Grass stains aren’t just for children. Attending a sporting event, watching an outdoor concert, or simply working in the garden can result in those tough-to-remove stains on clothes.
Grass stains are just chlorophyll transferred from plants to fabrics. Fresh grass stains are quite easy to remove from washable clothes, and even those that are older or have ground-in dirt underneath can be cleaned with just a few steps if you’re using the right products or ingredients.
We’ve listed some of the easiest yet most effective grass stain removal tips below.
How Do You Remove Grass Stains from Clothes?
Prepare the Garments
1. Always check the label.
On the inside of your garment, you’ll find a care label. It will give you an idea of what you can do and use to clean it safely.
An empty triangle is the symbol for bleach. If it has a large black “X” mark, it means you cannot use bleach of any kind. If the triangle is striped Black and White, you are free to use non-chlorine bleach only.
2. Read the product information.
Before using any cleaning solution or laundry detergent, you have to read the product description carefully. This can help you identify which products are best for which type of fabric or garment.
A detergent with bleach works best for white clothing. If you use it on dark colored fabrics, expect the dye to bleed out.
3. Test on a small area.
Before adding anything on your stained clothes, always do a test spot first. This will allow you to see if you can use your grass stain removal solution on the fabric without causing permanent damage or fading. The inside hem is the best spot to test a solution because it’s very discreet.
4. Remove any excess grass or dirt.
Prior to treating or washing your item, you have to make sure that all excess grass or dirt has been removed. Instead of rubbing, blot them out. Rubbing will only cause the stain to move deeply into your fabric.
Hold the clothing firm between your fingers and flick from the inside of the fabric. This will forcefully remove off any excess dirt.
How Do You Remove Grass Stains Using Liquid Detergent and Vinegar?
Did you know that aside from commercial detergent, you may also use common household ingredients to create an effective grass stain removal solution? Vinegar is one!
1. Pre-treat the stain.
Remove any excess grass or stain, and pre-treat it by dabbing a mixture of warm water and plain white vinegar. Saturate the stain for at least 5 minutes.
2. Add the detergent directly.
After the vinegar solution sets on the garment for 5 minutes, add the detergent directly to the stain. If allowed (check your labels), use one that has bleach. If you are using a powder detergent, mix it with water to make a paste-like solution, then spread that over the stain.
3. Massage the stain.
After applying the detergent, gently massage the stain. The longer you do this trick, the more effective the treatment is going to be. Let it sit for another 10 minutes.
4. Rinse well with cold water, then check the stain.
If the stain was not completely wiped out, you can safely repeat this process until the garment is stain-free.
Can You Remove Grass Stains with Alcohol?
Rubbing alcohol works well on clothing and shoes! It is a versatile ingredient and can be used as a simple grass stain removal solution. Aside from its ease of use, it’s also inexpensive!
Take a cotton ball and soak it in alcohol. Place it on the stain and massage in a circular motion. If you are dealing with a very delicate fabric, try mixing equal parts of water and alcohol. However, adding water may take longer to dry.
As soon as the stain dries, rinse it with cool water. Apply a small amount of detergent. Massage again for at least 5 minutes, then rinse again until the water runs clear.
Air-dry the garment. Check to see if the stain is completely gone. If yes, you can launder the garment as normal. If it needs more cleaning, repeat the process.
Did you enjoy learning how to remove grass stains from clothes? They are pretty straightforward and cheap, right? However, if the garment says “dry clean only,” never treat it at home! If you need dry cleaning, look for Kelly’s Dry Cleaners. We do green earth cleaning in Durango and can get the work done quickly and safely like no other!
