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Have you ever wondered how to remove set in stains? A mom of 4 boys explains a simple method to remove grass stains, chocolate and other stubborn stains. You will be glad you read this method! Banish stains forever!
I have 4 boys. Four rambunctious, athletic, messy, sloppy, no holds bar, pedal to the metal boys. To say I have stains—understatement of the year. But yet my kids wear white baseball knickers. I have a white couch and white chairs. WHY? Because I know the secret to removing stains. I know how to remove stubborn stains, stains that are set in. I know the trick to getting grass stain out of whites. Like these baseball pants. Washed and dried one day in a hurry.
You can see the dirt and the grass stains that didn’t come out during the wash. Naturally, my son needed those pants in a few hours, so in the dryer they went—stains and all. Yep, I did what my mother told me NEVER to do. Never EVER put stained clothes into the dryer. Perhaps my mom was more organized than I am and had our clothes clean and sparkling well before the event they were needed at (no perhaps about it—she did). Either way, invention is the mother of necessity? I figured out a way to get these stubborn stains out. Today I’m showing you the best way to remove grass stains and other dirt stains as well (I’ve used this trick for chocolate stains successfully!). So let’s get started!
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Here is the before picture. This is a pair worn by my 4th son. Which means they are on the third user (#1 didn’t play baseball). Check out those set in stains, in all their glory.
Mmmmmm, grass stains. The nemesis of many baseball moms.
Don’t forget the dirt (sadly, I wish I would have taken a pic before I even washed and dried them)
How to remove set in grass stains and other stains on whites:
- Step 1. Spray the stains with Shout Advanced Heavy Duty. I saturate the set in stains well and then let them sit for about 1-2 hours.
Cover those stains well, and then sit back and let the Shout do it’s magic.
- Step 2: Make a paste with Oxiclean powder (I use the free and clear kind). Just a tiny bit of water is all that is needed. Cover the stains with the paste. The Shout should have soaked in and dried, and the paste just goes on top. I use an old pudding container and a plastic spoon to make the mixture in. Just like the Shout, allow the paste to sit for about 1-2 hours.
Sorry for the blur, but wanted you to see the set up.
You can see the paste in the bowl. The OxiClean Paste dries pretty quickly on the stains.
- Step 3: Soaking Stage. After the paste has dried up, I move onto the 3rd step. For this part, I place a bucket in my sink. Place the clothing item over the bucket and let the paste that has dried flake off into the bucket. If a little bit is left, that is okay. Now take a few drops of water and remove any left over paste. There might be a bit of a stain left. Massage the area with your hands, or fold the fabric over and rub against it to make friction. Eventually you will see the stain just disappear. It’s amazing to watch! There is very little elbow grease involved. Because I’m a stickler for whites, once the stains are gone, I place the item into the bucket and fill with water. The flaked paste will make the suds in the water. I then let it sit for a few hours or overnight.
When you are done, empty the bucket. You could rinse by hand, but after draining, I usually just throw it in my washer on a wash or rinse cycle with no detergent. That’s it! That is all it takes to get the stains out!
Two pair of white pants ready to go!
I wish the white balance on my camera was better to show you how bright and clean these pants are!
Now my only problem is the kids wearing the pants out!!! Seriously, not bad for the 3rd kid, huh?
What do you think? Do you have tricks for stubborn stains? Have you ever tried to remove set in stains? I’d love to hear your tricks!
Want a peek into my laundry room?
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Keirra says
Could you do this on lighter colored jeans? Just bought a pair of jeans that fit PERFECTLY, from the thrift store. They looked almost new at the store. Brought them home, washed and dried them, and then found the grass stains while folding them....
Joana says
These stain removers are a total lifesaver. I love these homemade ideas because I can go to the kitchen in an emergency and whip something up without having to run out to the store in a panic.
Thanks, Mrs. Hoff!
MrsMajHoff says
oh man, I'm not sure. I'd hate for them to fade. You could try on the bottom foot seam on the inside and go from there. Of course, if you have nothing to lose....
Lidia says
Will this trick work on clothes that have colors in them or will it bleach the color?
MrsMajHoff says
I think it might fade colors. If the shirt is a lost cause it might be worth it to try it before donating it though!