How to Remove Grass Stains From Almost Any Material

Grass stains are like the unwanted souvenirs of outdoor fun - a vivid reminder of picnics, sports, and adventures in the green. These stubborn green marks can turn your favorite outfits and fabrics into a canvas of frustration. However, fear not, for learning how to remove grass stains is relatively simple, once you know the right approach.

This article delves into the most effective and easy-to-follow methods for banishing grass stains from almost any material. From traditional fabrics like cotton and wool to more delicate ones like silk and suede, we'll guide you through a variety of techniques, ensuring your clothes and fabrics emerge victorious against the green menace.

Whether it's a cherished garment or a beloved piece of upholstery, our comprehensive guide will arm you with the knowledge to tackle grass stains with confidence and ease. Use these tips to keep nature outside, where it belongs.

Treat Grass Stains on Tough Fabrics

When removing grass stains from acetate, carpet/synthetic, carpet/wool, rayon, silk, triacetate, wool, use the following method:

Sponge (the method of using light strokes with a dampened pad working outward from the center of the stain) the area with a dry-cleaning solvent such as Afta Cleaning Fluid. Apply dry spotter to the stain and cover with an absorbent pad dampened with the dry spotter. Let it stand as long as any stain is being removed. Change the pad as it picks up the stain. Keep both the stain and pad moist with dry spotter.

Flush (the method of applying stain remover to loosen staining materials and residue from stain removers) with one of the dry-cleaning solvents and allow to dry thoroughly. When working on carpets, be sure to blot up the excess liquid during the procedure and before drying.

Grass Stain Removal From Soft Fabrics

Want to know how to remove set in grass stains from acrylic fabric, cotton, linen, modacrylic, nylon, olefin, polyester, or spandex? Follow these tips:

Gently rub liquid dish soap or laundry detergent into the stain and rinse well with cold water. If any stain remains, pre-soak (the method of soaking in the washer or in a sink or tub before washing) in an enzyme pre-soak product (follow directions on label). Rinse thoroughly and launder as soon as possible.

If any grass stain still remains, test for color-fastness in an inconspicuous place, then use a mild sodium perborate bleach or 3% hydrogen peroxide. Thoroughly rinse with warm water, then launder as usual.

Remove Dried Grass Stains the Easy Way

Dealing with a grass stain on acrylic plastic, aluminum, ceramic, glass/tile, cork, linoleum, vinyl clothing, vinyl tile, or vinyl wall covering? Remove any stains by wiping with a cloth dipped in warm sudsy water. Rinse well and wipe dry with a clean cloth.

Is the stained area on bluestone, brick, concrete, flagstone, granite, limestone, masonry tile, slate, or terrazzo? Wash the grass stain with a solution of baking soda or mild detergent (not soap) and water. Use a cloth or soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the stain. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and allow to air dry.

Remove Fresh Grass Stains From Delicate Fabrics

Removing grass stains from leather or suede? Mix a solution of mild soap in lukewarm water. Swish to create a great volume of suds. Apply only the foam with a sponge. Wipe with a dry clean cloth. If an oily stain remains, powder the area with an absorbent, such as cornmeal.

Allow plenty of time for the absorbent to work, then brush (the method of using a stiff-bristled brush to gently remove dried stains and spots) off the stain and powder. Repeat if necessary. On leather only, follow with Tannery Vintage Leather Cleaner & Conditioner or Fiebing's Saddle Soap.

The next time nature leaves its mark on you, take the above tips to heart. When it comes to grass stains, you can be a cleaning expert, removing stubborn spots without resorting to oxygen bleach or rubbing alcohol.

This article was updated in conjunction with AI technology, then fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.

How To Make Wet & Dry Spotters

Dry Spotter:

To make a dry spotter, combine 1 part coconut oil (available at pharmacies and health food stores) and 8 parts liquid dry-cleaning solvent. This solution may be stored if the container is tightly capped to prevent evaporation of the solvent. Mineral oil may be substituted for the coconut oil, but is not quite as effective.

Caution: Dry-cleaning solvents are poisonous and may be flammable.

Wet spotter:

To prepare a wet spotter, mix 1 part glycerine, 1 part white dishwashing detergent, and 8 parts water. Shake well before each use. Store wet spotter in a plastic squeeze bottle.