How to Get Grass Stains Out of Clothes? (7 Methods That Actually Work)

Grass stains are one of the most stubborn laundry challenges you’ll face — and if you’ve ever tried scrubbing a green streak off a pair of jeans, you know exactly what we mean. The reason they’re so tough? Grass contains chlorophyll, a natural pigment that essentially acts like a dye once it bonds with fabric fibers. But don’t worry — whether the stain is fresh or set-in, this guide covers every proven method to remove grass stains from clothes, jeans, uniforms, and shoes.

Why Are Grass Stains So Hard to Remove?

Grass stains aren’t just surface dirt. When grass is crushed against fabric, chlorophyll binds directly to the fibers at a molecular level. This is what makes a simple rinse ineffective. Add in the proteins and other organic matter from the grass, and you’ve got a compound stain that needs more than just soap and water.

The good news: the right pre-treatment method combined with cold water washing can lift even old grass stains completely.

Golden Rules Before You Start

Before jumping into any removal method, keep these non-negotiables in mind:

• Act fast. The sooner you treat the stain, the better your chances of full removal. A fresh stain is always easier to handle than a dried or set one.
• Always use cold water. Hot water causes the stain to set permanently into the fabric fibers. Cold water helps lift the stain instead.
• Never put a stained garment in the dryer. Heat will lock the stain in. Air dry or check the garment before machine drying.
• Dab, don’t rub. Rubbing spreads the stain and pushes it deeper into the fabric. Always blot or dab from the outside edge inward.
• Check the care label. Some fabrics — like silk, wool, or dry-clean-only garments — need professional treatment.

7 Proven Methods to Remove Grass Stains from Clothes

Method 1: Liquid Laundry Detergent (Best for Most Fabrics)

This is the most reliable and fabric-safe method for everyday clothing including cotton and polyester blends.

What you need: Liquid laundry detergent (enzymatic preferred), soft toothbrush, cold water

Steps:

1. Rinse the stained area under cold running water to flush out loose debris.
2. Apply a generous amount of liquid laundry detergent directly onto the stain.
3. Use a soft toothbrush to gently work the detergent into the fabric in circular motions.
4. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes so the enzymes can break down the chlorophyll.
5. Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
6. Wash the garment as normal on a cool or cold setting.
7. Check the stain before drying. Repeat if necessary.

Pro tip: Enzymatic detergents are especially effective because the enzymes specifically target organic matter like grass, blood, and proteins.

Method 2: White Vinegar Solution (Natural and Gentle)

Distilled white vinegar is a go-to home remedy for many types of stains, and it works particularly well on fresh grass stains.

What you need: White distilled vinegar, cold water, clean cloth

Steps:

1. Mix equal parts white vinegar and cold water.
2. Pour or sponge the solution directly onto the stain.
3. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft brush.
4. Rinse with cold water and launder as usual.

Note: Only use plain white vinegar — fruit vinegars won’t work and can add new stains. Also, avoid combining vinegar with oxygen bleach as it reduces its effectiveness.

Method 3: Baking Soda Paste (Great for Stubborn Stains)

Baking soda is a mild abrasive and natural deodorizer that can help lift deeper grass stains when combined with other agents.

What you need: Baking soda, dish soap, hydrogen peroxide (optional)

Steps:

1. Mix 1 part baking soda with a few drops of dish soap to form a paste. For extra power, add a splash of hydrogen peroxide.
2. Apply the paste directly to the stain and work it in gently.
3. Leave it on for 2–3 hours (or up to overnight for set stains).
4. Rinse off with cold water and wash as normal.

Method 4: Hydrogen Peroxide (For White and Light Fabrics)

Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizing agent that breaks down organic pigments — making it very effective on grass stains. However, it can lighten or bleach colored fabrics, so use it carefully.

What you need: 3% hydrogen peroxide, cold water, baking soda

Steps:

1. Dilute hydrogen peroxide with an equal amount of cold water.
2. Apply to the stain and let sit for 15–20 minutes.
3. For extra strength, sprinkle baking soda over the treated area and rub gently.
4. Rinse well and launder in cold water.

Caution: Always spot-test on an inconspicuous area first, especially on colored or delicate fabrics.

Method 5: Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol works as a solvent to break down the organic compounds in grass stains. It’s moderately effective and best used in combination with other treatments.

What you need: Isopropyl rubbing alcohol, clean cloths, laundry detergent

Steps:

1. Blot the stain generously with rubbing alcohol using a clean cloth. Don’t rub.
2. Let it air dry completely.
3. Rinse with cold water.
4. Apply liquid detergent and scrub gently with a toothbrush.
5. Let sit 10 minutes, then rinse and wash as usual.

Important: Use in a ventilated area and wear gloves. Do not use on delicate fabrics like silk or acetate.

Method 6: Dish Soap (Quick First Response)

If you’re away from home and need a fast fix, dish soap is a surprisingly capable stain fighter against grass.

