Ways to Eliminate Orange Juice Stains from Fabric

Project Summary

• Duration of Work: 5 to 15 minutes
• Overall Duration: 15 minutes to 12 hours

• Proficiency Level: Novice
• Projected Expense: $10

While citrus scents can provide a refreshing aroma for laundry, orange juice spills can be a different story, as they can leave unwanted stains on your garments. The acidity in citrus juice can function as a bleaching agent, particularly when it comes into contact with sunlight. Fresh orange juice typically doesn’t leave a noticeable stain on fabric, but if not treated correctly, it can result in a lasting mark or a bleached area. Orange juice concentrates and beverages with orange flavoring are more prone to causing stains, and some may even include additional food coloring or dyes. Continue reading to discover effective methods for eliminating orange juice stains from your clothing.

Tip

Avoid using bar soap or soap flakes to address a juice stain, as these items can complicate the removal of plant-derived pigments.

Ways to Eliminate Orange Juice Stains from Washable Fabrics and Linens

Dab with a fresh cloth.

Quickly dab the juice from the material using a fresh white cloth or paper towel.

Create a Resolution

Prepare a mixture of warm water and an oxygen-based bleach product (like OxiClean, Nellie’s All-Natural Oxygen Brightener, or OXO Brite) according to the instructions on the packaging. When dealing with stains on synthetic materials like polyester or nylon, or on colored or printed garments, it’s advisable to use a color-safe oxygen bleach.

Immerse in a solution of oxygen bleach.

Fully immerse the soiled items and let them soak for a minimum of four hours or overnight. Afterward, proceed with your regular washing routine.

Clean the item.

Clean the clothing or linens using a premium detergent in the hottest water suitable for the fabric, as indicated on the care label.

Inspect Prior to Drying

Inspect the discolored spot to confirm that all pigment has been removed prior to drying the item. The heat from the dryer can cause the stain to become permanently fixed. If any stain persists, go through the soaking and washing steps again.

Advice for Dealing with Orange Juice Stains

To minimize the risk of lasting discoloration from orange juice spills, it’s advisable to address them promptly, similar to other food stains. For older stains or those from artificially colored orange beverages, extra measures may be necessary. Additionally, using club soda or a stain remover containing enzymes can be effective in treating the stain.

For tougher or older stains, chlorine bleach can be effective for whitening cotton fabrics and linens, but be sure to adhere to the instructions on the product label. For items that may not be colorfast, consider using an oxygen-based bleach mixed with cool water, following the instructions on the packaging. Soak a clean cloth in the solution and gently apply it to the stain, starting from the outer edges and moving inward, taking care not to saturate the area. Let the solution sit on the stain for a minimum of 30 minutes before blotting it up.

When to Seek Professional Assistance

If the item of clothing can only be dry cleaned, carefully dab at the juice stain to absorb as much as you can, and then bring it to a professional cleaner at your earliest convenience. Be sure to highlight and specify the stain to the cleaner, enabling them to utilize the appropriate stain removal solutions.

Tip

When opting for a home dry cleaning kit, make sure to apply the included stain remover to the stain prior to placing the clothing item in the dryer bag.

Is it possible to use vinegar to eliminate stains caused by orange juice?

Refrain from using vinegar to treat orange juice stains on fabric. Nonetheless, it is effective for citrus stains on carpets. Carefully dab the affected area with cool water mixed with a small amount of distilled white vinegar, working from the center outwards. Blot the area with a absorbent cloth to absorb the liquid, then rinse with water and repeat the process if necessary.

Can baking soda eliminate stains caused by orange juice?

As a substitute for bleach, a combination of baking soda and water can be effective in tackling orange juice stains. Keep in mind, though, that it might not be as effective as a bleach solution in completely eliminating the stain.