Buzz
A detailed view of dirt and mud.
NASA/JPL/US Geological Survey via Getty ImagesDespite our best attempts, dirt and mud always seem to find their way onto our clothes. If you're the one handling the laundry, you're likely looking for ways to get mud out of clothes effectively.
Luckily, we’ve got the perfect solutions to rid you of this dirty task, no matter the type of mud! Use these helpful tips to make the cleaning process a breeze.
Before You Start Removing Mud Stains, Identify the Fabric Type
Below is a guide to the most common fabrics that can get stained with mud, along with instructions for cleaning dirt and mud from each one:
Non-washable fabrics include acetate, burlap, fiberglass, rayon, rope, silk, triacetate, and wool.
Washable fabrics consist of acrylic, cotton, linen, modacrylic, nylon, olefin, polyester, spandex, and more.
Hard surfaces include materials like acrylic plastic, alabaster, aluminum, asphalt, bamboo, brass, bronze, cane, ceramic glass/tile, chromium, copper, cork, enamel, glass, grout, iron, linoleum, marble, both flat and gloss paints, plexiglass, polyurethane, porcelain dishes, porcelain fixtures, stainless steel, tin, vinyl clothing, vinyl tile, vinyl wall covering, and zinc.
Stone surfaces including bluestone, brick, concrete, flagstone, granite, limestone, masonry tiles, sandstone, slate, and terrazzo.
Carpet made of synthetic fibers or wool.
Special fabrics such as felt, fur (both natural and synthetic), leather, and suede.
Silver items.
Wallpaper surfaces.
Wood surfaces.
How to Remove Mud and Dirt Stains from Non-Washable Fabrics
Discover how to treat dirt and mud stains on materials like acetate, burlap, fiberglass, rayon, rope, silk, triacetate, and wool:
- Allow mud to dry, then brush off the excess (using a stiff-bristled brush or toothbrush to sweep the stain onto paper).
- If any stain remains, sponge the area with warm water, applying a few drops of wet spotter and white vinegar.
- Place an absorbent pad dampened with wet spotter over the stain and let it sit until the stain is lifted.
- Replace the pad as it absorbs the stain.
- Keep the stain and pad moist with wet spotter and vinegar.
- Flush with water and repeat the wet spotter and flushing process until the stain is no longer lifting.
- If the stain persists, apply rubbing alcohol (avoid using on acetate, rayon, or triacetate) and cover with an absorbent pad dampened with alcohol.
- Let the pad sit as long as it continues to lift the stain.
- Change the pad as it picks up the stain.
- Keep the stain and pad moist with alcohol.
- If the stain still lingers, use an enzyme presoak (following label instructions, avoiding silk or wool) and cover with a clean pad dampened in the solution. Let sit for 30 minutes.
- Add enough solution to maintain warmth and moisture on the stain.
- Once no more stain is lifted, rinse thoroughly with water and let dry.
How to Remove Mud Stains from Washable Fabrics
Follow these steps to remove dirt and mud stains from materials like acrylic fabric, cotton, linen, modacrylic, nylon, olefin, polyester, and spandex:
- Brush off any excess dried mud. A normal wash should take care of the remaining stain.
- If the stain persists, use rubbing alcohol to sponge the area. (Avoid alcohol on acrylic or modacrylic.)
- Rinse with water. If the stain remains, use a dry-cleaning solvent such as K2r Spot Lifter or Afta Cleaning Fluid to sponge it.
- Let it dry, then wash the item.
How to Tackle Persistent Mud Stains on Hard Surfaces
Use these steps to clean dirt and mud stains from surfaces like acrylic plastic, alabaster, aluminum, asphalt, bamboo, brass, bronze, cane, ceramic glass/tile, chromium, copper, cork, enamel, glass, grout, iron, linoleum, marble, paint (flat or gloss), plexiglas, polyurethane, porcelain dishes, porcelain fixtures, stainless steel, tin, vinyl clothing, vinyl tile, vinyl wall covering, and zinc:
- Use a dull knife or spatula to gently scrape off any excess stain.
- Wipe the area with a cloth or sponge soaked in warm soapy water.
- Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.
How to Remove Mud From Stone Surfaces
To clean mud and dirt from materials like bluestone, brick, concrete, flagstone, granite, limestone, masonry tile, sandstone, slate, and terrazzo, follow these steps:
- Gently scrape off any excess mud.
- Clean the affected area using a mixture of washing soda (not soap) and water. Use a cloth or soft-bristled brush to scrub the stain.
- Rinse well with clean water and let the surface air dry.
How to Clean Mud Stains from Carpet
To remove dirt and mud stains from carpet, follow these steps:
- Let the mud dry first to avoid pushing it deeper into the fibers before starting the cleaning process.
- Once dry, gently brush off the loose dirt and vacuum the area. If there’s still a stain, apply a carpet shampoo.
- After the shampoo has dried, vacuum once again.
How to Clean Special Fabrics
To remove dirt and mud stains from materials such as felt, fur (both natural and synthetic), leather, and suede, follow these steps:
- Let the mud dry, then gently brush off the dried dirt.
- Prepare a mild soap solution with lukewarm water, then swish to create a thick foam.
- Only apply the foam with a sponge to clean the affected area.
- Wipe the area with a clean, dry cloth.
How to Clean Silver
Follow these steps to eliminate dirt and mud stains from silver:
- Clean the silver promptly with hot, soapy water.
- Rinse thoroughly with hot water and dry it immediately using a soft cloth to prevent tarnishing.
Wallpaper Care Tips
To remove dirt and mud stains from wallpaper, follow these steps:
- First, gently brush off any excess dirt.
- Use a cloth or sponge dampened with cool water to wipe the stained area.
- Overlap your strokes to prevent streaks and gently pat dry afterward.
Wood Cleaning Guide
Use these steps to remove dirt and mud stains from wood surfaces:
- Start by brushing off any loose dirt.
- Prepare a soapy solution with dish soap or liquid laundry detergent in hot water, then agitate to create abundant suds.
- Apply only the foam from the mixture using a cloth to treat the stain.
- Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe the area with clear water.
- Once dry, polish or wax the wood to restore its shine.
