Pomegranate juice stains are notoriously difficult to remove from clothing. The deep red pigment seeps into fabric and can leave a permanent pink or purple stain if not treated properly. But don’t panic! With the right techniques and a little bit of patience, you can get pomegranate juice out of clothes and save your favorite shirt or pair of jeans.
Table of Contents
What Causes Pomegranate Stains?
Pomegranate juice contains high levels of anthocyanin, which is a pigment that gives the juice its rich, red color. Anthocyanin is very stable and can bind strongly to the fibers in fabric. This makes it resistant to washing and other cleaning methods.
The high acidity level of pomegranate juice also contributes to its staining power. The acidic pH causes the pigment molecules to become more tightly bound to fabrics. In addition, pomegranate juice often contains sugars and tannins that can further set the stain.
How to Remove Fresh Pomegranate Juice Stains
When pomegranate juice is spilled on clothing, it’s best to treat the stain immediately while it’s still fresh. This will prevent the pigment from fully setting into the fabric. Here are some quick tips for removing fresh pomegranate stains:
Blot Excess Liquid
- Use a clean white cloth or paper towel to gently blot up as much of the excess juice as possible. Don’t rub the stain, as this can further push the pigment into the fabric.
Flush With Cold Water
Hold the back of the fabric under cold running water to rinse away any remaining traces of juice. Check the stain to see if the cold water has helped lift any of the discoloration.
Apply Salt
Pour salt directly on the wet stain. Salt will help absorb and lift the pigment from the fabric. Let it sit for a few minutes.
Use White Vinegar
White vinegar is acidic, so it can help neutralize and remove the pomegranate stain. Dampen a cloth with undiluted white vinegar and dab it onto the stain. Or, fill a spray bottle with vinegar and spritz it directly onto the fabric.
Rub With Baking Soda
Make a paste by mixing baking soda with just a small amount of water. Gently rub this paste onto the stain using your fingers or a toothbrush. Baking soda will help lift the stain through abrasion.
Launder Immediately
Once you’ve done these steps, launder the item immediately on the hottest water setting allowed for the fabric. The heat will help set the stain removal process in motion.
Pre-Treating Set-In Pomegranate Stains
If you didn’t discover the pomegranate stain until the garment had already gone through the wash and dryer, the stain likely has set into the fabric. But don’t worry – you can still remove a set-in stain through pre-treating. Here are some tips:
Make a Baking Soda Paste
Mix baking soda with just enough water to form a spreadable paste. Apply this liberally over the stain and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. The baking soda paste will help draw out the stain over time.
Use an Enzyme Detergent
Look for a laundry detergent that contains enzymes, which are designed to break down food and plant-based stains like those from pomegranate juice. Gently rub the enzyme detergent directly into the stain and let it sit for 30-60 minutes before washing.
Try Oxygen Bleach
Oxygen bleach products, like OxiClean, can help lift set-in stains through chemical reactions. Mix the oxygen bleach with water to make a paste and apply it to the stain. Allow it to sit for at least 6 hours before laundering.
Apply Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is great for bleaching and removing stubborn stains. Soak a cotton ball in lemon juice and place it onto the stain. Leave it on for 1-2 hours. The citric acid will help dissolve the stain.
Use Vinegar Soaks
Fill a basin or sink with 1 part vinegar diluted in 2 parts cool water. Allow the stained garment to soak in this solution for 30-60 minutes. The acidic vinegar will help release the stain.
Laundering Stained Items
Once you’ve pre-treated the stain, it’s time to launder the item. Here are some laundry tips for getting pomegranate stains out:
- Wash in hot water, using the hottest setting suitable for the fabric. Heat will help activate stain-fighting ingredients.
- Use an oxygen-based bleach if safe for the fabric. Check clothing tags first.
- Wash the stained item separately from other clothes to avoid transferring any remaining traces of the stain.
- Avoid overloading the washing machine, as this can prevent clothes from getting sufficiently clean.
- For extra stain-fighting power, add borax or washing soda to the wash cycle. These laundry boosters help remove tough stains.
- Check the item after washing, and re-treat any lingering traces of the stain before drying. The heat of the dryer can set in any remaining discoloration.
- For heavy stains, wash the item 2-3 times to fully remove all traces of the pomegranate juice.
