How To Remove Strawberry Stain From Washable Fabrics

February 16, 2023

Few things are more refreshing than a juicy strawberry on a hot summer day, but as sweet and delicious as they are, they can also leave a stubborn stain on your favorite clothing or linens. Whether you accidentally spilled some strawberry juice on your shirt or dropped a berry on your tablecloth, don't fret - there are a few effective methods for removing strawberry stains from washable fabrics. In this article, we'll explore some easy and practical solutions that can help you tackle those pesky stains and restore your fabrics to their original state.

COLOR

Red

APPEARANCE

These stains may appear as a red or pinkish mark on the fabric and could be slightly sticky or dry. They may also have a sweet or fruity smell.

WATER TEMP

Cold (65° to 75°F)

RATIONALE FOR WATER TEMP

Cold water helps to prevent the stain from setting and spreading.

The Science Behind Strawberry Stains

Strawberries contain pigments called anthocyanins, which give them their bright red color. These pigments are water-soluble, meaning they can easily dissolve in water. When strawberries are squished or crushed, the anthocyanins can leak out and come into contact with fabrics, staining them with their bright red color. Additionally, the acid in the strawberries can also react with the fabric, causing a chemical reaction that can make the stain harder to remove.

strawberry

What You'll Need To Get Rid Of Strawberry Stains

  • Cold water
  • Dish soap or laundry detergent
  • White vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Stain remover or bleach (if the fabric can tolerate it)

Step By Step Process To Remove Strawberry Stains

  1. Flush the stain with cold water to remove as much of the strawberry as possible. Do not use hot water, as it can set the stain.
  2. Gently rub a small amount of dish soap or laundry detergent into the stain and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
  3. Rinse the stain with cold water.
  4. For tougher stains, mix equal parts white vinegar and cold water and soak the stain for 15-30 minutes.
  5. Rinse the stain with cold water.
  6. If the stain persists, make a paste of baking soda and water and gently rub it into the stain. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
  7. Rinse the stain with cold water.
  8. Wash the garment in the washer using the hottest water temperature recommended on the care label for the fabric, along with your regular laundry detergent.
  9. Check the stain before drying. If the stain remains, repeat the steps above before drying the garment, as heat can set the stain.
Note: Some fabrics may not be able to tolerate the use of certain products, so it's important to check the care label before attempting to remove the stain. Additionally, it's a good idea to test any new product on an inconspicuous area of the fabric before using it on the stain.

In Brief

Strawberry stains clothes due to water-soluble pigments called anthocyanins in the fruit. To remove the stain, flush it with cold water, then apply dish soap or laundry detergent and rinse with cold water. For tougher stains, soak in a mixture of white vinegar and cold water before rinsing again. If the stain persists, use a baking soda paste before washing in the hottest water recommended on the care label. And check before drying.

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