HOW TO GET DIRT AND MUD STAINS OUT OF CLOTHES
You can help remove dirt and mud stains from your clothing by gently removing any excess mud and washing the garment in cold water, then applying an enzyme detergent to the stain before washing in the warmest water temperature approved by the item’s laundry care tag.
Mud stains on your clothing can be frustrating, but with the right cleaning methods and tools, you can help lift the stain from your fabrics. Use this guide to learn more about getting dirt and mud stains out of your clothes, what cleaning products to use, and tips to help you get the best results.
WHAT HELPS REMOVE DIRT STAINS FROM CLOTHES?
You can help remove dirt stains from clothes by using cold water and enzyme detergent. If you don’t have an enzyme detergent, you can also use liquid laundry detergent or bleach, or household items like baking soda or white vinegar.
It’s important to note that when using any spot-treatment method, you should consult your garment’s care tag and test the method on a discreet location of the fabric before using it as spot treatment.
5 METHODS TO GET MUD OUT OF CLOTHES
Whether you’re using enzyme detergent, liquid laundry detergent, baking soda, white vinegar or bleach, it’s important to know the proper way to apply your cleaning product to help remove mud stains. Try it in an inconspicuous area first and always consult your care tags. Try the following five methods, the next time you have a stubborn mud stain.
1. ENZYME CLEANER
Using a spoon, gently scrape off any excess mud or dirt from your fabric. Rinse the stain with cold water, then apply a small amount of enzyme cleaner to the area. Wash the clothing as normal in your washing machine on the warmest setting allowed by the laundry care label’s instructions.
If a stain persists after the first wash, do not dry your clothing in the dryer, as the heat may set the stain. Repeat the cleaning process until the stain has been fully lifted before tossing the item in the dryer.
2. BAKING SODA
To remove dirt or mud stains with baking soda, first consult the care tag of your garment, then scrape off any excess residue with the back of a spoon and rinse the stain with cold water. Then, create a paste by mixing three parts baking soda with one part water and apply it generously on the stain. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, then scrape off any excess before rinsing again with cold water.
3. WHITE VINEGAR
After removing excess dirt or mud with the back of a spoon, rinse the garment in cold water. Then, create a solution of one part white vinegar and two parts water. Apply the solution directly to the stained area and gently work it into the fabric. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then rinse the area thoroughly.
Vinegar is slightly acidic and is not recommended for regular use on garments. It should be avoided for delicate fabrics or items containing elastic, like a fitted sheet. If your fabric is able to be treated with vinegar, be sure to completely rinse it out before placing the item into the washer, as vinegar could damage parts of the appliance.
4. BLEACH
You may be able to remove mud stains from white or other bleach-safe fabrics by spot-treating with chlorine bleach. Be sure to consult your clothing’s care label before using this method.
Following the bleach’s instruction label, create a diluted mixture of bleach and water and apply it directly to the stain. Rinse thoroughly in the sink with cold water.
5. LIQUID LAUNDRY DETERGENT
Apply a small amount of liquid detergent directly to the mud stain after preparing the area by scraping off excess mud and rinsing with cold water. Gently rub in the detergent and let it sit for five to 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cold water. If the stain persists, repeat the process again before machine washing.
SHOP MAYTAG® WASHING MACHINES WITH EXTRA POWER
Maytag® washers offer major cleaning muscle to help you tackle tough stains. Maytag® washers with Extra Power boost stain-fighting performance on any wash cycle with a dual-temperature wash.
TOP TIPS FOR REMOVING DIRT STAINS
The right cleaning tips can help make stain removal a simple process. Explore tips below to help you tackle mud and dirt stains.
Avoid rubbing in mud before you’re able to properly treat the stain.
Use the back of a spoon or a credit card to gently remove excess mud from your clothing before attempting to spot-treat.
Inspect the stained area closely before washing in hot water or placing your clothing in the dryer. If you apply heat before the stain is properly removed, you risk setting the stain in the fabric.
EXPLORE MAYTAG® WASHERS AND DRYERS
With Maytag® washers and dryers, power and durability come standard. Explore washers with features like the Extra Rinse Option that helps ensure messes and detergent are thoroughly rinsed away and select dryers with Extra Power that boost drying power on any cycle by extending time, heat and tumbling.1
Maytag® washing machines
Designed for performance, control and convenience
Maytag® washing machines take stain fighting seriously with cycles built to push the limits of power
Was this article helpful? Pass it on
EXPLORE MORE FROM MAYTAG BRAND
1. Results may vary based on load size and type.
