How to Remove Cherry Stains From Carpet and Furniture

By
Mary Marlowe Leverette
mary marlowe leverette spruce gardening board
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary has been a Master Gardener for 30+ years and a commercial and residential gardener for 50+ years. She is a former Clemson University Extension Agent.
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Updated on 01/23/23
How to Remove Cherry Stains From Carpet or Upholstery

The Spruce / Michela Buttignol

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 5 - 10 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr - 1 hr, 30 mins
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $5

Imagine enjoying cherry pie on a warm day and suddenly, the cherry filling has stained your shirt. With its bright red coloring and tannin-based content, cherry stains are best removed right when they happen.

We wrote the guide to removing cherry stains quickly and easily, and most of the time, they can be lifted with a reliable laundry detergent and water. Read on to learn how most cherry stains can be conquered at home using common cleaners and detergents.

 Stain Type Tannin, dye
 Detergent Type Stain remover and heavy-duty laundry detergent
 Water Temperature  Cold then hot

Before You Begin

As with many types of stains, never machine dry the item before checking it to be sure that none of the stains remains. The high heat of the dryer can set the stain making it more difficult to remove.

When to Call a Professional

Stains from cherries with added dyes usually require stronger cleaners and more steps to remove the pigment. If you get a cherry stain on silk or vintage upholstery, have it cleaned by a professional.

Featured Video

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • 1 spoon or dull knife
  • 1 white cloth, sponge, or paper towel

Materials

  • 1 bottle liquid dishwashing detergent
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

How to Remove Cherry Stains From Carpet or Upholstery

You can use the same products and techniques to treat cherry stains on carpet and upholstery. Take care when cleaning upholstery not to over-wet the stained areas. Excessive moisture in the cushions can cause mildew problems.

  1. Lift and Blot

    Use a spoon or a dull knife to lift any solid cherry pieces from the carpet or upholstery fabric. Avoid rubbing, which spreads the stain and pushes it deeper into the fibers.

    Next, use a white paper towel or clean white cloth to blot up as much moisture as possible. Work from the outside edge of the stain toward the center to keep the stain from spreading.

    Paper towel blotting cherry stain from tan carpet

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

  2. Blot the Stain With Cleaning Solution

    Mix a solution of one teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with two cups of lukewarm water. Dip a white cloth, sponge, or paper towel into the solution and blot the cherry stain. Keep moving to a clean cloth area as the stain comes out. Repeat until no more stain transfers to the cloth.

    Liquid dishwashing detergent poured into measuring cup with water

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

  3. Rinse the Area

    When no more stain is transferred, dip a clean white cloth in plain water and "rinse" by blotting the stain again. It is essential to rinse the detergent out of the carpet and upholstery because soap residue attracts soil. Be careful not to wet upholstery cushions too much to prevent moisture problems.

    Cleaned carpet rinsed with white rag and clean water

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

  4. Air Dry and Vacuum

    Allow the area to air-dry, preferably out of direct sunlight. Also, vacuum the carpet to lift and separate the fibers.

    Tan carpet fibers lifted with vacuum hose

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

How to Remove Tough or Set-In Cherry Stains

  1. Mix Bleach Solution

    For tough carpet and upholstery cherry stains with added red dye, mix a solution of oxygen-based bleach in cool water, following the package directions. 

  2. Drop the Stain and Blot

    Dip a clean sponge into the solution or use an eyedropper to apply to the stain. Work the solution into the carpet, moving from the outside edge of the stain toward the center. Do not get the area overly wet. Allow the solution to remain on the stain for at least 30 minutes before blotting it away with a clean cloth dampened with water.

Additional Tips for Handling Cherry Stains

If you're dealing with cherry juice on a white carpet, you can try adding hydrogen peroxide to your cleaning method.

  • Apply a few drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide onto the stained area. Let it work for one hour, then blot it with a clean cloth. There is no need to rinse because exposure to light turns hydrogen peroxide into plain water.
  • Repeat if necessary. Allow the carpet to dry completely and vacuum to restore the carpet's pile.
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