Cherries are a tasty summer treat, but their rich red juice can easily stain carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces. Removing cherry stains takes a bit of work, but it’s possible with the right techniques and cleaning solutions. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get cherry stains out of carpet, furniture, and other household items.
What Causes Cherry Stains?
Cherry stains form when the anthocyanins in cherries interact with fibers. Anthocyanins are water-soluble pigments that give cherries their deep red color. When anthocyanin comes into contact with fabric, it binds to the fibers. Over time, it oxidizes and turns into a stubborn brownish-red stain.
Cherry juice, pie filling syrups, and even cherry-flavored medications like cough syrup contain high levels of anthocyanins. Spilled juice or dripped syrup can quickly lead to set-in stains if not promptly cleaned.
Certain materials are more prone to staining:
- Carpet fibers – Loose fibers in carpet easily trap staining pigments. Stains spread quickly through the weave.
- Upholstery – From couches to dining chairs, upholstered furniture offers plenty of surfaces for stains to grab hold.
- Linens – Tablecloths, napkins, and other fabric linens absorb fluids readily.
Tile, wood, and other non-porous surfaces typically resist staining. But porous, absorbent materials allow pigments to penetrate deep for stubborn stains.
How to Remove Cherry Stains from Carpet
Carpeting is especially vulnerable to cherry stains. The anthocyanins readily bind to fibers below the surface. Follow these steps to lift them:
Act Quickly
Speed is important for fresh stains. Immediately start blotting the area with a clean, absorbent towel to soak up excess liquid. Avoid rubbing, which spreads the stain.
Use a spoon or dull knife to scoop up any solid pieces of fruit. Then continue blotting with fresh sections of the towel.
Mix a Carpet Cleaner Solution
Combine an oxygen bleach carpet cleaner like OxiClean with warm water in a spray bottle. This lifts pigments safely without fading carpets.
You can also use a carpet shampoo solution. Or make a DIY mix of:
- 1/4 teaspoon clear dish soap
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 cup warm water
Shake well before use. Test on an inconspicuous spot first since vinegar may lighten some carpets.
Spray and Blot
Lightly mist the stained area with cleaning solution. Let it soak for 2-3 minutes. Blot again with clean sections of towel.
Repeat spraying and blotting until no more color transfers to the towel. Avoid saturating the carpet backing.
Rinse and Blot Dry
Once the stain lightens, spray the area with clean water. Blot again with dry sections of the towel to soak up moisture.
Let air dry completely before walking on the carpet. The fibers need time to straighten and fluff up again.
Repeat as Needed
If any stain remains, reapply the cleaner and repeat the process. Severe stains may need 2-3 applications. But take care not to over-saturate the carpet backing.
Eliminating Old or Set-In Cherry Stains from Carpets
Over time, cherry stains can become permanently set in carpet fibers. To lift old stains:
Scrape Off Solids
Use a dull knife or spoon to remove any dried fruit residues from the carpet surface. Take care not to damage the carpet fibers.
Apply Carpet Stain Remover
Look for an enzymatic cleaner or one made for set-in stains. Spray it evenly over the stain according to label directions.
Let it soak in for 5-10 minutes. Do not rub it in.
Blot and Rinse
Once the cleaner sits, blot the area with clean sections of an absorbent towel. Always blot, never scrub.
Spray clean water and continue blotting to remove all soap residues. Let dry completely.
Repeat as Needed
For stubborn old stains, reapply cleaner and blot again. Multiple applications may be needed.
If the stain persists, move on to a stronger solution.
Use Oxygen Bleach
An oxygen bleach like OxiClean can help break down and lift stubborn stains without damaging carpets.
Mix it with warm water and apply as directed above. Rinse and blot dry afterwards.
Consider Other Cleaners
For extremely stubborn stains, try an alkaline glycol ether cleaner. Or use an acid cleaner like white vinegar or lemon juice.
Test first, since acids may discolor some carpet fibers. Rinse thoroughly afterwards.
Removing Cherry Stains from Upholstery and Furniture
Upholstered furniture is also prone to cherry staining. Avoid scrubbing, which can grind the pigments deeper into fabric. Follow these careful steps:
Blot Fresh Stains
Immediately blot fresh stains on upholstery before they set. Use white paper towels or a clean cloth. Press gently and avoid rubbing motions.
Mix a Mild Upholstery Cleaner
Combine 1/4 teaspoon clear dish soap with 1 cup warm water. Or look for a soap-free upholstery shampoo.
Use the gentlest cleaner for delicate fabrics like silk. Spot test first.
