HOW TO GET BERRY & FRUIT STAINS OUT OF CLOTHES FAST

Stains don’t strike on your schedule, so you won’t always have the opportunity to treat them with stain remover right away. As soon as possible, take off the stained clothing and flush the spot with cold water from the back of the fabric. This helps lift the stain before it settles in, buying you time until you can tackle it properly.

You may be able to help pre-treat berry stains with vinegar or lemon juice. Soak the stain and let it sit for five minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cold water from the back of the fabric to the front. Next, follow the rest of the six-step process below to help remove the stain. And always check stain fighting ingredients on a small, hidden area of your garment before treating the entire item, to make sure the fabric is compatible.

If your clothing’s care tag gives you the green light, color-safe oxygen bleach or chlorine bleach can help get rid of berry residue. Keep in mind that chlorine bleach should only be used on white cotton or synthetic blends, and never on colored fabrics. For delicate or colored items, stick with color-safe oxygen bleach and always follow the packaging instructions for treatment.

Along with bright, stubborn juices, berries can leave behind seeds, pulp and sticky residue that cling to fabric. Start by using a spoon or dull knife to gently scrape off any leftover bits, like seeds or pulp, without pressing them deeper into the fabric.

For cotton or synthetic fabrics, turn your clothes inside out and rinse the stain with cold water from the back to flush out as much residue as possible.

Delicate fabrics like wool, silk and linen need a gentler approach. Mix a mild detergent with cool water, then let the stained garment soak for a bit before rinsing.

After rinsing the stain in cotton or synthetic garments, dab it with enzyme detergent and let it sit for a few minutes. Enzyme detergents are uniquely designed to help break down stubborn stains, giving you a helpful shot at complete removal.

For delicate fabrics soaking in cool water (from step 2), gently squeeze the sudsy water through the fabric to help lift the stain without damaging the fabric.

If your care tag gives the green light, toss your garment in the washer and select the warmest water that’s safe for the fabric. Let your garment’s care tag offer guidance on which cycle (Normal, Delicate, etc.) to choose as you customize the rest of your cycle settings.

For white cotton or synthetic blends, follow the package instructions on either powder or liquid color-safe oxygen bleach or chlorine bleach—if it's okay to use according to your garment tag—to help tackle particularly dark berry or fruit stains.

For delicate fabrics, stick to a color-safe oxygen bleach. As always, reference your care tag to make sure any additives you choose are safe for the garment.

Heat can lock in stains, so it’s best to skip the dryer and line dry clothes instead. If the stain is still hanging around, no worries—just repeat the process above.