How to Remove Grass Stains

If you have kids, you're going to have clothes with grass stains. And sometimes the worst ones are on the clothes worn by the "big" kids when they're gardening, or doing other outdoor chores.

Grass stains are among the hardest to get out, because the green of the grass is considered a dye, and most natural chemicals that dye can't be removed. That's why sometimes you need to use harsher substances to remove the evidence of yesterday's football game. But when you do, remember that not all fabrics will tolerate all stain removal solutions or methods. Always test a hidden area of the fabric, according to the manufacturer's or other users' directions.

Most sports uniforms are made of fairly durable material, the manufacturers knowing that they're going to get worn, torn and dirty. For grass stains on things like football or baseball uniforms, patting rubbing alcohol into the mark and letting it set for about 30 minutes and then washing, usually works quite well. Depending on its colorfastness, you can wet the spot with warm water, then take a powdered all fabric bleach and work that into the stain with a soft toothbrush or just your fingers. Let set for an hour, then launder.

Jeans come home green more often than any other article of clothing. For them, bleach is out, so try wetting the area with warm water, and then work in some white, non-gel toothpaste. Let set for half an hour, then launder.

Many people prefer the enzyme based cleaners, which do work, but if you're having trouble finding one, just go to the drug store and pick up the digestive enzymes for people! Wet the stain, and work in the powder from two or three capsules, let set for an hour, then launder.

Do not use ammonia, as this can set your grass stains for good!