Here's The Best Method For Removing Grass Stains From Clothing

Grass stains are a frequent source of frustration for gardeners and athletes. These stains are challenging to remove because they are protein-based stains that are caused by chlorophyll, which is the green pigment that gives plants their color. Chlorophyll acts like a dye when it comes into contact with fabric. Fortunately, grass stains can be removed using common household ingredients like hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.

If you want to get rid of stains quickly and avoid ruining your clothing, you need to treat the stain as soon as possible and use the right stain removal method. You should never use chlorine bleach on grass stains. Bleach creates a chemical reaction that can cause grass and other protein stains to set in the fabric. When determining the best method to remove grass stains from clothing, it's important to use proven methods that work for the specific fabric. If you are worried about how stain removal will affect the fabric, you can test an inconspicuous area before treating the stain.

The most important thing to do when dealing with grass stains is to pretreat the stain immediately to keep it from setting. Waiting makes it more difficult to remove the stains. The longer stains sit on clothing, the more the pigment binds to the fabric. Pretreating the stain helps to break up the bright green pigment, which makes it easier to get out. 

The hydrogen peroxide hack that will save your clothing requires hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and a small brush. Mix the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to make a thick paste, then brush it on the stains to cover the affected area completely. Let the mixture sit for about a half an hour and then scrub with the brush. After you have treated the stain, you will want to wash your clothes. When washing clothes with grass stains, it is best to wash your laundry in cold water. Hot water can actually set some protein-based stains, rather than removing them.

Certain fabrics, such as cotton and silk, are more prone to becoming stained than other fabrics. This happens because the natural chemical compounds bind more thoroughly to natural fabrics. When attacking stubborn grass stains, it is important to consider the type of fabric to determine the best method for removing the stains.

Cotton fabrics can be treated using the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda method. Allow the mixture time to sit on the stain before gently scrubbing it away. If this does not work, try using an oxygen-based bleaching agent, such as OxiClean, to soak the fabric. Oxygen-based bleaching agents act in a similar way to hydrogen peroxide, using oxidizing agents to attack stains.

When dealing with delicate silk or wool, acting immediately is even more important to avoid damage to the fabric. For delicate silks, blot the stained area rather than scrubbing to prevent damage. If you are not sure about the fabric or the item is expensive, you may want to take it to a dry cleaner.