Grass stains can be a real pain to remove, but with the right techniques, they can be eliminated fairly easily. In this blog post, we will discuss how to get grass stains out of shoes using both household and commercial products. We will also provide some tips on how to prevent grass stains from occurring in the first place. So if you're looking for ways to remove those pesky green marks from your shoes, read on!
It's summer and that beautiful green lawn beckons you to walk through it but OMG now those grass clippings have stained your perfectly clean and beautiful new pair of shoes! Anyone who has had this experience will appreciate that grass stains are pretty stubborn to get rid of. Part of this is because of the nature of the cut grass itself but also, shoes are different than a pair of jeans that you can just throw in the wash and hope for the best.
Why Are Grass Stains So Stubborn?
The answer to this question has two parts. The first part is that when blades of grass are cut, it releases a green pigment called chlorophyll. This substance is actually what makes plants appear green in the first place. Chlorophyll is very good at staining things because it contains a molecule called porphyrin. Porphyrins are organic compounds that are very adept at binding to other materials, such as fabric or leather. In fact, porphyrins are used in some industrial processes as stain removers!
The second reason why grass stains are so difficult to remove is that they usually contain dirt and other debris from the ground. This can act like an abrasive and make it harder to remove the stain without damaging the material.
Furthermore, it is likely that the grass stains are the result of some level of grinding impact. Whether that's you stepping through the grass or maybe playing frisbee and sliding to make a catch, it isn't just that the green chlorophyll-filled grass pigment jumps off the ground and attacks your shoes - you probably smashed your feet into the grass causing it to embed itself into the fibers of your shoes.
Why Are Shoes So Likely To Stain?
The reason has to do with the materials that shoes are made out of. Leather, suede, and cotton are all very good at absorbing dyes, which is why they are often used in clothing. Unfortunately for you and I, the difference between a "stain" and a "dye" is zero. It's more a situation where you might dye your shoes on purpose but a stain is an accident. This means that when a grass stain happens, the pigment and debris have a good chance of being absorbed into the material.
Additionally, not only do your shoes have these materials that are good at absorbing these bright green grass stains but the material itself is fairly complex with plenty of stitches and folds that can make it difficult for stains to release properly.
How To Remove Grass Stains From Shoes?
There are a few different ways that you can remove grass stains from your shoes. We will go over some household methods as well as some commercial products that you can use.
Removing stains from shoes can usually be completed in minimal time. By following some basic instructions with many ingredients that can be bought at a local grocery store, grass stains can be successfully erased.
Assess The Challenge
The first step is to recognize what kind of stain has occurred. If shoes have been stained by grass, they will likely have brownish green streaks near the bottom of the shoe. If the stains cover most of the shoe, more cleaning solution may be needed.
Create The Stain-removal Solution
This is an easy solution that can be mixed quickly with white vinegar and water. First, pour one-third of a cup of white vinegar and then add two-thirds of a cup of water. By using white vinegar, the shoes can be cleaned safely since it’s not nearly as harsh as similar substances.
Test A Portion Of Your Shoe Before Scrubbing!
While a light vinegar solution or even dishwashing detergent will work fine for most types of shoes, there will obviously be different materials involved depending on if you are trying to release stains from a pair of sneakers, or leather boat shoes, or a fine pair of suede shoes.
Use A Toothbrush To Scrub
By using a toothbrush dipped in the vinegar solution, shoes will not become scuffed or damaged. Make sure the toothbrush has a generous amount of solution applied to it before scrubbing specific spots.
Add Laundry Detergent For Stubborn Stains
After wiping the vinegar solution off with a clean washcloth, add a small amount of laundry detergent to the cloth. Rub the liquid laundry detergent gently over the stains and allow for the shoes to dry. This should take approximately fifteen minutes.
Why Does Vinnegar Work To Get Rid Of Grass Stains?
White vinegar is a natural cleaning agent. Even red wine can be cleaned with vinegar and baking soda. The acidity of vinegar frequently counteracts dirt and grime and by dissolving soap scum, it is well-paired with laundry detergent.
Laundry detergent contains surfactants that can improve the mixture of water and vinegar. Coupled with bleach, this is a powerful cleaning supply that can get rid of a variety of stains. By using these molecules, water can naturally lift stains away.
Grass Stains Are Tough To Get Rid Of But Not Impossible!
Grass stains are a likely occurrence, especially during warmer seasons. By removing grass stains early on, shoes can last much longer. For clean, new-looking shoes, a few household ingredients are all it takes to successfully get rid of grass stains on your new pair of shoes!
