All About Grass Stains
Texas summers demand everyone wear light-colored clothing, which means that grass stains are “coming soon” to a laundry basket near you. Just why does grass stain so bad, and how can you make sure those stains don’t ruin clothing?
Grass stains are essentially dye stains, making them more challenging to remove. They are a make-up of proteins and other organic matter combined with green chlorophyll and the pigmented compounds of xanthophylls and carotenoids. What makes the stain extra stubborn is that the combination of the chlorophyll and compounds is very similar to the make-up of natural fibers like cotton, allowing the grass stain to penetrate and bond directly to those fibers. Once a stain is present, it can be pretty tough to remove completely.
But don’t lose heart! There are several ways to save clothing from permanent grass stains. Your first move is to apply stain remover or laundry detergent directly to the stain, massaging it in and letting it sit for 15 minutes before washing. (Do not put in the dryer until all traces of the stain are gone!) If that doesn’t work, try one or more of these DIY options:
- Rubbing alcohol: apply to the stain with a sponge and let it air dry. Rinse with cold water. Work in some detergent and let sit for 15 minutes. Rinse again with cold water. Let air dry, then wash as usual.
- Molasses or Karo Syrup: Take a few drops of molasses or Karo syrup and apply directly to the stain. Rub it in and let it sit for a few minutes. Then wash the item as you usually would.
- Plain white vinegar: Apply white vinegar to the stain and let it stand for a few minutes. Wash as you normally would.
We hope this was helpful and that your summer is full of family fun instead of pesky grass stains!
The Grass Outlet proudly provides Texas with high-quality turfgrass that’s guaranteed fresh and green upon delivery. Why not take a look at the sod grass we offer through our online store, or contact us if you have any questions.
