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

Before You Begin

Stains from cherries with added dyes usually require stronger cleaners and more steps to remove the dye.

If the cherry stain is on a garment that is labeled as dry clean only, remove any solids and blot the area with a white cloth to remove as much of the stain as possible, then bring the garment to a professional dry cleaner. If using a home dry cleaning kit, treat the stain first with the provided stain remover before putting the garment in the kit's cleaning bag.

If you get a cherry stain on upholstery that is silk or a vintage fabric, have it cleaned by a professional.

How to Remove Cherry Stains From Washable Clothes and Linens

1. Remove Any Solids

   Lift any solid matter away from the surface of the fabric 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 the stain out of the fibers, running the water through the wrong side of the material. 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 the 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.

4. Remove Red Dyes

   You can use a solution of chlorine bleach and water to remove red dye from white fabrics made of natural fibers (cotton and linen). For white synthetic fabrics or colored clothes, use an oxygen-based bleach (OxiClean, Clorox 2, Country Save Bleach, or Purex 2 Color Safe Bleach).

   Mix a solution of bleach 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.

How to Remove Cherry Stains From Carpet and Upholstery

The same products and techniques can be used 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 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 area of the cloth as the stain is transferred out of the carpet. Repeat until no more stain is transferred 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 important to rinse the detergent out of the carpet because soap residue attracts soil. Be careful not to wet cushions too much to prevent moisture problems.

4. Vacuum the Carpet

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

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.

You can also use hydrogen peroxide to remove the stain if the carpet is white. Apply a few drops of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide onto the stained area. Let it work for one hour and then blot 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 pile of the carpet.