Kid-Proof Laundry: Removing Grass, Crayon, and Juice Stains

 

When you have kids, stains are inevitable—whether it’s grass from outdoor play, crayons from art projects, or juice spills during snack time. With the right techniques, you can keep their clothes looking fresh and clean. Here’s how to remove those common tough stains effectively.

---

1. Grass Stains: How to Tackle Green Smudges

Grass stains are tough because they’re a combination of natural dyes and dirt. Here’s the best way to remove them:

What You’ll Need:

• Liquid detergent or laundry pre-treatment
• White vinegar
• Baking soda (optional)

Steps:

1. Pre-treat with detergent: Rub liquid detergent directly onto the grass stain and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. This helps break down the chlorophyll and dirt in the grass.
2. Soak in white vinegar: After pre-treating, soak the stained area in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water for 30 minutes. Vinegar helps to lift the stain naturally.
3. Scrub gently: For more stubborn stains, create a paste using baking soda and water and gently scrub the area with a soft toothbrush.
4. Wash as usual: Launder in the washing machine using the hottest water safe for the fabric. Check to make sure the stain is gone before drying, as heat can set it.

---

2. Crayon Stains: How to Remove Melted Wax and Color

Crayon stains can be tricky, especially if they’ve gone through the dryer. But don’t worry—you can still remove them.

What You’ll Need:

• Butter knife or plastic scraper
• Paper towels or a cloth
• Iron or hairdryer
• Liquid dish soap or laundry detergent
• Baking soda (optional)

Steps:

1. Scrape off excess crayon: Use a butter knife or plastic scraper to gently remove any large chunks of crayon from the fabric.
2. Heat and blot: Place paper towels or a cloth on both sides of the stained fabric. Gently heat the area using a hairdryer or iron on low. This will help melt the crayon so it can transfer to the paper towel.
3. Pre-treat with dish soap: Apply a few drops of liquid dish soap or laundry detergent to the stain, then scrub it gently with a soft brush or cloth. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
4. Rinse and wash: Rinse the fabric in warm water and then launder as usual. For any leftover stain, make a baking soda paste and gently scrub before rewashing.

---

3. Juice Stains: Getting Rid of Bright Colors

Juice stains can be frustrating, especially from fruit juices like grape or cherry, which are rich in dyes. Here’s how to remove them effectively:

What You’ll Need:

• Cold water
• Liquid detergent or stain remover
• White vinegar
• Hydrogen peroxide (for white fabrics)

Steps:

1. Blot, don’t rub: If the juice

is still fresh, blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb as much liquid as possible. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain further.

2. Rinse with cold water: Hold the stained fabric under cold running water, working from the back of the fabric to push the juice out of the fibers.

3. Pre-treat with detergent: Apply a liquid detergent or stain remover directly onto the stain. Gently rub it in and let it sit for about 10 minutes.

4. Soak in vinegar: For stubborn juice stains, soak the fabric in a solution of one part white vinegar and two parts water for 30 minutes. Vinegar helps break down the pigments from the juice.

5. Use hydrogen peroxide (for whites): If you’re dealing with a light-colored or white fabric, you can apply hydrogen peroxide to the stain. Be sure to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to avoid any bleaching.

6. Launder as usual: Wash the fabric using the warmest water safe for the material. Check to see if the stain is gone before drying, as heat can set the stain.

---

By following these steps, you can effectively remove grass, crayon, and juice stains from your kids’ clothes, keeping them looking clean and fresh despite all the messes.