How to Remove Mud Stains from Clothing

Before You Begin

This procedure for removing mud stains applies to machine-washable fabrics only. Other items require different approaches, such as:

• If you have mud on clothes that require dry cleaning, take them to a dry cleaner or use a home dry cleaning kit, following the manufacturer's directions.
• Leather is another special case in which you should follow specific guidelines for cleaning a leather garment,
• Fur coats must be handled gently, requiring their own set of cleaning instructions.

For all other washable fabrics, natural or synthetic, this process should work wonders.

How to Remove Mud Stains

1. Let the Mud Dry

   Let the mud dry thoroughly before starting the cleaning process. This step is important because it keeps the stain more localized and superficial. If you blot—or, worse yet, rub—fresh mud, it will cause the stain to smear and spread; plus, it will drive the mud deeper into fabric fibers, making the stain more difficult to remove.

2. Scrape or Vacuum the Stain 

   Scrape the dried mud with a butter knife (or the edge of a spoon), or scrub gently with a hand vacuum to remove clumps and dust. Try to remove as much of the dirt as you can with this step.

3. Apply Detergent and Rub

   Rub liquid detergent into the stain and allow it to sit for 15 minutes. Lightly rub the stained area between your fingers every three to five minutes to help loosen the stain.

4. Use a Stain Remover

   Apply a stain remover stick, gel, or spray if traces of the mud stain remain. Let it sit for five minutes.

5. Wash and Dry 

   Wash the garment as usual—via washing machine or hand washing—following the care label instructions (it's fine to use warm water if permitted by the label). Consider adding an oxygen bleach, such as OxiClean, to the wash. It is generally safe for colors and may help lighten the stain. Dry the garment only after all traces of the stain are gone.
   

How to Remove Mud Stain Odors

1. Perform a Sniff Test

   Complete the above procedure for removing the visible stain, then smell the area to make sure no foul odors are lingering—especially if you noticed an unpleasant smell in the mud to begin with. Make sure to do the sniff test before drying the clothing because, like the stain pigment, a bad odor can get "baked" in and become much harder to eliminate.

2. Apply a Vinegar Solution

   Mix equal portions of distilled white vinegar and water, and either pour or spray the solution onto the previously stained area of the garment. (While vinegar isn't likely to bleach or discolor fabric, you can certainly perform a spot test in an inconspicuous area if desired.) Allow the clothing to air-dry.

   You may notice a strong vinegar smell even after drying, but don't worry, it will quickly fade after laundering.

3. Bring in the Baking Soda

   Sprinkle baking soda over the offensive area if you still notice a faint smell (other than vinegar). Rub the soda in a bit with your fingers, and let it sit overnight.

4. Launder as Usual

   Follow the care label instructions on your garment and launder (wash and dry) as directed. Your clothing should come out of the wash clean and odor-free.

Additional Tips for Handling Mud Stains

If a mud stain is still visible after washing, repeat the above steps before the garment dries. This will increase the chances that more pigment will be removed.

To tackle super stubborn mud stains—including red clay, which tends to persist—try scrubbing the stain with an old toothbrush after applying liquid laundry detergent (or powdered detergent and a little water).

Another trick is rinsing the stain with rubbing alcohol before washing. Bleach can also be used, but use caution because it can ruin colored garments and leave a yellow hue on some whites.