Removing Dried or Set-In Stains
For pomegranate stains that have dried or become set into fabric over time, getting out the stain will take a little more work. Here are some techniques that can help:
Apply Meat Tenderizer
Make a solution by mixing unflavored meat tenderizer with warm water. Apply it to the stain and allow it to sit for 30 minutes. Rinse and wash the item afterwards. The enzymes in the tenderizer will help break down the stain.
Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water, and sponge the mixture onto the stain. Let it sit for at least 60 minutes before rinsing and washing. Be careful using hydrogen peroxide on colored fabric, as it can lighten the dye. Test on an inconspicuous area first.
Make an Ironing Solution
Mix equal parts water and ammonia in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the stain, place the item stain-side down onto a towel, and iron over it. The heat will help draw out any remaining stain.
Try Rust Removers
Rust-removing chemicals contain oxalic or phosphoric acid to dissolve rust stains. Since pomegranate stains share a similar chemical makeup, these removers can also work to erase them over time.
Use Sunlight
For mild stains, simply hang or lay the item in direct sunlight. The sun’s UV rays help break down the pigment molecules in certain types of stains.
Stain Removal Tips and Tricks
Here are a few extra pointers to keep in mind when trying to remove those pesky pomegranate stains:
- Always check clothing care labels and test stain removers on inconspicuous areas first. Some fabrics and dyes are more sensitive than others.
- When using chemical stain removers, rinse the fabric thoroughly afterwards to avoid residue buildup.
- For heavy stains, repeat treatments as needed until the stain has lifted. It may take several tries.
- If stains have been set in by overdrying or ironing, it will be harder to remove them. Always treat stains before heat-drying.
- If marks still remain after washing, try spot-cleaning the area with stain remover before drying. Air drying also avoids setting in stains with heat.
- For old or heavy stains that resist removal, take items to a professional dry cleaner. They have access to more powerful cleaning agents.
- Prevent future stains by having kids and adults wear aprons or old clothes when handling pomegranate juice or foods with deep pigments.
Can Pomegranate Stains Be Removed from Dry Clean-Only Fabrics?
Fabrics with dry clean only care labels require special cleaning methods. However, even delicate fabrics like silks and wools can become stained from pomegranate juice spills. To remove pomegranate stains from dry clean items:
- Start by dabbing as much excess juice as possible with a lint-free cloth. Avoid rubbing.
- Mix a solution of 1 part white vinegar and 2 parts water. Dampen a cloth in this mixture and gently dab the stain.
- For set-in stains, make a paste with powdered enzyme laundry detergent and water. Let it sit on the stain for 15-30 minutes before rinsing.
- Try swabbing hairspray onto the stain and letting it sit for a few minutes. The alcohol in hairspray can dissolve some pigments.
- Use an art gum eraser very gently on sturdy fabrics like wool. Carefully rub in small circles to lift color.
- For delicate silks, consult a professional dry cleaner. They have access to specialized spot cleaning solutions.
- Always air dry stained delicate fabrics. Avoid ironing or heating before stains are fully removed.
- Wash and dry the item 2-3 times after stain removal to ensure no residue remains before wearing again.
While pomegranate juice stains can be tricky, stubborn stains can be conquered with patience and the proper techniques. With some persistence and the right stain removal methods for the fabric, you can save your favorite clothing items.
Can You Get Pomegranate Stains Out of Carpet and Upholstery?
Pomegranate juice spills can also stain carpets, rugs, and upholstery. To remove pomegranate stains from household fabrics:
Blot Excess Liquid
Immediately blot up as much excess juice as possible using clean, absorbent white cloths or paper towels. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing the stain, as this can spread the discoloration deeper into the fibers.
Use Club Soda
Pour club soda directly onto the stain. The carbonation can help lift the pigment. Blot up the club soda with clean towels as it absorbs the stain.
Make a Vinegar Rinse
Mix 1 part white vinegar with 2 parts water. Use a spray bottle to liberally apply the vinegar solution to the stain. Blot with towels until no more color transfers. The vinegar will help neutralize and deodorize the stain.
