How to Remove Pumpkin Stains From Clothes, Carpet, and Upholstery

Tips for getting rid of all types of pumpkin stains using simple ingredients

How to Remove Pumpkin Stains from Clothing

The Spruce / Madelyn Goodnight

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 5 - 10 mins
  • Total Time: 15 mins - 1 hr
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $0 to $5

Even though pumpkin is a vibrantly orange fruit, spills of fresh pumpkin or canned puree rarely leave serious stains and are relatively easy to clean.

Pumpkin becomes more problematic when it is mixed with other ingredients, like milk or cream, creating a combination stain that must be approached with care so as not to make matters worse. In those cases, it is best to follow steps to remove oily stains. Pumpkin tends to have tannin in it, too, which makes the stain even more complex. Never use natural bar soap or soap flakes on a pumpkin stain because the soap can make tannin more difficult to remove.

To remove fresh or canned pumpkin stains from clothing, carpet, or upholstered furniture, follow the simple steps below.

Stain Type  Fruit-based, tannin-based
Detergent Type Liquid laundry
Water Temperature Cold and warm
Cycle Type Normal

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Dull knife, spoon, or credit card
  • Soft-bristled brush (optional)

Materials

  • Pre-wash stain remover or liquid laundry detergent

Instructions

How to Remove Pumpkin Stains From Washable Clothes

  1. Remove Pumpkin Solids

    Remove any pumpkin solids from your garment with a dull knife, a spoon, or even the edge of a credit card. Do not scrape or rub; the friction will push the stain deeper into the fabric fibers.

    removing pumpkin solids with a dull spoon
    The Spruce / Ana Cadena 
  2. Flush With Cold Water

    Run cold water against the back of the stained area to help flush the stain out. (Avoid hot water, which can set a stain.)

    Flushing the stained item under water

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

  3. Pre-treat With a Stain Remover

    • Apply a pre-wash stain remover like Shout or Resolve. If you do not have a stain remover on hand, use a bit of heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent like Tide or Persil that contains stain-lifting enzymes.
    • Work the stain remover into the fabric with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush.
    • Allow the stain removal product to sit on the stained area for at least 15 minutes.
    Pretreating the area with a stain remover

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

  4. Wash as Recommended

    Wash as usual using the hottest water recommended for the fabric following care label directions,

    Choosing a wash cycle

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

  5. Make Sure the Stain Is Gone Before Drying

    Check the stained area before putting the garment in the dryer because high heat can set the stain. If the stain remains, repeat the treatment steps.

    Checking that the stain is gone before drying

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

How to Remove Pumpkin Stains From Carpet and Upholstery

  • Remove pumpkin solids: Lift away all the excess pumpkin solids with a dull knife, spoon, or credit card edge.
  • Sponge the stain with soap: Mix 1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid with 2 cups of warm water. Stir well to mix completely. Sponge the cleaning solution into the carpet fibers, working from the outside edge of the stain toward the center to prevent spreading the stain. If working the solution on upholstery, test a hidden area and be sure not to saturate the area to avoid mold from forming.
  • Rinse with water: Wet a clean white cloth or sponge with cool water and dab the area to rinse away any soapy residue, which can attract soil in the future and make the spot look darker.
  • Blot and repeat: Blot the area with paper towels or a clean cloth until the solution is absorbed. Repeat the treatment steps a couple of times with the cleaning solution until the stain is removed.
  • Air dry and vacuum: Allow it to air dry away from direct heat. Vacuum the stained area to lift the carpet fibers.

Additional Tips for Handling Pumpkin Stains

For a tough carpet stain, mix 1 tablespoon of ammonia and 2 cups of warm water. Test this first on a hidden area to make sure it works without damaging the carpet. Sponge on the solution working from the outside edge of the stain toward the center. Rinse off and then air-dry.

If raw or cooked pumpkin lands on a garment labeled as dry clean only, gently remove the solids with a spoon or dull knife, then blot the stain with a damp cloth. As soon as possible, head to your professional cleaner and point out the pumpkin stain. You may also need professional assistance if the stained upholstery fabric is silk or vintage.

FAQ
  • Does pumpkin stain clothes?

    Whether it's pumpkin pie, pumpkin juice, or pumpkin guts from carving, you may find pumpkins stains on your clothes. Remove stains by picking off any solids, rinse the stain with cold water, pre-treat, and then wash in the hottest water the garment can tolerate. See if the stain is fully removed before drying the item.

  • How can I remove pumpkin stains from my hands?

    If regular soap or dish soap doesn't work, rub cooking oil and any kind of salt in your hands, then rinse to remove the pumpkin stains. Lemon juice and salt may do a similar job removing pumpkin stains from hands.

  • How can I get a rotten pumpkin smell out of carpet?

    After you have blotted up the stain, sprinkle baking soda on the carpet. The baking soda will neutralize the trapped odors. Let the baking soda sit for a few hours or overnight. Vacuum the baking soda the next day. Repeat if necessary.

  • Does pumpkin spice stain?

    Pumpkin spice stains, just like pumpkin, but it takes a different method to get rid of it. Rinse the stain with cool water. Treat the stain with a 1:1 ratio of white vinegar and water. Dab the stain gently. Once the stain is removed, normally wash in warm water. Dry the item only if the stain is gone.