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The Spruce / Jorge Gamboa
Cherry stains range from the watery purple of natural cherries to the candy red of maraschino cherries to the dark purplish-red of cherry Kool-Aid and other artificially flavored (and colored) drinks. Not surprisingly, stains from natural cherries tend to be easier to remove than those from artificial coloring agents. But most cherry stains can be conquered with common cleaners and detergents. As with many types of stains, always check clothes after washing to be sure that none of the stain remains before drying the clothes. The high heat of the dryer can permanently set a stain.
Stain Type | Tannin |
Detergent Type | Prewash stain treatment and heavy-duty laundry detergent |
Water Temperature | Hot |
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Dull knife or credit card
- White cloth or paper towel
Materials
- Prewash stain remover
- Heavy-duty laundry detergent
- Oxygen-based bleach (Optional)
Instructions
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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.
Tip
Never use natural soap (in bar or flake form) because cherries are a tannin stain and soap makes them more difficult to remove.
How to Remove Cherry Stains From Washable Clothes and Linens
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Project Metrics
Working time: 10 to 15 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
What You’ll Need
Supplies
- Liquid dishwashing detergent
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Water
Tools
- Spoon or dull knife
- White cloth or paper towel
- Eye-dropper
- Sponge
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.