Did your kids really have fun playing outside if they didn't march through the front door sporting bright green spotted pants? Grass stains are notorious for being difficult to remove, but if you're equipped with an understanding of their composition (and an effective all-purpose cleaner), you might not feel so helpless.

Stubborn grass stains contain chlorophyll, the green pigment of the plant's juices that are responsible for absorbing sunlight. This chlorophyll acts like a dye stain. They also contain chemical compounds called xanthophylls and carotenoids, which are pigmented as well. These are all naturally occurring compounds, so they will often bind to the fibers of a natural fabric like cotton, silk or wool. This means that using the wrong cleaning solution or technique may only cause it to fade a little, and could actually result in the spot becoming permanent.

You've got a tough stain to tackle, but you don't need to use potentially dangerous chemicals to get the job done. Depending on the type of fabric you're treating, both bleach and hydrogen peroxide can often do more harm than good and lead to discoloration. Ammonia can also permanently set the stain, as well as release harmful fumes which can result in dangerous chemical reactions. Products such as dish soap, white vinegar and rubbing alcohol might not work hard enough to restore clothes to their original color.

Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner is a cleaner, degreaser, deodorizer and stain remover that powers out dirt and grime and removes stubborn stains on washable surfaces, including clothing and fabric.

Directions:

It's important to treat the stain as soon as possible after you notice it. Stains that are given time will set in the fabric even more, making them that much more difficult to remove.

1. Get rid of grass and dirt. Begin by removing grass from the affected area.
2. Wet. Dampen the stain with clean water. The key is to keep the area moistened with cold water so it doesn't set. Warm water and hot water work mostly for stains that are oily or greasy, so using cold water is best for grass stains. Wetting the stain before cleaning it simply softens it so it's more vulnerable to the effects of the cleaning solution.
3. Pre treat with Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner. Spray full strength Simple Green onto the stained area.
4. Let the solution sit. Leave the solution on the stain for a few minutes so it has the chance to really sink into the fibers.
5. Blot. Gently rub and blot with a clean damp towel or absorbent cloth.
6. Air dry. Always let a stained garment air dry to make sure the stain has completely lifted before throwing it in the washing machine. If the stain is still visible once dry, repeat steps 2-5.
7. Launder as usual. To ensure a complete clean for the rest of the garment, wash with your usual laundry detergent and dry as you would normally.