Grass stains happen. It seems to be the rule with kids that they manage to get grass stains on a new outfit within minutes of putting it on. Anyone who has ever tried to remove one knows it can be tricky and dried grass stains are even more difficult to remove than new fresh ones. But here are some tips to help remove grass stains from your nicest clothes or sports kit.
What are grass stains?
Grass stains are a mixture of proteins, but mostly they are made of the chlorophyll from the plant. This chlorophyll is a dye stain. Dye stains are in many opinions the toughest stains to remove. To top it all off, a grass stain may also be accompanied by sweat stains, mud stains, juice stains, or all manner of other stain removal challenges. Grass is good at dyeing clothing; this is what makes it so tough to deal with.
Before we start explaining tips to remove grass stains, always read the care labels on your clothes. This will give you an idea on whether or not the product or technique works with the specific material at hand.
Wherever possible, keep the stain wet until you can treat it.
Remove as much of the mud and dirt as possible before treating the grass stain.
Turn the garment inside out and rinse the item from the back with cool water. Working from the backside of the fabric pushes the stain back out rather than working it in deeper.
Leave it to soak in a washing up bowl or if it very muddy sports kit a bucket might be more suitable for the job.
After flushing and soaking with water you can turn your attention to the grass stain. The best method of removal is a simple paste, mix baking soda and plain vinegar to a toothpaste consistency.
Still working from the backside of the item, gently work the paste into the stain with your fingers. Allow the paste to sit on the clothing for 15 minutes then rinse with cool water, again from the back, until the water runs clean.
If the stain has been removed, great, launder with your normal Surcare detergent and then allow to air dry. If not repeat the paste process before laundering.
