How to get grass stains out of shoes and sneakers

How to remove grass from shoes

1. 1

   Remove laces and brush off dirt

   Take out the laces and insoles. Knock the shoes together and brush off dry dirt and mud before using any water.

   Why: Mud often comes with grass, and it's a soil stain that's easier to remove dry. Wetting it first grinds it into the fabric along with the grass.

2. 2

   Identify each material

   Check what the stained part is made of: canvas, knit or mesh; smooth leather or synthetic leather; suede or nubuck; or the rubber sole. Shoes usually have no care label, so look up the maker's care page if you're unsure.

   Why: Each material needs its own method. Shoes are exempt from the federal care labeling rule, so the shoe won't tell you.

3. 3

   Scrub canvas and mesh with enzyme detergent

   Mix a little enzyme laundry detergent into lukewarm water, under about 100°F. Work it into the grass stain with a soft brush in small circles, let it sit 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse with a damp cloth or under the tap without soaking the whole shoe.

   Why: Enzymes break down the plant protein and loosen the pigment. Iowa State keeps enzyme soaks under about 100°F, since hotter water can set the protein part.

4. 4

   Bleach white canvas only

   If green remains on white canvas, mix about 1 tablespoon of chlorine bleach in a quart of water, brush it onto the stain, wait a few minutes, and rinse thoroughly. Keep it off leather, suede, colored parts and stretchy knit panels.

   Why: Bleach oxidizes chlorophyll. The dilution comes from a sneaker maker's care guide; bleach strips color and damages leather and spandex, so it's for white canvas only.

5. 5

   Wipe leather and clean the soles

   On smooth or synthetic leather, wipe the grass mark with a cloth barely dampened in mild soapy water, then dry it with a clean cloth. Scrub rubber soles with the detergent solution and a brush.

   Why: Leather can't be soaked or bleached, so mild soap is the safe limit. Rubber tolerates scrubbing.

6. 6

   Air-dry stuffed with paper

   Stuff the shoes with paper or use shoe trees and let them dry at room temperature in a ventilated spot, away from heaters and direct sun. Wash the laces separately.

   Why: Heat from a dryer or heater can deform shoes and damage glued parts, and stuffing holds the shape while they dry.

What a grass stain is made of

Grass stains combine green chlorophyll and yellow carotenoid pigments with plant proteins and juices, pressed into the material by friction. That makes grass a combination stain: the protein part is handled by an enzyme cleaner, and the green that's left behaves like a dye that bleach or a solvent removes. Chlorophyll dissolves in organic solvents such as alcohol, not in water.

On shoes, the material decides which of those tools you can use. Canvas and mesh can take enzyme detergent, and white canvas can take bleach. Leather and suede can't take either, which is why the grass on clothes guide has more options than this one.

By situation

White canvas sneakers

These are the easiest to restore. Use the enzyme detergent scrub, then the diluted chlorine bleach if green remains. Rinse thoroughly so no bleach is left in the fabric.

White leather sneakers

No bleach. Wipe with a barely damp soapy cloth and dry it. If a green tint stays in the grain, a leather cleaner made for shoes, tested on a hidden spot, is the next step; a shoe repair shop can do more.

Knit and mesh running shoes

Use the enzyme detergent and a soft brush, working gently so you don't pull the knit. Some knit uppers contain elastic fibers, so skip chlorine bleach.

Suede and nubuck

Let the shoe dry fully, then brush the nap with a suede brush and use a suede eraser on the mark. Shoe makers say not to wash suede with soap and water. A shoe repair shop can treat stubborn stains.

Cleats and sports shoes

Brush off mud once dry, then treat grass on the synthetic upper with enzyme detergent and a brush. Let them air-dry fully before the next game.

What not to do

• Don't put shoes in the dryer or next to a heater. Heat can deform shoes and plastic parts such as lace tips, and sets any stain left.
• Don't machine-wash shoes unless the maker says it's safe. Shoe makers advise against it because it can damage the shoe.
• Don't use chlorine bleach on leather, suede, colored parts or knit with elastic. Bleach strips color and damages leather and spandex.
• Don't start with hot water. Hot water can set the protein part of a grass stain.

Other methods that work

Rubbing alcohol on canvas or rubber

Chlorophyll dissolves in organic solvents such as alcohol, so alcohol can lift the green part of the stain. Dab it on the green mark with a cotton swab, then rinse.

Caution: Test first: it can fade dyes. Keep it off leather and suede finishes. Flammable.

White vinegar

Commonly suggested for grass stains, with no supporting source. Traditional, weak evidence.

Caution: Never use it with bleach.

Stain still there?

A green shadow stays on white canvas

Repeat the enzyme scrub, then the diluted bleach, rinsing thoroughly in between. Air-dry and check in daylight.

Leather looks dull or dry after wiping

Cleaning removes some of the oils that keep leather supple. Once it's fully dry, apply a leather conditioner made for shoes, following its directions.

Safety

• Never mix chlorine bleach with ammonia or vinegar.
• Ventilate when using bleach or rubbing alcohol, and wear gloves.

Never mix cleaning products; see chemicals you must never combine.

Questions

Grass on other surfaces

• Grass stains: the complete guide
• Grass on clothes

Other stains on shoes

• Stains on shoes: the complete guide
• Blood on shoes