Bonjourno! It’s World Pasta Day! Whether you break out the jars of pasta sauce or go homemade today, that tomato-ey goodness is sure to find its way onto clothes, aprons, napkins, and whatever else is within splattering distance.

Here’s how to say arrivederci to those unwanted stains.

• Remove as much of the excess tomato sauce as possible from the fabric.
• If the fabric is washable, run cold water through the reverse side of the fabric as quickly as possible.
• Rub a liquid laundry detergent into the stained fabric, working it gently beginning on the outside of the stained area, and working in.
• If the garment is white, or you have tested it for colorfastness, apply a mild bleaching agent such as hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar with a sponge.
• Repeat the detergent and mild bleaching agent until the stain no longer appears.
• Apply a stain remover stick, gel, or spray. Allow it to sit for at least 5 minutes while you wait.
• Wash normally in detergent. Before drying it, double-check the stain, as stains that are dry will often be permanent.
• If it remains, rub detergent into the tomato stain once again and soak it in warm water for 30 minutes. Rinse well.
• If the tomato stain is still stubborn, apply stain remover stick, gel, or spray and launder according to directions.

For more information on removing the most common stains after a yummy Italian dinner, see this article on our website.