Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits are nutritious additions to any diet. However, the acidic juices inside these fruits can easily stain clothing, upholstery, and carpeting if spilled. Citrus stains can be frustrating to remove, but it is possible with the right techniques and cleaning solutions.
What Causes Citrus Stains?
Citrus fruits contain citric acid, which helps give them their tart, sour taste. This acid is very reactive and can bond strongly to the fibers in fabric and carpet. Over time, exposure to air oxidizes the citric acid, causing the stains to turn brown. The stains become very stubborn at this point.
Citrus stains need to be treated quickly before the acid oxidizes. The longer a stain sits, the harder it will be to remove completely.
Pre-Treating Citrus Stains
On Clothing
If a garment is washable, pre-treat any citrus stains before laundering. This will prevent the stains from setting and spreading in the wash.
- Rinse the back of the stained area with cold running water to dilute the acid. Avoid rubbing, which can grind the acid further into the fibers.
- Apply a stain-fighting laundry pre-treatment spray or gel. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to penetrate the fibers.
- For tough stains, make a DIY pre-treat solution. Mix 1 part dish soap with 1 part hydrogen peroxide. Apply it to the stain and let sit. The hydrogen peroxide will bubble and help lift the stain.
- For delicate fabrics, dab white vinegar onto the stain using a clean cloth or cotton ball. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing. The vinegar will help neutralize the citric acid.
- Avoid using heat to set stains on protein-based fibers like wool or silk. This can permanently damage the material.
On Carpets and Upholstery
Act quickly when citrus juice spills on carpeting, rugs, sofas or other upholstered furniture.
- Blot up excess liquid immediately with clean, absorbent towels. Don’t rub, which can spread the stain.
- Liberally sprinkle baking soda over the stain. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes. The baking soda will help absorb and neutralize the acid.
- Use a soft-bristled brush to gently work the baking soda into the carpet fibers. Let it sit for another 15 minutes.
- Vacuum up the baking soda thoroughly.
- If needed, apply an enzyme-based pet stain remover. These work well for food-based stains.
- Avoid using heat to dry citrus stains on carpets or upholstery. Heat can set the stains permanently.
Laundering Clothes With Citrus Stains
Once you’ve pre-treated any citrus stains on washable garments, follow these tips when laundering:
Wash in cold water – Hot water can set in citrus stains permanently. Wash in the coldest water possible for the fabric.
Use an acidic rinse – Add white vinegar to the rinse cycle. About 1 cup per load will help neutralize any remaining citric acid in clothes.
Skip the dryer – Line dry clothing with citrus stains. The heat from a dryer can oxidize and set in any lingering stains.
Re-wash if needed – Check for any lingering stains after washing. Re-wash using a stain-fighting detergent and white vinegar rinse if stains remain.
Try sun-bleaching – For white fabrics, wet the stain and place the garment in direct sunlight. The sun’s UV rays help break down stubborn discoloration.
Use oxygen bleach additives – Additives like OxiClean or Sodium Percarbonate can help lift citrus stains without chlorine bleach.
Don’t use chlorine bleach – This will damage fabrics and set in a permanent yellow discoloration around the citrus stain.
Removing Set-In Citrus Stains
If citrus stains have set into fabric or carpet fibers, try these removal methods:
On Clothing
- Make a paste with 1 part baking soda and 1 part hydrogen peroxide. Apply to the stain, let sit for 30 minutes, then rinse.
- Boil some white vinegar. Place the stained garment in the hot vinegar for 10-15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. The heat activates the acetic acid in vinegar to help dissolve the oxidized citric acid.
- For delicate fabrics, squeeze fresh lemon juice onto the stain. Let it sit for an hour, then rinse. Fight acid with acid!
- Lay the clothing in a large pan. Boil enough water to cover the stain. Then turn off the heat and add 1 cup white vinegar. Let soak for up to an hour, then rinse.
On Carpet and Upholstery
- Mix 2 tablespoons enzyme cleaner like Nature’s Miracle with 2 cups warm water. Use a sponge to gently blot this solution onto the stain. Let it soak in for 15-20 minutes before blotting dry.
- Make a DIY cleaner by mixing 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts dish soap. Apply a small amount at a time with a clean cloth, blotting between applications. Rinse thoroughly.
- Rent a carpet shampoo machine to deep clean stained areas of carpeting with an acidic carpet shampoo solution. Use according to machine directions.
- Use an upholstery attachment on a vacuum cleaner to suction up as much of the stain as possible. Follow with an upholstery foam cleaner applied lightly with a soft brush.
How to Prevent Citrus Stains
The easiest way to keep citrus stains at bay is to take precautions when eating or cooking with these acidic fruits:
- Cut citrus fruits over a cutting board or bowl, not over light colored countertops which can stain.
