How to Remove Grass Stains

You may have heard that grass stains are permanent, but there’s still hope if you see one on your clothes or shoes. Don’t throw away your favorite pair of grass-stained jeans yet! There are a few expert hacks for removing grass stains. First, try these smart tips for removing stains.

Because grass is rich in chlorophyll, the dye that gives grass its green color, grass causes stains and can be difficult to remove. According to Jennifer Ahoni, senior scientist at Tide, chlorophyll can also be used as a dye for fabrics.

Even though grass stains can become permanent if left untreated, Melissa Rodriguez, the founder of Bright Home Cleaning SVCS, says you can treat them if you get to them in time. It is best to treat grass stains immediately if you want to learn how to remove them from jeans, shoes, or any type of fabric.

Learn how to easily remove grass stains from shoes, jeans, and any other type of clothing with these expert tips.

Grass stain removal methods

Baking soda

Baking soda is a miracle cleaner—and it’s non-toxic, too! Hence its use as a secret weapon when it comes to removing grass stains from clothing and shoes.

She suggests mixing baking soda with hydrogen peroxide and dish soap and letting the stain soak for a few hours to get rid of grass stains.

Detergent

In addition to grass stains, there are also enzymatic stains such as blood (here’s how to remove blood stains) that are caused by proteins. Ahoni recommends using a liquid detergent that contains enzymes to break down the staining components of grass stains, such as Tide Hygienic Clean Heavy Duty 10x.

In accordance with the clothing’s care instructions, she suggests pretreating grass stains with liquid detergent and letting them sit for 20 minutes before washing them. If the grass stain remains after one load, repeat the process before drying.

OxiClean or Clorox

Grass stains on colored fabrics can be easily removed with oxygenated stain removers, such as OxiClean. Rodriguez recommends mixing OxiClean with water and rubbing it on the stain. “Alternatively, you can use Clorox mixed with warm water if the fabric is white.”

Let both solutions sit on the stain for a few hours before washing as usual. “Do not put it in the dryer if the stain is still there. The heat can reinforce the stain,” Rodriguez explains.

Hydrogen peroxide

When it comes to removing grass stains from clothes, this household staple works wonders. According to Rodriguez, hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizing agent that is capable of replacing bleach.

Rodriguez recommends mixing one part hydrogen peroxide with three parts cool water and rubbing it into the stain with baking soda. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide will interact and bubble up a bit, removing grass dye from fibers.

Rubbing alcohol

“I recommend trying other solutions first, since alcohol can damage fabrics,” so if you’re going to try this home remedy, test it on an inconspicuous spot first.

Clean grass stains with rubbing alcohol by blotting the stained area with a cloth or paper towel, then rinsing the fabric thoroughly to remove the dye. Here are some more of the best stain removers for clothes. You can also use rubbing alcohol to remove ink stains from clothing-here’s how.

How to get grass stains out of jeans

According to Ahoni, washing your jeans is the best way to get rid of these stubborn stains. Grass stains can be removed from jeans by washing them according to her advice:

  1. Apply a liquid detergent containing enzymes directly to the grass stain and let it sit for 20 minutes.
    2. After that, massage the detergent into your skin. “Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to spread the detergent into the fibers of the garment or rub the fabric gently together,” Ahoni says.
    3. Put the item in the wash as usual. Grass-stained items can be washed with a full load, says Ahoni. Grass stains should be treated with the warmest water possible, according to the garment care label.
    4. Check to see if the stain remains on your jeans before drying them. Repeat the above steps if it does—otherwise, the heat of the dryer will set the stain.

Grass stains can be removed from jeans with baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, elbow grease, and soaking. ”

How to get grass stains out of jeans without washing them

If you don’t have time to launder your grass-stained jeans right away or are on the go, having the right tools can help.

Make sure you have a stain stick pen on hand in case of an emergency—especially if you have children! Rodriguez advises. “Rub water on the stained area with the stick. When you get home, treat the stain immediately.”

A cloth or paper towel can also be used to dab a water and detergent mixture onto the stain. Ahoni says to rub the stain with your towel, working from the outside toward the center, then wipe away any excess suds with a paper towel or damp cloth.

How to get grass stains out of shoes

Your favorite pair of shoes doesn’t have to be thrown out just because grass stains appear on them. Whether you have white shoes, leather shoes, or suede shoes, these tips will help you remove grass stains.

Check the care label on your sneakers for the best cleaning instructions and to ensure that they can be machine washed. Ahoni points out that many shoes made from canvas and cotton can be machine washed.

She suggests the following approach for shoes that can be washed:

  1. Remove any excess dirt and mud from shoes with a dry soft brush.
  2. Apply a liquid detergent containing enzymes and let it sit for 20 minutes. Rub the detergent into the stain using a soft-bristled toothbrush if necessary.
  3. Place the shoes in a mesh garment bag after removing the shoelaces and insoles (hand wash these separately). Wash them in cold water on a delicate/gentle cycle.
  4. Repeat this process if the stain persists before letting the shoes air dry completely.

Leather shoes

For leather shoe stains, Rodriguez recommends mixing equal parts water and white vinegar. Scuffs can be removed with a wet cloth dipped in baking soda after they have dried. “After your shoes have dried, wipe them off again and buff them.” she advises. Leather shoes should never be washed.

Suede shoes

Avoiding stains on suede shoes is the best way to prevent them. To help suede shoes resist grass stains and other stains, they should be treated with a suede protectant spray before wearing them. Whenever you have stains on suede shoes, Rodriguez recommends gently buffing them away with a nail file or scrub brush. Don’t wash them.

White sneakers

A cotton ball soaked in vinegar can be used to remove stains. If that doesn’t work, you can also make a paste of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and water and gently rub it on the sneakers. Allow it to absorb and sit for at least thirty minutes. Rinse with water and repeat until the stain disappears.

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