Just about every parent has let out a groan when they see their son or daughter slide into the grass, inevitably staining their clothes with those difficult-to-remove stains. Grass stains are notorious for being difficult to remove, and with good reason. The stain, which is a combination of grass juices, dirt and mud, proteins and grass pigments, can bind tightly to fabric, making them tough to get out no matter how much effort you expend. However, it is possible to remove grass stains, breathing a little more life into your clothes.
Pretreat
The key to getting out grass stains is to act fast. Start working on stain removal as soon as possible, before it dries. Once the grass dries on the fabric, it will be even tougher to get out. The first thing to do when removing a grass stain is to lightly brush off any grass or dirt. If mud is caked on the garment, try using a spatula or knife to remove it. However, when removing dirt and grass from the stain, be very careful not to spread it or rub it in, making the stain worse.
Stain Removers
Because grass stains are particularly difficult to get out, many of the common stain removers, such as stain sticks or sprays, may not be sufficient. However, a strong laundry detergent containing bleach can be powerful enough to remove grass stains. Put detergent on the stain, rub it in well and let it soak for about 15 minutes before washing. Another popular choice for grass stain removal is digestive enzymes, which can be purchased at nutrition or health food stores. Make a paste by breaking open the tablets and adding water. Then apply the paste to the stain and let it set for an hour before washing. Hydrogen peroxide can also be a powerful stain remover. Just pour hydrogen peroxide on a cloth or rag, rub it on the stain and then wash the garment.
Washing
Once you have pretreated the stained clothing and applied a stain remover, you'll need to wash the garment. It's best to wash the clothing by itself, if possible. And always use cold water when washing stained clothes. Hot water can set the stain in. Once the item has been washed, be sure to check it before putting it in the dryer. Don't put it in the dryer unless the stain is completely gone because drying it can also set the stain in. If the stain doesn't come out the first time you wash it, just reapply a stain remover and wash it again. Wash it as many times as necessary to remove the stain.
What Not To Do
Never expose grass-stained clothing to any heat sources, including hot water in the washing machine, the hot air in a dryer or an iron or other heat press. Heat will set the stain in, making it almost impossible to remove. Also, because some stain removers can alter the color of some fabrics, be sure to test it on a small area that is not easily visible before applying it to the stain. Finally, don't apply stain removers to clothes that have been tagged as dry clean only. Instead, take them to a dry cleaner for help removing the stain.
Tags: grass, stains, removal, stain remover, before washing, grass stain, grass stains, remove grass, remove grass stains, stain removal, stain removers
