Nothing says “we had a grand ol’ time at the park” like a laundry load full of mud and dirt stains. They always make us smile knowing that fun was had, but feeling like your favorite pair of jeans might be ruined is a huge bummer! Don’t entertain that thought for long, because removing these stains is easier than you’d think. Read on to learn how to get mud out of clothes!
What Causes Mud Stains?
Mud stains - the bane of every outdoorsy person's existence! But have you ever wondered what causes them? Mud stains are caused by a combination of dirt, water, and often, your own two feet. When you trudge through a muddy trail, work in the garden, or jump in a puddle like a kid, the mud and dirt get churned up, creating a soupy mess. Particularly if you have kids or pets, mud stains are a common occurrence. While the consistency of the mud may be different, one thing remains the same: you don’t want that dirty, pigmented stain to stick around.
How to Get Mud Out of Clothes
What you’ll need: Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent, Oxi Booster Pods
Step 1: Brush Off Remnants
Removing mud stains starts with removing any excess dirt or mud! If mud or dirt are still lingering on your clothing item, brush them off. We recommend allowing mud to dry all the way to make it easier to flake off before you wash it.
Step 2: Pretreat Stain
Fill a clean sink or basin with warm water, and add a detergent that contains enzymes, like our Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent. Our Stain & Odor Detergent contains enzymes designed to digest the protein of the stain. You can dissolve one pod, or use the easy to dispense pump with our Ultra Concentrated Detergent. Add the garment and soak for 5-10 minutes. You should see the stain begin to fade almost immediately. You can also add one pump of Ultra Concentrated Detergent directly to the stain and let sit, if the stain is particularly stubborn!
Step 3: Wash & Dry
Once the stain is lifted, wash the item in the warmest water recommended by the care label. We suggest using a Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent Pod to double up on the enzyme’s stain-fighting action. Consider adding an Oxi Booster Pod for extra stain removal power and brightening as well! When the wash is done and the stain is gone, dry the item as usual according to the care label. Be sure the stain is fully lifted before putting the garment in the dryer, as the heat from a dryer can cause any remaining stains to set further and be more difficult to remove in the future. Once the stain is fully gone, you can dry the item worry-free!
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions about how to get mud out of clothes? We’re here to help.
How Do You Get Mud Stains Out Of Clothes Fast?
The more quickly you treat a stain, the more quickly (and easily) the stain can be removed! If you treat the stain quickly, it should be lifted out of clothing within 5-10 minutes of soaking. Removing mud stains can be faster than staining them in the first place.
Does Mud Permanently Stain Clothes?
In most cases, mud does not permanently stain clothes. Two things can contribute to a stubborn mud stain sticking around: the timing of when you treat the stain and avoiding the dryer. Putting a stained garment in the dryer can cause the stain to set permanently. Be sure to avoid this by making sure that the stain is completely removed before putting it in the dryer!
Will Vinegar Remove Mud Stains?
Vinegar can be a great natural remedy for cleaning almost anything. Its acidic properties can help to break down the dirt and grime, making it easier to lift the stain out of the fabric. To use vinegar for mud stain removal, mix equal parts white vinegar and water and apply the solution directly to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then blot with a clean cloth or sponge. Rinse with cool water and repeat if necessary. Just be sure to test the vinegar on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first to make sure it doesn't cause any discoloration or damage.
What Temperature Gets Mud Out of Clothes?
When it comes to getting mud out of clothes, the temperature of the water is actually less important than the technique and products you use. While some people swear by using hot water to blast away those pesky stains, others recommend a gentler approach with cold water. However, if you're dealing with particularly stubborn mud stains, lukewarm water can help to loosen up the dirt and make it easier to remove. So, don't stress too much about the temperature - just focus on using the right method for the job and you'll have those clothes looking good as new in no time!
Is it Hard to Get Mud Out Of Clothes?
Getting mud out of clothing is simple, and can be done in just three steps! The longer the mud stain sits, the harder it is to get out of clothes–but the steps you follow are the same. If the mud stain is older and set in to the garment, you may need to soak the stain for a longer period of time, or allow the enzyme based cleaner, like our Ultra Concentrated Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent, to sit directly on the stain for 10-15 minutes before soaking.