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If you have kids and a yard, then you’re no stranger to grass stains. Grass stains are often a combination of the dye-like green chlorophyll of grass and other organic matter, such as dirt and mud. It is very important to treat grass stains as soon as possible because the longer they sit, the harder they will be to remove.
What You Will Need
- Digestive enzyme capsules or tablets (found in most health food stores)
- Cold water
- Small bowl or cup
- Laundry detergent
- Washer
- Plastic Spoon or Dull knife
Removing the Grass Stains
- Brush off any excess grass or dirt that remains on the clothing. If there is mud, gently scrape off any excess mud with a plastic spoon or dull knife, being careful not to spread the mud or grind it into the fabric.
- Break open two or three capsules of the digestive enzyme and pour the powder into a small bowl or cup (about a teaspoon’s worth). If you have tablets, on a cutting board or other protected surface, grind the tablets into a fine powder. Digestive enzyme capsules and tablets (such as Udo’s Choice™ and D-Enzymes™) are vegetable-based and can be found at most health and vitamin stores. Green People offers a lists of health food stores by area and online, please. For more information on Digestive Enzymes, see Enzyme Stuff.
- Mix a small amount of cold water with the enzyme powder until a thick past forms (probably about a tablespoon of water). The paste should be the consistency of toothpaste.
- Spread the enzyme paste on the grass stain, being sure to cover it completely and on both sides (if necessary). While this paste will generally be safe for most fabrics, you should test a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure there will be no issues with damage or discoloration to the material.
- Let the paste sit on the stain for at least one hour.
- Without removing the paste, place the stained clothing in the wash and launder as usual, preferably by itself, following the recommended wash cycle and temperature setting indicated on the clothing tag.
- After the wash, check the garment carefully for any sign of the stain. If the stain remains, DO NOT put the item in the dryer as the heat from the dryer will set the stain and it will be nearly impossible to remove.
- If any sign of the stain remains, repeat 3 through 5, but before allowing the paste to sit for an hour, rub it into the stain using a toothbrush or small nailbrush.
- Launder the garment again. By the end of the wash cycle, the stain should be gone or faded to a point where it is no longer noticeable.
Additional Tips and Advice
- Always treat grass stains as soon as possible. If allowed to dry, the stain will set in and will be virtually impossible to remove.
- If your fabric is a delicate material, such as wool or silk, it is not recommended that you attempt any of these methods. Instead, consider taking the item to a professional cleaner to avoid damage or discoloration.
- NEVER attempt any of these cleaning methods on fabric that is designated as dry clean only; any such fabric should be taken to a professional dry cleaner.
- ALWAYS test your cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric before treating the stained area.
- Always follow all care instructions and warning on the label of your particular clothing or fabric before following any of these stain removal suggestions. If anything contained on the label of your clothing or fabric contradicts the advice given here, opt to follow the advice on the label.
- Hydrogen peroxide can be used to treat stubborn grass stain. Simply rub the stain with a cloth dampened with hydrogen peroxide and launder as usual. Use extreme caution when using hydrogen peroxide as it can have a bleaching affect on some fabrics (including the clothes you’re wearing when your trying to remove the stain). Always test a small, inconspicuous area first before to the stain. Please remember that Hydrogen Peroxide is a chemical substance and can be dangerous if mishandled. For more information visit the U.S. Department of Human Services Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
- It is NOT recommended that you use any product containing ammonia (i.e. glass cleaners) or any alkaline based products to remove a grass stain; because of the particular and varied composition of grass stains, these products might actually set the stain rather than remove it.
When my kids have grass stains on their pants, we use Dawn dish soap.
We have a white wool carpet with a fresh grass stain. Is peroxide or OxiClean safe?
Wow; this worked so well!