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Grass stains have a sneaky way of showing up where they don’t belong—on your home carpets, car mats, and even upholstery. 

Whether it’s from kids running inside after playing in the yard, a picnic blanket that left its mark, or grass clippings tracked into your car, these stains can be tricky to remove.

The good news? With the right techniques and cleaning solutions, you can get rid of grass stains on carpets and car carpets quickly and effectively. 

We’ll walk you through step-by-step methods to remove both fresh and set-in grass stains, plus pro tips on preventing stains from sticking around.

Why Are Grass Stains So Tough to Remove?

Grass stains aren’t like mud or dust—they bond with carpet fibers in a way that makes them extra stubborn. That’s because grass contains:

• Chlorophyll – The natural green pigment in grass, which acts like a dye.
• Proteins & Organic Matter – These bond with carpet fibers, making stains hard to lift.
• Tannins – Natural compounds in grass that can leave behind a yellow-green tint.

Because chlorophyll works like a dye, using the wrong cleaning method—like scrubbing too hard or using hot water—can set the stain deeper. That’s why we recommend acting fast and using the right stain-removal process for both your home and car carpets.

Tired of scrubbing with no results? Let COIT’s stain removal experts take care of it. Schedule a professional cleaning today and say goodbye to grass stains for good!

How to Get Grass Stains Out of Home Carpets

Step 1: Remove Loose Grass & Dirt

Before tackling the stain, clear away any loose debris:

✔ Vacuum the area using the hose attachment—don’t rub with an upright vacuum, or you might grind the stain deeper.
✔ Use a soft-bristle brush to lift any dried grass fibers stuck in the carpet.

Step 2: Blot the Stain with Cold Water

✔ Dampen a white cloth with cold water (never hot, which can set the stain).
✔ Gently blot the stain—don’t scrub! Rubbing can push the chlorophyll deeper into the fibers.
✔ Repeat until no more green comes up on your cloth.

Step 3: Use Dish Soap or Vinegar Solution

✔ Mix 2 teaspoons of mild dish soap (like Dawn) with 2 cups of lukewarm water.
✔ Dip a clean cloth into the solution and dab the stain.
✔ Blot with a dry cloth to lift the stain.

Tough Stains? Try a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water. Vinegar breaks down organic stains without damaging carpet fibers.

Step 4: Use a Stronger Stain Remover (If Needed)

If dish soap or vinegar doesn’t fully remove the stain, try:

✔ Hydrogen Peroxide (for light carpets only) – Apply a small amount, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then blot.
✔ Enzyme Cleaner (best for organic stains) – Products like OxiClean or BioKleen break down proteins in the stain.
✔ Rubbing Alcohol – Apply a little on a cloth and blot—this helps lift stubborn dye-like stains.

Step 5: Rinse & Dry the Carpet

✔ Dampen a fresh cloth with plain water and blot to remove any cleaning residue.
✔ Use a dry towel to absorb excess moisture.
✔ Let the area air dry completely or use a fan to speed up drying.

How to Get Grass Out of Your Car Carpet

Car carpets trap grass more easily than home carpets because they have tighter fibers and collect moisture from shoes, leading to stubborn stains and musty odors. 

Here’s how to tackle them:

Step 1: Remove Loose Grass

✔ Vacuum the car carpet using a shop vac or handheld vacuum.
✔ Use a stiff brush to loosen embedded grass.
✔ For stuck-on grass, try a lint roller or duct tape—this works great for tiny, stubborn bits!

Step 2: Treat Grass Stains

✔ Mix 1 part white vinegar with 2 parts water in a spray bottle.
✔ Lightly spray the stained area.
✔ Blot with a microfiber cloth until the stain fades.

For tough stains: Use hydrogen peroxide (for light carpets) or enzyme cleaners designed for upholstery.

Step 3: Deep Clean the Carpet (If Needed)

✔ Use a carpet cleaner or upholstery cleaner designed for cars.
✔ If using a carpet cleaning machine, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Step 4: Let It Dry Completely

✔ Blot with a dry towel.
✔ Leave car doors open or use a fan to prevent mildew or odors.

Grass stains don’t have to be permanent! Whether it’s a fresh stain or one that won’t budge, our proven cleaning methods can help. For stubborn stains, COIT’s professional carpet cleaning can restore your carpets fast.

DIY Grass Stain Removal Methods

Looking for household solutions to remove grass stains? Try these:

Baking Soda Paste

Mix baking soda with a little water to form a paste, apply, let sit for 15 minutes, and wipe clean.

Lemon Juice

The citric acid helps break down grass pigments—apply, let sit, and blot.

Club Soda

Works as a quick lift for fresh stains—pour directly onto the stain and blot immediately.

Commercial Stain Removers for Grass Stains

While DIY solutions work, sometimes you need a stronger commercial cleaner. Here are some good options:

• Folex Carpet Spot Remover – Works on both home and car carpets.
• OxiClean MaxForce – An enzyme-based cleaner that breaks down organic stains.
• Bissell Professional Stain & Odor Remover – Great for tough grass and pet stains.

Grass Stain FAQs

Can I Use a Steam Cleaner on Grass Stains?

No, you can't use a steam cleaner on grass stains because the heat from the steam can cause the chlorophyll in the stain to bond more deeply with the carpet fibers, making it much harder to remove. Instead of lifting the stain, the heat essentially "sets" it, similar to how hot water can make dye-based stains permanent. For best results, stick to cool or lukewarm water combined with an appropriate cleaning solution, like dish soap or vinegar, to break down the stain before blotting it away.

Will Vinegar Damage My Carpet?

No, vinegar won’t damage your carpet as long as you dilute it properly and test it on a small, hidden area first. Full-strength vinegar is acidic and can weaken carpet fibers over time, especially on delicate or wool carpets. To safely use vinegar, mix one part white vinegar with two parts water before applying it to a stain. If no discoloration or damage occurs after a few minutes, you can proceed with blotting the stain using the diluted solution.

How Do I Prevent Grass Stains in My Car?

Preventing grass stains in your car starts with reducing the amount of grass and dirt that gets tracked in. Here are a few easy ways to keep your car’s carpet clean:

• Shake out floor mats regularly to remove loose grass before it gets ground into the carpet. If your mats are removable, give them a quick vacuum or wash them with mild soap and water.
• Use a carpet protector spray to create a stain-resistant barrier on your car’s carpet and mats. These sprays help prevent stains from setting and make future cleanups much easier.
• Keep a portable vacuum in your car to quickly remove grass before it gets embedded in the fibers. Handheld vacuums with brush attachments work best for pulling up trapped grass.
• Consider buying all-weather rubber floor mats if you frequently deal with grass, mud, or dirt. They’re easier to clean and can prevent stains from reaching your car’s carpet in the first place.

If you're dealing with tough, set-in stains, COIT’s professional carpet cleaning services can help. We use expert stain removal techniques to get your carpets looking fresh again.

Need a deeper clean? Contact COIT today and let our experts handle it!

Contact COIT for a professional cleaning!