Tomato Sauce Stain Removal - History and Facts
“You say to-MAY-to, I say to-MOTT-to.”
No matter how you pronounce it, one thing is for sure: the famous and delicious sauce that is derived from tomato is a staple in home and restaurant kitchens around the world.
Over the last 20 years, Americans have become obsessed with tomatoes. In fact, we’ve increased our tomato consumption by 30%! Three-fourths of this consumption comes in a processed form, which includes tomato salsa, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
With this rapid demand comes a higher likelihood that you’ll be faced with pesky tomato sauce stains on your carpet. But don’t panic – though a big red stain on your carpet may seem unconquerable, COIT is here to save the day.
With COIT’s guide to tomato sauce stain removal, you won’t have to remove tomato stain alone!
The Tomato is Born
Before we get into remove tomato stain mode, let’s take a quick look at the history of the tomato.
This fruit, which is commonly mistaken as a vegetable, is native to South and Central America, dating back to 500 BC.
After the Spaniards colonized Mesoamerica in the 1500s, explorers like Cortes took tomatoes back to their Caribbean colonies and the Philippines. The introduction of this new fruit soon spread throughout all of Asia.
The word “tomato” actually comes from the Spanish word “tomate.” Throughout Europe, people used to think thought that tomatoes were actually poisonous! Tomato leaves are in fact poisonous, but many Europeans were initially afraid of actually consuming this red fruit.
The first mention of tomatoes in Italy dates back to 1548, while tomatoes weren’t grown in the UK until 1590. North America was the last to be introduced to tomatoes in 1710 in what is now South Carolina.
Tomato Sauce is Born
Now that you know where the tomato came from, here’s a fun fact for you: the first reference to “tomato sauce” that’s paired with pasta appears in 1790, within an Italian cookbook called L'Apicio moderno. Written by Francesco Leonardi, this Roman chef most likely had no idea how much his recipe would change the face of pasta as we know it!
Common Ingredients in Tomato Sauce
Though each recipe of tomato sauce certainly varies from kitchen to kitchen, here are some of the most common ingredients you’ll find:
- Tomato flesh cooked in olive oil
- Salt
- Red or black pepper
- Water
- Wine
- Garlic
- Onion
Every chef adds his or her own ingredients based on the dish they’re cooking, which makes for an ingredient list that is always evolving!
“Tomato Sauce” Terminology
It’s important to note that in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and parts of the UK, “tomato sauce” is actually another word for American ketchup. Furthermore, some East Coast Italians often refer to tomato sauce as “gravy”. Good to know if you’re planning to travel and eat in any of these places!
Tomato Sauce Stain Removal
Now that you know a bit more about tomatoes and tomato sauce, it’s time to remove that tomato sauce stain! Check out COIT’s detailed, step-by-step guide to learn more.
How to Remove Tomato Sauce from Carpet
COIT’s Guide to Getting Tomato Sauce Out of Carpet
When you’re making pizza or any kind of pasta, you most definitely have some tomato sauce in the house, right? As one of the planet’s most widely used sauces, experienced chefs and beginner cooks in virtually every country use this delicious sauce on a very regular basis.
So how does the world know how to get tomato sauce out of carpet? By following COIT’s guide to remove tomato sauce from carpet, of course!
If you haven’t referenced our step-by-step guide yet, now’s the time to explore a few handy stain removal solutions.
How to Get Tomato Sauce Out of Carpet – Method # 1
As soon as you discover the tomato sauce stain, act quickly before the stain can settle into the carpet.
- Using a clean cloth or sponge soaked in cold water, sponge the stain, working from the outside in.
- Take a slice of lemon and rub it onto the affected area of the carpet.
- Pour a generous amount of water onto the carpet to cover the area, then blot as much of the water as possible using a clean cloth or towel.
- Let the carpet dry. The stain should no longer be visible.
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How to Get Tomato Sauce Stains Out – Method # 2
- Using a spoon or knife, carefully remove any remaining tomato sauce that’s still lurking on your carpet. Be sure to start from the outside of the stain so it doesn’t spread.
- Pour a generous amount of club soda directly onto the affected area of the carpet.
- Using a damp sponge, firmly press onto the stain to soak up the tomato sauce stain.
- Using a clean paper towel, firmly press onto the stain to absorb any remaining liquid or tomato sauce residue.
- Mix 2 cold cups of water with 1 tablespoon of liquid dish detergent.
- Soak a clean cloth or sponge in this solution and blot the affected area.
- Rinse the carpet with cold water and pat dry with clean towel.
Method # 3 for Stain Removal
Here is another method you can try, if methods # 1 and # 2 aren’t 100% effective.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide with 3 tablespoons of cold water.
- Pour the mixture onto the affected area of your carpet and let it soak into the carpet fibers. Consider testing a small, less visible part of the carpet beforehand.
- Cover the spot with a white towel for 30 minutes to block out any light. It’s a good idea to check on the spot every 5 minutes to make sure the color of the carpet isn’t changing.
- Rinse with cold water.
How to Get Tomato Sauce Stains Out of Carpet Using Professional Carpet Cleaning
Looking for a deeper clean than you can get with do-it-yourself solutions? With a little help from COIT carpet cleaning, we’ll not only remove dirt and tough stains; our commercial grade equipment will reach far beyond the surface to remove dust and allergens that pollute the air you breathe. Call and speak to a COIT representative today to schedule a free consultation and don't forget to checkout our coupons!
Remember to always do a spot removal test on a portion of carpet or upholstery that is normally not visible. These are suggested treatments only and COIT can't be held accountable for any damage sustained by use of the treatments in this spot removal guide.
