How to Remove Grass Stains from Clothing.

Removing Grass Stains

If you’ve had enough of green smudges ruining your clothes, you’re ready for some serious grass stain removal strategies. Whether the stain came from a full afternoon of gardening or from kids returning home proudly covered in “evidence” of digging up bugs, grass stains are a notorious laundry challenge.

But don’t panic –  with the right methods (and a little patience), you can get rid of them for good. Here’s why they’re so stubborn, and what actually works.

Why Grass Stains Are So Hard to Remove

Grass stains are a combination of protein-based matter and natural plant pigments. They contain chlorophyll (the green pigment), xanthophylls (yellow pigments), and carotenoids (orange pigments) – all of which bond especially well to natural fibers like cotton.

That bond is the problem: these pigments seep into the fibers rather than just sitting on top, making them harder to lift. Add in dirt or other organic debris, and you have a stain that resists ordinary washing.

If your clothing is treated with a fabric protector (like Scotchgard), grass stains are less likely to set – but untreated fabrics will need extra effort.

Grass Stain Removal Tips

Important: Avoid ammonia, degreasers, or highly alkaline detergents – they can permanently set grass stains. Always test any stain removal method on a hidden seam or fabric swatch first.

Tide Powder or Liquid with Enzymes

• Choose a detergent with both enzymes and bleach (safe for your fabric color).
• Apply directly to the stain and gently rub in.
• Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
• Wash in the warmest water safe for the fabric.
• Repeat if needed.

Rubbing Alcohol

• Place the stained fabric flat over an old towel.
• Dab isopropyl rubbing alcohol onto the stain.
• Let it air dry.
• Rinse with cold water, then apply liquid detergent.
• Rinse again, then wash as usual.

White Vinegar

• Mix equal parts plain white vinegar and cool water.
• Apply directly to the stain, rubbing gently.
• Wash as normal.
• Good for color-safe fabrics that can’t handle bleach.

Enzyme-Based Pretreaters

• Apply products like Zout®, Shout® Advanced Gel, or a similar enzyme cleaner.
• Let sit for 5–15 minutes (or per label instructions).
• Wash in warm water recommended for the garment.

Biz Laundry Additive

• Dissolve 1 cup Biz® powder in very hot water (handle with care).
• Soak the stained item for 1 hour, then let it cool completely.
• Wash as usual.

Banana Oil (Amyl Acetate)

• Available at some pharmacies.
• Apply directly to the stain and rub gently.
• Rinse with warm water.
• For persistent stains, follow with a mild detergent-and-water mix.

For Light-Colored Fabrics

Bleach and hydrogen peroxide should never be mixed together in the same container, as the combination can create a hazardous reaction. Instead:

• Try diluted chlorine bleach (for whites) or oxygen bleach (color-safe) following the package instructions.
• For stubborn stains on whites, pretreat with hydrogen peroxide separately before laundering.

Commercial Stain Removers

• Motsenbocker’s Lift-Off® (biodegradable, water-based)
• Goo Gone® Spray Gel (non-toxic)
• Apply directly to the stain, wait 10–15 minutes, then wash.

Dry Clean Only Items

• Do not attempt home treatments.
• Take them to a professional dry cleaner as soon as possible for the best chance of full removal.

Final Word on Grass Stain Removal

Grass stains may be some of the most stubborn marks your laundry will face, but they don’t have to be permanent. By understanding what’s in them and choosing the right products – whether enzyme detergents, vinegar solutions, rubbing alcohol, or commercial cleaners – you can make grass stain removal part of your laundry routine instead of a laundry nightmare. The next time you’re faced with green streaks, you’ll know exactly how to tackle them.