How to Get Grass Stains Out of Shoes for Good

Outdoor activities are incredibly relaxing and invigorating. However, when carrying out sports and recreation activities in a garden or park, we can find grass stains on our shoes or even our clothes. The pigment of the grass can leave a greenish, brown, or yellowish tint on our garments, mainly shoes.

We tend to think that these stains are difficult or even impossible to remove, especially in white or light-colored tennis shoes.  It is just in light-colored shoes where these stains are usually much more noticeable.  You should stop worrying because we have the solution to this problem.

How to Remove Grass Stains from Shoes

Grass stains are very common on children’s or sports shoes. As we already mentioned, this type of stain in white tennis shoes is very noticeable. Therefore, it is necessary to remove them so that the aesthetics of our shoes are not affected. To properly remove grass stains from shoes, you have to follow these simple recommendations:

Step 1

In a clean container, mix water with a tablespoon of ammonia and a teaspoon of liquid dish soap. Stir the mixture to make it uniform.

Step 2

Wet a scouring pad, brush, or synthetic fiber with the mixture you made. To make it easier for you, put your hand inside the shoe so you can hold it while you clean it.

Step 3

Rub the grass stains vigorously. Carve in all the places you see green spots.  Commonly, the soles and the tips of the shoes are stained. Whenever necessary, dip the scouring pad back into the mixture and scrub again.

Step 4

With the help of a damp cloth, rinse the shoes and remove the excess cleaning solution that you made. If you still see green spots, moisten the cloth with bleach and rub the green areas. Let the bleach work for 1 minute, and then wipe it off with a clean, damp cloth.

Step 5

Let the shoes dry.

To remove annoying grass stains, we must first determine what type of shoe and material it is made of.  With this information, we can give a more specific treatment to the stain and remove it more effectively.

Why Aren’t the Grass Stains Removed from My Shoes?

Many home remedies can help you remove even the most stubborn stains. However, if we do not know the type of shoes and the material they are made, we can make a mistake when cleaning them. Consequently, the stain may become even larger, cannot be completely removed, or even mistreat our shoes. Knowing this, it will be much easier to choose the best treatment to remove grass stains or any other residue from our shoes.

How to Identify a Shoe’s Material

Every garment has a label attached with the information of the elaboration of the same.  It is important not to wash your shoes without first checking this label. With this, you can find the material with which the shoes you want to clean are made.

Another viable option is to visit your shoe brand’s website and find and read information about washing recommendations for their products.  These labels usually have information represented in symbols.  Each symbol will indicate the type of care needed for your shoes.

What Other Method Can I Use to Remove Grass Stains?

Now that you know the materials and washing techniques your shoes require, it will be easier to find a specific method that works for you to remove those grass stains.

Nylon and Canvas Shoes

Step 1

Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda with a little white vinegar. The mixture will turn out to be a light paste. If the mixture is too runny, add a little more baking soda. On the other hand, if the mixture looks like a powder, add a little more white vinegar.

Step 2

With the help of a toothbrush that you no longer use, grab a little of the mixture. Rub the grass stain with a little force.

Step 3

Clean the paste that is left on the shoe with a damp cloth. If you notice that the stains persist, repeat the procedure.

Step 4

Wipe off the excess paste again with a slightly damp cloth.  When the stains are gone, dry the shoes with a clean, dry cloth.

Leather Shoes

Step 1

In a clean container, mix ⅔ cup of water and add ½ teaspoon of liquid dish soap.

Step 2

Wet a clean cloth by dipping one end into the mixture you made. Carve with the cloth over the grass stains on leather shoes. Apply a little pressure to remove grass stains on the parts that require it.

Step 3

Once the stains are removed, dry the shoes very well.

Step 4

Get a leather protector liquid and spray it on your shoes. Then, wipe off the excess with a clean cloth.

Is it OK to Wash Shoes in the Washing Machine?

Although it may seem both an effective and quick method, it is not recommended to put any type of footwear in the washing machine with laundry detergent. It is best to clean them after each time you use them to keep your shoes in the best condition. Sometimes when stains are very difficult to remove, you could try putting your shoes in the washing machine to remove the stains.

However, you run the risk of them being damaged and rendered useless. Furthermore, if the shoes have delicate materials such as leather or suede, you should definitely not put them in the washing machine.

Conclusion

We must always remember that what most favors a stain removal method to work is the information we have regarding the material and type of shoe we are cleaning.  This not only makes the method more effective but also protects our shoes from being abused. Therefore, always inform yourself before choosing one method or another.

FAQ

Still have questions? Read through our brief FAQ below.

Can you use rubbing alcohol to get stains out of white shoes?

Yes, you can use rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball as a spot treating method for your white shoes. Simply saturate the cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and cover the stain with it and wipe it away.

Will hydrogen peroxide work to get stains out of your white shoes?

Removing grass stains and other stains from your white shoes isn’t as hard to do as you may think. You can use a paste made with a tablespoon of baking soda, half a teaspoon of warm water, and half a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide. Put the solution on the shoes and let it sit, and work its magic for thirty minutes.

When removing grass stains, should you use a liquid detergent?

When removing grass stains, you can use a liquid detergent that contains enzymes that can directly attack the stains. Let the liquid detergent sit on the stain for up to twenty minutes, and then massage it in using a soft-bristled toothbrush.