How to Remove Grass Stains

So, you’re absolutely fed up with grass stains.

Whether it is stains that you got from working in your beautiful garden, or perhaps a stain that your kids happily brought home from digging up ants to join their insect collection.

Either way, grass stains can be a royal pain in the neck as you try to get them out of your stained clothing.

But have no fear, the super grass stain removal experts are here with cleaning tips to help you effectively get rid of those grass stains once and for all.

Why is Grass So Hard to Remove?

Grass stains are essentially dye stains, which are more difficult to remove anyway.

Grass stains are a mixture of protein and other organic matter and mixed with grasses’ juices including chlorophyll and other relatively stable pigmented compounds (xanthophylls and carotenoids).

The major difficulty is the green chlorophyll combined with xanthophylls and carotenoids pigments are so similar to natural fibers like cotton, the grass stain actually penetrates and bonds to the fabric fibers.

Once present, the embedded stain is very difficult to remove from the fabric.

For scotch-guarded fabric, these materials have a harder time binding (and staining) because the material’s fabric is incompatible with the binding process.

In addition to all this, you might also get some brown material dried up dirt, matter, and other natural remnants that are mixed in.

All of this this makes a nasty stain.

Tips To Remove Grass Stains Quickly, Efficiently and For Good

Grass stains can be difficult to remove but are not impossible. When trying to eliminate grass stains, remember not to ever use ammonia, degreaser or alkaline detergents because they are known to permanently set the stain.

Now that you know what not to do, you may be wondering what you should do.

To get started removing those grass stains, you might have to try a ton of different methods to find the one that works for you.

Here are some tips that we’ve used in the past, that can definitely help you remove those grass stains once and for all:

Tide Liquid or Powder Detergent

If you utilize a liquid or powder detergent then you should use one that also contains enzymes and the proven grass stain killer, bleach.

A great choice would be Tide Powder with bleach. Tide not only contains unique cleaning solvents but combines them with bleach and special enzymes that make them true grass stain fighters.

To really make this method work;

1. Pour the detergent directly on the grass stain.
2. Massage the detergent in the stain.
3. Let the detergent sit for about 10-15 minutes.
4. Wash the item as normal.

If the stain isn’t immediately banished, you can repeat the entire process until the grass stain is history.

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is a solvent and is very good at helping to dislodge the green pigment from the grass.

1. Take a sponge and wet the grass stain with isopropyl rubbing alcohol.
2. Let it air dry.
3. Rinse it again with cool water
4. Work in some liquid detergent into the stained area.
5. Rinse with cold water.
6. Let it air dry and then wash the item as you normally would.

This should get rid of the grass stain.

Plain White Vinegar

Pre-treat the grass stain with warm water and plain white vinegar (no fruit vinegar) or water and rubbing alcohol.

You can then rub the mixture directly into the stain and then wash it as you normally would. This mixture is known to get out the stain.

Bleach with Hydrogen Peroxide

This mix of bleach with hydrogen peroxide makes an incredible grass stain remover. Only use this on light clothing as the bleach can remove fabric color too.

To use this method;

1. Mix 1/4 cup bleach, 1/4 cup peroxide and 3/4 cups cold water.
2. Place it directly on the stained area and massage in gently
3. Let it sit for 30-60 minutes
4. Rinse it thoroughly
5. Wash the item as normal

Biz Detergent

Take a huge bowl of water and place it in a pan. Heat the water until boiling. Then, carefully add 1 cup of Biz laundry additive to the water while being careful not to burn yourself. (The water is very hot)

1. Stir the mixture until the Biz is completely dissolved.
2. Once the Biz is dissolved, you should take the mixture off the hot stove.
3. Take your grass stained clothes and put them into the pot for about an hour.
4. Let the clothes completely cool.
5. Once they are completely cool, you should take the items out of the pot and then wash them in the washing machine as usual.

This method should completely remove the grass stains.

Molasses or Karo Syrup

Take a few drops of Molasses or Karo syrup and put it directly on the grass stained area.

Really rub it into the fabric and let it sit for a few minutes. Afterwards, you should wash the item as you normally would. This will make sure that you get that grass stain out!

Banana Oil

Amyl acetate is another name for banana oil and it is sold in drug stores. It is great for removing the chlorophyll in grass stains.

To use it;

• Apply it directly to the grass stain.
• Rub gently.
• Rinse with hot water.

If the stain remains, mix;

• 1 cup of cold water.
• 2 tablespoons of a mild detergent.
• 2 tablespoons of ammonia.

Apply this to the grass stain and rub gently. This combination should completely zap out the stain.

Dry Clean Only

If an item is specifically labeled as a dry clean only product then there isn’t anything that you can do except take it immediately to the dry cleaners. They will then treat and dry clean the stain away.

Commercial Grass Stain Removal Products

There are several commercial products that you can use as well. Some popular ones are Shout Liquid, Trigger or Gel.

To use this method;

• Place the product directly on the stain.
• Wait 1-5 minutes.
• Wash it with detergent in the warmest water recommended on the garment label.
• If the stain remains, you should repeat treatment.

You can also use Motsenbocker Lift-Off, which is a biodegradable and water-based product that is known for its stain removal properties, including grass stains.

To use it;

• Simply place it directly on the grass stain
• Wait 10-15 minutes
• Wash the item as you normally would wash it.

Lastly, you can try Goo Gone spray Gel, an organic and nontoxic spray that is also known for eliminating grass stains.

To use it;

• Simply spray it on the grass stain.
• Wait 15 minutes.
• Wash the item as normal.

In conclusion, you can remove grass stains out of your washable fabrics by first understanding what causes these stains then using the biz removal mixture, bleach with hydrogen peroxide, digestive enzymes, alcohol and water rinse, and detergent with bleach, commercial products, and amyl acetate to get the stain out.

Once you do, grass stains will become a part of your past and definitely not your future.