Are you excited to show off your new shoes to your friends? Is there a picnic or an outing that you are planning to wear these new footwear? Well, the spring season is here. The green streak of grass with a charming aesthetic appeal can wreak havoc on your shoes, especially if they are white.
The frustration coupled with the anxiety of getting rid of the grass stains from your favourite pair of shoes can ruin your whole mood. Now, you must be wondering why is taking out simple grass stains create a fuss.
Well, grass consists of natural compounds, including chlorophyll, xanthophylls, and carotenoids. These compounds often bind to the fibers of shoe fabric, making the grass stains difficult to remove.
So, before you wear your white sneakers onto the grass, it is vital to know how to remove the grass stains. In an effort to help you restore the primness of your footwear, we have made a list of the ways that you can use to get rid of grass stains.
Navigation
Tips to Remove Grass Stains out of Shoes:
Use Laundry Detergent
You might have heard laundry detergent used to get rid of grass stains from different clothes. Now, why would that not be applicable for shoes?
When it comes to laundry detergent, you will find a wide range of types available. You can choose the one that consists of bleach as well as enzymes. It will assist in removing the stain with efficiency.
All you need to do is use a small amount of the detergent onto the stained area and leave it for at least 15 minutes. Give it enough time to interact with grass stains and then rinse it with water. However, you must check if there is any specific stipulation about using detergent on the shoe.
Vinegar
Are you unsure of the effect of bleach on your new shoes? You can instead go the natural route and try vinegar. For this method, you will need white vinegar and warm water.
Take a bowl and vinegar and warm water in a 1:2 ratio. Now dab the mixture using a soft cloth onto the stained area.
Then, make use of an old toothbrush to scrub the shoe gently. After the soft scrubbing, use a cloth to clean it. Now, observe if the stain is present or not. But, if the stain persists, you can repeat the process until you get rid of grass stains.
Dish Soap
Dish soap is another effective way to get rid of grass stains. However, many people underestimate the power of dish soap. It shows similar results as vinegar. Here also, you have to mix dish soap and warm water in the ratio of 1:2.
After making the solution, you can use a soft toothbrush to dab the mixture onto the area. Press on it gently and observe if the blemish is fading. If it is, then you can repeat the process till you get all the stain out.
Baking Soda
Baking soda can be found in any kitchen. It serves a plethora of purposes, including helping in removing the grass stain from shoes. Not only it is easy to apply, but it is also extremely efficient.
For this, you have to make a solution of water and baking soda. Now, apply the mixture onto the stain directly and rub it gently.
Leave the solution to dry for a minimum of 15 minutes. After that, rinse it off with fresh water. If you still observe stains, you can repeat the process.
Stain Remover Solutions
If you are ready to spend some extra bucks to remove the grass stains, then the stain remover solution is the best choice. For the best usage, use one tablespoon of water and four tablespoons of the stain remover. After that, apply the mixture onto the spotted area and let it rest for around 40 minutes. Then rinse it out with water.
Rubbing Alcohol
Desperate times call for desperate means! Though not the most common way, rubbing alcohol can help you remove those pesky grass stains.
For this, soak the cotton ball in rubbing alcohol, and then rub it gently onto the stained area. If you observe added stains, wait for at least ten minutes and after that rinse it with warm, water. Repeat the same process until the grass stains completely vanish.
The bottom line
Grass stains are one of the most common yet annoying problems that you are bound to encounter. Believe it or not, new shoes, especially the white ones, are vulnerable to this type of blemish. But, you can use different ways to eliminate grass stains.
Takeaways:
- Grass stains are evident when you go outdoors.
- There are several methods that you can use to clean the grass stains.
- You can first use a soft bristle toothbrush to see if the stain is removed.
- If not, you can then use different techniques such as baking soda, laundry detergent, dish soap, stain remover, rubbing alcohol, etc.
Also Read:
How to Clean Leather Cowboy Boots

Brandon R. Katz is a registered professional nurse who has been instrumental in providing us with an informed opinion on the medical aspects of footwear. He graduated from NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and currently provides his services at a non-federal long-term care hospital in Brooklyn, NY.
Brandon proves to be the champion in the group of expert writers with his in-depth knowledge in foot health, how to take care of it adequately, and what shoes, socks, or insoles will be supreme for you. He has previously worked with hospitals where he has foreseen both inpatient and outpatient departments and has been a practicing nurse since 2009.
Brandon hails from Jersey City, NY, and has a loving family of four with a small popper called Rozo. His decision to become a nurse arises from the desire to be in the position of helping and rehabilitating people.