Mangoes are a delicious tropical fruit that can often leave behind stubborn stains. Mango stains can occur on clothing, carpets, and upholstered furniture due to the fruit’s pulpy texture and yellow-orange pigment. Thankfully, with the right techniques and cleaning solutions, you can effectively remove mango stains from various surfaces.
Act Quickly to Treat the Stain
When dealing with mango stains, it’s important to act fast. The longer the mango juice, flesh, and skin sits on the fabric, the more difficult it will be to remove. As soon as you notice a mango stain:
- Remove any excess mango pieces by gently scraping them off with a dull knife or spoon. Try to avoid smushing the fruit further into the fabric.
- Blot the stain with a clean, absorbent cloth to soak up as much of the juice as possible. Don’t rub vigorously as this can push the stain deeper into the fibers.
- Rinse the stained area under cold running water to dilute and flush out the sugary fruit juice.
- If the stain remains, mix a solution of 1 part dishwashing liquid with 2 parts cool water. Use a sponge or soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the stain with the solution. Then rinse thoroughly.
- For tougher stains, make a paste by mixing 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water. Gently scrub the paste into the stain using a soft toothbrush or cloth, then rinse. The baking soda will help lift the colored pigments.
- Avoid using hot water, as higher temperatures can set the stain. Refrain from rubbing or wringing the fabric.
Removing Mango Stains from Clothes
Mango stains on clothing typically require pretreatment followed by machine washing to fully remove the discoloration. Here are the steps:
Pretreat the Stain
Apply a stain-fighting liquid laundry detergent or paste directly to the stain. Gently work it into the fabric with a soft bristle brush. Allow the pretreatment to sit for 5-10 minutes before washing.
Machine Wash With Stain Remover
Wash the clothing on the longest, warmest setting allowed for the fabric. Use an enzymatic cleaner or oxygen-based bleach alternative in place of chlorine bleach to help break down the organic compounds in the mango stain.
Air Dry and Repeat if Needed
Line or flat dry the clothing in the shade. Avoid using the dryer until you are sure the stain is fully removed, as heat can set any remaining discoloration. Re-wash using stain removers if the mango stain persists. With repeated washing cycles, you should be able to fully remove the staining.
Use Club Soda on Silk or Wool
For delicate silk or wool fabric, follow the pretreatment steps above using an appropriate cleaning solution. Then, gently sponge club soda onto the stain before rinsing thoroughly with cool water. The carbonation in the soda water can help lift the stain without harming delicate fabrics.
Removing Mango Stains from Carpet
Mango stains in carpet fibers call for different cleaning methods depending on the type of carpeting you have. No matter the material, act fast and start with blotting up excess mango pulp with a clean, absorbent towel. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing the carpet fibers.
Cleaning Mango Stains From Wool Carpets
Gently blot up any excess mango pulp with a clean, white cloth. Mix 1 teaspoon of clear, non-sudsy ammonia with 1 cup of lukewarm water. Use a spray bottle to spritz the solution directly onto the stain. Blot continuously with clean cloths until lifting the stain. Rinse the area with cool water and allow to fully dry.
Cleaning Mango Stains from Cotton, Jute or Blends
For mango stains on cotton, jute, sisal, seagrass or blended fiber carpets, use an enzyme cleaner specially formulated for carpets. Spray it directly on the stain according to label directions. Let it soak in for 5-10 minutes. Blot with clean white cloths until you have removed the discoloration. Rinse the area thoroughly and allow to dry.
Cleaning Mango Stains from Synthetic Fibers
On synthetic carpet fibers like nylon, olefin or polyester, use a small amount of heavy-duty carpet shampoo. Work it into the stain with a soft brush, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. Repeat this process as needed until the staining is gone. Avoid applying too much water, as this can damage the carpet backing.
Professional Carpet Cleaning
For stubborn stains or large discolored areas, call in a professional carpet cleaning company. The powerful suction and steam cleaning equipment they use is far more effective at removing set-in stains than home methods. Be sure to point out any mango stains so they can pretreat those areas accordingly.
Removing Mango Stains from Upholstery
Mango stains on upholstered furniture can be tricky. It’s important to avoid scrubbing or using too much water, which can saturate the upholstery. Start by blotting up excess mango pulp with a clean white cloth.
Check the Fabric Care Label
Before applying any cleaning solutions, reference the furniture’s fabric care label. This will indicate if the upholstery is water/stain-resistant, and what types of cleaners can safely be used. If the label recommends dry cleaning only, take the furniture to a professional.
