How to get grass stains out of shoes (Complete Guide)

Don’t you despise it when your shoes get soiled? Grass stains on our shoes are one of the most habitual issues we face. Grass protein and chlorophyll, for example, bond to the fibers of your shoes, making the stains difficult to remove.

A grass stain’s beautiful green hue is generated by all of the chlorophyll in the plant. Proteins and other organic materials also mix to form what is thought to be a difficult stain to remove. This is because the plant material has a strong connection with the sole of your shoe especially if it’s white in color. 

Once smeared, it adheres tightly, leaving a bright patch or trace that is difficult to remove. If you’re lucky, there could even be some brown soil, insect guts, or other interesting items mixed in. Actually, this is thought to be a dye stain as, in terms of changing the color of the affected item, it practically becomes one with it.

how to get grass stains out of shoes?

how to get grass stains out of shoes

It is always better to prevent getting stains on your shoes but If you detect grass stain on your shoes, don’t wait to apply the 4 Easy and Simple methods of removing grass stains from shoes. Just don’t put a soiled shoe in the dryer or the stain will become everlasting. If it still doesn’t go away after the simple methods of removing the grass stains from your shoe then use the Advanced Methods.

You can erase grass stains quickly with a little elbow grease and a few household items. One of these solutions of How to get grass stains out of any shoes– should work for you and the simple grass stain removing method depends on what you have all over your home.

Simple Methods

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 15-30 minutes

Essentials: Household Items

Essentials for removing grass stain from shoes with easy method

Essentials

  • Water
  • Laundry detergent
  • Baking soda
  • White vinegar
  • Toothbrush
  • Soft cloth

STEPS 

We’ll go through the usual methods for removing this discoloration, as well as potential disadvantages. Continue to read after the standard options to learn about a faster and more effective approach to totally eradicate this threat. 

1. WHITE VINEGAR

Many people favor vinegar for cleaning since it is beneficial in some conditions like it is harmless and adaptable. So, it is a nice item to try if everything else fails. You should never use apple cider vinegar, although plain white distilled vinegar may be a strong cleanser.

It will work best as a stain from before for this job and will be most useful on tiny, less visible stains. When used as directed, it should release the green stain and allow it to wash out during the washing cycle.

  • You can use it directly or mix it with warm water.
  • Pour on the grass stain, then rub it in.
  • Be careful to completely saturate, and for optimum effects, apply many coats over time.
  • Place in the washing machine and wash as usual.

2. TOOTHBRUSH AND VINEGAR SOLUTION:

This is a simple remedy that makes use of items you most likely already have on hand, such as vinegar and an old toothbrush.

  • Put a bucket on your floor that can withstand a little amount of water, such as outside or in the basement.
  • Add two cups of boiling water for every cup of vinegar in the bucket.
  • Scrub the discoloration with an old toothbrush and wipe it away with a cloth, using the vinegar solution as required.

3. DETERGENT

Your usual laundry detergent will not remove these stains typically, but they may do the work if applied in a concentrated way. Given the cost and volume utilized, this is a rather expensive way to proceed, but it could be a good one if you don’t have any other options.

Using ammonia-based degreasing solutions may be ineffective, and alkaline detergents may frequently make the green hue permanent. If you don’t know what your detergent is made of, you might want to avoid this choice, although many ordinary laundry soaps would suffice.

  • Apply a generous quantity of detergent firmly on the stain.
  • To help dissolve the dirt, rub it in with a brush.
  • Allow to sit for 15-20 minutes before laundering.
  • Place in the washing machine and wash as usual or hand wash it.

4. BAKING SODA

Baking soda can be used in the same way as laundry detergent powder is:

  • Prior to actually applying the baking soda, mix it with a tiny amount of water.
  • Apply some of the mixture immediately on the stain and gently massage it in.
  • Allow it to dry for 10 to 15 minutes on the spot.
  • Wash well with water.
  • Repeat as necessary.

After using one of these techniques, if the grass stain on your shoe fades, repeat it or use another treatment to remove it completely. Only use the Advanced Methods if the stain is really bad.

Advanced Methods

Difficulty: Medium

Time: 30-60 minutes

Essentials: Paid & Easily Buyable

removing grass stain from shoes with advanced method

Essentials:

  • Rubbing alcohol. 
  • Bleach and peroxide mixture. 

STEPS 

We’ll go through the usual methods for removing this discoloration, as well as potential disadvantages. Continue to read after the standard options to learn about a faster and more effective approach to totally eradicate this threat. 

