Does Watermelon Juice Wash Out? Tips for Stubborn Stains

December 31, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 90% of a watermelon is water, yet its juice can leave surprisingly stubborn stains thanks to the natural pigment lycopene and sugars. The good news is that, with quick action and the right approach, you can effectively treat and remove most watermelon juice stains before they become permanent.

Quick Summary

Watermelon juice stains, caused by fat-soluble lycopene and sugars, require prompt treatment to prevent setting. Successful removal depends on acting quickly, using cold water, and appropriate cleaning agents like liquid detergent or oxygen bleach, while avoiding heat that can make the mark permanent.

Key Points

Act Quickly: The fresher the watermelon stain, the higher the chance of removing it completely before it sets.
Use Cold Water Only: Never use hot water, as heat will permanently set the stain into the fabric fibers.
Blot, Don't Rub: Gently blot the stain with a clean cloth to lift the juice rather than spreading it or pushing it deeper.
Apply Heavy-Duty Detergent: Pre-treat the stain with an enzyme-based liquid detergent to break down the sugars and pigments.
Air Dry Until Clear: Do not place the garment in a dryer until the stain is completely gone, as the heat will set it permanently.
Treat Delicate Fabrics Carefully: For items like silk, consult a professional cleaner to avoid damage during the removal process.

The Science Behind Watermelon Stains

To understand how to fight a watermelon stain, you first need to know what you're up against. The vibrant pink or red color of watermelon comes from lycopene, a natural carotenoid pigment that is also found in tomatoes. This pigment is fat-soluble, meaning it doesn't dissolve easily in water alone. The sugar content in the juice also contributes to the stickiness and can set into fabric fibers if not treated promptly.

When a watermelon stain is left untreated, the organic dye and sugars can oxidize, causing the mark to change from pink to a yellow or brownish color, which is even more difficult to remove. This is why immediate action is crucial for a successful outcome.

Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Out Watermelon Juice

Follow these steps to maximize your chances of completely removing a watermelon juice stain from washable fabrics like cotton or polyester blends.

Step 1: Act Immediately

As with most spills, the sooner you act, the better. Speed is your biggest asset against a fruit juice stain.

Step 2: Remove Solids and Blot

Using a spoon, a dull knife, or the edge of a credit card, gently scrape off any excess watermelon flesh from the fabric. Next, use a clean white cloth or paper towel to blot the liquid. Do not rub, as this will push the stain deeper into the fabric fibers.

Step 3: Flush with Cold Water

Run the stained area under cold water from the backside of the fabric. This forces the stain out of the fibers rather than pushing it further in. Avoid using hot water, as heat can cook the stain into the fabric, making it permanent.

Step 4: Pre-Treat the Stain

Apply a heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent or an enzyme-based stain remover directly onto the spot. Gently work the cleaner into the fabric with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush, and let it sit for at least 10 minutes to break down the sugars and pigments.

Step 5: Wash in Cold Water

Launder the garment as you normally would, following the care label instructions. Use cold water, as hot water can set the stain.

Step 6: Air Dry and Check

Crucially, do not put the item in the machine dryer until you are certain the stain is completely gone. The heat from the dryer can set any remaining stain, making it permanent. Instead, let the item air dry and re-evaluate.

Step 7: Repeat if Necessary

If the stain is still visible after drying, repeat the pre-treatment and washing process. For stubborn stains, you can also soak the item in a solution of oxygen bleach and warm water for at least four hours or overnight.

Cleaning Watermelon Juice from Upholstery and Carpet

Removing watermelon juice from non-washable surfaces requires a slightly different technique.

Blot Excess Liquid: Immediately blot up as much of the spill as possible with a clean white cloth or paper towel.
Prepare a Cleaning Solution: Mix two teaspoons of dishwashing liquid with two cups of cool water.
Apply and Blot: Dip a clean cloth in the solution and blot the stain, working from the outside inward to prevent spreading. As the stain transfers, use a fresh part of the cloth.
Rinse and Dry: Use another clean cloth dipped in plain water to rinse the area, and then blot it dry. Air dry completely.

Comparison Table: Common Stain Removal Agents


Agent	Best For	Application Method	Caution	Citations
Liquid Dish Soap	Cutting through sugary residue on most fabrics and upholstery.	Mix with cool water and blot onto the stain.	Can leave a residue if not rinsed properly.
White Vinegar	Breaking down fruit pigments and neutralizing odors.	Dab onto the stain with a cloth, then rinse. Dilute for delicate fabrics.	Test on a hidden area first, as it can be acidic.
Baking Soda	Acting as a gentle abrasive and absorbing moisture.	Create a paste with water, apply to the stain, let it dry, then rinse.	Safe for most fabrics, but always test first.
Oxygen Bleach (e.g., OxiClean)	Stubborn, set-in stains and brightening whites.	Soak the garment for several hours or overnight in a solution.	Only use on colorfast fabrics; can cause fading.
Enzyme-Based Stain Remover	Breaking down tough organic stains.	Apply directly to the stain as a pre-treatment.	Check label for suitability on different fabrics.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while watermelon juice does not inherently wash out easily due to its fat-soluble pigments and sugar content, it is by no means a permanent stain if handled correctly. The key to success is immediate action, using cold water, and the right combination of household cleaning agents like liquid detergent and, if necessary, oxygen bleach. Avoiding the use of hot water and machine drying until the stain is fully removed are the most critical steps to prevent the stain from becoming a fixture. By following the proper procedure, you can enjoy this summer treat without worrying about damaging your favorite clothes or furniture. For more details on stain removal techniques, consider consulting resources like The Spruce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Watermelon juice is difficult to wash out because it contains lycopene, a natural fat-soluble pigment, and sticky sugars that can embed themselves deep into fabric fibers.

For a fresh stain, immediately blot the excess liquid with a clean cloth, flush the area from the back with cold water, and pre-treat with a liquid laundry detergent before washing in cold water.

While oxygen bleach can be used for tough stains, especially on white, colorfast fabrics, regular chlorine bleach is too harsh and can damage many fabrics, especially colored ones.

If the stain has dried, gently scrape off any residue, then soak the item in cold water before applying a liquid detergent or commercial stain remover. You may need to soak it in an oxygen bleach solution for a few hours.

No, watermelon does not stain your teeth. In fact, its high water content, fiber, and malic acid can help to wash away debris and naturally whiten teeth.

Common household items that can help include dish soap for the sugary residue, white vinegar for its mild acidity, and baking soda as a gentle abrasive paste.

To remove a stain from carpet, blot the excess liquid, apply a mixture of dishwashing liquid and cool water, blot the area gently, and rinse with plain water. Air dry the spot thoroughly.