Helpful Hints To Keep In Mind Before You Start:
- Have patience. Removing stains may take a little extra time, muscle and effort.
- Fresh stains are easier to remove than old ones.
- Read care labels to see if the item is dry-clean only. Not exactly sure what those symbols mean on care labels? Be sure to check out our Simple Guide to Fabric Care Symbols.
- Always test for colorfastness.
- Always launder washable items after treating to remove residues of the stain and stain remover.
- Use cleaning products according to manufacturer’s labels and NEVER mix stain removal products, such as ammonia and chlorine bleach, because they produce hazardous fumes.
- Regardless of the stain, make sure the spot is gone before you place the garment in the dryer. Otherwise, you may set it.
For Fresh Blueberry Stains:
1. Remove as much as possible with a dull knife or spoon. If you can’t treat the stain immediately, sprinkle it with salt.
2. Rinse well with cold water.
3. Rub liquid laundry detergent into the stain.
4. Let stand several minutes, then rinse the back of the stain well in hot water.
5. If the stain remains, stretch the stained fabric stain-side down and run under water that’s as hot as possible.
6. If the stain still hasn’t disappeared, apply a laundry spot stain remover and wash with liquid enzyme detergent.
7. Stain still there? Sponge it with equal parts white vinegar and water. Rinse well and let air dry (ideally in sunlight). Repeat as needed until no more stain can be removed.
8. Apply laundry presoak and re-launder with enzyme detergent.
9. If the stain is still not gone, work in enzyme detergent and soak the garment in water up to 1 hour or until the stain is removed. Rinse well and launder.
For Dried Stains:
1. Make a paste of borax and water (at a ratio of about 3 to 1) and spread onto the stain.
2. Let stand 15 minutes, then rinse. If borax is not available, rub glycerin into the stain and let stand for 1 hour. Rinse.
3. See steps 3 through 9 for fresh blueberry stains.