circular motion beginning on the outside of the stained area and working inward. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

    Tip

    If the tomato stain is from a jarred pasta or tomato sauce that contains oil, the dishwashing liquid contains a degreaser that will help remove the oily component.

    rubbing dish soap on the garment
    The Spruce / Ana Cadena 
  4. Treat Discoloration

    If traces of color remain on the fabric, add more laundry detergent or dishwashing liquid. Or, apply an enzyme-based stain remover.

    Allow it to sit for at least five minutes and rinse well. If that doesn't work, sponge on a mild bleaching agent like hydrogen peroxide, distilled white vinegar, or lemon juice.

    Tip

    To prevent damaging your garment with a bleaching agent, test it for colorfastness by dampening a clean white cloth or cotton swab. Rub the cloth or swab along an interior seam or hem of a colored garment. If any color rubs off, the item is not colorfast. The bleaching agent will likely ruin the item.

    putting dish soap on the garment
    The Spruce / Ana Cadena
  5. Machine Wash and Dry

    Wash the garment as you normally would with detergent. Don't have time to wash it right away? Allow the pretreated clothing to air-dry and wash it later.

    After washing, inspect for any hint of a stain before tossing the clothing in a dryer. The high heat of a clothes dryer can set the stain. 

    putting the garment into the washer
    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

Additional Tips for Removing Tomato Sauce Stains

  • If the stain remains, rub the detergent in again and soak the item in warm (not hot) water for 30 minutes. Rinse well and apply an enzyme-based stain remover following label directions.
  • Never put stained fabrics in the dryer, which can set the stain and make it more difficult to remove.
FAQ
  • Are tomato sauce stains permanent?

    If treated promptly and correctly, most tomato sauce stains are not permanent.

  • Is hot or cold water better for tomato stains?

    Always start with cold water to flush the stain from the fabric and when pretreating the stain. Once the stain is removed, you can use cold or warm water to wash the clothes.

  • Why does tomato sauce stain so much?

    Tomato sauce is a complex stain that contains tannins (the components that give vegetables their color), oil, and often protein stains from meat products in the sauce. The combination stain requires an enzyme-based stain remover and often a bleaching agent to break the bond between the stain and the fabric.

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Fraga-Corral, Maria, et al. By-Products of Agri-Food Industry as Tannin-Rich Sources: A Review of Tannins' Biological Activities and Their Potential for ValorizationFoods. vol. 10, no. 1, 2021, pp. 137., doi:10.3390/foods10010137