How to Remove Stains from White Athletic Pants

Most football, baseball and softball pants are made of polyester. Polyester is a durable, easy-care fabric, ideal for sports play. Since white matches everything, many teams choose it for their uniform pants color. The problem with stains on white athletic pants is that they are almost always a combination of stains: clay and grass, dirt and grass, and blood and grass, to name a few. Since the stains are from a combination of sources, the right stain remover along with a scientific approach to treating stains gets the best results. With proper care, white athletic pants can be kept clean and, most of the time, stain-free.

Things You'll Need

  • Petroleum-based stain remover paste
  • Scrub brush
  • Household cleaner with bleach
  • Laundry detergent
  • Toothbrush
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Instructions

    • 1
      Use a scrub brush to work stain remover into the stained area.

      Treat protein stains, like blood, dirt and mud stains, first. Dip a scrub brush into a petroleum-based stain remover paste and apply to the stains. Scrub gently and completely cover the stained area. Apply the stain remover to dry fabric. Though grass stains are not protein stains, they respond well to the same dry application of a petroleum-based stain remover. Allow to sit a minimum of a half-hour before washing.

    • 2
      Wash stained clothing on the longest wash cycle.

      Wash pants in cold water set for the longest wash cycle. Follow your washer instructions for the amount of detergent and all-fabric bleach to add. Use the amount suggested for heavily soiled clothes.

    • 3
      Old toothbrushes work great for scrubbing stains on clothes.

      Check your progress. If stained areas remain, reapply the petroleum-based stain remover and follow the directions in Step 1. If the stained areas are smaller, use a toothbrush. Do not place pants in the dryer until the stains are removed. Heat sets many stains.

    • 4
      Household cleaners with bleach may be used as a last resort.

      Use chlorine bleach if there is still significant staining. Fill the washing machine with warm water and detergent. Spray pants with a household cleaner that contains bleach. The stains should begin to fade in less than a minute. Reapply if needed, but do not allow the bleach to sit more that two to three minutes on the pants. Polyester can yellow if chlorine bleach is applied. Wash the pants, verify that the stains are gone and hang to dry.