How to remove grass stains: expert step-by-step guide
Green knees on white trousers? Green patch on a skirt? Follow our laundry expert's guide to removing even the most stubborn grass stains from clothes, including whites and delicates
Grass stains are one of the hardest fabric stains to remove. Which is a mighty pain for us parents, as we've yet to discover a child who can play outside in a park or garden – or run and jump on a school sports day – without getting at least one green patch on the knees of their trousers, the hem of their dress or the bottom of their shorts.
But the good news is, though grass stains may be hard to remove, it's not impossible. And we've a brilliant step-by-step guide, below, compiled with expert advice from laundry and cleaning expert Sarah Dempsey of MyJobQuote, to show you how.
Aren't grass stains permanent?
Grass stains only become permanent if you leave them and allow them to 'set'. The longer the stain is left, the more difficult it will be to remove. So, always tackle the stain as soon as you spot it – easier said that done, we know, when the PE kit doesn't always make it home!
Why are grass stains so hard to get out?
Grass contains chlorophyll, a green pigment that gives plants their luscious green colour, as well as the ability to absorb energy from the sun. Although it's a natural dye, it's very strong and adheres to fabric fibres in a very similar way to the kinds of artificial dye used by manufacturers to colour material for clothes.
Is it better to wash grass stains in hot or cold water?
"It is always better to wash grass stains in cold water," says our laundry expert Sarah Dempsey. "That's because hot water can cause the stain to harden and set. This will then make it much more difficult to remove."
More like this
This is why, in our grass-stain removal guide, below, we always say you should rinse the stain in cold water as one of the first steps.
Here are 4 different ways to remove grass stains – with expert step by step instructions
We've got 4 different methods for removing grass stains, depending on the freshness of the stain and what kind of fabric it's on. Each of these methods uses 'ingredients' you probably already have around the house from washing powders to vinegar, although you may have to order hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol (both are easily available online).
- For more stain removal advice, take a look at our step-by-step guide on how to remove oil stains and our pick of the best pre-packaged stain removers.
How to remove grass stains with rubbing alcohol (tough stains) | How to remove grass stains with laundry detergent (fresh stains) | How to remove grass stains with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda (for whites) | How to remove grass stains with vinegar (for delicates)
How to remove grass stains with rubbing alcohol
– Best for tough grass stains
What you'll need:
- Rubbing alcohol
- Laundry detergent
- Old toothbrush (optional)
- Washing machine
What to do:
1. Apply the rubbing alcohol to the garment. Generously blot the grass stains with rubbing alcohol and then leave the garment to air dry.
2. Once dry, rinse with cold water.
3. Cover the stain in laundry detergent and give it a good scrub. If the stain is very stubborn, you can use an old toothbrush to really work the detergent in.
4. Leave the detergent to soak in. You need to allow the detergent to sit on the stain for at least 10 minutes.
5. Rinse off with cold water and put in the washing machine. Set the machine on a normal cycle at the recommended temperature. (Do always check the care label to make sure the garment is machine-washable.)
How to remove grass stains with laundry detergent
– Best for fresh grass stains
What you'll need:
- Laundry detergent
- Small brush/toothbrush
- Washing machine
What to do:
1. Apply the laundry detergent and brush it in. Add a generous amount of detergent to the grass stain and use a small brush or an old toothbrush to really work it in.
2. Leave the detergent to soak in. Allow the detergent to sit on the stain for at least 10 minutes and then rinse off with cold water.
3. Rinse off with cold water and put in the washing machine. Set the machine on a normal cycle at the recommended temperature. (Do always check the care label to make sure the garment is machine-washable.)
How to remove grass stains with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda
– Best for whites
What you'll need:
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Small brush/toothbrush
- Laundry detergent
- Washing machine
What to do:
1. Make a paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Mix 1 tbsp baking soda together with a few drops of hydrogen peroxide, until they form a thick paste.
2. Brush the paste into the stain. Smooth the paste over the grass stain and use a small brush or toothbrush to scrub the solution into the stain.
3. Leave it to work for at least 30 minutes.
4. Rinse off with cold water, then add detergent. Add some laundry detergent to the stain and scrub it in with a brush or toothbrush. Allow the detergent to sit for around 10 minutes.
5. Rinse again, then put in the washing machine. Set the machine on a normal cycle at the recommended temperature. (Do always check the care label to make sure the garment is machine-washable.)
How to remove grass stains with vinegar
– Best for delicates
What you'll need:
- Water
- Distilled white vinegar
- Small brush/toothbrush
- Laundry detergent
- Washing machine
What to do:
1. Make a vinegar solution. Mix 1 part water with 1 part distilled white vinegar.
2. Cover the stain with the solution and scrub it in. Coat the stain in the vinegar solution and use a small brush or toothbrush to scrub the solution into the stain.
3. Leave it to work for at least 30 minutes.
4. Rinse it off in cold water and add the detergent. Scrub the detergent in and allow to sit for another 10 minutes.
5. Rinse off with cold water and put in the washing machine. Set the machine on a normal cycle at the recommended temperature. (Do always check the care label to make sure the garment is machine-washable.)
About our expert
Sarah Dempsey has worked in the cleaning industry for over 25 years. Sarah specialises in domestic cleaning and laundry. She also works closely with MyJobQuote to provide expert cleaning knowledge to homeowners, tradespeople and news outlets.
Pics: Getty Images
Read more:
Authors
Chloe is a Digital Reviews Writer and Coordinator for Immediate Media's Parenting team, specialising in household and trying to help parents save money. She researches and writes articles, recommending the best products, ranging from best cordless vacuums to best playpens. She has a First-Class Honours Psychology degree where she developed a strong interest in child development. During her teenage years she worked as a play worker and Brownie volunteer to support children's play.
How NatPat's wellness patches may help your family
NatPat's range of wellness patches and stickers aim to tackle everything from allergies to lack of focus. We take a closer look at the range.