How to Remove Grass Stains from Clothes Carpet and Upholstery

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Kids get grass stains, athletes get grass stains, gardeners get grass stains and outdoor concert goers get grass stains. Most of the time, the chlorophyll stains are pretty simple to remove and we'll talk about the ground-in dirt that comes along as well.

How to Remove Grass Stains from Washable Clothes

To remove grass stains from washable fabrics, first treat the stained area with a stain remover like Shout or Resolve.

If you don't have a stain remover, work a bit of heavy duty detergent that contains enough stain-removing enzymes to be effective (Tide. Wisk and Persil are considered heavy-duty) into the stained area. Cover the grass stain with a thin layer of the detergent liquid and work it into the fabric by rubbing with your fingers or using a soft bristle brush. Allow the detergent to remain on the stain for at least 15 minutes. This will give the stain-lifting enzymes time to work on the stain and any soil that has been ground into the fabric.

Next, mix a solution of warm water and all-fabric oxygen bleach (OxiClean. Clorox 2, Country Save Bleach. or Purex 2 Color Safe Bleach are brand names) following the package label directions. This is safe for all types of fabrics except silk and wool. Completely submerge the entire garment and allow it to soak for at least one hour - longer is better - up to six hours.

Before the garment is placed in a clothes dryer, check that all of the stain is removed. The high heat of the dryer will set the stain and make it harder to remove. If any stain remains, repeat the soaking steps in oxygen bleach and then rinse well.

How to Remove Grass Stains from Dry Clean Only Clothes

If the garment is labeled as dry clean only, point out and identify the stain to your professional cleaner.

If you are using a home dry cleaning kit. be sure to treat the stain with the provided stain remover before putting the garment in the dryer bag.

How to Remove Grass Stains from Carpet

Once grass has been tracked onto carpet, the sooner it can be removed the easier it will be to remove the stain. Begin by vacuuming up as much loose grass and soil as possible.

Next, mix a solution of one tablespoon dish washing or laundry detergent with two cups cool water. Dip a clean, white cloth or cellulose sponge into the solution and wring to remove excessive liquid. Working from the outside edge of the stain toward the center, sponge the solution onto the stain.

Gently work in the mixture to the carpet fibers. Allow to work for 15 minutes and then blot with a dry, white cloth or paper towel until all of the liquid is absorbed.

Next, sponge with some clear, plain water until no more suds are present. Blot dry with a clean white cloth. Don't skip this step. It is important to remove any soapy residue because it can actually attract and hold soil.

Allow to air dry and check that all of the stain is removed. If the stains remain, mix a solution of oxygen bleach and water following the package directions.

Repeat the cleaning steps with this solution until the stain is gone.

After the carpet is completely dry, vacuum well to lift carpet fibers.

How to Remove Grass Stains from Upholstery

Outdoor upholstery is particularly prone to getting grass stains. Follow the same steps as suggested for removing grass stains from carpet. Take care to not overwet the fabric or pillow forms. If possible, remove the pillow covers before cleaning.

If the stains remain, you can use acetone (if you use fingernail polish remover make sure that it does not have conditioning oils) or dry cleaning fluid to remove the stains. ALWAYS test these products in an inconspicuous area to make sure they don't remove color from the fabric. Blot gently and work from the outside edges toward the center. Allow to air dry.