How to remove grass stains from your clothes and shoes

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Wimbledon is back and while most of us will be watching from the comfort of our living rooms, the thrill of the tournament may inspire some to dust off their racquets and hit the court. If you’re fortunate enough to play on a real grass court, and you’ve slid across the turf during an ambitious serve and volley, you’ll know just how quickly grass stains can sabotage your fresh, Fred Perry style.

Thankfully, the Good Housekeeping Institute has compiled its most effective cleaning techniques to help restore your tennis whites and keep your kit looking championship-ready.

Why are grass stains so difficult to remove?

Whether you're giving it your best moves on the court, or your little ones came out on top at Sports Day this year, grass stains can be an absolute pain. They're so stubborn because they contain a mix of protein and chlorophyll – the green pigment found in plants. The pigment in chlorophyll binds tightly to fabric fibres, especially on delicate materials like silk and wool, making prompt action crucial. The faster you treat the stain, the better the chance of complete removal.

How to remove grass stains from washable fabrics

Cotton

Start by placing a clean white cloth under the fabric, then generously apply Dr. Beckmann’s Stain Devils – Cosmetics & Nature, which is specifically formulated to tackle grass-based stains. Allow it to sit for 10–15 minutes, or longer for tougher stains, following the label instructions. Dab away any excess with a clean cloth, then wash the garment in the machine at 40°C using a biological detergent.

If your garment’s care label allows for higher temperatures, use that setting to improve stain removal results.

Don’t have a dedicated stain remover? Soak the stained item in a solution made with an oxygen-based bleach, making sure to follow the instructions on the packaging. Opt for a colour-safe bleach on coloured garments and one specifically for whites on white fabrics.

For an eco-friendlier approach, soak the item overnight in a strong solution of washing soda crystals (check the product instructions), then launder as normal with a biological detergent.

an unrecognizable person with green knees on trousers sitting on the grass. spoiled clothes. ecological methods of stain removal. outdoors. top view.

Halyna Romaniv//Getty Images

Silk and wool

These delicate fabrics require swift and careful treatment. Apply Dr. Beckmann’s Stain Devils Cosmetics & Nature as you would for cotton, then wash at 30°C on the machine’s delicates cycle using a detergent designed for delicate materials, such as Ecover Delicate Laundry Liquid for Wool & Silk.

If the stain is persistent or you’re unsure about washing it at home, take the item to a professional dry cleaner – be sure to point out the grass stain clearly when dropping it off.

How to remove grass stains from shoes

White leather trainers

For grass-stained leather sneakers, lightly spray the affected area with WD-40 and gently wipe with a clean cloth. This helps dissolve the stain without damaging the leather.

Canvas trainers

Canvas shoes can be treated with Vanish Oxi Action Gel – apply according to the instructions on the packaging. After treating the stain, rinse thoroughly with water to ensure no product residue remains before leaving the shoes to air dry.

To prevent future stains, regularly apply a protective shoe spray, such as Crep Protect Shoe Protector Spray. It forms a water- and stain-resistant barrier, but always confirm the spray is suitable for your shoe material before using it.