1.Rubbing alcohol

This technique appears to be somewhat more successful than vinegar, however, it is not as safe.

This may not work on a pair of shoes, but it can remove the stain when applied correctly to a fresh green stain. It will break down the color, causing it to wash away when cleaned.

The approach will need some labor, and it will not function in all situations, because most of us have some on hand, so it may be a fantastic last-minute home cure.

  • Apply the alcohol to the discoloration using a sponge or cotton ball. You may also combine the ingredients in a spray bottle for easy application.
  • Allow to dry after fully saturating the area.
  • Place in the laundry to be washed, or continue reading for the best results.
  • Wash the area well to remove any loose debris and rubbing alcohol.
  • Clean in the same area with dish soap or laundry detergent.
  • Rinse once more as it should cause additional green to wash off, leaving almost nothing.
  • Leave it to dry before washing as usual in your washing machine.
  • If the stain persists, repeating the procedures may result in full eradication. If this does not work, move on to the next technique listed below.

2.Bleach and Peroxide mixture

This potent mixture should be used only on light-colored shoes since it will destroy other items, and it should be used carefully.

It not only removes color but also negatively affects the fibers over time, causing your shoes to age faster. Furthermore, the substance you create will not be suitable for skin contact and may damage other surfaces with which it comes into touch. 

This one is clearly poisonous in nature, so take caution while interacting with it.

  • To make your cleaning solution
  • Thoroughly combine 1/4 cup bleach and 1/4 cup peroxide with 3/4-1 cup of water.
  • Pour to a spray bottle and spritz on, or apply with a cloth or sponge. Saturate the stain and rub it in.
  • Allow to sit for at least 30 minutes, if not overnight.
  • Rinse well and then wash as usual.
  • Some formula changes may be necessary for specific applications, and repeated use may be required for full removal.

The Bottom Line

You could experiment with all of the options around, or you try just one that has been shown to work on any grass stain and on every sort of surface.

It works really well on shoes, and it doesn’t matter what is blended in with the grass when it comes time to clean. You won’t have to worry about damaging the material, altering the color, donning gloves to apply it, or re-applying it for hours just to obtain decent results.

Only use the Advanced Methods if the stain is really bad otherwise go for the Simple Methods.

Grass Stain Remover Products 

There are several sticks, sprays, and gels on the market that guarantee to remove any stain on shoes.  A new one appears to be released monthly, which might be due to the fact that none of them truly function on everything. These products are frequently hazardous for anything other than white shoes, and many have been shown to be useless for this purpose.

The high price is one thing that is certain for these sorts of items. They will not promise outcomes, but you will be required to pay substantial money to give them a chance. Most include toxic chemicals, and just a handful are suitable for stains on shoes since they are meant for textiles.

You may get the desired effects with one of the powerful stain fighters, but you may also wind up with a faded stain.  The best thing about these items is how simple they are to use. Some are as simple as applying and tossing in the dryer.

1. Because some variance will occur, follow the specific recommendations on the product being used.

2. Cleaner should be applied immediately on the stain. Wait for the specified length of time. 

3. Wash in lukewarm water, as directed on the label. If the dirt remains after washing, continue the process until it is completely removed.

See Our Recommended 10 Best Stain Remover For Shoes

How to remove it for sneakers

Walking through the grass during mowing, or thereafter, may frequently result in green bottoms or totally green shoes. When youngsters participate in sports or runabouts, it adds fuel to the fire. Follow these simple techniques to remove grass stains off sneakers:

STEPS

1. Start by taking some of the full-strength paste. For lesser stains, a hefty dose in a spray bottle can help, but full strength will always work.

2. Use a moist scrub sponge, brush, or cloth to apply. The tool will differ based on the shoe type, so pick anything safe while also allowing you to work the cleaner as you apply it. Warm water produces the finest results when wetting your item.

3. Spread a good coating all over in a rotational movement. Because it is highly effective on all areas of your shoe, you may apply it anywhere.

4. Allow for 10-20 minutes of resting time. Rather than just scrubbing, you can leave this cleaner sit for a few minutes to let it to do its job. Why is this the most crucial stage?  The color will lift and combine with the cleaner instantly, but if you give it time to sit, the effects will be better and need less effort to get.

5. After it has sat for a few minutes, brush the whole shoe with a clean dry terry cloth towel. The stain or any other debris will simply wash away and move to the towel, leaving your shoe spotless. 

