To get grass stains out of shoes, brush off dry dirt, then scrub the stain with a toothbrush and a mix of dish soap and cool water. For older stains, use diluted white vinegar, an enzyme laundry detergent or a baking soda paste. Rinse with a damp cloth and air dry.
In this guide
Grass stains are stubborn because the green pigment, chlorophyll, bonds to fibres like a dye. The sooner you treat them, the easier they come out. Use cool water; hot water can set the stain.
Which method should you use?
| Method | Best for | Shoe materials |
|---|---|---|
| Dish soap | Fresh, light stains | Canvas, mesh, leather, rubber |
| White vinegar | Stains that have dried | Canvas, mesh, rubber soles |
| Laundry detergent | Heavy stains on fabric | Canvas, mesh, knit |
| Baking soda paste | White shoes and rubber midsoles | Canvas, rubber, white leather |
Before you start
- Let mud dry, then knock and brush it off.
- Remove the laces and wash them separately.
- Test your cleaner on a hidden spot of coloured shoes.
Method 1: Dish soap
- Mix a teaspoon of dish soap into a cup of cool water.
- Dip a soft toothbrush in the solution and scrub the stain in small circles.
- Wipe away the foam with a damp cloth and check the stain.
- Repeat until it is gone, then wipe with clean water.
Method 2: White vinegar
- Mix one part white vinegar with two parts cool water.
- Dab the solution onto the stain and leave it for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Scrub with a toothbrush, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Related: How to Hide Shoelaces: 5 Clean Ways to Lace Sneakers
Method 3: Laundry detergent
Liquid detergents that contain enzymes are designed to break down plant-based stains.
- Rub a few drops of liquid detergent directly into the stain.
- Leave it for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Scrub with a wet toothbrush and wipe clean.
- For machine-washable canvas shoes, you can then wash them on a cold, gentle cycle. See how to clean canvas shoes.
Method 4: Baking soda paste
- Mix two parts baking soda with one part water into a thick paste. For white shoes, you can use hydrogen peroxide in place of water for extra whitening.
- Spread the paste over the stain and leave it for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Scrub, brush off the dried paste and wipe with a damp cloth.
Do not use hydrogen peroxide on coloured fabric; it can bleach the dye.
Grass stains on leather and suede
- Smooth leather: wipe with a cloth dipped in mild soapy water, dry, and apply conditioner. Full steps are in our guide to cleaning white leather shoes.
- Suede and nubuck: do not use soapy water. Let the stain dry, brush it, use a suede eraser, then dab with a little white vinegar if needed. See how to clean suede shoes.
Drying
Stuff the shoes with plain paper and let them dry at room temperature. Check the stain again when dry; if a faint green shadow remains, repeat the treatment before the next wear. Avoid tumble drying, as the heat can set any pigment that is left.
Frequently asked questions
Are grass stains permanent?
Rarely. Fresh stains usually come out in one treatment. Old stains may need two or three rounds, but most fade completely.
Does rubbing alcohol remove grass stains from shoes?
Yes. Dabbing with rubbing alcohol dissolves chlorophyll and works well on rubber soles and white fabric. Test coloured materials first.
Can I use bleach on grass stains?
Only diluted, and only on plain white canvas. Bleach can yellow fabric and damage rubber and glue, so try the gentler methods first.
How do I get grass stains off white rubber soles?
Scrub with baking soda paste or a damp melamine sponge. Both lift green marks from rubber quickly.
