Why does tomato sauce stain clothes?

* Lycopene: This red pigment, responsible for the tomato's color, is a powerful dye that can easily bind to fabrics. It's a fat-soluble pigment, meaning it readily attaches to oily substances like the fats and oils in the sauce.

* Acids: Tomatoes are acidic, and these acids can weaken the fabric fibers, making them more susceptible to staining.

* Sugar: Tomato sauce often contains sugar, which can caramelize and become even more difficult to remove.

* Heat: When tomato sauce is hot, it can penetrate deeper into fabric fibers, making the stain more stubborn.

These factors work together to create a powerful staining agent. To make matters worse, the red pigment of tomato sauce is similar to the color of many fabrics, making stains difficult to detect and remove.

Here are some tips to prevent tomato sauce stains:

* Act quickly: The sooner you treat a stain, the easier it will be to remove.

* Blot, don't rub: Rubbing can push the stain deeper into the fabric.

* Use cold water: Hot water can set the stain.

* Use a stain remover: There are many commercially available stain removers specifically designed for tomato sauce.

Remember, prevention is always better than cure! Wearing a bib or apron when eating tomato sauce can help prevent stains in the first place.