Time spent in the great outdoors leaves us with many wonderful things: sun-kissed skin, clear minds, and fond memories. Grass stains, though, are not among our favorite souvenirs.
Born of the chlorophyll that gives grass its verdant hue, grass stains are easy to come by, but a touch more difficult to get rid of. When considering how to remove grass stains, the most important factor is acting fast.
We’re big fans of natural fabrics like cotton and wool, but unfortunately, so is chlorophyll—the pigment binds more completely to organic fibers, making it a bit harder to clean. (One upside? You’ve just made an accidentally-eco move, dyeing your clothes by natural means.)
In some cases, a simple wash with your favorite eco-friendly detergent pods will do the trick, the soap serving to loosen the stain from the fibers. But in greener (not in a good way) situations, a few simple ingredients will help get your favorite pieces back to more pristine condition.
Here, three simple ways to remove grass stains.
How to Remove Grass Stains Like a Pro
1. White Vinegar
Mix one part distilled white vinegar with one part water, and you have a grass stain-fighting solution. Apply the mixture to your stain and let it sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing with cool water.
If the stain is persistent, add baking soda and let sit for another few minutes before scrubbing and rinsing again.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide and Eco-Friendly Dish Soap
Mix hydrogen peroxide with dish soap (measurements are variable; use what’s needed for the size of your stain) and dab it onto the fabric. Let soak in cool water for at least 30 minutes, scrub, and rinse. Repeat until the stain is gone.
3. Digestive Enzyme Capsules
This unexpected remedy can be found at your local health food store! Break open a capsule and mix it with a touch of water to make a paste. Apply to the stain, let it sit for an hour, scrub, and rinse.