Summer is one of the best times of the year. It’s full of happy, sun kissed faces whilst you spend time outside with your kids. But it’s also full of stubborn, green stains on your brand-new trousers.
Not to worry though, we’re here to help.
Sifting through all the information on how to remove grass stains is a tedious task in itself. On top of that, there is so much contradicting information.
Do I use hot or cold water to remove grass stains? Is hydrogen peroxide the better than vinegar? Will regular dish soap do the job? All of this will make you dread removing that bothersome grass stain.
Luckily, you’re in the right place. Below you’ll find simple steps to remove those grass stains.
Why Does Grass Stain Your Clothes?
Grass contains several pigmented compounds, with the main one being chlorophyll, which helps the plant absorb energy in order to survive.
These natural compounds have a tendency to absorb into natural fibres of your clothes, namely cotton, wool and silk.
Will Grass Stains Come Out of White Clothes?
You’ve just enjoyed a wholesome picnic with your family in the beautiful sunshine, when you notice a striking green blotch on your favourite white jeans. Uh-oh!
Don’t worry! With a bit of patience and following the steps below, those jeans will look as good as new.
General Tips for Removing Grass Stains
It’s important that you treat the grass stain as quickly as possible. Leaving it will only make it harder to remove, as the stain starts to set in.
Always use cold water when rinsing your stained clothes. The hot water will make the stain absorb into the fabric even more!
Test your chosen solvents on an inconspicuous area of your clothes first, especially with colourful clothes.
If you’re in a rush, as is almost always the case, spray some pre-treatment products on the grass stain before you sling it in the wash basket.
What Is the Best Way to Remove Grass Stains from Clothes?
Follow these five steps to remove those notoriously stubborn grass stains:
Step 1: Remove loose dirt
Before anything else, make sure to brush away any solid matter; this will only make the stain worse when you begin scrubbing.
This includes removing loose dirt and small lumps of grass or dried mud. An old toothbrush or nail brush will do the trick.
Step 2: Rinse clothes in cool water
The pigmented compounds in grass are protein based, so washing in cool water will help prevent them permanently staining.
Step 3: Choose a stain remover
We recommend the distilled white vinegar method for the best results, but using hydrogen peroxide will be just as effective. Below you will find the steps for each of the methods.
White vinegar
It’s likely that you already have white vinegar in your kitchen, making this a preferred option for most. It also seems to have the best results; easily returning your favourite clothes back to their prime.
Here’s what to do:
- Add one part distilled white vinegar to one part water.
- Soak the stained area and leave it for roughly 30 minutes.
- Scrub and then rinse in cool water.
- Work in your usual detergent, let it sit and then rinse again with cool water.
Hydrogen peroxide and bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
This approach works wonders but beware of the mess from the paste!
- Add one or two drops of hydrogen peroxide to a tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) to create a thick paste.
- Gently rub it over the grass stain, allowing it to sit for about 30 minutes.
- Grab an old toothbrush and work the paste in.
- Rinse with cool water.
- Work in your usual detergent with the toothbrush, let it sit for 10-15 minutes and then wash with cool water again.
If you want to try something a bit less messy, replace the bicarbonate of soda with regular dish soap.
Step 4: Launder in cold water
For the best results, use a cold wash on a regular machine cycle. Remember to check the tags for any special instructions.
If you have an enzymatic stain remover, this can help break down the stain and give you even better results.
Step 5: Check stain before you dry it
After your item has been washed, it’s important that you check if the stain has come out completely. If it’s still there, don’t put it in the dryer; the high heat will set the stain. Repeat the wash if necessary.
If the stain hasn’t been noticeably reduced, try following our steps for removing set-in stains below.
How to Remove Set-In Stains
Deeply set-in grass stains will, of course, be harder to remove. They require a bit more elbow grease, washing and, most importantly, patience.
Step 1: Remove loose dirt
Make sure to brush away any solid matter; this will only make the stain worse when you begin scrubbing. This includes loose dirt, small lumps of grass or dried mud. An old toothbrush or nail brush will do the trick.
Step 2: Use a laundry soap bar
Wet the laundry soap bar, and start rubbing it onto the stain. Try using a toothbrush or nail brush to really work in the soap.
Step 3: Launder as usual
Run your item in your usual machine cycle. Remember to check the stain before putting it in the dryer, as the heat will make the stain set. If your item is not machine washable, just rinse it thoroughly and let it air dry.
In The Wash is your guide to the best laundry and cleaning products, tips and tricks. Our mission is to solve the UK’s cleaning and laundry dilemmas!
