Grass, Dirt, & Sweat Stains: How to Remove Common Sports Stains

Summertime is when your kids are outside playing sports with friends and neighbors. They’re going to have a lot of fun and get a little messy at the same time. From grass stains to mud smears and sweat marks, these pesky blemishes can leave you wondering if your favorite sports gear & clothing is beyond redemption. But don’t fret! We can help you remove those rough and tumble sports stains.

Greenish stains caused by chlorophyll in the grass.

Brownish stains from playing on outdoor fields or trails.

Yellowish stains resulting from perspiration, particularly on light-colored clothing.

To maximize your chances of successful stain removal, follow these preliminary steps:

1.) Act Fast: The sooner you treat a stain, the better your chances of complete removal.

2.) Read Care Labels: Check the garment's care label for any specific instructions or restrictions.

3.) Test on a Hidden Area: If this is a new product for you or a shirt that you’ve never pre-treated before, please test the product on the inside, such as on the hem. The fresher the stain, the easier it is to remove, so try to pre-treat and wash as soon as possible!

Treat the stain with a pre-wash stain remover or a mixture of laundry detergent and water. Gently rub the fabric together or use a soft-bristled brush. Wash the clothing at the warmest setting that the garment will allow, following the care label instructions. We recommend using a stain-removing detergent, like Purex Advanced Oxi + Coldwater Power.

Allow the mud to dry completely, then gently brush off the dried dirt or use a soft cloth. Apply a stain remover directly to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, wash with Purex® detergent in the warmest water recommended on the garment label. Don’t forget to test an inside seam for colorfastness.

Wash the garment with oxygen-based bleach, following the instructions on the product label. To help remove any odors from the clothing items, we recommend adding Purex® Crystals, with scents like lavender or mountain breeze.

Prevention is key to keeping your sportswear stain-free. Here are some valuable tips:

1.) Pre-Treat Stains Before Laundering: Whenever possible, treat stains as soon as they happen to prevent them from setting.

2.) Separate Clothes: Separate heavily soiled sports clothing from other garments to avoid cross-contamination during washing.

To learn more about Purex®’s great products at a great price, explore our scented liquid detergents, Laundry Pacs, and fragrance boosters.

We understand that life gets messy and want to make laundry as easy as possible for you. With quality & value continuing to be at the core of our product development, we continue to create highly effective laundry detergent & supplies. We tested some of the toughest stains to keep your clothing looking brand new. View our Stain Lab for our best recommendations to get life's toughest stains out of your clothing.