Few stains feel more frustrating than tomato sauce. Whether it’s from pasta night, pizza mishaps, or an overzealous squeeze of ketchup, tomato-based stains have a reputation for sticking around. The vivid color, oil content, and acidity in tomato sauce can bond to fabric quickly, especially if the stain isn’t treated right away.
But don’t worry: even if the sauce has dried or gone through the dryer, it’s not the end of the road for your favorite shirt or tablecloth. With the right method and the help of Zout® Laundry Stain Remover, you can get tomato sauce stains out for good. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to remove tomato sauce stains from clothes and leave even your most delicate sweaters looking good as new.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Tomato Stains Out of Clothes
1. Rinse with Cold Water
As soon as possible, rinse the stained area with cold water. Hold the fabric under a faucet with the back of the stain facing up, so you don’t push the sauce deeper into the fibers. This helps flush out as much of the tomato and oil as possible before applying a stain remover.
2. Blot, Don’t Rub
Use a clean white cloth or paper towel to gently blot the area. Avoid rubbing, which can spread the stain and push it further into the fabric. If there’s any remaining sauce clinging to the surface, gently lift it with the edge of a spoon or a dull knife.
3. Pre-Treat with Zout
Spray Zout® Laundry Stain Remover directly onto the tomato stain, fully saturating the affected area. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes.
Zout’s formula contains powerful enzymes that target both starches and oils, two of the main components of tomato sauce.
- Amylase enzymes break down starchy binders in sauces and thickeners.
- Lipase enzymes tackle the oily residue from olive oil, butter, or meat fat that often lurks in tomato dishes.
These enzymes go to work breaking the stain down at the molecular level, making it easier for your washing machine to rinse it away completely.
4. Wash with Your Regular Detergent
After pre-treating, wash the garment on the warmest water setting safe for the fabric. Check the care label to avoid shrinking or damaging the item. Use your regular detergent and avoid using chlorine bleach, as it can interact poorly with tomato and cause discoloration.
5. Inspect Before Drying
Once the cycle is complete, check the stained area before putting it in the dryer. Heat can set any remaining traces of the stain, making it harder to remove. If the stain is still visible, repeat the Zout pre-treatment and washing steps.
How Do You Get Stains Out of Clothes That Have Already Dried?
Tomato stains that have already dried or gone through the dryer are tougher, but not impossible to remove. Re-wet the stain with cold water, then apply Zout® Laundry Stain Remover liberally. Let it sit longer this time, around 15 to 20 minutes, before washing again. You may need to repeat the process if any stain lingers, but Zout effectively breaks down stains within the first wash.
How to Prevent Future Tomato Stains
A few simple habits can help you avoid dealing with set-in stains:
- Treat stains ASAP whenever they happen.
- Keep Zout nearby in the laundry room or kitchen for quick application.
- Use napkins or aprons when eating or cooking with red sauces.
In a pinch, you can toss stained clothes into cold water immediately to prevent drying while you prep the wash.
The Bottom Line: Zout Makes Tomato Stains a Non-Issue
Removing tomato sauce stains may feel like a laundry nightmare, but with the right steps and the power of Zout’s enzyme-based formula, they don’t stand a chance. Plus, the power of Zout extends well beyond tomato-based stains. Whether fresh or dried, oily or starchy, Zout works to break stains down and lift them out so your clothes look clean and stay in rotation.
So next time you’re wondering how to remove tomato stains, you’ve got the answer.
