How to Remove Pumpkin Stains on Multiple Surfaces

Ah, the fall. Halloween, pumpkin carving, and pumpkin spice lattes—what’s not to love? Well, maybe all of the smudges and stains that come along with the holiday traditions. Pumpkin stains can be messy, stubborn, and tricky to remove from surfaces. But, we’re here to show you how to tackle pumpkin stains—whether it’s on your favorite cozy fall sweater, a stain on your front porch, or residue left behind on your cream carpet—this guide will help you fix it.

Why Pumpkin Stains Adhere and How Heat Affects Them

The reason why pumpkin stains are so difficult to remove is because of a little something called carotenoids. Carotenoids are what give pumpkins their vibrant orange hue; they’re fat-soluble, meaning they don’t easily dissolve in water. Instead, they latch onto fabrics and surfaces, so sometimes regular cleaning hacks just won’t cut it. 

When heat is involved, such as through hot water or a dryer, it only makes the stains worse. Heat causes the proteins to bond more tightly with the fibers, making the orange pigment oxidize and setting the stain in place. The pigment seeps deeply into porous surfaces like wood and concrete, making stain removal a tricky process.

Quick Wins: Removing Bulk Residue and Moisture

1. Remove excess pumpkin: Use a spoon or dull knife to carefully scrape away any excess residue that’s been left behind, being careful not to damage the surface or fabric. 
2. Blot, don’t rub: Gently blot away the excess moisture from the pumpkin using a cloth or paper towel. Don’t rub the stain—this can smear the pigment and push the stain further into the surface.
3. Assess the stain: Depending on what surface the stain is on, you might need to use different cleaning solutions, such as vinegar, an enzyme cleaner, or dish soap.
4. Work slowly and carefully: Start from the outside of the stain and work your way in to avoid spreading the pigment.
5. Avoid heat: Avoid using any heat and instead flush the stain with cold water to loosen it.
6. Wash as usual: Follow the fabric care instructions and wash as normal, using laundry detergent sheets for optimal results.

Fabrics and Table Items: Textiles and Napkins

You’ve set the table with your best autumnal decor—a beautiful table runner, placemats, and matching napkins. But what happens when things inevitably get messy and suddenly pumpkin stains take over?

The best course of action for removing stains on textiles and napkins is to rinse them under cold water as soon as possible. This will help loosen the stain from the fabric, and using cold water will prevent the stain from setting in place. Next, treat the stain with a prewash stain remover of your choice, letting it soak for the recommended time. You can also use dish soap, gently massaging it into the stain and letting it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then, continue to wash the fabric according to the fabric care instructions on the label.

Tablecloths and Cloth Napkins: Textile Care

Other dining items that may come into contact with pumpkin stains include seasonal tablecloths and cloth napkins. These can be treated similarly to the previous table items by rinsing with cold running water. Fresh stains are easier to remove, but if you're too tired after a meal or you simply forget, apply a prewash stain remover or use dish soap, and let it soak. After 10-15 minutes, toss it into the washing machine with laundry detergent sheets and follow the tablecloth or napkin fabric care instructions. 

Carpets and Upholstery: Safe Cleaning Solutions

Pumpkins can start their rotting process very quickly, and before you know it, you’re left with a smelly, sticky mess all over your carpet. If this happens, don’t panic! However, if you want to refresh your carpet and upholstery, you’ll need to act fast. Start by carefully scraping away any pumpkin residue before blotting up any excess moisture. Follow up by applying a cleaning solution of dish soap, white vinegar, and cold water with a clean cloth. Dab the solution very carefully from the outside-in to avoid spreading the stain any further. Rinse the stain with cold water and repeat as many times as necessary. 

Tip: Always test your cleaning solution on a small, hidden area to see how it’ll react before applying it all over.

Wood Surfaces: Gentle Soap Solutions and Grain-Safe Techniques

To remove unsightly pumpkin stains from wood surfaces, start by mixing up a cleaning solution consisting of a few drops of mild dish soap with cool water. Dampen a cloth with the solution and gently apply it to the stain, rubbing in the direction of the grain. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe the area and dry it thoroughly to stop moisture from seeping into the grain and causing warping. If you have hardwood surfaces, use a pH-neutral cleaner for some extra precaution.

Floor Care: Non-Acidic Cleaners for Most Surfaces

For other floor surfaces, use a neutral, non-acidic cleaner. Avoid using any form of acids on marble or stone, as it can damage the surface—that means a homemade vinegar solution is a no-go! Non-acidic cleaners work well on almost all surfaces and are usually free from harsh chemicals like chlorine, hydroxides, silicates, and phosphates.

Drying, Ventilation, and Prevention

Once you’ve treated your pumpkin stain, it’s essential to properly dry the area using a clean, dry cloth or towel to soak up any excess moisture. Open up your windows and doors and allow the fresh air to circulate and get rid of any foul odors that may come from the rotting pumpkin. 

If you have one to hand, use a dehumidifier to speed up the drying process and prevent any musty smells from festering. Double-check that the auto-shutoff is on to prevent the dehumidifier's water tank from overflowing.

Preventing Future Pumpkin Stains: Storage and Handling Tips

To prevent similar accidents from happening in the future, there are a few steps you can take:

• Place your pumpkins on a waterproof tray or plastic sheet to prevent them from leaking their moisture or pigment onto fabrics or surfaces.
• Check on your pumpkins regularly, as they can deteriorate fast. Keep an eye on them, and if you suspect they’re starting to spoil, dispose of them immediately.
• Make the switch over to LED candles instead of traditional tealights—the heat generated from tealights can accelerate rotting and staining.

Frequently Asked Questions

How To Remove Pumpkin Spice Stains?

To remove pumpkin spice stains, soak the stain with water, either by submerging the garment in 1:1 water and vinegar or by using a spray to wet the fabric or surface. Let it soak for 15-30 minutes. Wash the item as normal with a laundry detergent sheet for best results.

How To Get Pumpkin Stain Out of Concrete?

The best method for removing pumpkin stains from concrete is to work quickly to remove any remaining pumpkin residue. Once removed, get a scrubber and some dish soap. Let the dish soap sit on the stain for at least 30 minutes to pull out the grease. Use the scrubber to brush away what’s left, and then flush with water. Repeat if necessary.

Ready to Remove Stains With Freddie?

No matter what you do this Halloween season, pumpkins come with mess, unfortunately. Whether you got a little too into that pumpkin carving session, or your kids spilled pumpkin soup all over the table, this holiday can come with a lot of frights—but a dirty home doesn’t have to be one of them!

A little bit of preparation can go a very long way this Halloween. Stay one step ahead of the game by exploring Freddie’s pre-measured laundry detergent sheets, packaged without plastic jugs and formulated without phosphates, parabens, or chlorine. Their format is designed to simplify storage and reduce packaging waste this season.