A hand scrubbing a grass stain on a pair of jeans

How to get out grass stains

You can easily remove grass stains with the right technique. Gently rub enzyme detergent directly to the stain and wash in warmest water - check the garment’s care tag for cycle and temperature selections. 

The specific steps for removing grass stains from different types of fabric may vary. Learn how to remove grass stains from canvas, cotton, polyester, polyblends, spandex, wool, silk, rayon, acrylic and more with these grass stain removal tips.

Grass stains on your family’s clothing can seem like a daily occurrence, especially during the summer. But don’t let grass stains prevent you from thoroughly enjoying the outdoors. Follow our step-by-step guide to learn how to get grass stains out of jeans, white clothes and more.

A grass stain on a pair of jeans A grass stain on a pair of jeans

Does grass stain clothes permanently?

Grass stains aren’t always permanent. If you wait too long to begin spot-treating fabric with grass stains, you may not be able to remove them completely. Quickly spot treating stains can help prevent them from setting in.

Are grass stains easy to remove?

As long as you treat grass stains quickly after they occur, they can usually be easily removed when you follow the right cleaning instructions for the fabric you need to wash.

How to get grass stains out of clothes

Use the following steps to learn how to remove grass stains from cotton, cotton/poly blends, polyester, spandex, nylon, white clothes, lights, darks, jeans, activewear, towels and sheets. Always consult the laundry care label of your clothing before following these steps to ensure you’re using the proper washing method for your garment. Some fabrics are more sensitive than others and tough stains like nail polish or grass stains require extra attention.

Supplies:
  • Enzyme detergent
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Step 1: Apply enzyme detergent to the grass stain

Rub an enzyme detergent directly on the stain. Gently work into the fabric fibers.

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Step 2: Wash in hot water

Place clothes in the washing machine and wash in the hottest water safe for the garment with an enzyme detergent. Use an oxygen bleach or chlorine bleach for white cottons.

Treating a grass stain on a pair of jeans Treating a grass stain on a pair of jeans

How to remove grass stains from wool, silk, linen, rayon & acrylic

Removing grass stains from these fabrics differs from the process for other fabrics. Read on below to learn how to remove grass stains from wool, silk, linen, rayon and acrylic.

Supplies:
  • Mild detergent
  • Color-safe bleach (optional)
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Step 1: Mix mild detergent and cool water

Mix a mild detergent in cool water, then add the stained garment.

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Step 2: Squeeze out excess water

Gently squeeze the soapy water through the garment to help release the stain.

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Step 3: Wash in warm water

Wash in the warmest water safe for the garment. Depending on the material of the garment, you may be instructed to wash the item by hand. A color-safe bleach can be used to further help with removal if safe for the garment per its care tag.

Person rinsing jeans in a Maytag® washer Person rinsing jeans in a Maytag® washer

What cleaning products should you use to remove grass stains?

You can remove grass stains with the help of a few different kinds of products. Explore the list below to learn more about the cleaning products that remove grass stains.

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1. Enzyme detergents

Enzyme detergents target stains such as blood, food stains, grass, and others. These are most commonly liquid formulations but powdered formulations are also available. Check the label of your detergent to see if yours contains enzymes.

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2. Oxygen bleach

Oxygen bleach is an alternative to traditional chlorine bleach that is generally safe on colors. It’s colorless, fragrance-free and comes in either a liquid or powder form.

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3. Mild detergents

Mild detergents tend to be formulated for delicate fabrics or sensitive skin. The labels often indicate that they’re fragrance-free or gentle on skin.

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4. Laundry pretreatments

Pretreatments are formulated to be applied directly to stained clothing to help reduce the appearance or completely remove stains.

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5. Other cleaning products

If you don’t have any of the above cleaning products on hand, you may be able to use other household products to remove grass stains. Read on below to discover which cleaning products you should or shouldn’t use to treat grass stains.

A clean pair of jeans A clean pair of jeans
Will baking soda remove grass stains?

If you have grass stains on polyester garments like athletic wear, you can use baking soda to help remove the stains. 

Apply a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide over the stained area and allow the paste to sit for 30 minutes. Gently scrub the stain with a small brush and rinse with cool water.

Will dish soap remove grass stains?

A mixture of dish soap and hydrogen peroxide can help to remove grass stains from your clothes. Soak the stain with the mixture and let it sit for 30 minutes, then gently scrub the spot and rinse with cool water.

Will vinegar remove grass stains?

Vinegar is a common household product that is often used for cleaning purposes and may help remove grass stains on clothing. Be sure to always use caution with vinegar and delicate fabrics and always refer to care tag before applying it to clothes.

Will hydrogen peroxide remove grass stains?

Hydrogen peroxide can work together with other ingredients like baking soda or dish soap to spot-treat grass stains. Create a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and either baking soda or dish soap and apply it to the stain for 30 minutes, then gently scrub the spot and rinse with cool water.

White Maytag® top load washer and dryer set White Maytag® top load washer and dryer set

Tip for removing grass stains

For set-in grass stains, soak the garment in a mixture of water and oxygen-based bleach (not chlorine bleach) before washing.

Shop Maytag® Washers

Maytag® washers are designed with performance and durability in mind to help you tackle tough messes. Shop select models with features like the Extra Power Button and the Optimal Dose dispenser system which provides optimal cleaning by dispensing detergent, softener and stain removers at the right time in the right amount. Browse washer options to find the right model to fit your needs.

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