How to remove grass stains
Grass stains are often difficult to remove. However, with the right approach, you can make your white laundry shine again.
“Grass stains are notoriously difficult to remove because chlorophyll and other organic matter gets stuck in the fibers. But don’t despair – they can be removed,” says cleaning expert Karina Toner, who shares five simple steps to get rid of those stubborn green stains.
Armed with the best cleaning products and Karina’s expert advice, you can go from green to shine in no time.
1. Pre-treat the stain immediately
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Grass stains are easier to remove when they are fresh, so act quickly.
Karina, Operations Manager at Spekless Cleaning, says: “The longer the stain is left, the harder it will be to remove. Immediate pre-treatment will help dissolve the stain before it sets in.”
“As soon as possible, apply a pre-treatment stain remover directly to the grass stain. I like the Zout Laundry Stain Remover from Amazon because it’s specifically designed to remove stubborn stains, including grass. Its triple enzyme formula is designed to break down proteins, starches and oils, which are common components of grass stains.”
Alternatives include white vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Karina also recommends Shout Advanced Ultra Concentrated Stain Removing Gel, available here in a two-pack at Walmart.
“Using a soft brush or your fingers, gently rub the product into the fabric,” adds Karina. “Leave it on for about 10 to 15 minutes to allow the enzymes to break down the grass pigments.”
2. Rinse with cold water
After pre-treating the stain, rinse the stain thoroughly under cold running water. Rinse from the back of the fabric to push the stain out rather than penetrating it deeper into the fibers.
Karina recommends: “Rinse the stained area under cold running water. Make sure the water goes through the back of the fabric to push the stain out and not penetrate deeper into the material. Avoid using hot water at this stage. Using cold water is crucial as hot water can set the stain deeper into the fibers.”
3. Use a stain remover
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If the stain is still there after rinsing, reapply a stain remover cleaner directly to the stained area.
Karina says: “A strong detergent with enzymes will further dissolve the remaining stain and remove it from the fabric. Enzymes are particularly effective at removing organic stains, such as grass.
“Apply a small amount of a high-quality enzyme-based detergent like Tide Ultra Stain Release Detergent from Amazon. This is one of the best detergents for tough stains because it’s packed with enzymes that tackle grass stains and other hard-to-remove stains. It’s also gentle on fabrics, making it a reliable choice for everyday laundry needs.
“Rub the detergent gently into the fabric and leave it to work for another 10 to 15 minutes. This gives the enzymes time to remove the stubborn grass pigments.”
Karina also recommends Walmart’s Persil ProClean liquid detergent, which cleans effectively in cold water.
4. Wash in cold water
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Place the garment in the washing machine and select the cold water setting. This is gentle on the fabrics and effectively removes stains without setting them.
Karina says: “Washing the garment in cold water ensures that the stain does not set further. It also prevents the fabric from shrinking or losing color, which can happen with hot water.”
“Wash the garment as usual, but be sure to use cold water and a wash cycle appropriate for the fabric type. Add a little extra detergent to ensure a thorough clean.”
Use a high-quality laundry detergent and, if possible, add a stain remover to improve cleaning power. Target’s Gain liquid laundry detergent is a reliable and popular option with more than 4,500 five-star customer reviews.
Just like cleaning stains on carpets, baking soda can also freshen up your clothes. For particularly stubborn stains, you can also make a paste by mixing baking soda with water and letting it sit.
Price: $12.60
This plant-based, paraben-free stain remover is ideal for removing stubborn stains, including grass.
Price: 17,94 €
Baking soda is great for removing stains and odors that may be trapped in clothing fibers.
Aunt Fannie’s Cleaning Vinegar
Price: 13,99 €
With this vinegar with 6% acid you can clean practically everything in the house, even clothing stains.
5. Check before drying
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After washing, carefully inspect the garment to make sure the grass stain has completely disappeared. If you still see traces of the stain, repeat the previous steps before drying.
Karina says: “The heat from the dryer can permanently set any remaining stains, making them difficult to remove afterwards. It’s important to check the stain before you dry the garment.”
“Some grass stains can be particularly stubborn – if traces of the stain are still visible, repeat the previous steps before putting the garment in the dryer. It is often necessary to repeat the process more than once, especially with deep or older stains.”
Karina adds: “It is recommended to let it air dry until you are sure the stain is completely removed.”
Meet our expert
Karina Toner is the Director of Operations at Spekless Cleaning, a reputable cleaning company based in Arlington, VA. With over a decade of hands-on experience in the cleaning industry, she has honed her expertise to provide top-notch cleaning solutions tailored to clients’ individual needs in an effective and sustainable manner.
So there you have it – how to remove grass stains in five easy steps. By following these steps, you can effectively remove grass stains and make your clothes look like new.
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