If you have kids, you have grass stains to deal with. Everything from sports, to simply digging in the yard, can lead to nasty looking green stains on the knees, elbows and elsewhere. But, kids will be kids and you certainly can’t tell them to stay out of the grass, right?
No. No. You can’t do that.
Though it may seem like the solution is just keeping your kids locked inside of the clean house, that’s never going to work. There are some pretty simple DIY methods for you to try to get those pesky stains out though. What follows are some ideas for quick solutions on how to get grass stains out of clothes. But first, the question on all of our minds…
Why is Grass So Hard to Remove?
Grass stains are the worst. Any mom can tell you. But, why does something as innocuous as grass leave such terrible stains?
Grass stains are a mixture of protein and other organic matter, such as green chlorophyll. When they combine, the pigments are very similar to natural fibers. They actually bond with the fabric because of their chemical makeup. So, no, you are not just imagining it. They are really, really, REALLY hard to lift from clothes.
Bleach with Hydrogen Peroxide
Mixing bleach and hydrogen peroxide creates an unbelievable grass stain remover, but cannot be used on fabrics which are not light (for obvious reasons). If your fabric is a white or light fabric then, use this procedure:
- Combine 1/4 cup bleach, 1/4 cup peroxide and 3/4 cups cold water in a clean bucket or bowl. Stir.
- Pour the homemade stain remover straight onto the spot and rub.
- Then, let it sit for a half hour to an hour.
- Rinse and wash normally.
Rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol can bleed the colors of dyed fabrics, so it is best to use caution when treating colored fabrics. Start with a 50/50 mixture and then try straight alcohol if it doesn’t work. Use steps 2 – 4 above while substituting alcohol for step 1.
Pre-wash stain removal
Pre-wash is the best way to ensure that a stain doesn’t set and get worse. Scrub your stain with a mixture of water and vinegar or a commercial pre-treatment spray. Scrub with an old toothbrush, or rag. Then, launder immediately.
Hairspray
Hairspray is a good replacement for alcohol if you do not have any. But, it will require more work. Spray the spot and then scrub your heart out.
White vinegar mix
You can also try this simple recipe for a grass stain remover that many moms love:
- Combine equal portions of white vinegar, liquid dish soap, and good old H2O.
- Put it into a spray bottle, if you have one. Or pour it into a bucket. Shake or stir.
- Rub the solution on the spot.
- Let stand for about 5 minutes.
While these tips may not solve all of your laundry problems, they will certainly prepare you for the grass stains that your kids bring home. Kids who love to play outside are happy kids and moms love happy kids. So, let them play their hearts out, just be ready with your preferred stain removal method… as they will inevitably come in covered in dirt, grass and goodness knows what else. Happy cleaning!
