How to Get Mud Stains Out of Clothes

All parents know that a good mud puddle is a hard thing to resist. Unfortunately, the mud stains that can result can be stubborn and difficult to remove from clothing, but there are ways to return the affected garment to normal. Be sure that the mud stain is removed before you put the garment in the dryer, or it will set in and be even more difficult to deal with.

Things You'll Need

• Laundry detergent
• Small bowl
• Ammonia
• Rubbing alcohol (optional)

Instructions

1. Allow the mud to dry completely before you attempt to remove the mud stain. Once the mud has dried, brush it off with a soft brush.

2. Put some laundry detergent in a bowl, and add a few drops of ammonia. Stir in enough water to make a thick paste. Rub the paste into the mud stain and let it sit for 10 minutes. If your laundry detergent has bleach, omit the ammonia.

3. Wash the garment in warm water, and check immediately to see if the stain is gone. If not, pour rubbing alcohol through the stain, and rinse the garment with cool water.

Tips & Warnings

• Before you treat the mud stain, it's important to be sure the garment is colorfast. Put a small amount of the detergent mixture in a hidden area, such as the inside of a hem, and leave it for at least 5 minutes. If the color hasn't changed or faded, it's safe to treat the stain.

References

• Ultimate Guide to Stain Removal
• Get Mud Stains Out of Clothing