6. In almost every situation, a single application should remove all stains. We could have gone over it one more time for a clean sneaker that appears brand new, but there were a couple stains that remained. It was largely due to the texture and tool utilized in this situation because everything remained deep in the fractures.

Tip: Having the towel moist may make things simpler for particular shoe kinds, and for difficult stains, using a soapy sponge with a little quantity of cleanser may enhance outcomes.

How to remove stains for canvas shoes

Are your beloved canvas shoes stained with grass? Continue reading to learn the simplest approach to keep them looking new.

Things you’ll need:

  • Dish soap
  • White vinegar
  • Water 
  • Baking soda

STEPS

1. Begin by brushing any dirt and debris from your shoes.

2. Then, combine water and baking soda to make a paste.

3. Apply the mixture to any grass stains.

4. Combine half a cup of warm water, one tablespoon of white vinegar, and a drop of clear dish soap in a separate container.

5. Clean the grass stains with a toothbrush dipped in the solution.

6. When you’re finished, wash your shoes with lukewarm water and air dry them.

How to remove grass stains from suede shoes

Suede requires love and care. Try a few moderate dry remedies first before resorting to any wet treatments:

1. Use a pencil eraser or art gum eraser to remove the stains. You could also use stale bread crust, which has a rigid, spiky texture.

2. Scrub using a suede brush in quick strokes, constantly scrubbing in the direction of the fibers, not against them. This will remove even more of the discoloration.

3. The stain should next be removed using moist cleaning products. You can use one of the solutions given above, but use a smaller amount like just a droplet of cleaning solution and apply it carefully. You may also use rubbing alcohol with a cotton swab in place of vinegar.

4. Repeat as necessary, then air-dry.

Tip: Avoid pouring liquid directly onto a stain while working with liquids. So, take a few tiny drops and gently apply them to your skin. You may do this with a dropper, dripping one drop at a time, or with a cotton swab.

Read: How to Clean Suede Shoes Properly [Complete Guide]

Also: 10 Best Suede Shoe Cleaners

Get grass stains out of Leather shoes

There is an effective technique to leather that is unique:

  • Distribute some molasses on the stain and carefully brush it in. 
  • Allow your shoes to absorb the molasses up overnight.
  • The following day, carefully wash it away with water.

Tip: Avoid using dishwashing liquid soap or other alkaline-containing detergents. The alkaline reacts with the tannins in the leather, causing them to harden.

Read: How to Clean White Leather Shoes With Bleach vs Baking Soda

Get grass stains out of Satin shoes

  • Begin loosening and brushing with the same moderate, dry ways.
  • Then, brush your teeth with a non-gel, white toothpaste.
  • Apply a little quantity to the stain gently with a toothbrush or cloth, and wash away with a slightly wet sponge.

If it doesn’t work, you can try the wet solutions suggested before.

What causes grass stains on shoes?

Summer is a fantastic season because the longer days encourage people to get outside and work in the garden, mow the grass, or participate in other outdoor activities. Your children will be seen playing football, cricket, or simply looking for bugs on the grass. It is also the season for outdoor activities like trekking through the woods, playing sports on a grassy field, hanging out in the backyard, and other enjoyable pursuits!

But one thing that is unavoidable with all of this outside exercise is the stains from grass. Grass stains are predictable this time of year.

Is your shoe a grass stain magnet?

There is absolutely nothing more irritating than buying a brand new pair of white shoes only to have them ruined almost instantly by a stray grass stain. White shoes appear to attract grass stains whether they are worn near grass or not. This may be especially unpleasant for parents who want to maintain their children looking presentable while also ensuring that their sneakers last as long as possible.

Also, Suede shoes, or shoes that have non-silky, harsh, rough, scratchy materials attracting grass can result in grass stain. On the other hand, your Leather or Sneakers shoes aren’t grass stain magnet if it has a silky surface on which grass can’t grab and slips.

Get Stain Repellent Solutions to avoid the hassle to remove the stain later.

Resources: FamousFootWear, Shoecare

Final Words

Finally, be creative in your shoe-cleaning endeavor. We have only given you recommendations and guidelines.

Make use of what is available to you. What if you don’t have a toothbrush or a bucket? So, perhaps you have a huge bowl from the kitchen and a cleaning brush from the various items beneath your counter. Be patient and kind with yourself. Rushing the job or being overly negligent may reduce its effectiveness and harm your shoes.

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