Using This Powerful Product On Grass Stains Is A Huge Mistake. Here's Why

Grass stains on clothing are bound to happen, whether it's on athletic gear, shoes, denim, or any number of other garments. Since time is of the essence when handling a grass stain, it pays to know how to treat it correctly to avoid a permanent mark in an annoyingly bright shade of green. Not surprisingly, many people turn to chlorine bleach to get the job done, as the cleaner is known for its stain-removing powers. However, this instinct is way off, as chlorine bleach is one of the worst ways to clean a grass stain.

Grass stains are part of an elite squad of difficult-to-remove protein stains, which also includes blood, eggs, and even protein shakes! The proteins in these substances are organic and more likely to cling to fabric, which is why experts say that you need to treat them as quickly as possible before they dry. Chlorine bleach is not advised to treat any type of protein stain, however, because the substance and the stain will combine in a chemical reaction that can easily work the proteins further into the fabric and make the stain a permanent part of your wardrobe.    

Chlorine bleach is much better at getting rid of red wine, ink, and coffee stains than grass stains, but a lot of people make the critical error of spot-treating any sort of stain with undiluted bleach. This is a huge no-no, as the bleach will likely discolor and further damage the garment. Anytime you use bleach on laundry, dilute it with water to avoid ruining a garment that can otherwise be salvaged.

If a grass stain is the issue at hand, reach instead for an enzymatic cleaner to get the job done. These cleaners are formulated to deal with stains of the organic variety, so prompt treatment should get the garment back to excellent condition in no time. Again, tackle the stain as soon as possible because the green chlorophyll in blades of grass just loves to soak right into the fabric and stay there for good. 

Grass stains are not difficult to handle if you do it properly from the beginning. As soon as possible after the stain occurs, pre-treat it with an enzymatic stain spray. Pro tip: a lot of laundry detergents are enzymatic, so in a pinch, you can just carefully blot some of that in. Take care to never rub anything into the stain because that will probably help the rich green hue burrow deeper into the fibers. Whichever cleaner you choose, apply it and let it sit on the stain for at least 30 minutes. 

The next step is to wash the laundry on a cold cycle. When you remove the stained article from the drum, check to see if the stain is fully gone. If not, repeat the process of treating and washing the stained garment. Running it through the dryer will likely make the stain permanent. If a few times through the process doesn't get the stain completely out then it is probably time to enlist the help of a cleaning professional.