Okay, so you’ve just enjoyed an amazing spaghetti dinner and—bam—there it is. Spaghetti sauce on your favorite shirt. We’ve all been there, right? It feels like the end of the world, but don’t worry. It’s not as hard to get out as you think.
Act Fast and Blot It
First things first: don’t let it sit. Grab a paper towel or cloth and blot at the stain as soon as you can. Don’t rub it, just blot to soak up the sauce. Rubbing only makes it worse. I learned that the hard way. The quicker you do this, the better your chances of getting it out.
What You Probably Already Have in the House
You don’t need some fancy stain remover for this. I’ve found that regular dish soap does a pretty good job. Just squirt a bit on the stain and gently rub it in with your fingers. If that’s not cutting it, mix a little baking soda with water to make a paste and apply it to the stain. I usually let it sit for about five minutes, then gently blot it with a cloth.
I’ve also used vinegar with water in a pinch. It sounds a little weird, but it works. Just mix it up, dab it on, and blot it out. The vinegar helps break down the tomato sauce, and you won’t smell it after washing.
The Simple Step-by-Step
- Blot the stain with a paper towel or cloth.
- Apply dish soap to the stain and rub it in lightly.
- For a tougher stain, mix baking soda with water and apply it to the stain.
- Let it sit for a few minutes.
- Rinse with cold water and repeat if needed.
My Favorite Trick to Avoid the Mess
I’m all about avoiding spills in the first place. If I’m eating spaghetti, I’ll wear an old shirt or toss on an apron if I’m cooking. I also keep a napkin handy to wipe my chin as I go. Might sound a little much, but it’s saved me from ruining too many good shirts.