How to Remove Berry Stains From Clothes and Table Linens

Summer’s sweetest bounty—fresh blueberries, plump blackberries, and sun-ripened raspberries—is a welcome addition to breakfast bowls, desserts, and even cocktails. Less welcome? The deeply pigmented splatter that those same berries can leave behind on your clothes. How to remove berry stains can be tricky, but with a little know-how (and a bit of patience), you can successfully lift these natural juices and dyes from fabric without resorting to harsh chemicals.

Whether you’ve experienced an overzealous bite into a blackberry tart or a raspberry harvesting mishap, here's how to remove berry stains from fabric and resurrect your sweetly soiled pieces.

Why Berry Stains Are So Stubborn

Berry stains fall under the category of tannin stains as they contain organic, plant-based pigments that act as natural dyes. Berries are also acidic and full of sugars, which means they bond quickly and deeply with absorbent fibers. Left untreated, these stains can set quickly, especially when exposed to heat.

How to Remove Berry Stains from Fabric

"Berry stains may be the price of summer, but they don’t have to be permanent," share L’AVANT Collective co-founders, Kristi Lord and Lindsay Droz. "The key is to act quickly and avoid heat, which can set the stain." So, rule number one: Avoid the temptation to throw stained fabric straight into the washer with hot water. Heat can permanently set berry stains, turning a temporary mishap into a forever one.

And as James Joun, co-founder and chief operating officer of Rinse, adds, "always test stain treatments on an inconspicuous area first, especially on delicate fabrics."

Materials Needed:

• Cleaning cloth
• Cold water
• Distilled white vinegar
• Basin or sink
• Gentle laundry detergent
• Commercial stain remover (optional)
• 3% hydrogen peroxide (optional)

Instructions:

1. Blot the Stain: Using a clean cloth or rag, "first, gently blot—never rub—to lift as much of the stain as possible," instruct the L’AVANT co-founders. Rubbing the stain will only push the pigments deeper into the fibers.
2. Rinse with Cold Water: Turn the garment inside out and flush the stained area with cold water. "Hold the fabric under cold running water from the back of the stain to push it out, not deeper in," instructs Joun. Do this as soon as possible to prevent the pigment from setting.
3. Pre-Treat the Stain: Lord and Droz prefer to pre-treat the stain with a bubbly beverage. "Club soda or sparkling water works wonders at loosening the pigment," they say. Distilled white vinegar can also be applied directly to the stain as its acidic nature can help break down the tannins in the berries. Work the solution into the fabric using your fingers or a soft-bristled toothbrush. Allow to sit for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, if you prefer a store-bought option, you can use a commercial stain remover according to package instructions. "If home, I’ll reach for our L'AVANT Multipurpose Spray," Lord and Droz share. "The plant-based surfactants are gentle on fabrics but effective at lifting fresh stains."
4. Soak and Launder: "Soak in cold water for about 30 minutes," says Joun, "especially if the stain is older or set." Afterwards, launder as usual with a gentle detergent.
5. Allow to Air-Dry: Line or air-dry the garment until you’re sure the stain has been completely removed, as the high heat from your dryer can further set the stain. "It’s a little extra effort, but your whites (and picnic outfits) will thank you," say Lord and Droz.
6. For Extra-Stubborn Stains: For more stubborn berry stains on white clothes, Lord and Droz recommend mixing up a hydrogen peroxide solution. After performing a spot test, "apply a mix of hydrogen peroxide and water to help break down the stain," they instruct. "Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then rinse with cold water and launder as usual with a high-performance detergent."

A Note on Delicate Fabrics

If you’re working with silk, wool, or vintage linens, it’s best to avoid DIY stain treatments and instead consult a professional cleaner. Natural fibers can react unpredictably to household stain removers, and, regardless of fabric type, it's paramount always to read the garment's care label to prevent damage. When in doubt, seek expert help from the pros. A silly stain is no reason to skip out on those berry tarts.