Whether you’re carving a watermelon basket or just enjoying a slice at a picnic, it’s time to learn how to remove the stains. Keep reading to know how to remove watermelon stains from clothes and carpets.
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Washing machine or large basin
- Small bowl
- Soft-bristled brush
- White cloth
Materials
- Heavy-duty laundry detergent or enzyme-based stain remover
- Oxygen-based bleach
- Dishwashing liquid
- Paper towels
Instructions
How to Remove Watermelon Stains From Clothes
Remove Solids
Lift away any solid chunks of watermelon and blot away any liquid with a paper towel or napkin. Try not to rub the stain deeper into the fabric.
Flush the Stained Area
As soon as possible, flush the watermelon-stained fabric with cool water. There are two ways to start. You can blot the stain with a white cloth or paper towel dipped in plain cool water and then use a paper towel to blot dry the area. Or, even better, hold the fabric under a running faucet of cold water. Flush from the wrong side of the fabric to force the watermelon juice out of the fibers.
Treat the Stain
Use an enzyme-based stain remover on the stain or rub in a bit of heavy-duty liquid detergent directly onto the stain. Use a detergent that contains enough enzymes to break apart the stain (leading performers include Tide or Persil). Let the stain remover work for at least ten minutes and then wash as recommended on the fabric care label.
pretreating the stain with stain remover
Check the Stained Area
Before tossing the garment in the dryer, check the stained area. If the stain remains, do not dry the clothing, and move to the next step.
Mix a Soaking Solution
Mix a solution of warm water and oxygen-based bleach (brand names are OxiClean, Nellie’s All-Natural Oxygen Brightener, or OXO Brite) following the package directions. Completely submerge the stained item and allow it to soak for at least four hours or overnight. Check the watermelon stain. If it is gone, rinse well, and dry the fabric. If the stain remains, repeat the oxygen bleach step.
How to Remove Watermelon Stains on Carpets and Upholstery
The recommendations for carpet can also be used to remove watermelon stains from indoor or outdoor fabrics and upholstery. Take extra care not to saturate the fabric to prevent excessive moisture in the cushions. If the fabric is vintage or silk, consult an upholstery cleaning professional.
Remove Solids
Begin by picking up any solid pieces, then use a white cotton cloth or white paper towel to blot up as much of the liquid in the stain as possible.
WARNING: Use a gentle touch and don’t rub. Rubbing will only push the stain deeper into the fibers.
Mix a Cleaning Solution
Mix a solution of 2 teaspoons dishwashing liquid with 2 cups of warm water in a small bowl.
Apply the Cleaning Solution to the Stain
Dip a clean white cloth, sponge, or soft-bristled brush in the solution. Working from the outside edge of the stain toward the center to keep it from spreading, work the cleaning solution into the stain. Blot with a dry cloth to absorb the solution. Keep moving to a clean area of the cloth as the stain is transferred.
Rinse the Stained Area
Finish by dipping a clean white cloth in plain water to rinse the spot. Blot dry with a clean cloth.
WARNING: Rinsing well is an especially important step because any soapy residue left in the carpet will actually attract more soil.
Air-Dry and Vacuum
Allow the stain to air-dry away from direct heat and then vacuum to lift any matted carpet fibers.
If the stain on carpet or upholstery is older or mixed with a darker fruit juice, you may find it’s still there. At this point, you need the power of oxygen-based bleach.
Mix a solution of oxygen-based bleach in cool water following package directions. Dip a clean cloth into the solution and working from the outside edge of the stain toward the center, work the solution into the carpet or fabric. Do not saturate. Allow the solution to remain on the stain for at least 30 minutes. Dip a clean white cloth in plain water and blot the area to rinse. Air-dry and vacuum to lift fibers.