Stain Guide: Berries
This is a 4th generation dry cleaner's guide for removing a berry stain!
What you need
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Cleaning vinegar (at least 20%), but cooking vinegar (5%) will work too
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Powdered oxygen bleach or 3% hydrogen peroxide
Steps
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Wipe, rinse, or gently brush away any physical bits of the remaining stain.
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Treat the stained area with enough cleaning vinegar to cover the stain for 1 hour. If you do not have cleaning vinegar, you can use distilled white vinegar 5%, but it will be less effective. The solution should turn the color of the berries.
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Wash as recommended on the care label.
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Inspect before drying. If the stain was removed, dry as recommended on the care label; if not, follow the instructions below.
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Soak the stained garment in hot water and powdered oxygen bleach overnight OR spray the garment with 3% hydrogen peroxide and allow it to air-dry.
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Rewash and inspect before drying.
Tannins in plants occupy up to 20% of the dry weight. The synthesis of tannins in plants is often associated with defense responses against microbial pathogens, harmful insects, herbivores, and UV radiation. Tannins are usually the reason for the brilliant color of most berries (strawberries, blueberries, grapes, etc). The major class of tannins in blueberries are proanthocyanidins.