Buzz
Prune stains can damage your carpet, upholstery, or clothes. Flavio Coelho / Getty ImagesPrunes, known for their high fiber content, are typically consumed in their dried form. While they are beneficial to your health, they can be tough on your carpets, clothes, and other household surfaces. Use these helpful tips to remove prune stains and keep your surfaces and garments clean.
How to Eliminate Prune Stains From:
Acetate, Carpet (whether synthetic or wool), Fiberglass, Rayon, Rope, Triacetate, Wool
Gently sponge the stain with cool water using a dampened pad, starting from the center and moving outward. Next, apply lemon juice by sponging the area or rubbing a lemon slice over the stain. Afterward, flush the stain with water and blot away as much liquid as possible. Allow it to dry. If the stain remains, apply a wet spotter and place an absorbent pad moistened with the wet spotter over the stain. Let the pad stay as long as the stain is being removed, changing the pad as it absorbs the stain. Keep the area moist with wet spotter and flush with water. If any trace of the stain persists, use an enzyme presoak product (following label instructions, but avoid using on silk or wool). When the stain is gone, flush thoroughly with water and let air dry.
How to Remove Prune Stains From:
Acrylic Fabric, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Spandex
Immediately sponge laundry stains with cool water, then rub a lemon slice or sponge lemon juice on the stain. Flush with water, blotting as much liquid as possible, and let dry. If any stain remains, presoak the item in a solution of 1 quart warm water, 1/2 teaspoon dishwashing detergent, and 1 tablespoon white vinegar for 15 minutes. Rinse with water and launder promptly.
How to Remove Prune Stains From:
Acrylic Plastic, Aluminum, Asphalt, Bamboo, Brass, Bronze, Cane, Ceramic Glass/Tile, Copper, Enamel, Glass, Grout, Iron, Paint (both flat and gloss), Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Porcelain Dishes, Porcelain Fixtures, Stainless Steel, Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Wallcovering
Use a cloth or sponge soaked in warm soapy water to gently wipe the stain. Rinse thoroughly and dry the surface.
How to Remove Prune Stains From:
Bluestone, Brick, Concrete, Flagstone, Granite, Masonry Tile, Slate, Terrazzo
Remove any excess spill and treat the stain with a mixture of washing soda or detergent (not soap) and water. Use a cloth or soft-bristled brush to scrub. Rinse thoroughly and let it dry.
How to Remove Prune Stains From:
Cork, Linoleum, Vinyl Tile
Clean up the excess spill and wash the affected area with a solution of washing soda or detergent (not soap) and water. Scrub with a cloth or soft-bristled brush. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow to dry. If the stain persists, use a cloth dampened with a solution of 1 tablespoon oxalic acid in 1 pint of water. Rinse well and dry. If necessary, repolish the surface. Caution: Oxalic acid is toxic; handle with care and wear rubber gloves.
How to Remove Prune Stains From:
Cotton, Linen
Test the fabric for colorfastness first. Stretch the stained fabric over a bowl and secure it with a rubber band. Pour boiling water from a height of 2 to 3 feet onto the fabric. Be careful to avoid splashing. This should be done immediately. If the stain remains, soak the fabric in a solution of 1 quart warm water and 1/2 teaspoon detergent for 15 minutes, then rinse with water. Sponge the stained area with rubbing alcohol and launder promptly.
How to Remove Prune Stains From:
Leather, Suede
Blot up any excess juice and mix a solution of mild soap in lukewarm water. Swish it to create plenty of suds. Apply only the foam with a sponge and wipe it with a clean, dry cloth. For leather, follow up with Tannery Vintage Leather Cleaner & Conditioner or Fiebing's Saddle Soap to condition the leather.
How to Remove Prune Stains From:
Marble
After blotting up the excess liquid, wipe the stained area with a cloth soaked in warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry the surface. If any stain or discoloration remains, prepare a poultice by mixing water, powdered detergent, and bleach. Apply the paste to the stain, covering it with a damp cloth to slow down evaporation. Leave it in place. Once the stain is gone, rinse the area thoroughly with water and dry it.
How to Remove Prune Stains From:
Silver
Clean silver in hot soapy water as soon as possible. Rinse with hot water and immediately dry it with a soft cloth to avoid tarnishing.
How to Remove Prune Stains From:
Wood
Combine dishwashing detergent with hot water and swirl to create plenty of suds. Dip a cloth into the foam only and apply it to the stain. Rinse the area with a clean cloth dampened with clear water. If the stain persists, treat the spot with a cloth soaked in a solution of 1 tablespoon oxalic acid mixed with 1 pint of water. Rinse thoroughly and dry. Polish or wax the surface once cleaned. Caution: Oxalic acid is toxic, so use cautiously and wear rubber gloves.
Prunes have a dark side: their deeply staining juice. Use these tips to prevent prunes or prune juice stains from marking your clothes and surfaces.
Publications International, Ltd.
Dry spotter:
To create a dry spotter, mix 1 part coconut oil (available at pharmacies and health food stores) with 8 parts liquid dry-cleaning solvent. This solution can be stored in a tightly sealed container to prevent the solvent from evaporating. Mineral oil can be used as a substitute for coconut oil, though it is slightly less effective.
Caution: Dry-cleaning solvents are toxic and may be flammable.
Wet spotter:
To make a wet spotter, combine 1 part glycerine, 1 part white dishwashing detergent, and 8 parts water. Shake well before each use. Store in a plastic squeeze bottle for easy application.
