Try natural and commercial cleaners to remove stubborn berry stains from garments.
However, they can leave behind some of the toughest stains to remove.
The tannins and natural dyes in strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are powerful staining agents.
Credit:Getty Images / Halyna Romaniv
The longer a stain sits, the harder it will be to remove.
Start by lifting the solids with a dull knife or plastic card.
Before cleaning a stained item,check the clothing labelor fabric care instructions to avoid damaging it.
Then, use one or more of the following compatible methods to remove the stain.
Flush with Cold Water
Hold thestained fabricunder cold running water after blotting out any excess juice.
Let the water flow through the back side of the fabric to push colors out rather than into it.
Avoid hot water, which can set the stain.
If the stain is dry, apply a clear liquid laundry detergent or stain remover to pre-treat it.
Pair Sunlight and Lemon Juice
Lemon juiceis a natural bleaching agent.
Combined with sunlight, it can be effective in removing berry stains.
Pre-treat the stain by squeezing fresh lemon juice directly onto the stain, saturating the area thoroughly.
After five minutes, lay the garment flat in direct sunlight for a few hours.
The combination of UV rays and lemon juice from the sun will break down the stain.
After sun exposure, rinse the fabric with cold water and wash as usual.
Combine white vinegar and baking soda to form a paste.
Apply it on the berry stain, leaving it to sit for about 30 minutes.
Rinse the fabric with cold water.
Then, wash as usual.
Repeat the process as necessary.
Flush with Boiling Water
Stretch the stained fabric over a bowl or sink.
If necessary, secure it with rubber bands to hold it in place.
Then, carefully pour boiling water from about a foot above the fabric.
The force of the water will push the stain out of the fibers.
Wash the fabric as usual after this treatment.
Always flush the stain from the opposite side to prevent it from penetrating deeper into the fibers.
Submerge the stained area in a bowl of milk and let it soak for at least 30 minutes.
Before washing, rinse the fabric with cold water.
Hydrogen peroxide bleaches are generally safe for most colors.
While chlorine bleach has stronger stain-removing power, it is only recommended for use on whites.
To prevent damage, don’t let the bleach sit for long before flushing it with water.
If all else fails or you get berry stains on vintage or silk upholstery, seek professional help.
