Here's How to Remove Grass Stains Like a Pro

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Spending time outside is one of the great joys in life, especially in the warmer months: You can send the kids to play outdoor games, plan a picnic to dine al fresco in a park, or maybe spend time figuring out the perfect vegetable garden layout. No matter what you like to do, it's just a fact of life that grass stains are inevitable no matter how old you are.

That telltale green stain comes from the chlorophyll found in plants and is mostly a mixture of that and proteins. So while they can be a bother, they are relatively easy to treat in a few simple steps because they are all natural compounds. But the key is to act fast, because the longer you wait, the harder it will be to remove.

So if you've wondered how to remove grass stains successfully from your everyday clothes and shoes, we've got the solutions for you right here.

How to Get Grass Stains Out of Jeans

We weren't kidding when we said "solutions," because the best way to remove grass stains from your favorite jeans is with a laundry pretreatment. First, shake out the garment to remove anything that might be sitting on the surface of the fabric. Then, apply the pretreatment according to the instructions and launder as usual.

Before you dry the jeans, check for the stain. If it is still visible, do not dry them, because that will further set in the stain. Apply some liquid detergent to the stain, rub it in with your finger or a laundry brush, and launder again.

How to Get Grass Stains Out of Clothes

Much like removing those pesky green streaks from denim, getting grass stains out of clothes is easiest with a pretreatment spray. First, make sure you know the care instructions of your garment. If it's a fabric like cotton, linen, or polyester, you can treat and launder it just like your jeans. If it's a delicate fabric like silk or wool, make sure you're using detergent designed for delicates and use the correct cycle.

If you have something white, avoid using chlorine bleach, as it can chemically react to the stain and make it worse. To get something back to being bright white, use an oxygenated bleach product. A color-safe oxygenated bleach will also work well for set-in stains. Simply mix it with hot water according to the instructions, add the soiled garment, and let it soak for about an hour before laundering as usual. This will also work for washable outdoor blankets.

How to Get Grass Stains Out of Shoes

It's practically impossible to avoid staining your shoes, no matter the material. First, grab a toothbrush (not one that you'll ever use for your teeth!) and a little warm water mixed with either dish soap or that same color-safe oxygenated bleach. Using gentle circular motions, apply the diluted cleaner to the stain and wipe away with a gentle cloth or paper towel.

For fabric shoes like canvas and mesh sneakers, you can use the same pretreatment and launder them just like you would your clothes. And if you're a lover of white sneakers, definitely check out all the finer details of how to clean white shoes to keep them sparkling no matter how many hours of your kid's soccer practice you have to attend.

How to Remove Set-in Grass Stains

Maybe you just didn't have time or maybe you missed a stain when your kids came home. Either way, now you've got a more set-in grass stain to deal with. Don't fret―just get ready to soak! Fill a bucket, sink, or tub with hot water no more than halfway up, depending on the size of what needs to be cleaned. Now add non-chlorine oxygenated bleach to the water and let it dissolve. (Read the package instructions to know how much.)

If the item in question should not be laundered in hot water, wait for it to cool. Otherwise, submerge the stained item in the water and start rubbing the garment with your hands to break up the particles. Then let it stand for an hour or up to overnight and launder as usual. Before drying, check the stain and repeat the process as necessary.

Shout Advanced Action Gel Spray - Pack of 3

Krud Kutter Sports Stain Remover

OxiClean White Revive Laundry Whitener

Miss Mouth's Stain Remover - Pack of 3

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