Apply and Blot Cleaner
Dip a clean sponge in the solution and gently dab the stain. Avoid vigorous scrubbing.
Let sit for 1-2 minutes. Then blot again with dry paper towels.
Rinse
Dampen a clean sponge with plain water. Gently dab the area to rinse off soap residues.
Blot dry with fresh towels. Allow upholstery to fully air dry.
Repeat if Needed
For stubborn stains, reapply cleaner and blot again. Multiple light applications work better than harsh scrubbing.
Use Baking Soda for Set-In Stains
For darker, set-in stains on sturdy fabrics, make a paste with baking soda and water. Gently rub it into the stain with a soft brush or sponge.
Let sit briefly, then wipe clean. Rinse thoroughly.
Try Other Stain Removers
Look for enzymatic cleaners made for upholstery. Or use an oxygen bleach mixed with water. Always spot test delicate fabrics first.
White vinegar can also help, but test first since vinegar may bleach some fabrics.
Removing Dried or Set-In Cherry Stains from Upholstery
Over time, cherry pigments oxidize and create deep set stains in upholstery. Use these steps to tackle them:
Scrape Off Solids
Carefully pick off any dried cherry pieces sticking to the furniture’s surface using a dull table knife or spoon. Avoid digging into the upholstery itself.
Apply a Set-In Stain Remover
Look for a store-bought upholstery cleaner designed for old, set-in stains. Or make a DIY oxygen bleach mixture.
Spray or sponge the product over the entire stain. Do not rub it roughly.
Let Sit
Allow the cleaner to soak in for 5-10 minutes. This gives time for the active ingredients to work into the fabric.
Blot
Once the soak time is up, gently press the area with clean, dry paper towels or an absorbent cloth. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing aggressively.
Rinse
Use a fresh sponge or cloth dampened with plain water to rinse the area. Blot dry with more paper towels afterwards.
Repeat if Needed
Severe stains may need 2-3 applications of cleaner. But avoid over-saturating the upholstery.
If stains persist, move to a stronger product like an alkaline glycol ether cleaner or commercial spot remover.
Test delicate fabrics first. Rinse thoroughly after each application.
How to Remove Cherry Stains from Clothing and Other Fabrics
Cherry stains can be tricky to remove from clothing, table linens, and other delicate fabrics. Here are some effective techniques:
Act Fast on Fresh Stains
Speed counts when it comes to fresh cherry stains. Immediately rinse the fabric under cold running water.
Avoid hot water, which can set the stain. Rubbing with soap at this stage can grind pigment into fibers.
Soak in Cold Water
Submerge the stained fabric in cold water. For lighter stains, 30 minutes may suffice. Severe stains need an overnight soak.
This dilutes the anthocyanins and allows them to slowly leach out.
Wash as Usual
After soaking, wash the item with regular laundry detergent in cold water. Avoid using hot water.
Check carefully after washing. Repeat soaking and washing if any stain remains.
Use a Stain Stick
Liquid stain remover sticks can help lift out lingering traces of color after washing. Follow product directions.
Gently dab and blot the stain stick over stained areas. Rinse and re-wash afterwards.
Try Other Removers
For set-in stains, apply a stain pretreatment before washing. Look for enzymatic cleaners or oxygen bleach products.
Or rub some baking soda into the stain first to help break it down. Rinse and wash normally.
Vinegar or lemon juice can also help lighten discoloration for white fabrics. But avoid using acids on silk or wool.
Bleach with Caution
As a last resort on white fabrics, use chlorine bleach. Avoid splashing it on other areas.
Never use bleach on silk, wool, spandex, colored fabrics, or prints. It can destroy dyes and damage fibers.
Rinse thoroughly after bleaching to remove all residues. Wash again in cold water before drying.
How to Remove Dried Cherry Stains from Fabric
Dried, set-in cherry stains require extra work to break down. Take these steps:
Scrape Off Solids
Use a dull table knife to gently lift off any dried cherry pieces adhering to the fabric’s surface. Take care not to damage the material.
Apply a Stain Remover
Pretreat set-in stains with a liquid stain remover stick or a paste of baking soda and water. Gently rub into fabric.
Spraying with an enzymatic cleaner or oxygen bleach solution also helps break down pigments.
Wash in Hot Water
Unlike fresh stains, soaked and pretreated set-in stains can be washed in hot water for better cleaning power.
Wash in the hottest water recommended for the fabric type with an enzyme-based detergent.
Air Dry in Sunlight
The UV rays in sunlight help decompose stubborn stains. Hang fabrics outside to dry when possible.
Avoid drying stained items until fully removed. Heat can permanently set stains.
