How To Remove Avocado Stains From Clothes

We’ve all been there – one minute you’re happily mashing up avocados to make guacamole, and the next you’ve got green stains splattered across your shirt. 

Pesky avocado stains can be a pain, but don’t freak out! With the right techniques and products like washing up liquid, white vinegar, and stain removers, you can get them out of your clothes in no time.

Before Treating Avocado Stains

Here’s the deal: avocado is rich in oils and has that vibrant green colour that could easily cling to your fabrics. These compounds sink into the fibres and can be tough to remove once they have already dried or set on your garment. 

This is why you need to know these tips to make the stains easier to remove before you start scrubbing your clothes out of frustration.

Here’s what you need to remember:

Act Fast For Fresh Stains!

The key is to treat stains ASAP before the oil oxidises and the stain sets. Once you notice that you’ve stained your clothing, change into a different garment as soon as you can. 

Scrape off excess avocado gently using a blunt knife or spoon and blot with a paper towel to absorb as much oil as possible.

Choose Your Laundry Product

Washing up liquid, white vinegar, and enzyme detergents are great at breaking down oils and pigments. Choose what you’ll use based on your preference or budget. 

Of course, specialised detergents and stain removers are more expensive and harsh, but may also get rid of the stains faster due to the chemicals they contain. 

Prepare What You Need

Having all necessary materials or products ready before starting can simplify the entire process. You will likely need:

• A blunt knife or spoon
• Paper towels or a clean cloth
• Cold water
• Stain removal agents (washing up liquid, vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, enzyme-based stain remover, oxygen bleach)
• A basin or bucket for soaking

Always Patch Test

Try your cleaner on a small hidden part of the fabric first to make sure it doesn’t mess up the colour.

Remember, don’t use bleach-based products on your coloured garments!

Use Cold Water, Then Air Dry

Use cold water washes and skip the tumble dryer until the stain is completely gone. Why? Because heat just sets avocado stains. 

Check the stain is fully removed before drying the item. And if possible, air drying your clothes would be better as it is gentle for your fabrics and is also a good environmentally-friendly practice. 

Consider Calling A Professional

When you have accidentally stained your delicate or “Dry-clean Only” clothing, it would probably be best to have a professional clean it. 

Or else, you may risk damaging your fabrics for good. If you want to clean it yourself, make sure to check the care labels and follow the instructions closely. 

How To Effectively Remove Avocado Stains

Once all the excess avocado has been scraped off and blotted, it’s time to pre-treat the stains. 

Choose between the following methods: 

Using Washing Up Liquid

1. Rinse the stained area with cold water from the back of the fabric to push the stain out.
2. Apply a small amount of washing up liquid directly onto the stain, gently rubbing it in with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush. Be especially gentle with delicate fabrics.
3. Allow the washing up liquid to sit on the stain for at least 15 minutes, giving the detergent time to break down the oils and pigments.
4. After letting it sit, rinse thoroughly with cold water. If the stain persists, repeat the process before laundering as usual.

Using Bicarbonate Of Soda

1. Rinse the stained area with cold water, ideally from the back to push the stain out.
2. Sprinkle a generous amount of bicarbonate of soda onto the wet stain, ensuring it’s completely covered. Alternatively, create a paste with water for application.
3. Let the bicarbonate of soda sit for at least 30 minutes to several hours, or overnight for tough stains.
4. Gently scrape off the bicarbonate solution from the fabric and wash according to care instructions. Repeat if necessary.

Using Distilled White Vinegar

1. Flip the clothing and rinse the stained area with cold water.
2. Mix one part distilled white vinegar with one part water, applying it with a clean cloth or directly onto larger stains.
3. Allow the solution to sit for at least 30 minutes. The vinegar’s acidity will help break down the oils and pigments.
4. Rinse with cold water and check the stain. If it persists, repeat the process or soak the garment for 15 minutes before washing as usual.

Using Stain Removers Or Oxygen Bleach

DID YOU KNOW? Enzyme-based stain removers and oxygen bleach are highly effective against organic stains like avocado. These products break down organic matter into smaller molecules that are easily washed away.

1. Before starting, read the instructions on the enzyme-based stain remover or oxygen bleach. Different products may have specific application methods or requirements.
2. Apply the product directly onto the stain. Make sure to cover the entire stained area thoroughly.
3. Use your fingers or a soft-bristled brush to gently work the product into the fabric. This helps the enzymes come into direct contact with the organic material causing the stain.
4. Allow the product to sit on the stain for the recommended time as specified by the product instructions. This could be anything from a few minutes to overnight, depending on how severe the stain is and the strength of the product. 
5. Check if the stain is completely removed. If any trace of the stain remains, repeat the treatment process then wash as normal. 

Saying Goodbye to Green Stains

And there you go. With the tips and methods above, dealing with avocado stains shouldn’t be a big deal anymore. 

Just remember, the sooner you act, the better. Keep this advice in mind for the next time an avocado decides to leave its mark on your clothes. And when you’re making smoothies or handling avocados in the kitchen, it’s always best to wear an apron!

SEE ALSO: How To Remove Beetroot Stains From Clothes

Frequently Asked Questions