If you’re like most families, you’ve spent the summer outside: picnicking in the park, playing outdoor games with the kiddos, or tending to your vegetable garden. All that outdoor living, however, means that grass stains are pretty much inevitable for any age. “Grass stains are tough,” says Mark Vlaskamp, senior vice president of franchising for 2ULaundry and LaundroLab. “We see a ton of them in the laundry business.”
That unmistakable green patch can pop up on your clothes or shoes whenever you rub against grass blades. Why? That friction causes the plant cells to break open and bond to the fabric fibers, acting like a natural dye. Because grass stains are made up of several different materials, they’re stubborn splotches that can be a challenge to work with. “It leaves behind plant pigments, organic material, dirt, and debris that gets worked into the fibers,” Vlaskamp says.
Luckily, though, with a few simple steps, you can remove these marks before the stain sets. So, if you’re dealing with a noticeable green tint on your clothes or shoes, just follow this simple stain-removal guide to successfully get rid of grass stains for good.
How to Remove Grass Stains from Clothes
To get rid of those pesky grass stains from your clothes, the key is treating the stain as soon as possible before it sets. Here’s how:
Flush It With Cold Water
Take the grass-stained garment, and turn it inside out before rinsing the back of the stain with cold water. Working from the back helps flush the pigments, dirt, and debris out of the fabric before the materials have a chance to bond to the fibers.
Apply a Pretreatment
Pretreating the grass stain will set you up for success. Vlaskamp recommends opting for laundry detergent or a stain remover to get the job done. With your fingers or an old toothbrush, gently work a small amount of the solution into the stained area, and let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
Wash It in Warm Water
After you’ve pretreated the grass stain, wash the garment according to the care label, choosing the warmest possible water setting that the fabric allows. “The warmer the water temperature, the better the clean,” Vlaskamp notes.
Inspect the Stain Before Drying
Because heat can set stains, you’ll want to give the stained item a once-over before tossing it in the dryer. If you see any trace of green after laundering it, repeat the previous steps.
How to Remove Grass Stains from Shoes
If you’re trying to remove grass stains from shoes, the best stain-removal method depends on the material you’re treating. Here’s the best course of action to take for each type of shoe:
Canvas Sneakers
After brushing off any stuck-on blades or dirt, scrub the grass stain with liquid laundry detergent diluted with a little water. Using gentle circular motions, apply the cleaner to the stain before wiping the spot clean and leaving your sneakers to air-dry.
Mesh Sneakers
Since mesh sneakers are designed with a more delicate material, you’ll need a soft brush and mild laundry detergent to target the affected area. Rub the solution into the stain as gently as possible to avoid damaging the mesh.
Leather Shoes
If you’ve stained a pair of leather shoes, immediately wipe the grass stain with a damp cloth and some mild dish soap. Once the area is fully dry, treat it with a leather conditioner.
Suede Shoes
For suede shoes, skip the same diluted detergent mixture, or else you’ll run the risk of ruining the velvety look and feel. Instead, brush the stained spot with a suede brush to lift any debris. Then, lightly dab it with a suede-specific cleaner.
How to Remove Set-in Grass Stains
Whether you’ve missed a grass stain or waited too long to tackle it, don’t fret! Set-in grass stains are a bit tougher to remove, but it’s totally possible to get rid of them. While you might be tempted to grab an extra-strong product to banish the green mark, Vlaskamp advises giving the garment “more time to soak, some additional agitation, and another wash or two.”
Pretreat the Stain
Even if the grass stain has already set, applying a pretreatment is crucial. Add a liquid laundry detergent or an enzyme-based stain remover directly to the grass stain, and work it into the fabric with your fingers or a soft toothbrush. Again, let the pretreatment sit for as long as the product directions suggest.
Consider a Soak
For machine-washable colored clothes, you can submerge the grass-stained item in warm water with an oxygen-based laundry whitener, following the product’s instructions. Let the item soak for at least an hour or, better yet, overnight.
Launder the Item
Next, wash the garment according to the care label. Just like with fresh grass stains, opt for the warmest possible water that the fabric allows.
Place It in the Dryer
Again, because heat can permanently lock in grass stains, you’ll want to double-check that the pigment is completely gone before drying it. If the grass stain is still visible, repeat the treatment.
No matter what type of grass stain you’re dealing with—fresh or set-in, clothes or shoes—these expert tips will help you get rid of the bright green mark without the stress.
Lilly Blomquist is the associate editor at The Pioneer Woman, where she writes lifestyle stories across a wide range of topics—including news, entertainment, holidays, food, and more.