Sprinkle Bread Crumbs
Allow the area to fully dry after using the vinegar rinse. Then, sprinkle fresh white bread crumbs over the stain so they completely cover it. Let sit overnight – the bread crumbs will work to wick up any remaining traces of the stain. Vacuum up the crumbs in the morning.
Use an Enzyme Carpet Cleaner
Look for an enzymatic carpet cleaner or spot stain remover. Spray it onto the stain according to the directions on the bottle. The enzymes will break down food stains like those from pomegranate juice.
Try Hydrogen Peroxide
For stubborn stains, use a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide applied with an eye dropper. Carefully apply to the stain, let sit for 5-10 minutes, and blot dry. Rinse with water afterwards.
Consult a Professional
For carpets or upholstery with heavy staining, contact a professional carpet cleaning company. They have access to commercial cleaning solutions and powerful extraction equipment to draw out all traces of the stain.
With the right stain attack plan, you can successfully remove pomegranate juice from durable fabrics like carpets and upholstery. Act quickly and always pre-test any cleaners on a small, inconspicuous area first.
How to Keep Pomegranate Stains From Setting into Clothes and Fabrics
The best way to deal with pomegranate stains is to keep them from setting into fabric in the first place. Here are some handy tips to prevent permanent staining:
- When juicing pomegranates, wear an apron and do it over a sink to contain drips and splatters. Avoid juicing over light-colored clothing.
- If pomegranate juice does spill on clothing, immediately rinse the fabric under cold water to dilute the stain.
- Pre-treat any stains with stain remover stick or spray before placing items in the wash.
- Wash pomegranate-stained clothes in the hottest water safe for the fabric using an enzyme laundry detergent.
- For delicate fabrics, opt for hand-washing in cool water with a gentle detergent and stain fighter.
- Avoid drying fabrics at high heat before stains are fully removed, as heat can further set stains.
- Check for stain remnants after washing and re-treat if needed. Multiple treatments may be required.
- When serving pomegranate juice at gatherings, use cups with lids and straws. Provide children with washable bibs.
- If hosting a pomegranate juice craft or activity, have participants wear old clothing or protective smocks.
- Clean up pomegranate spills on carpets, upholstery, and furniture immediately using cold water and enzyme cleaners.
With vigilance and immediate treatment, most pomegranate stains can be conquered before they have a chance to become permanent. So enjoy this antioxidant-rich juice without fear of ruining your wardrobe.
FQA
How long does it take to get pomegranate stains out of clothes?
With immediate treatment, light fresh stains can come out with one wash cycle. But for heavier, set-in stains, it may require multiple cycles and re-treating between washes. The stain removal process depends on factors like the fabric, stain intensity, drying, and heat setting. But with persistence and the right techniques, even obstinate stains can be removed within 1-5 laundry cycles.
What are the best commercial stain removers for pomegranate stains?
Some top-rated store-bought stain removers for pomegranate and other food-based stains include OxiClean, Zout, Grandma’s Secret Spot Remover, Carbona, and Shout. Look for products designed for fruits and plant pigments. Liquid options can be applied directly to the stain, while powders and sticks can be used for pre-treating. Follow instructions on packaging.
Does hydrogen peroxide remove pomegranate stains?
Yes, hydrogen peroxide can be an effective stain remover for pomegranate and other fruit-based stains. Make a solution of 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 1 part water. Apply it to the stain and allow it to sit for at least an hour before rinsing and washing the garment. The bubbling reaction helps lift the stain. Be cautious using hydrogen peroxide on colored fabrics, as it can lighten dyes. Always spot test first.
Can you use bleach on pomegranate stains?
Bleach is not generally recommended for pomegranate stains, as it can set the stain and create a permanent faded mark. However, oxygen bleach products that do not contain chlorine may be helpful, especially when used in conjunction with other cleaning methods. Avoid using chlorine bleach directly on pomegranate stains. Always check clothing care labels before using any type of bleach.
What home remedies can you use for dried pomegranate stains?
For stubborn, dried pomegranate stains, try home remedies like lemon juice, hair spray, vinegar soaks, meat tenderizer, or hydrogen peroxide. Apply the home treatment and allow it to sit for at least 1 hour before washing. These DIY solutions use ingredients often found at home to help break down and lift obstinate stains through prolonged contact. Repeat applications may be needed.
