How to Remove Grass Stains Out of All Fabric Types

In summer, it's a good time for a weekend picnic, a bit of backyard cricket, or the kids tearing it up at Saturday sport. It’s all fun and games until you get home and see it. That massive green smear across a brand-new pair of shorts. You see that grass stain. What a nightmare! 

Hold on a minute! Before you toss that garment in the rag pile, we're here to tell you there’s hope. We're going to walk through a foolproof way to remove grass stains, and the best part is, this method works on pretty much any fabric you can throw at it.

So, Why Are Grass Stains Such a Nightmare?

Playing in the park is thrilling. But not with the green mark clinging on for dear life. We call it grass stains. These stains are genuinely stubborn.

Inside the grass, there is chlorophyll. We can say that chlorophyll is like real dyes. The U.S. National Science Foundation points out that chlorophyll gives plants their rich green colour. That same pigment also sticks strongly to fibres, which is why grass stains can be so tough on clothes.

The Best Way to Remove Grass Stains that Applies to Any Material

The important key to getting a grass stain out is to tackle it before it goes anywhere near a hot wash. This general approach works on any fabric types from tough polyester to delicate linen. Here is the general steps by steps that you can follow:

Step 1:  The Pre-Treat Process

This step is critical, so don’t be tempted to skip it! Depending on your fabric, pick one of these ways. 

• When grass stains work their way into strong fibres such as cotton, denim, or polyester, you’ll need stronger solutions. You can dab a little rubbing alcohol to help dissolve that stubborn chlorophyll. Just grab a clean cloth, blot it onto the stained area, and let it do its thing for a few minutes before you rinse with cold water.
• When it comes to your white clothes, you could even try a little hydrogen peroxide, but please, do a little spot test on a hidden seam first!
• If you prefer using a home remedy, you can use a paste made from baking soda and a splash of white vinegar. Grab an old toothbrush and gently scrub the paste into the stain, working with the grain of the fabric. Let it sit for about 15-30 minutes to really soak the stain and break it down.
• Our detergent sheets use enzymes that perform well on both delicate and tough fabrics such as cotton or denim, working in cooler washes and shorter cycles to lift stains while protecting colour.

Step 2: The Washing Process

Once you've pre-treated the mark, it’s time to launder the garment. You're getting closer to making the awesome result. Toss all the clothes into the washing machine with your usual high-quality laundry detergent. Here are the steps you can follow:

• Rinse the pre-treated spot with cold water. Then wash the whole garment in the machine on a normal cold cycle, following the care label. Warm water can set the stain by bonding the plant proteins to the fabric, making it permanent.
• Use an enzyme-containing detergent to help treat grass stains effectively at lower temperatures while protecting fabric. Lucent Globe laundry sheets contain protease enzymes that do the job well.
• For heavy, set-in stains on sturdy fabrics, you can escalate with an oxygen-based bleach in warm water and soak the stain before washing. Follow the care label and avoid chlorine bleach on coloured items

Step 3: The Drying Process

You're almost get to the end. Whatever you do, do not just throw the wet garment into the dryer. Heat is the ultimate enemy of a lingering stain.

• Once the wash is done, pull the item out and have a proper look at it in good light. Is the grass stain completely removed? If it’s vanished. That's good news for you. You can dry it as usual. But it is safer to air-dry it first. 
• If you can still see a faint green ghost of the stain, don't be sad. It just means you need to go another round. Simply repeat the process. Apply your chosen stain remover again, let it sit, and give it another wash. 

Simple Tips to Prevent Grass Stains (Before They Happen)

You can prevent your kids from having fun while playing in the backyard. Because outdoor playing is good too for their growth. So, what you need to do? Yes, you need to prepare some stuff to avoid stubborn grass stains. 

• Have Your 'Play' Clothes Ready. Got a favourite pair of trackies or some old shorts? Make them your official uniform for backyard cricket, gardening, or rolling around with the dog. Save your good threads for when you're not planning on getting down and dirty.
• Bring a Barrier. Heading out for a picnic or to watch the kids' sport? Chuck a big rug, blanket, or even a few towels in the car. It’s a simple buffer between your nice jeans and a field of green.
• Try a Fabric Protector Spray. For things like kids' sports uniforms or your favourite picnic pants, you can consider to use a fabric protector spray. Fabric protector spray creates an invisible shield that helps repel stains, giving you a bit more time to treat them before they set in. Just make sure to test it on a small, hidden spot first! 
• Be Ready for Action. You've done all the prevention steps, but your kid's clothes still look messy because of grass stains. What should you do? The best thing you can do is treat the grass stains as soon as possible. The longer you let the stains sit, the more they want to move in permanently. Dabbing it with a bit of water or a wet wipe on the spot can make a huge difference before you get it home to treat it properly.

Key Takeaways

• Get onto it, quick! The sooner you treat a grass stain, the better your chances are.
• Remember the double-act. You're fighting both a green dye (chlorophyll) and clingy plant fibres (cellulose).
• Pre-treat is your best weapon. Always tackle the stain with something like rubbing alcohol or a dish soap paste before it hits the main wash.
• Keep it cool. Only use cold water in the washing machine. Hot water will set the stain for good.
• Stay away from the heat. Don't even think about using a machine dryer until you are certain the stain is gone. Air dry it first to be safe.
• If you're unsure. For that super expensive silk shirt or items that need to be dry cleaned, it might be best to leave it to the professionals.