General Info:
Be sure to check the helpful hints for the Do’s and Don’ts of stain removal and Six Sure Ways to Set Stains.
Tools & Chemicals:
Dish washing or fine fabric detergent, white terry towels, a large pot or strainer, a lemon, vinegar.
Technique:
- This is involved, so here we go! First, if the fruit juice was mixed with alcohol the stain may be set permenantly, but this is still worth a shot. Don’t wash this article in hot water, or dry in a dryer. Heat will set the stain forever, and possibly longer.
- Be certain that the fabric is durable, and not damaged by boiling water. Test a shirt tail for colourfastness and for durability by dipping into boiling water. If the fabric shrivels up into a crumpled, wrinkled mass, check our Find a Pro section to locate the closest Dry Cleaner.
- If the stain is dry or old, moisten with glycerin. Take the stained area and stretch it over a large pot or strainer. Secure with an elastic band or two. Put the shirt and pot in a tub or large sink, in case you spill any water. Boil a big pot of water, and from a couple of feet above slowly pour the water through the stains. Contrary to washing in hot water, this passes through the article taking the contaminents with it.
- If any of the stain remains, cut open a lemon and rub the lemon on the stains, then hang to dry.
- If the stain remains, mix some white vinegar and water 1:2, and then apply that to the stains, then hang to dry.
- If the stain remains soak in a digestant for 30 minutes, launder as you normally would in cold water, and hang to dry.
- If the stain persists, and the article is white and bleachable, wash in a bleach solution as directed by the manufacturer, and hang to dry. Never dry this article of clothing in the dryer until the stain is removed, or it will be set.
Last Resort:
If the stain remains, soak the whole article in fruit juice so it is at least the same color, or consider replacing the article of clothing.
