How do they manage to get it in their hair and down their pants both? I don't know -- but I know it happens. You can dip junior in the tub -- but what about those clothes, and the carpet, or gasp, the couch?

But also be aware that below are instructions for removing the most obvious part of the stain -- the tomato sauce part of the stain. If a greasy film still remains after treatment you most likely also have a grease stain, and should check this article on how to remove cooking oil and grease stains for more instructions for removing that part of the stain as well.
Step 1: Scrape off any excess spaghetti sauce from the fabric, being careful not to spread the stain more.
Step 2: Run the fabric under cold running water (not warmer water), letting the water run over the back of the stain so it does not spread it further or cause the stain to travel through the garment.

Step 4: Rinse well.
Step 5: Use a white cloth to sponge white vinegar onto the stain caused by the spaghetti sauce, and then rinse thoroughly.
Step 6: Repeat steps 3-5 until you have removed as much of the spaghetti stains as possible.
Hint: The sooner you do this after the stain occurs, the easier it will be.
Step 7: Pretreat with a laundry stain remover and wash as normal.
Step 8: Make sure before you place the item in the dryer that the stain is completely removed. If it is not then do not place in the dryer, as it will set the stain.
Hint: What if you've missed the stain completely, and it has gone through the dryer and set? Here is my advice for trying to remove set spaghetti sauce stains once they've gone through the dryer.
Step 9: If step number 7 did not get out the stain again coat the stained area with liquid laundry detergent and let it soak in warm water for around half an hour. Then, launder again, using either color bleach or chlorine bleach if safe for the fabric.
Step 1: Scrape off any excess spaghetti sauce from the upholstery.
Step 2: Mix a solution of two cups cool water and one tablespoon dishwashing liquid.
Step 3: Using this solution, sponge the stain caused by the spaghetti sauce with a clean white cloth.
Step 4: Next, blot at the stain until the liquid is absorbed.
Step 5: Repeat steps 3-4 until the stains are removed from the upholstery.
Step 6: Now that the stain is removed you should get plain cold water and a new white cloth and sponge the area to remove the cleaning solution, and then blot dry.
Hint: Be sure to get the upholstery only as wet as necessary to remove the stain.
You can also try vinegar for spaghetti stain removal, but be careful on upholstery to test first in an inconspicuous location to make sure the vinegar will not discolor the upholstery fabric.
You can get more information on how to clean upholstery here.

However, if you don't have luck with this stain removal method above you can also do something additional with the carpet stain, which is to mix a solution of one tablespoon of ammonia with two cups warm water, and use this as a stain removal solution.
CAUTION: Since vinegar is an acid and ammonia a base, using one after the other in attempting to remove stains will just neutralize the effects of both. Therefore, thoroughly rinse away one stain removal solution before using another.

Here are some articles and reviews on this site from readers who shared what products worked for them to remove these stains, or which discuss products that are designed to remove them:
You can also share your own stain remover reviews here, telling me what remover worked well for you to get out stains caused by spaghetti sauce, or anything else.
Do you have your own stain removal tip for removing stains from tomatoes? If so, submit your tip about removing stains caused by tomatoes here, or read the tips already submitted.
Just for fun, I though this was a cute video of a great way for a baby to get spaghetti and tomato stains.
I think any parent will smile along with me at this one. I know I have multiple pictures of each child eating spaghetti in the high chair looking just as messy as this cute little boy.
Are you a stain magnet like me? If so, check out the A to Z Stain Removal Guide which gives directions for how to remove over 100 types of stains from all kinds of surfaces.
Below are examples of the most common stains discussed in the Guide.
First photo by startcooking_kathy_&_amandine and fourth photo by Pink Sherbet Photography

I update this site all the time with tips, tutorials, cleaning recipes, reviews of products from readers like you, and tests I've done on various cleaners, stain removers and laundry supplies.
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CAUTION: This website is provided for informational purposes only, and Stain-Removal-101.com provides it as is, without warranties or guarantees. Some stains just won't come out, and are permanent. Further, some stain removal methods can harm your item, so if the stained item is sentimental or expensive call a professional. See disclaimer of liability for more information.
See the A-Z Stain Removal Guide for even more types of stains.
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