Grass stains can be an unfortunate side-effect of a day at the park or kids having fun with the dog in the yard. Unfortunately, if the stain is not treated promptly it could become a permanent addition to the article of clothing. Grass stains consist of pigments found in grass that bind to the fibers used in clothing. This is why degreasers and cleaners that contain ammonia can permanently set the stain as they increase pigment binding. If you avoid the two substances just mentioned and carefully follow the directions below, you can get those pesky stains out of almost any item of clothing.

Treat the item immediately

The longer you wait, the more set the stain will become. If you don’t have time to do any of the treatments listed, at least let the item soak in warm water until you can treat the stain.

Use a detergent that contains enzymes

Detergents that contain enzymes can break apart the chemicals that make the stain bind to fabric. Most detergents contain these enzymes, but you can check on the bottle to be sure.

Powder detergent

A useful characteristic of powder detergents is that they can be turned into an abrasive paste that can scrub away stains. Mix just enough water into a cup of detergent to moisten the powder. Then, rub into the stain with an old toothbrush until completely saturated. Immediately launder as usual.

Bleach the stain away

Bleach is the easiest way to remove stains from white clothing. Bleach alternatives can be used on color fabrics, but they are not as effective. Be sure to check the tags on clothing to ensure they can withstand this sort of treatment.

Alcohol and water rinse

Before washing the item, it can be treated with alcohol and water to loosen up the stain. First, wet a sponge with rubbing alcohol and allow to dry. Next, wet the sponge with water and detergent. Rub the grass stain vigorously until the fabric is completely saturated and then allow to dry completely. Launder as usual and the grass stain should be gone!

Molasses

An old remedy for grass stains is to use molasses or think syrup to “pull” the stain off the fabric and shoe leather. Rub molasses into the stain and rinse well. The shoes should be clean, but fabrics may have to be thrown the wash to complete the stain removal.

Vinegar and water

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water and then soak the stain. You can work the mixture into the fabric with an old toothbrush for increased effectiveness. This can help get rid of grass stains that have been in the fabric for longer amounts of time.

Remember that not all of these remedies will work for every single type of stain and fabric. It will take some experimentation to see what methods work best for you. It may even be helpful to write down what methods work for what fabrics so you can have your own handy guide that will save time and stress down the road.