Introduction
When it comes to stains, grass stains are the most dreaded, especially for moms everywhere. Summer seems to bring grass stains on full swing and moms pull their hair out trying to get them out of sports clothes and summer white apparel. Grass stains on any colored apparel can be difficult to remove, but are by no means impossible. Here are the most popular at home methods to get rid of those offending grass stains and enjoy your whites again, no matter what time of year it is.
Step 1
Liquid and Powder Detergents:
Most liquid and powder detergents today contain enzymes and cleaning solvents that can work wonders against stains, especially grass stains. To use detergent, place it directly on the grass stain. If it is a powdered detergent, add a small amount of liquid first to form a paste. After applying the detergent to the offending white apparel, scrub vigorously for at least five minutes. Then allow it to sit for 15 minutes before washing as normal. If the stain is still there repeat the process until it is gone.
Step 2
Vinegar and Water:
Create your own homemade grass stain remover with some warm water and white vinegar. Mix equal parts warm water with white vinegar, do not use fruit vinegar, and rub directly on the stain. Wash the white apparel as normal afterwards and repeat if necessary.
Step 3
Hydrogen Peroxide and Bleach:
A favorite for many housewives is hydrogen peroxide mixed with bleach and water. Take equal parts peroxide and bleach and mix it with three parts cold water. Pour the solution direction on the grass stained area, rub it in, and let sit for an hour. Rinse before washing as normal. Never pour pure bleach directly on a stain, even on white apparel. Pure bleach may get out the grass stain, but it will leave your apparel with a faint yellow mark and will ruin the material.
Step 4
Toothpaste:
Toothpaste is a favorite for cleaning silver jewelry, and in some households, it is a godsend when it comes to grass stains. Rub some plain white toothpaste, not the gel type, onto the stain vigorously for a few minutes then wash as normal.
Step 5
Molasses:
Molasses can do more than just sweeten up your breakfast. It is perfect for getting grass stains out of white apparel. Place a few drops of molasses onto the grass stain and rub into the material. After sitting for a few minutes, wash the apparel as normal.
Tips
Never use hot water when treating or washing grass stained apparel. The hot water will coagulate the protein in the stain, making it harder to remove. Never use ammonia, alkaline detergents, or degreasers on apparel with any stains, they will set the stain permanently. Dry clean only apparel should not be treated, instead take them directly to the dry cleaners as they have special products that will work. When all else fails, reach for a commercial stain removal products. There are several products available today designed especially to remove grass stains from white apparel.
