how to remove tomatoe stains

Rich tomato sauces are so versatile and easy to make, but for some reason unbeknown to us, they also seem to be magnetically attracted to white clothes! Whether you're a lover of Italian food or you've got a house of ketchup fans, any tomato-based recipe can be a nightmare to remove if you get it on your clothes.

Tomato-based products are complex, containing proteins, fats and highly coloured pigments. If you don't attack this type of stain immediately, you'll struggle to remove it. However, if you start your stain removal straight away, you might just be in with a chance. Our advice is to stock up on some of the essential stain removal products below and then you'll be ready next time you get caught with one of these stains.

GHI Tip: When microwaving anything tomato-based try to use ceramic or pyrex containers. Even if your plastic containers or bowls are microwave safe, tomato-based soups and sauces may still stain them if heated in the microwave.

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Washable fabrics

Place an absorbent pad under the stain - an old towel works well. Gently scrape off any solid parts with a blunt knife. Blot the stain with white paper towels to remove as much as possible. Apply a few drops of methylated spirits, and blot again, moving frequently to clean areas of the absorbent pad and changing the area of the paper towel as soon as it has colour on it. Repeat until no more of the stain is lifted. Let the solvent evaporate completely. If you are tackling a dry stain, soften it first by working in a solution of equal parts glycerine and water. Leave to stand for a few minutes, then rinse and follow the methods above.

After treating with solvent, apply a few drops of mild detergent solution or liquid laundry detergent and work it into the stain. Leave for five minutes, then flush with lots of cool water. For cotton, wash at 40°C with biological detergent. For silk and wool, wash at 30°C on the delicates cycle.

If the stain still remains after treating with methylated spirits (or as an alternative), try applying Stain Devils Fat & Sauces, following to the manufacturer's instructions. This can be used on all washable fabrics, including wool and silk. Then machine-wash according to fabric type.

Another alternative is to soak the item in a colour-safe, oxygen-based bleaching product to remove any last traces of the stain - or for whites use one formulated for whites. Check the fabric care label and test for colourfastness on an inconspicuous area first. Then machine-wash according to fabric type.

GHI Tip: Tomato sauces often spit when cooking, so if you're making your favourite Bolognese or soup our advice is to wear an apron. An apron may not be a strong fashion statement, but in the long run it'll save the time and hassle of trying to remove stains.

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Carpet

Gently scrape off any solid parts with a blunt knife. Blot the stain with white paper towels to remove as much as possible. Apply a few drops of methylated spirits, and blot again, moving frequently to a clean area of paper towel as soon as it has colour on it. Repeat until no more of the stain is lifted. Let the solvent evaporate completely. If you are tackling a dry stain, soften it first by working in a solution of equal parts glycerine and water. Leave to stand for a few minutes, then rinse and follow the methods above.

After treating with solvent, cover the affected area with White Wizard and leave to work for a few minutes. Blot with white paper towels, then rinse with cool water and blot dry. If traces of the stain still remain, you may need to have the entire carpet cleaned professionally.

GHI Tip: When using any stain remover, whether it's on carpets or clothing, always test in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it won't remove the dyes in the fabric.

Plastic food containers and food processor bowls

First try wiping all over the stained area with vegetable oil before washing as normal – if the stain is fresh, the oil will often lift out the colour. If this doesn't work, make a paste of two parts bicarbonate of soda and one part water and apply the paste to the stain. Rub in well with a nylon scrubber, then wash in soapy water and rinse as normal.

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Must-have stain removers

Dri Pak Bicarbonate of Soda x2

White Spirit Solvent 750ml

Grass and mud stain remover

Grease and oil stain remover

Carpet Stain Remover, 650ml

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