It is pleasant to watch your child play and have fun on the lawn until you notice the terrible patches of grass left on their clothes. Since they are similar to dyes, they are difficult to remove, as they contain complex proteins and colors derived from grass pigments. Although this is a difficult and tedious job, you can still get rid of them with appropriate cleaning solutions and a little "elbow grease".
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Prepare the Garment
Step 1. Check the label on the dress
Inside the garment there should be a label that indicates the washing methods and that allows you to get an idea of what you can use to proceed safely.
For example, a hollow triangle is the symbol of bleach; if it is black and crossed out by a large "X", it means that you cannot use it; if the symbol is in black and white stripes, you can only use a non-chlorine whitener
Step 2. Read the product information
Before using any cleaning or detergent substances, you should read the label which helps you to identify the most suitable for your garment, as well as to understand if they are safe for the type of fabric.
For example, a detergent with bleach is more suitable for whites and you shouldn't use it for dark ones
Step 3. Try it on a small area of the garment
Before you pour any product on the stain, do a test in a hidden area to make sure you can use it without causing permanent damage to the dress, such as a change in color.
The inner rim is a good place to test the cleaning solution, as it is a very discreet area
Step 4. Remove as much dirt or grass as possible
Before attempting any treatment, you should remove any grass clippings from the stained area. Dab instead of scrubbing to try to remove as much plant material as possible; if you just rub, the stain penetrates more into the fibers.
If you have trouble getting dirt off, try stretching the garment between your fingers and tapping it from the inside. in this way, you should be able to partially remove the mud residues
Method 2 of 4: with a liquid detergent and vinegar
Step 1. Pre-treat the stain
Once you have eliminated as much dirt and grass as possible, proceed with a first treatment to remove it as best as possible. Dab the garment with a mixture of water and white vinegar in equal parts; Soak the stain with liquid to make sure the vinegar gets deep into the fibers and let the dress soak in the solution for five minutes.
Never use fruit vinegar for this purpose, only the white one
Step 2. Apply detergent directly to the stain
After leaving the dress in the vinegar solution for five minutes, pour laundry detergent over the area to be treated; if available and possible, you should use a whitener, as it contains enzymes that help break down the molecules of the stains.
If you are using a washing powder instead, mix it with a pinch of water to create a mixture to spread on the stain
Step 3. Rub the stain
Once you have applied the cleaning solution, you have to rub it on the dirty area; proceed gently so as not to damage the garment, but with firm movements to make sure that the product enters deep into the fibers. The longer you "massage" the tissue, the more effective the procedure becomes; after working in this way for several minutes, wait for the detergent to act.
Step 4. Rinse and check the result
After 10 or 15 minutes, rinse the fabric with cold water and check if the stain has been removed; it should have at least become more subdued. If it hasn't been completely removed, you can safely repeat the treatment until the garment is perfectly clean again.
Method 3 of 4: with alcohol
Step 1. Wet the stain with isopropyl alcohol
It is a solvent that can remove any colored stains, including green grass pigment. To get the stain wet, take a sponge or cotton swab and dab it thoroughly with alcohol.
- Also known as isopropanol, this alcohol is able to remove grass stains because it dissolves the chlorophyll pigment.
- If you are treating a delicate fabric, dilute it with an equal amount of water; However, keep in mind that adding water makes the fabric take longer to dry.
Step 2. Air dry the garment and rinse
Let the treated stain dry completely before continuing. The alcohol evaporates and most of the pigment should disappear; afterwards, you can proceed with a cold water rinse.
Make sure it is cold water, to prevent the stain from sticking to the fibers; if you use hot or hot, it may become more difficult to get rid of the dirt
Step 3. Apply liquid detergent
Put a small amount on the area to be treated; scrub for at least five minutes, although the more you work it the better. When you feel you've scrubbed enough, rinse the area with cold water until it runs clear again.
Step 4. Check the results
Allow the garment to air dry and then check to see if the stain is gone. If not, repeat the whole procedure; if the fabric is clean, you can wash it in the washing machine as usual.
Method 4 of 4: with an Artisan Stain Remover
Step 1. Prepare your stain remover product
If you need to treat a particularly stubborn patch of grass, try using a homemade one. Mix 60 ml of bleach with the same amount of hydrogen peroxide and 180 ml of cold water in a basin; the combination of hydrogen peroxide and bleach is particularly effective.
- When working with these products make sure that the area is well ventilated to avoid inhaling the fumes.
- Never replace bleach with ammonia, as ammonia is known to immediately fix the stain in the fibers.
- Bleach changes the color of fabrics; always do a test on a hidden corner before pouring the product over the entire area to be treated.
Step 2. Apply the cleaning solution, scrub it and let it work
Pour the cleaner over the stain making sure it soaks the fabric completely and scrub gently. After a few minutes, put the dress in a safe area and let the product act on the fibers; Ideally, the stain remover should stay in contact with the dirt for 30-60 minutes, but the longer you wait, the better.
Step 3. Rinse and check
After the appropriate time has elapsed, proceed with rinsing and see if the stain has disappeared. If there are any traces left, feel free to reapply the home solution again; if not, you can wash the garment in the washing machine as usual.
Advice
- Do not put the garment in the dryer until you are sure that the stain has disappeared; any exposure to heat would fix it permanently.
- The sooner you treat the stain, the better; the longer it is fixed in the fibers, the harder it becomes to remove it.
Warnings
- Commercial laundry detergents and cleaning products can harm mucous membranes and skin; Always protect yourself when working with chemicals by wearing gloves, if available, and keeping your mouth closed.
- If you accidentally get a few drops of the chemical in your eye, rinse your eyeball with water for 15 minutes and contact your doctor.
