"Mud-Be-Gone: A Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Mud Stains from Cotton Lawn"
Is your favorite cotton lawn shirt or dress covered in mud? Don’t worry — mud stains are a nuisance, but they don’t have to be permanent. With proper stain removal methods, you can get mud out of your clothing in no time.
Updated 27 Jun 2023
By Matej Kramberger
How to Clean Mud Stains From Cotton Lawn: Step-by-Step
- Act quickly. The sooner you deal with the mud stain, the more likely you’ll be able to remove it completely.
- Scrape off any excess mud with a spoon or butter knife. Do not rub the mud into the fabric — this will only drive dirt further into the fibers.
- Rinse the affected area with cold water to loosen the stain.
- Soak fabric in a solution of hot water and laundry detergent for 15 to 20 minutes.
- After soaking, scrub the stained area with a brush or old toothbrush.
- Rinse the fabric with cold water to remove the detergent.
- Soak the fabric in a solution of equal parts vinegar and hot water for 30 minutes.
- Rinse fabric with cold water.
- Launder the fabric according to its care instructions.
Can I Use This Method on All Fabrics?
It is best to use this cleaning method for mud stains on cotton lawn. For other fabrics, consult the fabric’s manufacturer for advice on the best way to remove mud stains.
What If the Stain Still Remains?
If the mud stain persists after you’ve followed all the above steps, take the garment to a professional dry cleaner. They will have the expertise and equipment needed to remove stubborn mud stains.