Repeat Process if Needed
Old cherry stains may require multiple pretreatments, hot water washes, and sunlight sessions before lifting completely. Be patient and persistent.
Bleaching may be a last resort if stains remain after multiple attempts. But avoid bleach on delicate fabrics like wool and silk.
How to Remove Cherry Stains from:
Leather
- Blot fresh stains immediately with a clean cloth. Avoid rubbing motions.
- Mix a solution of mild soap and water. Use saddle soap or leather cleaner for finished leather.
- Apply cleaner with soft sponge. Avoid scrubbing. Blot dry.
- For set-in stains, try dabbing with rubbing alcohol. Condition leather afterwards.
Wood Furniture
- Wipe excess liquid immediately with a clean cloth. Avoid rubbing.
- Mix equal parts vinegar and olive oil. Dip a soft cloth in solution and wipe stain.
- Buff dry with a clean cloth. Avoid excessive moisture on wood.
- For stubborn stains, make baking soda paste. Wipe gently and rinse clean.
Tile or Stone Floors
- Blot fresh stains right away to prevent spreading and absorption.
- Mix dish soap and warm water in a bucket. Mop onto floor with a soft sponge or rag.
- Rinse floor thoroughly with plain water. Vinegar helps remove soap residue.
- For set-in stains, scour with baking soda paste. Rinse well.
Grout Between Tiles
- Apply hydrogen peroxide with a small paintbrush. Let bubble for 5 minutes.
- Scrub with a soft-bristle grout brush. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
- For severe stains, carefully apply bleach gel with a disposable brush. Rinse thoroughly.
Vinyl or Laminate Flooring
- Blot fresh stains immediately. Avoid abrasive scrubbing.
- Mix vinegar and water in 1:1 ratio. Dip mop or cloth in solution and wipe stain.
- Rinse with plain water. Buff dry with a microfiber cloth.
- Repeat process for stubborn or dried stains.
Area Rugs
- Blot excess liquid from fresh stains right away. Do not rub.
- Mix dish soap with warm water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist over stain.
- Blot repeatedly with clean white paper towels or cloth. Avoid over-saturating rug backing.
- For set-in stains, spray with 1:1 vinegar and water solution. Blot dry.
How to Prevent Cherry Staining
Avoiding stains in the first place is easier than removing them. Keep these tips in mind:
- Always use plates and napkins when eating cherries to catch drips and pits.
- Periodically clean furnishings in high-traffic dining areas to remove any residual stains from accidental drips or spills.
- Clean up spills immediately before pigments have time to set. Keep cleaning supplies handy.
- For young children eating cherries, use washable chair and table coverings to protect upholstery. Place plastic mats under high chairs.
- Store cherries carefully in the refrigerator in sealed containers to prevent leaking juices.
- When cooking with cherries, use pans large enough to contain bubbling juices and syrups. Avoid boil overs.
Common Questions about Removing Cherry Stains
Can I get cherry stains out of suede or nubuck?
Suede and nubuck are very absorbent. Unfortunately, it can be nearly impossible to remove set-in stains without damaging the delicate surface nap. Your best bet is blotting fresh stains immediately to prevent setting. Using protective coverings can also help avoid permanent damage.
What about mattresses – can cherry stains be removed from them?
Mattresses have many hidden crevices that trap stains. For fresh spills, blot immediately with paper towels. Sprinkle baking soda to help absorb moisture and residue. Vacuum up the next day. Unfortunately, set-in mattress stains are very challenging to remove fully. Your best defense is using a mattress protector from day one.
Will steaming or ironing set in cherry stains on fabrics?
Yes, heat can permanently set cherry and other fruit stains. Avoid ironing, steaming, or even drying stained items in the dryer before stains are fully removed. Always wash and line dry until all traces are lifted.
Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?
Either type of vinegar works well at helping dissolve and lift cherry stains. White vinegar has a sharper acidity, while apple cider vinegar is milder. For delicate fabrics, apple cider is the safer choice. But test a small hidden area first, since any vinegar may lighten some fabrics.
What temperature water should I use?
For fresh stains, always use cold water, which helps prevent setting of stains. Once a stain is pretreated or soaked, then you can wash with warm or hot water for better cleaning power. Take care to follow fabric care instructions and avoid overheating more delicate items like wool and silk.
Conclusion
Removing cherry stains from household surfaces and fabrics takes a little bit of work, but yields great results. By using the proper techniques and cleaning solutions for each material, you can successfully lift out those troublesome red stains. Act quickly when spills happen to prevent permanent discoloration. With some patience and persistent treatment, you can outsmart cherry stains and keep your belongings looking their best.