All beloved berries, such as strawberries, blackberries, cherries, cranberries, etc. can leave hard-to-remove stains. In fact, the stains they leave are so strong that the sweet fruits are often used for natural dying. Never put a berry-stained garment in the dryer since the heat may set the stain and make it permanent. Another thing to keep in mind is that berry stains should be treated as soon as possible. If you let them sit for a while, they may set in and become extremely difficult to remove.
In this article, we will talk about the different ways in which you get rid of berry stains using bleach, laundry detergent, and home solutions.
Keep in mind! If your garment is labelled as ‘’dry cleaning only’’, blot the stain away, remove any solids and bring it to a professional dry cleaner immediately or as soon as possible.
How to remove berry stains from clothing
- Lift away any berry solids with the edge of a credit card. Make sure you do not rub because that may set the stain deeper into the fabric and cause it to spread. If you can’t take care of the stain immediately, dip a cloth or a paper towel in plain water and gently blot the stain.
- Flush the stain. Hold the garment under running water with the opposite side of the stain facing up. That way the water flow will force the stain out.
- Spot treat. If the berry stain is dry, use a stain remover to pre-treat it. Work the product into the stained area with a soft-bristled brush and let it work for about 15 minutes. If you do not have a stain remover at home, you can use a heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent instead. Keep in mind that bar soaps are not suitable for berry stain removal. They will, in fact, cause the stain to become harder to remove.
- Wash the garments at the hottest suitable temperature (check the care label of the fabric to make sure what that is). Use heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent – this type of product contains enough enzymes to be efficient in stain removal.
- Check the fabric before drying. Do not put the garment into the dryer before you are sure that the stain is completely gone. The high heat may set the stain and make it permanent. If the stain remains, use a bleach-soaking method.
- If you are treating white natural fibres (such as cotton or linen), soak them in a solution of 4 litres of water and ¼ cup of chlorine bleach. If you are treating white synthetic or coloured fabrics, use oxygen bleach instead. Mix a solution of the product and warm water, completely submerge the garments in it and let them sit for at least 4 hours or overnight.
How to remove berry stains from carpets and upholstery
The same method can be used on both upholstery and carpet cleaning. An important thing to keep in mind, however, is not to oversaturate them. Excess moisture may cause mould and mildew while extra cleaning solution that is not rinsed out properly will attract more soil in the future.
- Remove any berry solids or liquids. Use the edge of a credit card or a plastic scraper in order to remove any solids that may still be found on your carpet/upholstery. Next, use a paper towel or a clean cloth to blot away as much of the liquid as possible. Make sure not to rub the stained area to prevent the stain from spreading.
- Mix a cleaning solution of 2 cups of lukewarm water and 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. Dip a white cloth or a sponge into the solution and dab the stain. Keep moving to a clean part of the cloth as the stain transfers.
- Blot with water to rinse. Dip a clean cloth in plain water and blot the stain in order to rinse the cleaning solution. Make sure you completely remove all soapy residue since it will attract soil if left in the fibres of your carpet/upholstery.
- For stubborn stains – Mix a solution of oxygen bleach and cold water (follow package instructions). Dip a clean sponge, or use a dropper for smaller stains and apply the cleaning mixture to the area. Work the solution into the fabric starting at the outer edge and working your way towards the centre. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. You can also use hydrogen peroxide instead of oxygen bleach. Simply apply it to the stain, let it work for an hour, and then blot the area. Repeat if needed.
- Use a clean dry cloth to blot away the moisture from the carpet/upholstery. Let it air dry, then vacuum to lift the fibres of the fabric.