How to Remove Grass Stains

By Matt Oden | Comments | Dirt and Grease Stains → Grass

The bright green color of grass is a beautiful sign of spring and summer. It isn't so beautiful on jeans and t-shirts, and a grass stain is notoriously hard to remove as it is considered a dye stain. The older the stain is, the more difficult the removal process becomes. In order to successfully remove grass stains, you must treat the stain as soon as possible.

Removing Fresh Grass Stains from Fabric

The fun doesn't need to stop just because a grass stain appears, the process for removing fresh grass stains involves a soaking period to loosen the stain.

What You'll Need Before You Start:

Enzyme product, such as Biz
Heavy-duty laundry detergent

Immediately place the stained garment in a solution of cool water and a laundry product containing enzymes, such as Biz. Avoid using hot water on a fresh grass stain as it will set the stain. Allow the garment to soak for at least 30 minutes. You can safely leave the fabric in the solution overnight, if desired.

Wash the garment in warm water and heavy duty laundry detergent. Inspect carefully for any remaining stains before placing in the dryer. The heat from the dryer will set the stain, making it near impossible to remove.

Removing Stubborn Grass Stains from Fabric

Depending on the fabric and amount of staining, some grass stains are difficult to remove. Some products to avoid while trying to remove grass stains include alkali-based products, such as ammonia or degreasers. They can help to set the vegetable dye in grass stains.

What You'll Need Before You Start:

All-fabric powdered bleach
Chlorine bleach or color-safe bleach

If a grass stain remains after pretreating and washing, soak the stained clothing in a diluted solution of all-fabric powdered bleach, according to the manufacturer's directions. Any time you use bleaching products, bleach the entire garment to avoid uneven discoloration.

If the stain remains, you will need to use a stronger bleaching agent, such as chlorine or a color-safe bleach. Soak the entire garment in a diluted solution of the appropriate bleach. If the stain remains after 15 minutes, it has set in and is permanent. To continue bleaching will weaken the fabric.

Removing Grass Stains from Carpet

Grass can stain much more than just clothing. Many green plants can result in grass stains when crushed into soft surfaces, such as carpet. Whether a child has brought a handful of grass in or a pet has torn leaves off of a houseplant, the green foliage can leave a bright green stain when pressed into the carpet.

What You'll Need Before You Start

Clean, white towels
Clear acetone
Dry cleaning solvent
Mild dishwashing detergent

Apply clear acetone to a generous area of a folded white towel.
Blot over the grass-stained carpet until the green color no longer comes up on the towel.
Apply dry cleaning solvent to a clean, white towel.
Blot over the stain.
Use a dry towel to remove any excess moisture from the carpet.
Mix one tablespoon mild dishwashing detergent into two cups warm water. Stir gently to combine. Moisten a clean, white towel in the detergent solution.
Blot over the stained area. Follow with a dry towel to remove the excess moisture.
Sponge with a clean, towel dampened in cool water to remove the detergent solution.
Blot thoroughly with a dry towel.

Removing Grass Stains from Upholstery

Much like carpet, upholstery fabric can receive grass-type stains from grass or other green foliage found within the home. The key to removing stains from upholstery is to use moderate amounts of liquid. Frequent blotting will reduce the amount of liquid absorbed into the upholstery cushioning when taking steps to remove grass stains.

What You'll Need Before You Start:

Clean, white towels
White vinegar
Rubbing alcohol

Test the cleaning solutions on a hidden area prior to stain application. If there is no discoloration at the test site, it is safe to apply the chemicals to the stained upholstery fabric.

Add one tablespoon of white vinegar to two-thirds cup of rubbing alcohol. Stir gently to combine.
Take the folded corner of a clean, white towel and dip in the cleaning solution.
Gently sponge over the grass-stained upholstery. Avoid pressing too much liquid into the stain.
Blot to absorb the excess liquid.
Repeat sponging and blotting until the stain is successfully removed.

There is no need to rinse the cleaning solution from the upholstery. The alcohol will speed the drying process, while the vinegar smell will disappear within a few hours.

Grass stains are a mixed blessing. They usually occur while running, playing and having a good time. Take the time to remove grass stains before they set in and make the stains are just a temporary reminder, instead of a permanent one.