Here’s how to get mud out of clothes:
- 1. Let the mud dry
- 2. Gently brush off the dried mud
- 3. Pre-treat the stain with dish soap
- 4. Machine wash with cool water and a laundry pod
- 5. Hang to air dry
Mud stains happen at the worst possible moments. Maybe you took an ill-fated shortcut across a damp field at a festival, or maybe your dog dragged you straight through a puddle. Either way, you're stuck with muddy clothes that look like you just survived a swamp expedition.
The problem with mud stains is that they’re a two-part nightmare: water and dirt. The water seeps into fabric, letting the dirt settle deep into the fibers. And if you try to scrub it out while it's still wet, congratulations—you’ve just helped that stain spread. But before you resign yourself to a permanently “earth-toned” wardrobe, know this: with the right method, you can erase the evidence in under an hour.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through five simple steps to restore your clothes to their former glory. Just remember to always check the care label on your garment before using any stain removal techniques.
1. Let the Mud Dry
Wet mud is a clingy mess—it seeps into fabric and spreads like gossip in a small town. Instead, let it dry completely. Yes, this requires a little patience, but the payoff is worth it. As mud dries, the water evaporates, leaving behind solid dirt particles that are much easier to remove.
Set your mud-stained clothing aside in a dry area. If you’re in a rush, placing the garment in front of a fan or near a vent can speed things up.
2. Brush Off the Dried Mud
Take an old toothbrush or even the edge of a spoon and gently scrape away the dried mud. The goal is to break up and remove as many flaky remnants as possible before you move on to washing. If you’re outside, give the garment a good shake to dislodge any remaining dirt.
This step matters because mud stains are layered—there’s the surface dirt you can see and the deeper particles lodged in the fibers. The more you remove now, the less work your washing machine will have to do.
3. Pre-Treat the Mud Stain with Dish Soap
Dish soap isn’t just for cutting grease; it’s also excellent at breaking down stubborn stains. Since mud is a mix of minerals and other organic matter, dish soap helps lift those particles from fabric fibers.
To pre-treat, dampen the stained area with lukewarm water and apply a few drops of dish soap directly onto the stain. Gently rub the fabric together or use a soft brush to work the suds around. Let it sit for about 10–15 minutes, allowing the soap to penetrate the fabric.
4. Machine Wash with a Laundry Pod in Cool Water
Once your stain is pre-treated, toss the garment into your washing machine using cool water and Laundry Sauce. Our ultra-concentrated laundry pods make light work of heavy stains, thanks to their blend of bio-enzymes that gently break down pigments from dirt and debris.
But fighting stains is just the start. They also feature fragrances that are typically reserved for high-end colognes and perfumes. Whether you choose the deep, woody notes of Australian Sandalwood, the exotic energy of Indonesian Patchouli, or the crisp brightness of Italian Bergamot, Laundry Sauce ensures that your clothes come out clean and smelling incredible.
5. Air Dry and Inspect
Resist the urge to toss your clothes straight into the dryer. Heat sets stains permanently, so you need to make sure the mud is completely gone before introducing high temps into the equation. Instead, air dry your garment and inspect it in good lighting. If any trace of the stain remains, repeat the dish soap treatment and wash again.
Once you’re confident the stain is history, feel free to dry as usual.
Common Questions About Getting Mud Stains Out of Clothes
Here are some of the most common questions about tackling mud stains—and the answers you need.
Are Mud Stains Permanent?
Mud stains are not permanent, as long as you treat them properly. The key is to let the mud dry, pre-treat before washing, and avoid heat at all costs.
Is Hot or Cold Water Better for Mud Stains?
Cold water is usually better for treating mud stains, since hot water can cause them to set. When in doubt, check your care label to confirm your garment’s heat tolerance.
Will Bleach Get Rid of Mud Stains?
Bleach is unnecessary for mud stains, not to mention it can damage colored fabrics. A combination of dish soap, laundry pods, and water is all you need to get rid of mud.
What’s the Best Laundry Detergent for Mud Stains?
Enzyme-based detergent pods, like Laundry Sauce, are ideal for mud stains. They break down organic particles and make sure your clothes come out clean while leaving behind a seductive, long-lasting scent.
Stains Are Inevitable. Smelling Boring Isn’t.
Mud stains aren’t the problem—it’s the sad, forgettable detergent many people use to “fix” them. Sure, it might get the job done, but at what cost? A scent so aggressively neutral it smells like…nothing? Laundry Sauce doesn’t just clean, it elevates your entire wardrobe—because nobody ever looked forward to smelling like “Spring Breeze.”
