One of our favorite things about the summer season is all of the rich shades of green that our yards show off in the sunshine. As nice as they are outside, those happy hues are easily transferred onto our indoor floors when stuck to our shoes and bare feet. Due to the chlorophyll found in grass, grass stains have been a long-time rival of the American homeowner. Chlorophyll gives grass its vibrant pigment and is a natural dye. This, of course, makes it difficult to get grass stains out of fabrics and other surfaces. But there is hope! Here are two ways to get grass stains out of your carpet:
1. The branded approach.
If you want to make a trip to the store or happen to have some Oxiclean stain removing powder lying around the house, then you are ready to get those stains out with little hassle. Start by going over the stain with a vacuum. Be sure to use the hose attachment since it won't rub the stain deeper into your carpet. When that's done you can go ahead and mix the powder with cold water and pour the mixture over the stain. After letting the solution soak into the area for about five minutes, rinse it with clean, cold water. Blot the area with a dry towel and finish the process by vacuuming over the spot one more time.
2. The small space saver.
If grass has only affected a small area on your floor, you can simply use water and a bit of gentle laundry detergent to clean it up. Give the area a once-over with a vacuum, then mix a teaspoon of detergent with a cup of cold water. Douse a clean cloth in the solution and blot the grass stain until it starts to disappear. Try your best not to rub the spot. Blotting will take a bit more patience than rubbing, but it will ensure that the stain doesn't sink deeper into your floor's fibers. Keep blotting from the outer area of the stain inward until it is completely gone.
BONUS! Get grass stains out of your shoes!
If you want to avoid having to clean these stains out of your carpet again, you have to defeat the source. Clean stained shoes by brushing off any remaining bits of grass from the shoe. Mix a bit of water with baking soda to create a paste and apply it to the stain. Let this sit for a moment.
When that's done, you can combine 1/2 a cup of warm water with a dash of clear dish soap and a tablespoon of white vinegar. Brush the grass stain with a toothbrush covered in this concoction until the stain lifts. Allow your footwear to air dry.
That's it! The video below will show you how easy it is to get your shoes looking like new again.