How to Remove Dried-on Fruit Stains From Fabric
Get fruit stains out in a few simple steps
Fruit, jam, and jelly spills are easy to clean up right after they happen, but their stains become more challenging to remove from fabric after the fruit dries. Fruit-based stains are sticky, and the longer they sit on clothing, the deeper their pigments sink into natural and synthetic fibers. Thankfully, fruit-based stains can be removed from your favorite clothing using common household cleaners such as borax, liquid laundry detergent, commercial stain removers, and mild bleaching agents like vinegar or lemon juice.
Below, learn how to remove even the most stubborn dried-on fruit stains from clothing and other fabrics.
Stain Type | Tannin-based |
Detergent Type | Liquid laundry |
Water Temperature | Warm |
Cycle Type | Normal |
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Spoon or dull knife
- Washing machine
Materials
- Borax or baking soda
- Liquid laundry detergent
- Vinegar or lemon juice (optional)
- Stain remover stick, gel, or spray
Instructions
How to Remove Dried-On Fruit Stains From Clothes and Fabric
-
Scoop Away Excess Fruit
Using a dull knife or a spoon, scrape away fruit stain solids like seeds or other sticky bits that remain on the fabric. Be gentle, as rubbing too vigorously can damage the clothing or force the fruit deeper into the fibers.
-
Spread a Paste Over the Stain
- Mix 3 tablespoons of borax or baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water to create a thick paste.
- Spread an even layer of paste over the stained fabric, completely covering the area.
- Leave the paste on the stained area to dry for at least 15 minutes. As it dries, the paste will absorb the pigment and lighten the stain.
-
Rinse the Paste
Using warm water, rinse the dried paste off of the fabric completely, rubbing with your fingers as necessary to loosen the powder.
-
Apply Liquid Laundry Detergent
Rub several drops of your favorite liquid laundry detergent directly on the stained area. Allow the detergent to sit for about five minutes before you proceed to the next step.
-
Rinse With Hot Water
- Rinse the fabric with hot water by stretching the stained area under a faucet inside-out with the stain facing down.
- Use the hottest water that the fabric will tolerate, forcing the stain back through the front of the fabric.
- If the stain persists, apply liquid detergent, let it rest, then rinse again.
-
Apply a Stain Remover
For especially stubborn stains, apply your favorite laundry stain remover stick, spray, or gel. Be sure to precisely follow the manufacturer's instructions.
-
Wash the Garment
- Wash the fabric normally in the washing machine per the garment's care label instructions.
- Before drying, check to be sure that the stain is completely gone, as even a faint hint of a stain will be set permanently by the heat of a dryer.
- If you see residual traces of the stain, repeat the stain-removal process until it is gone.
How to Remove Dried-On Fruit Stains From Carpet and Upholstery
-
Make a Cleaning Solution
Mix 1 tablespoon of mild or gentle laundry detergent with 2 cups of cold water.
-
Blot the Stain
- Dip a clean white cloth into the solution and gently blot the stain. Continue blotting until the fabric absorbs the cleaning solution.
- If the stain persists, dip a clean corner of your white cloth in distilled white vinegar and blot the stain with vinegar.
- Alternate between vinegar and your cleaning solution until the stain is removed.
-
Rinse With Clean Water
Once the stain is removed, blot the fabric with a new clean white cloth dipped in cold water to remove excess cleaners and allow it to air dry.
When to Call a Professional
If the garment is labeled dry-clean-only, take it to your dry cleaner as soon as possible. Point out and identify the stain to help your professional cleaner choose the proper treatment. If the fabric is especially delicate, like silk or vintage clothing, always contact a professional cleaner to prevent damage to the material.
Additional Tips for Handling Dried-on Fruit Stains
- As a last resort for a super-stubborn stain on colorfast clothing, try a mild bleaching agent like vinegar or lemon juice. Test the bleaching agent on a hidden area of the clothing, then check for colorfastness.
- If the fabric color and pattern were unharmed, dab the liquid onto the stained area and let it sit for several minutes. Leaving clothing in direct sunlight can increase the bleaching effects, but be careful not to go too far.
- Rinse the area thoroughly, then launder as usual.
-
Can stains come out after being dried?
Many stains can become permanent after being dried in a hot machine dryer, but commercial stain removers can help lighten or remove these stubborn marks. Use an enzyme-based stain remover for fruit stains on clothing and other fabrics.
-
Does vinegar remove berry stains?
Vinegar is not as effective at removing dried berry stains from clothing as borax, baking soda, and liquid laundry detergent. However, it can be used if these cleaning agents do not fully remove the stain. Soak the stain in distilled white vinegar for 30 minutes to 1 hour, then rinse it in warm water and air dry.
-
What fruits stain clothing the most?
The hardest fruit stains to remove from clothing include berry stains, like those from blueberries, blackberries, cherries, and more. The darker the fruit's juice, the more stubborn the stain will be. Household cleaners like hydrogen peroxide can be helpful if commercial cleaners don't fully remove the stain.