Mix a Mild Detergent Solution
For removable upholstery covers, mix 1⁄4 teaspoon mild laundry detergent with 1 cup warm (not hot) water. Use a sponge or soft cloth to gently blot the soapy solution onto the stain. Rinse repeatedly with clean water. Air dry the cover fully before replacing it on the furniture.
Remove Excess Moisture
If cleaning upholstery in place, dip a clean white cloth in plain water to dilute and absorb as much of the mango stain as possible. Press gently to lift the discoloration without over-saturating the fabric. Use a towel beneath the stain while working to protect the remaining upholstery.
Use Vinegar for Tougher Stains
For more stubborn mango stains on sturdy cotton or poly-blend upholstery, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the solution onto the stain and blot continuously with clean dry cloths until the discoloration lifts. Rinse any residue with plain water and pat dry.
Try Rubbing Alcohol
As a last resort for difficult stains on colorfast acrylic or polyester upholstery, use a sponge to gently apply rubbing alcohol directly to the discolored area. Avoid vigorous scrubbing. Rinse thoroughly with plain water and pat dry. Check for color transfer first in an inconspicuous area to ensure the alcohol won’t damage the fabric dye.
Helpful Tips and Tricks
Removing stubborn mango stains takes patience, the proper techniques and solutions. Here are some additional pointers that can boost your chances of success:
- Work in a well-ventilated space so cleaned fabrics and upholstery can fully dry.
- Place absorbent cloths or paper towels under the stained fabric to absorb excess moisture and prevent transfer.
- When using chemical cleaners or solvents, spot test first on an inconspicuous area to check for any discoloration or damage.
- Apply stain-fighting solutions sparingly. Too much moisture can spread the stain rather than lifting it.
- For older, set-in stains, reapply cleaners and let them soak in for 10-15 minutes before blotting.
- Avoid using heat from irons or dryers until you are sure the stain is completely gone.
- If stains remain after cleaning, try professional rug, upholstery or drapery cleaning services for stronger treatments.
With the proper methods and care, even the most stubborn mango stains can be removed from clothing, carpets and upholstery. Act quickly, and you’ll have the best chance for fresh, stain-free results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Removing Mango Stains
1. What is the best way to get mango stains out of white clothes?
For white clothes, pretreat mango stains by rubbing in a paste of baking soda and water. Let sit for 10 minutes before machine washing with bleach-free detergent and oxygen bleach. Air dry in the sun to further whiten.
2. How do you get mango stains out of silk?
Gently dab mango stains on silk with a cloth soaked in cool water. Avoid scrubbing. Mix a very dilute solution of 1 tsp clear dishwashing liquid per 1 cup water. Use a clean cloth to gently blot it onto the stain. Rinse thoroughly. Air dry flat, away from direct sunlight.
3. What removes mango stains from couches?
Check the upholstery tag first. If it’s removable, machine wash the cover with an enzymatic cleaner. For non-removable upholstery, mix 1 part white vinegar with 1 part water and gently sponge onto the stain. Blot continuously with dry cloths to absorb moisture. Rinse with plain water and pat dry.
4. How do you get mango stains out of car seats?
Scrape off excess mango pulp with a dull knife. Clean with an interior car upholstery foam. Gently scrub with a soft bristle brush. Wipe away the foam with a damp cloth and let air dry. For tough stains, apply rubbing alcohol with a soft cloth, blotting continuously.
5. What gets mango juice out of carpet?
For carpets, blot up excess mango juice immediately. Mix an enzyme carpet cleaner with water and spray onto the stain. Let sit 5-10 minutes then blot continuously with clean white cloths. Rinse the area thoroughly with cool water once the stain is removed. Allow to fully dry before vacuuming.
6. Can hydrogen peroxide remove mango stains?
Yes, hydrogen peroxide can help lift mango stains through oxidation. Mix 1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide with 1 part water. Apply it directly to the stain and let bubble for 5 minutes. Blot with a clean cloth and rinse thoroughly. Check for color-fastness first. Do not use hydrogen peroxide on silk or wool.
Conclusion
Removing mango stains requires using the appropriate cleaning method for each type of fabric. Acting quickly to blot, dilute and pretreat the stain is key, along with following up with repeated washings, blotting and/or professional cleaning services for tough, set-in stains. With some elbow grease and the proper stain removal techniques, you can keep your clothes, carpet and upholstery looking fresh and free of sugary mango discoloration.