Grass stains on denim jeans are an unfortunate fact of life, and the harsh reality is they can be very stubborn to shift.
Using the wrong cleaner or the incorrect water temperature can set the stain fast, so you'll either have to live with it or ditch your favorite denim.
This quick read covers the essential tips for removing grass stains from jeans. Yes, it is possible, but you must do the right thing fast.
Are Grass Stains Permanent?
Grass stains can be permanent if you don't do something about them quickly.
Grass contains natural pigments that attach to denim fibers; chlorophyll is nature's green dye, something to welcome for a healthy diet rich in vegetables but not so good on your favorite jeans.
The good news is that if you act quickly, you should be able to restore your jeans and lift out the stains, even from very light-colored denim.
Most Effective Cleaners for Removing Grass Stains on Jeans
Does anyone really pour white wine on top of a red wine stain? That's a myth, but the truth is that some cleaners work well on some stains but not on others.
For grass stains, avoid anything that contains ammonia and all alkaline detergents; these only fix the stain more securely into the fabric.
Some really effective laundry detergent sheets out there avoid harsh chemicals and shift stubborn, ground-in stains without all the hard work. That's good news for your jeans and the planet.
Tough cleaning challenges don't have to mean resorting to traditional, toxic cleaning detergents.
Some manufacturers offer powerful stain removers while also being kind to your jeans and the environment—even though you're trying to remove the environment from your jeans!
Here are the best cleaners for grass stains on denim:-
- Vinegar
- Non-chlorine bleach
- Rubbing alcohol
- Enzyme detergent
- Dawn dish soap
- Baking soda
6 Steps to Remove Grass Stains From Jeans
1. Soak the Jeans in Cold Water
Take a large bowl or fill the sink with cold water and soak your jeans for half an hour. This process starts to loosen the pigments from the fibers in the fabric. A pre-soak also helps remove dirt, actual grass, and other stains.
2. Apply Vinegar to the Grass Stain
Take the jeans out of the cold water and lightly wring them out. Lay the garment on a flat surface.
Prepare white vinegar with warm water—1 part vinegar to 1 part water. Dab the solution onto the stain with a clean cloth until saturated with the liquid. You can also pour the mix onto the stained area. Leave for five minutes.
3. Spot Treat the Grass Stain with Detergent
Next, apply an enzyme detergent or non-chlorine bleach directly to the stain. If you use detergent in powder form, combine it with water to make a paste and paint it on.
Work the cleaner into the stain using a soft-bristled brush like an old toothbrush or clean shoe brush.
4. Take Five with a Cup of Coffee
This next stage of stain removal requires around 10-15 minutes for the cleaner to get working. So, it could be time for a well-earned coffee.
5. Rinse and Check
Run some cool water over the stained area and ensure all signs of the green stain have gone. If not, repeat 2-4 above and run your jeans through the washing machine on a delicate cycle. This is a good time to add laundry detergent sheets, which are designed to minimize environmental impact compared to traditional, plastic-bottled liquid detergents. However, always check the ingredients.
6. Dry Naturally
Using heat to wash or dry your jeans sets the stain; cold water is recommended to remove grass stains. Also, you should avoid heating the garment in the dryer, especially if you cannot remove that last bit of green.
A very faint stain will lift on subsequent cool washes, but if you heat the jeans to dry them, you'll set what's left of the stain firmly into the fibers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Grass Stains Come Out of Jeans
Grass stains come out of jeans, but you must act quickly, as the longer you leave them, the harder they are to remove. Grass contains pigments that attach to the fibers in the denim, rather like a dye. Prompt action and using the correct cleaner are essential.
How Do You Get Grass Stains Out of Jeans With Baking Soda?
Sprinkle baking soda over the grass stain until it's covered. Work the powder into the stain using a soft brush or old toothbrush. Next, wash the jeans on a cold cycle with laundry sheets. Using a clean cloth, gently blot the stain with the solution. Rinse the jeans with cold water to remove the soda and detergent.
How Do You Get Grass Stains Out of Denim Jeans?
White vinegar, baking soda, and an enzyme detergent can all remove grass stains from denim jeans. However, the three key things to remember are to act quickly, only use cold water, and identify the correct cleaner.
Will Grass Stains Come Out in the Wash?
Stains can come out in the wash if they're fresh and not that engrained, and you add the correct type of stain remover to the program. However, you should only wash in cool or cold water because heat sets the stain and makes it harder to remove.
Final Thoughts
If you've spotted a dreaded grass stain on your favorite jeans, don't despair. If you're quick, you should be able to remove it without leaving a trace. Treating the stain with the right products is essential—you'll probably have baking soda and white vinegar in the kitchen store cupboard.
If home remedies aren't your thing, you can cool wash your denim in the machine with Feddie laundry sheets, designed to be a convenient and mess-free alternative to traditional detergents.
Freddie Laundry Detergent sheets have a powerful stain-fighting formula and are free from bleach, phosphates, parabens, and dyes. Now, you can tackle that grass stain, restore your jeans, and be kinder to the planet.