Steps:

1. Wet the stained area with cold water.
2. Apply a small amount of dish soap directly to the stain.
3. Rub gently with your fingers or a cloth.
4. Rinse with cold water and repeat if needed.
5. Wash properly as soon as you’re able.

Method 7: OxiClean or Enzymatic Stain Remover (For Set-In Stains)

For older, dried, or set-in grass stains that haven’t responded to simpler methods, an oxygen-based cleaner like OxiClean is your best option.

Steps:

1. Mix OxiClean powder with water according to package directions.
2. Fully submerge the garment and soak for 1–6 hours (longer for tougher stains).
3. After soaking, check the stain. If it’s still visible, apply concentrated enzymatic detergent and scrub gently.
4. Wash on a cold cycle and air dry.

Quick Comparison: Grass Stain Removal Methods

Method	Best For	Effectiveness	Fabric Safety
Liquid Laundry Detergent	All fabrics	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Very Safe
White Vinegar	Fresh stains	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Safe (avoid wool/silk)
Baking Soda Paste	Stubborn stains	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Safe
Hydrogen Peroxide	White/light fabrics	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Spot test required
Rubbing Alcohol	General use	⭐⭐⭐	Avoid delicates
Dish Soap	Quick treatment	⭐⭐⭐	Very Safe
OxiClean	Set-in stains	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Check label

How to Get Grass Stains Out of Jeans?

Jeans can be trickier due to the tightly woven denim fabric. Here’s what works best:

• Use an enzymatic detergent paste and really work it into the denim with a stiff brush.
• If the care label allows washing at 60°C (140°F), a higher temperature wash after pre-treatment can help lift stubborn dye.
• Soaking overnight in an OxiClean solution before washing is particularly effective for heavily stained denim.
• Avoid excessive scrubbing, which can cause fading in colored jeans.

How to Get Grass Stains Out of White Clothes?

White fabrics give you a bit more flexibility:

• Hydrogen peroxide diluted with water is safe and effective.
• For truly stubborn stains, a mixture of ¼ cup bleach, ¼ cup hydrogen peroxide, and ¾ cup water can be used — but only on colorfast white items, and always wash separately.
• OxiClean is one of the safest whitening options for white fabrics with grass stains.

Also Read This: How to Get Expo Marker Out of Clothes? (Every Method That Actually Works)

How to Handle Old or Dried Grass Stains?

Set-in grass stains require a longer pre-treatment window. Here’s the most effective approach:

1. Soak the entire garment in warm water mixed with oxygen bleach (such as OxiClean) for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
2. After soaking, apply enzymatic detergent directly to the stain and scrub with a soft brush.
3. Wash on the coldest setting appropriate for the fabric.
4. Check before drying — never machine dry until the stain is completely gone.

What NOT to Do

• Don’t use hot water at any stage — it permanently sets the stain.
• Don’t rub vigorously — this spreads the stain and damages fabric fibers.
• Don’t put the garment in the dryer until you’re sure the stain is gone.
• Don’t mix chlorine bleach with vinegar — this creates harmful fumes.
• Don’t skip the pre-treatment — tossing a grass-stained item directly in the wash rarely fully removes the stain.

Conclusion

Getting grass stains out of clothes is entirely doable — as long as you act quickly and use the right method for your fabric type. For most everyday garments, an enzymatic liquid laundry detergent with a gentle scrub is all you need. For tougher or older stains, OxiClean soaks or a hydrogen peroxide solution will do the heavy lifting. 

The key rules are simple: cold water always, pre-treat before washing, and never put a stained garment in the dryer before the stain is gone. With a little patience and the right technique, even that stubborn, dried-on grass stain doesn’t stand a chance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does grass stain come out in the wash? 

Not always — grass stains need pre-treatment before washing, or they may survive a standard wash cycle.

What removes grass stains instantly? 

Enzymatic liquid laundry detergent applied directly to a fresh stain is the fastest and most effective option.

Does vinegar remove grass stains? 

Yes. A 1:1 solution of white vinegar and cold water, left for 30 minutes before scrubbing, works well on fresh grass stains.

Can baking soda remove grass stains? 

Yes. A paste of baking soda and dish soap (with optional hydrogen peroxide) works well, especially on dried stains.

Are grass stains permanent? 

No — even set-in grass stains can usually be removed with oxygen bleach soaking and enzymatic detergent, as long as they haven’t been heat-dried repeatedly.

Does hydrogen peroxide remove grass stains? 

Yes, especially on light or white fabrics. Always dilute it and spot-test on colored items first.

What is the best stain remover for grass stains? 

OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover and enzymatic laundry detergents (like Tide with enzymes) consistently perform best on grass stains.

How do I get grass stains out of white shoes? 

Wipe with a cotton ball soaked in white vinegar, then scrub with a toothbrush and mild laundry detergent mixed with water.