How to get rid of cherry stains from clothes

Stone fruit are our summer gems, but their deep pigments (anthocyanins) can become a nightmare if they end up on our favourite shirt or blouse. Don’t worry, all is not lost: although they are strong natural colourants, they can be beaten. We are going to guide you through the process so that you will know how to get rid of cherry stains from clothes without leaving a trace.

Cleaning recent cherry stains: the most effective products

If the accident has just happened, 90% of the battle is won already. The first thing to do is to manually remove any solids using a spoon, and absorb the juice with kitchen roll, always dabbing and never wiping, so that the stain doesn't spread further.

Then do the following:

• Cold water and neutral soap. This is the first compulsory step. Place the garment under the tap inside out. The pressure of the running water will drive the stain outwards.
• The power of lemon. Citric acid is a gentle, natural whitener that breaks down the colour molecules of the fruit. Apply a few drops of lemon juice and allow it to work for five minutes before rinsing.
• Sparkling water. The bubbles help to release the dirt particles from the fibres before they set. 

How to get rid of dry or old cherry stains

So you found the stain the day after, did you? The pigment has oxidised and stuck to the fibres. This is when we will need to be patient and use something that will penetrate deeper.

1. Long soaking. Submerge the garment in cold water (hot water sets fruit stains), and leave it to soak for at least two hours.
2. The milk trick. It is a classic cleaning remedy that is still valid today because of its effectiveness. The structure of milk proteins helps to “trap” fruit pigment. Submerge the stained part in warm milk and let it soak overnight.
3. The “foolproof” formula for stubborn stains. If the stain still remains, prepare a mixture containing equal parts of water, 96º alcohol and ammonia. Spray it on the area and leave it to work for 10 minutes. Then wash it immediately after. 

White clothes: how to get rid of cherry stains

White is unforgiving, but we can use more aggressive products on it. If you are wondering how to remove cherry stains from white clothes, the aim is to recover the brightness without making the fabric turn yellow.

• White vinegar and baking powder. Make a paste with these two ingredients and apply it to the stain. The effervescent reaction will help get rid of the reddish colour from the white fibres.
• Exposure to sun. After treating the stain and washing the garment, hang it out to dry in the sun. The UV rays act as an extra natural whitener on remains of organic pigments.
• Precaution. Avoid bleach at all costs, as it can react with the fruit juice on some synthetic fabrics and set a permanent yellow mark.

How to get rid of cherry stains from coloured clothes without damaging them

The challenge here is to get rid of the red fruit stain without fading the dye. To know how to get rid of cherry stains from coloured clothes, the key is to be prudent.

• Colour test. Before applying any remedy (particularly vinegar or alcohol), test it on a small part out of the way, such as the inside of a fold or hem.
• Shaving foam. This is an excellent trick for delicate garments or coloured upholstery. Its density allows the cleaning agents to work on the surface without soaking or fading the fibre. Leave it to work for 15 minutes and then wipe it off with a damp cloth.
• Final wash. Always use specific liquid detergents for coloured clothes and avoid temperatures over 30ºC until you are sure that the stain has completely disappeared.

Expert’s tip: never put a garment with fruit stains in the tumble dryer if there is still some colour remaining. The heat will “cook” the pigment, making it practically impossible to get rid of afterwards.

As you can see, although red fruit can cause nasty stains, it isn't necessarily a death sentence for your favourite garment. The key to success is acting quickly and avoiding excessive heat (such as hot water or the tumble dryer) before the stain has completely disappeared. With these household remedies and a little patience, you will be able to eat those delicious seasonal cherries with the peace of mind knowing that your clothes will not be ruined. Don’t let anything spoil the taste of your summer!