- Place a towel under plates and bowls when serving foods with citrus juices like ceviche or citrus salad dressing.
- Transfer citrus juice to a sealed container for storage rather than keeping cut fruits exposed.
- Wipe up spills and drips from lemon or lime wedges served with drinks. Don’t let excess juice sit on tables or counters.
- Avoid wearing fine fabrics and clothes when squeezing or juicing oranges, grapefruits, lemons or limes which can splatter.
- Use a splash guard when blending citrus juices and fruits to prevent spatters.
- Keep citrus peel and rinds in a sealed compost bin, as they can also stain surfaces.
With vigilance and the right stain removal methods, citrus stains don’t need to be a permanent thorn in your side. Sour fruits can still have a sweet place in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Removing Citrus Stains
Should I use salt for citrus stains?
Salt can be an effective absorbent for fresh citrus spills. Sprinkle it generously over the stain right after it occurs. However, salt is not a stain remover itself. It must be rinsed away and followed up with an acidic cleaner. Salt works best for emergency absorption of liquid spills.
What temperature water should be used on citrus stains?
Always use cold water! Hot or warm water can set in citrus stains by oxidizing the acids. Rinse with the coldest tap water possible. For laundry, wash citrus-stained items in completely cold water.
Can I use lemon juice on citrus stains?
Yes, lemon juice can be helpful for removing stubborn, set-in citrus stains. The citric acid in lemon juice helps dissolve the oxidized acid compounds in the stain. Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto the stain and let it soak in for about an hour before rinsing.
Should chlorine bleach be used on citrus stains?
No, chlorine bleach is not recommended for citrus stains. It can interact with the acids and cause a permanent yellowish discoloration around the original stain. Use oxygen bleach additives instead. They lift stains safely using hydrogen peroxide.
How long does it take for a citrus stain to set?
Citrus stains begin oxidizing and setting immediately after occurring. Try to pre-treat the stain within 1-2 hours. The longer the juice sits, the harder it will be to remove the stain fully due to deeper acid oxidation.
What temperature water should be used on citrus stains?
Always use cold water! Hot or warm water can set in citrus stains by oxidizing the acids. Rinse with the coldest tap water possible. For laundry, wash citrus-stained items in completely cold water.
Can I use lemon juice on citrus stains?
Yes, lemon juice can be helpful for removing stubborn, set-in citrus stains. The citric acid in lemon juice helps dissolve the oxidized acid compounds in the stain. Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto the stain and let it soak in for about an hour before rinsing.
Should chlorine bleach be used on citrus stains?
No, chlorine bleach is not recommended for citrus stains. It can interact with the acids and cause a permanent yellowish discoloration around the original stain. Use oxygen bleach additives instead. They lift stains safely using hydrogen peroxide.
How long does it take for a citrus stain to set?
Citrus stains begin oxidizing and setting immediately after occurring. Try to pre-treat the stain within 1-2 hours. The longer the juice sits, the harder it will be to remove the stain fully due to deeper acid oxidation.
Can citrus stains be removed from dry clean only fabrics?
For dry clean only items, it’s best to take them to a professional rather than trying to remove citrus stains at home. A dry cleaner has commercial-strength solvents that can penetrate set-in citrus stains on delicate fabrics. Avoid aggravating the stain by attempting removal yourself.
What household items can I use to remove old citrus stains?
For set-in stains, try making a paste with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. You can also soak garments in boiling white vinegar. Use lemon juice as a stain fighter. Make a DIY cleaner using dish soap, hydrogen peroxide and water. Always check care labels first and test on inconspicuous areas.
How do I get citrus stains out of carpet?
For carpets, immediately blot the stain with towels to absorb excess liquid. Sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda and let sit for 15 minutes before vacuuming. Use an enzyme cleaner made for pet stains, or make a solution of dish soap, hydrogen peroxide and water. Rent a carpet shampoo machine for tougher stains.
How can I get citrus stains out of upholstery?
On upholstery, quickly blot excess liquid. Apply baking soda and let sit before vacuuming. Use an enzyme-based foam upholstery cleaner applied gently with a soft brush. For set-in stains, mix dish soap and hydrogen peroxide and blot carefully onto the stain using a clean cloth.
Conclusion
Citrus stains can be annoying, but with the right approach they don’t have to be permanent. The key is acting quickly to absorb and dilute the citrus juice before it has a chance to oxidize and bond to the fibers. Test any stain removal methods in an inconspicuous area first to make sure they are safe for the material. With some persistence and the proper techniques, even stubborn citrus stains can eventually be banished from clothes, carpet and upholstery.