Grass stains are often a sign of a good time — whether from a rec league softball game, tending to your garden, or practicing yoga in the park — but they’re also notoriously difficult to remove. These green smudges latch onto fabric fibers and can be tough to get out with a standard wash. The…
Luckily, there are a few quick and effective tricks to tackle even the most stubborn stains and help you save your favorite clothes from the discard pile.
If you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn stain and a green tint remains after your first removal attempt, repeat the process before drying; heat can permanently set the stain. Washing a stained item in warm water can have the same effect, as the hotter temperature “cooks” the protein-based stain, making it much harder to remove.
1. Vinegar and Baking Soda
The natural combination of vinegar and baking soda works as an effective stain remover because vinegar breaks down the proteins and plant material in the stain, while baking soda lifts the residue for easier removal.
Start by mixing equal parts distilled white vinegar and water. Apply the solution directly to the stained area; you can dab it on with a clean cloth or use a spray bottle. Let it sit for five to 10 minutes to help loosen the stain. Next, sprinkle baking soda over the area and scrub gently with a soft brush or an old toothbrush. The baking soda acts as a mild abrasive, helping to lift the stain without damaging the fabric.
2. Rubbing Alcohol or Hand Sanitizer
If you’re in a pinch and don’t have cleaning supplies on hand, grab some rubbing alcohol or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Dab the alcohol onto the stain using a cloth or cotton ball and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, rinse the fabric in cold water and machine wash as usual.
Alcohol dissolves chlorophyll, the green pigment in grass, which is what makes these stains so tough to remove.
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3. Dish Soap
Using dish soap is one of the simplest and most accessible methods for removing grass stains. First, rinse the stained area with cold water to remove as much of the green mark as possible. Apply a small amount of liquid dish soap directly onto the stain — preferably one designed to cut through grease, such as Palmolive Ultra Strength or Dawn Platinum. Gently work it into the fabric using your fingers or a soft brush, and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
Dish soap breaks down the organic compounds in grass, loosening the stain from the fabric. After scrubbing lightly, rinse thoroughly with cold water and check the stain before tossing the item into the wash.
