White baseball pants are notorious for being difficult to keep clean. This challenge is faced by nearly every baseball parent and player due to the rough nature of the game. With players sliding and diving around the field, stains from grass, dirt, and red clay are inevitable. The fact that baseball pants are commonly white only makes the cleaning process more demanding.
Through trial and error, we’ve developed effective cleaning methods to tackle even the toughest stains. Here, we’ll share insights and tips for pre-treating, washing, and maintaining your white baseball pants to keep them looking fresh.
Understanding the Common Stains
Before diving into cleaning techniques, it’s essential to understand the types of stains that typically plague white baseball pants.
Identifying the type of stain helps in choosing the right approach to remove it effectively.
Grass Stains
Grass stains are a frequent issue for baseball players. These stains consist of proteins and chlorophyll, the green pigment found in plants, which binds to fabric fibers.
Grass stains can be particularly stubborn on white fabric and require targeted cleaning.
Dirt Stains
Dirt stains, commonly seen after sliding or diving, contain clay and silt particles that embed deeply into fabric.
Standard washing methods often aren’t enough to remove them, making pre-treatment crucial.
Red Clay Stains
Some baseball fields use red clay, which contains iron oxide (rust), giving it a distinct reddish tint.
These stains are especially challenging to remove from white pants and may require specialized stain removers.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning White Baseball Pants
Pre-treatment: Prepare the Pants
Stubborn stains require proper pre-treatment to be effectively removed. One of the most effective tools for this is Fels Naptha, a powerful laundry bar. To start, rub the Fels Naptha directly onto the stained areas of your baseball or softball pants.
Ensure all dirty spots are thoroughly covered, then allow the pants to sit for 15-20 minutes. For deeper cleaning, grate Fels Naptha and let the pants soak in warm water overnight.
Step 1: Washing
When washing, avoid hot water as it can set stains, especially protein-based ones like grass. Instead, use cold water.
For extra stain-fighting power, mix equal parts laundry detergent and dish soap. To prevent stains from setting deeper into the fabric, turn the pants inside out before putting them in the washing machine.
Step 2: Check and Rewash
After the first wash cycle, inspect the pants for any remaining stains. If they persist, don’t panic.
Apply more Fels Naptha and run another wash cycle. Remember, patience is key to achieving a thorough clean.
Step 3: Drying
Once the stains are gone, move the pants to the dryer. It’s essential to ensure all visible stains are removed before this step, as heat from the dryer can set any lingering stains permanently.
Pro Tip: Handling Tough or Old Stains
For particularly tough or old stains, soak the pants overnight in warm water mixed with an oxygen-based bleach.
Then follow the usual pre-treatment and washing process.
Other Ways for Cleaning Baseball Pants
Cleaning Different Colored Pants
While white pants often show stains more clearly, baseball pants come in other colors like grey, black, or pants with stripes. When cleaning grey pants, opt for color-safe bleach.
For black pants or those with dark stripes, use less detergent to prevent residue from becoming visible on the fabric.
Hydrogen Peroxide for White Pants
Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent option for removing stubborn stains from white baseball pants. It’s a mild bleach that’s gentler on fabric than chlorine bleach.
Dish Soap for Grease Stains
If you encounter grease stains, especially from post-game snacks, dish soap can help. Apply it directly to the grease stain before washing to break it down.
Pressure Washing
Did you know that the same pressure washer you use for cleaning decks and driveways can also tackle tough stains on baseball pants?
If you have one handy, lay the pants on your driveway and use the pressure washer to blast away stubborn dirt.
Afterward, launder the pants as usual and allow them to air dry.
Fels-Naptha
This classic stain remover, which many parents may remember using, is a large bar of soap that works wonders on tough stains.
To use Fels-Naptha, wet the bar and rub it directly onto the stain. Let the soap sit for a few minutes before laundering.
OxiClean White Revive
Though it takes longer, many people find this method highly effective. Mix one scoop of OxiClean White Revive with one gallon (3.8 liters) of water in a large bucket.
Check the care label on the pants to determine the appropriate water temperature. Let the pants soak for six hours, then wash them in the machine with more OxiClean White Revive, using the scoop’s second line for measurement.
Use a Degreaser
Degreasers are great for removing stains from baseball pants, especially those caused by grass or concession stand spills.
A popular option is Dawn Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray, which can be used as a pre-treatment.
Spray it directly onto the stain, rub it in, and then wash the pants with regular detergent.
Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner is another effective degreaser often used by baseball parents.
Bleach
When all else fails, bleach can be a powerful stain remover. Fill a bucket with warm water and add a capful of bleach.
Let the pants soak for at least an hour, then rinse with clean water. Afterward, launder and air dry the pants.
If the pants have any color, opt for non-chlorine bleach to avoid damage.
These methods can help keep baseball pants looking fresh, no matter how tough the stains.
