How to Get a Grass Stain Out of Shoes: Cleaning Guide
5 September 2025
Whether it’s a picnic in the park, essential garden maintenance, or any outdoor adventure, few things ruin a fresh pair of shoes faster than a grass stain—especially on white shoes. Grass stains cling stubbornly to fabric, often making it feel as though they’re impossible to remove.
But don’t worry. With the right techniques, it is possible to shift those stubborn green marks. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to do it, no matter the material.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Why grass stains are such a big deal
- A step-by-step guide to removing grass stains
Why Grass Stains Are Such a Big Deal
Finding the right pair of shoes isn’t easy, and when you’ve finally found a pair that strikes that elusive balance between comfort, style, and value, you want to keep them in pristine condition for as long as you can. So, when a tiny amount of grass leaves a bold green streak on the shoe fabric, it can be particularly dispiriting. Especially because it’s commonly believed that the stains are permanent.
The good news is they aren’t necessarily permanent, but they are notoriously difficult to remove. This is because they contain chlorophyll - the green pigment that helps plants absorb sunlight - which binds enthusiastically to natural fibres like cotton and canvas and embeds itself deeply into the fabric. Add dirt, sweat, and oils often picked up alongside the grass to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a stain that needs more than just a quick wipe to dislodge.
Thankfully, a little patience and the right cleaning technique can make all the difference and get your shoes looking as good as new. Below, we explore several ways to tackle grass stains and get your shoes looking fresh again.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Grass Stains
Here are five tried and tested methods for getting grass stains out of shoes. The method you choose will depend on the material of your shoes, with information on suitable types included below.
1. Baking soda and vinegar (for canvas and fabric shoes)
This natural remedy is surprisingly effective at cleaning all sorts of things, including shoes! It’s great for lifting organic stains like grass from breathable materials, making it a good fit for canvas and fabric.
You’ll need:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- An old toothbrush or soft brush
- Warm water
Steps:
- Remove the laces from your shoes (if applicable) and tap off any loose dirt
- Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with two tablespoons of vinegar and a bit of warm water to create a paste
- Apply the paste directly to the stain and scrub gently with the toothbrush
- Let the mixture sit on the stain for 15–20 minutes
- Rinse with clean water and blot dry with a towel
- Air-dry the shoes thoroughly before wearing
Best for: white canvas trainers, espadrilles, or fabric trainers
2. Soak in laundry detergent (for fabric shoes)
Sometimes, a strong detergent is enough to remove the stain on its own, especially if you catch it early.
You’ll need:
- Mild liquid laundry detergent
- Warm water
- Soft cloth or sponge
Steps:
- Mix a few drops of detergent with warm water in a small bowl
- Dip the cloth into the solution and dab it onto the stain
- Let it soak for about 30 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water and blot dry
Tip: for stubborn stains, repeat the process or follow up with a spot scrub using a toothbrush.
3. Micellar Water (for delicate materials)
Micellar water is most known for its skincare applications, but it’s also effective on certain shoe materials. This method is great for delicate materials.
You’ll need:
- Micellar cleansing water
- Cotton pads or a soft cloth
Steps:
- Pour micellar water onto a cotton pad
- Gently dab the stain until the pigment lifts
- Repeat with fresh pads until clean
Best for: delicate trainers or light-coloured canvas, where harsher methods could cause damage.
4. Toothpaste and brush (for white shoes)
Toothpaste contains mild abrasives that help lift stains from rubber and fabric and is our go-to method for white grass-stained shoes.
You’ll need:
- White, non-gel toothpaste
- A toothbrush
Steps:
- Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the stain
- Use the toothbrush to scrub gently in small circles
- Leave for 10 minutes
- Wipe off with a damp cloth and let the shoes dry
Note: Avoid coloured or gel toothpaste, as these may leave additional marks.
5. Shoe cleaning wipes (for leather and synthetic uppers)
Pre-moistened wipes can help quickly remove surface-level stains from smooth materials, but they are unlikely to be effective when the material has soaked into the fibres.
You’ll need:
- Shoe cleaning wipes or baby wipes
Steps:
- Rub gently over the grass stain in circular motions
- Allow the shoes to air dry afterward
Best for: leather trainers, synthetic uppers, and shoes where you want a fast clean.
Bonus Tips
Regardless of which method(s) you use, there are a few universal rules that can improve your chances of success. These tips will help protect your shoes, increase the effectiveness of the stain removal, and prevent accidental damage during the cleaning process.
- Test any cleaning solution on a hidden area first to avoid discolouration
- Avoid hot water, which can set the stain permanently
- Always air dry: never use a hairdryer or radiator, as they can warp the material, loosen glue, cause cracks, and all sorts of other damage
Other Shoe Cleaning Guides
If you notice your shoes are grubby alongside the grass stains, we’ve written some other shoe cleaning guides that may be of interest:
Shoes go through a lot, and they can pick up dirt surprisingly quickly. You’ll be amazed at how much difference the right cleaning method can make, too. We recommend giving them some TLC occasionally, to keep them looking clean and fresh, and to extend their lifespan.
In Conclusion
As we’ve seen, grass stains aren’t always as permanent as they’re made out to be. With the right cleaning method, you can remove the stain and get your shoes looking as good as new.
If you’re feeling inspired to get some actual new shoes, you can also check out our new arrivals or head into your nearest store to get help finding the perfect pair.