How to Remove Cherry Stains From Clothes, Carpet, and Upholstery

How to Remove Cherry Stains From Washable Clothes and Linens

1. Remove Any Solids

   Lift any solid matter away from the fabric's surface with a dull knife or the edge of a credit card. Be careful not to rub the stain because that will force it deeper into the fibers. If the stain is liquid, like cherry juice or Kool-Aid, blot it with a plain white cloth or paper towel.

2. Pretreat the Stain

   If the stain is fresh, hold the fabric under a faucet and flush it with cold water to force it out of the fibers, running the water through the reverse side of the stain. Use a prewash stain remover on the stain. Work the stain remover into the stain with a soft-bristled brush and allow it to remain on the stain for at least 15 minutes before washing. If you don't have a stain remover, use a bit of heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent for pretreating. 

3. Wash the Fabric

   Wash the item in the hottest water recommended for the fabric, using a heavy-duty laundry detergent (Tide and Persil are two good options that contain enzymes to break down cherry stains). Confirm that the stain is gone before drying the item.

   Tip

   Never use natural soap (in bar or flake form) because cherries have tannins that are difficult to remove with that type of soap.

4. If Red Dye Stain Remains

   Mix a bleaching agent and warm water in a bucket or sink, following the package directions. Completely submerge the stained items and allow them to soak for 30 minutes or as recommended.

   White fabrics made of natural fibers (Cotten and linen): Use a solution of chlorine bleach and water

   Colored clothes or white synthetic fabrics: Use oxygen-based bleach (OxiClean, Country Save Bleach, or Purex 2 Color Safe Bleach) and water.
   

   Tip

   Natural, DIY bleaching agents that you might already have in your home include white distilled vinegar and lemon juice for white clothing and linens and hydrogen peroxide for colored fabrics.

How to Remove Cherry Stains From Carpet and 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.

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.

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.

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.

Additional Tips for Handling Cherry Stains

For tough carpet and upholstery stains with added red dye, mix a solution of oxygen-based bleach in cool water, following the package directions. Dip a clean sponge into the solution or use an eyedropper to apply to the stain. Work the solution into the carpet or fabric, 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.

On a white carpet, you can also use hydrogen peroxide. 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.