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How to Get Grass Stains Out of White Shoes

3 Easy Ways to Get Grass Stains Out of White Shoes

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Few things in life are as annoying as buying a new pair of white shoes only to have them sullied almost immediately by a rogue grass stain. (We may be exaggerating just a little bit, but it's still pretty frustrating!) It seems like white shoes just attract grass stains, whether you find yourself near grass or not. This can be particularly frustrating for parents who are trying to keep their kids looking somewhat put together and making those sneakers last as long as humanly possible.

But if you notice a grass stain on your or your child's shoes, don't despair! And definitely don't throw them away immediately. Removing a grass stain from any kind of shoe takes a bit of time and elbow grease, but the end result is well worth it — especially if it means the shoes live to see another day. Just make sure not to put a stained shoe through the dryer, or the stain will become permanent. Use some of these tried and tested ways of removing grass stains for white shoes.

1. Laundry Detergent

The first thing you should try for removing a grass stain from white shoes is laundry detergent. It's good at removing grass stains from clothes, so why would shoes be any different? Try a laundry detergent that contains bleach or another whitener, and rub a small amount onto the stain. For leather or suede shoes, you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Leave it on for about 15 minutes to give it time to lift the stain, and rinse the shoe with clean water.

2. Vinegar

If you're afraid of damageing your shoes with bleach, vinegar is a great, safe, and natural way to remove a grass stain. Mix one third of a cup of white vinegar with two thirds of a cup of warm water. Gently dab the stain with the mixture using a soft, clean cloth, then use another clean cloth to blot the stain. You can repeat this as many times as you need to; just be sure to rinse the stain with water afterward.

3. Dish Soap

Sometimes, regular old dish soap is enough to do the trick! Using similar proportions as the vinegar method, combine dish soap with warm water. Use a soft bristled brush to work the solution into the stain, and repeat as necessary. When the stain is gone, rinse the shoe with clean water, and leave to dry.

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