Cranberry sauce is a holiday favorite, adding that perfect tangy-sweet flavor to your Thanksgiving feast. But when it ends up on your dining room chairs, tablecloths, or carpets, it can quickly turn from a delight to a disaster. 

Cranberry stains are notoriously tough to remove due to the deep red pigments that can easily set into fabrics if not treated promptly.

At COIT, we understand how frustrating it can be to deal with these stubborn stains, especially during the busy holiday season. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the process of cranberry stain removal, step by step. 

Whether the stain is fresh or dried, on fabric or carpet, we've got you covered with expert tips and practical advice to keep your home looking its best.

Why Cranberry Stains Are So Tricky

Before we dive into the cleaning methods, let’s talk about why cranberry stains can be so challenging to remove. 

Cranberries contain natural tannins, which are compounds that easily bind to fibers in fabrics. These tannins give cranberries their vibrant color but also make stains difficult to lift. The longer the stain sits, the more it binds to the material, making quick action essential.

But don’t worry! With the right approach and a bit of patience, you can remove cranberry stains from almost any surface. Let's get started.

How to Remove Fresh Cranberry Stains from Fabric

When cranberry sauce or juice spills onto your dining room chairs, tablecloths, or other fabrics, it’s important to act fast. 

Here’s a detailed guide on how to tackle fresh cranberry stains before they set in.

Step 1: Blot the Stain

First things first—grab a clean, white cloth or paper towel and gently blot the stain. 

Avoid rubbing, as this can push the stain deeper into the fabric fibers. Instead, blot from the outside of the stain toward the center to prevent it from spreading.

Step 2: Prepare a Cleaning Solution

Next, mix a homemade cleaning solution using ingredients you likely have on hand:

• 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon liquid laundry detergent
• 3/4 cup warm water

Combine these ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well to mix.

Step 3: Apply the Cleaning Solution

Spray the cleaning solution directly onto the stained area. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the solution to penetrate the fabric and break down the stain.

Step 4: Blot Again

After the solution has had time to work, blot the area again with a clean, wet towel. Follow up with a dry towel to absorb the remaining moisture. You may need to repeat this process a few times until the stain is completely gone.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

Once the stain is removed, rinse the area with a small amount of clean water to remove any residue from the cleaning solution. Blot with a dry towel until the fabric is as dry as possible.

How to Remove Dried Cranberry Stains from Fabric

Sometimes, cranberry stains can go unnoticed until they’ve had time to dry and set. While dried stains are more challenging to remove, it’s still possible with the right approach.

Step 1: Scrape Off Excess Stain

If the cranberry sauce has dried and hardened, use a blunt knife or spoon to gently scrape off as much of the dried material as possible. Be careful not to damage the fabric in the process.

Step 2: Apply a Cleaning Solution

Use the same vinegar-based cleaning solution mentioned earlier. Spray the stain generously and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. 

For tougher stains, you might need to let the solution sit for up to 30 minutes.

Step 3: Gently Agitate the Stain

After the solution has soaked in, use a soft-bristled brush to gently agitate the stain. This helps lift the stain from the fabric fibers. Be gentle to avoid damaging the material.

Step 4: Blot and Rinse

Blot the area with a wet towel to lift the stain. Then, blot with a dry towel to absorb any remaining moisture. Rinse the area with clean water and blot dry once more. Repeat as necessary until the stain is fully removed.

How to Remove Cranberry Stains from Carpets

Carpets can be particularly tricky when it comes to cranberry stains, but with the right technique, you can tackle even the toughest stains.

Step 1: Blot the Stain Immediately

As soon as the cranberry sauce or juice hits the carpet, grab a clean white cloth or paper towel and blot the stain. Remember to blot from the outside in to avoid spreading the stain further.

Step 2: Prepare a Carpet-Safe Cleaning Solution

For carpets, we recommend a slightly different solution:

• 2/3 cup rubbing alcohol
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

Mix these in a spray bottle and shake well.

Step 3: Apply the Solution

Spray the solution onto the stained area and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This will help to break down the stain without damaging the carpet fibers.

Step 4: Blot and Repeat

Blot the area with a clean cloth, lifting the stain out of the carpet. You may need to repeat this process several times for stubborn stains. Always use a clean section of the cloth to avoid reapplying the stain to the carpet.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

After the stain is gone, rinse the area with a small amount of water and blot dry. 

For best results, place a clean, dry towel over the area and weigh it down with something heavy. This helps absorb any remaining moisture and prevents the carpet from becoming waterlogged.

How to Remove Cranberry Stains from Upholstery

Upholstery can be delicate, so it’s important to use a gentle approach when removing cranberry stains.

Step 1: Blot the Stain

Just like with carpets, start by blotting the stain with a clean, white cloth. Avoid rubbing, as this can cause the stain to spread or set deeper into the fabric.

Step 2: Use a Mild Cleaning Solution

For upholstery, use the vinegar-based cleaning solution mentioned earlier (1/4 cup distilled white vinegar, 1 tablespoon liquid laundry detergent, 3/4 cup warm water). Spray the solution onto the stained area.

Step 3: Gently Blot the Stain

After letting the solution sit for 10-15 minutes, gently blot the stain with a clean, wet towel. Then, blot with a dry towel to remove excess moisture.

Step 4: Repeat if Necessary

If the stain persists, repeat the process until the stain is completely gone. For particularly stubborn stains, you might need to use a commercial upholstery cleaner, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Expert Tips for Cranberry Stain Removal

Here are a few additional tips from the cleaning experts at COIT:

• Act Fast: The sooner you treat the stain, the better your chances of removing it completely.
• Test First: Always test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it won’t damage the fabric or carpet.
• Avoid Hot Water: Using hot water can set the stain, making it much harder to remove. Stick to cool or lukewarm water when treating cranberry stains.
• Blot, Don’t Rub: Rubbing can spread the stain and push it deeper into the fibers. Always blot gently from the outside in.
• Use White Cloths: Colored cloths can transfer dye to the fabric, complicating the stain removal process. Stick to white cloths or paper towels.

What to Do If the Stain Won’t Budge

If you’ve tried everything and the stain still won’t come out, don’t worry—COIT is here to help. Stubborn stains can sometimes require professional cleaning to ensure they don’t permanently damage your fabrics or carpets.

COIT’s expert cleaning services use advanced technology and professional-grade cleaning solutions to tackle even the toughest stains. Plus, our trademarked stain protector can help prevent future stains from setting in, giving you peace of mind during the holiday season and beyond.

When in Doubt, Call COIT

At COIT, we’re dedicated to keeping your home looking its best. Whether you’re dealing with a cranberry stain that just won’t quit or you want to protect your home from future spills, we’re here to help. Our team of professional cleaners has the expertise and equipment to handle any cleaning challenge, big or small.

For more tips on how to keep your home spotless, check out COIT’s Spot Removal Guide or give us a call to schedule a professional cleaning today. We’ll help you enjoy the holidays without worrying about stubborn stains.

Contact COIT for a professional cleaning!