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How to Get Fruit Juice Stains Out

Juice stains combine fruit sugars, acids, and pigments; brightly colored juices (grape, cranberry) stain worst.

Quick answer

Fresh Fruit Juice on Cotton

Before you startAlways test any treatment in an inconspicuous area first, and check the garment's care label before you begin.
  1. Blot up excess — never rub.
  2. Flush the back of the stain with cool running water.
  3. Mix 1 tablespoon dishwashing liquid, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and 2 cups warm water.
  4. Blot the solution onto the stain and let it sit 15–20 minutes.
  5. Sponge with cold water, then launder in the warmest water safe for the fabric.
  6. Do not dry until the stain is gone.

Don’t do this

  • Test first — vinegar and dish soap can affect some dyes.

Sources: Apartment Therapy (Martha Stewart Living method); The Spruce; Iowa State University Extension (AnswerLine)

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Fruit Juice on specific materials

Fruit Juice on CottonFresh & dried steps Fruit Juice on LinenFresh & dried steps Fruit Juice on PolyesterFresh & dried steps Fruit Juice on NylonFresh & dried steps Fruit Juice on SilkFresh & dried steps Fruit Juice on WoolFresh & dried steps Fruit Juice on DenimFresh & dried steps Fruit Juice on LeatherFresh & dried steps Fruit Juice on SuedeFresh & dried steps Fruit Juice on Upholstery fabricFresh & dried steps Fruit Juice on Carpet/rugFresh & dried steps Fruit Juice on WoodFresh & dried steps Fruit Juice on Stainless steelFresh & dried steps Fruit Juice on Stone/marbleFresh & dried steps Fruit Juice on Plastic/laminateFresh & dried steps

Frequently asked questions

Should I use hot water on juice?

No — start with cool water. Heat can set fruit pigments.

What about juice on carpet?

Blot — don't rub — sponge with diluted dish soap and cool water, and don't over-wet the padding.

Safety rules for every treatment
  • Test every treatment in an inconspicuous area first — some treatments can fade dyes or damage finishes.
  • Blot a wet stain; never rub it. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper into fibers.
  • Check the garment's care label and follow it — skip any step the label prohibits.
  • Never put the item in the dryer until the stain is completely gone; heat sets most stains.
  • Never mix ammonia with chlorine bleach — the fumes are toxic and dangerous.
  • Never use chlorine bleach on rust — it can intensify the stain.
  • Rubbing alcohol is flammable and can fade some dyes; spot-test first and ventilate the area.
  • Acetone dissolves acetate, triacetate, and modacrylic fabrics — check the fabric label first.
  • Use cold water first on blood and other protein stains; hot water sets them.
  • When in doubt — a valuable, vintage, or delicate item — take it to a professional cleaner instead.

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