Ask ACI: Pizza Stains

How do I remove pizza stains?

First, determine what kind of stain it is. Then treat it accordingly.

Grease – This is one of the most common pizza stains caused by all that gooey cheese. When this happens, blot the stain as soon as you can with a clean cloth or paper towels. When you get a chance, rinse with cold water and add a little dish soap. Then pretreat the spot with a stain remover and let it sit before laundering. Make sure the stain is gone before putting it in the dryer, as the heat can set the stain.

Tomato Sauce – Red stains are known to be difficult to remove, but they don’t have to be if you move quickly. First, remove as much excess sauce as you can, then run cold water through the back of the stain. Rub in a little detergent or a mild bleaching agent if safe for the fabric. Then pretreat with a stain remover, let sit, and launder. Make sure the stain is gone before putting it in the dryer, as the heat can set the stain.

What should I keep in mind when cleaning pizza stains?

Act quickly. Gently scrape off any cheese, sauce or toppings with a dull knife. And start with cold water when cleaning to prevent any tomato sauce stain from setting.

What if the stain as already dried?

The longer a stain remains on the fabric, the more likely it will need more than one treatment. After washing, let the garment air dry. If the stain is still present, wash again. Do not put the garment in the dryer until the stain is gone.

What if nothing is working?

You may want to try using bleach. Check the fabric care label first. An oxygen bleach can be a good option for colored fabrics.

Updated: August 10, 2026