By Zach Pozniak, VP of Operations at Jeeves of Belgravia New York and fourth-generation dry cleaner · @jeeves_ny
Quick answer: To remove mud stains, let the mud dry, brush off the loose dirt, then wash with baking soda, washing soda, or borax. Always inspect the stain before drying and repeat if needed.
Mud stains are particulate stains, which means the dirt, clay, and soil are sitting on and clinging to the fabric. The fastest way to remove mud stains is to let the mud dry, brush off the loose bits, then use a high-pH laundry booster like baking soda, washing soda, or borax in the wash.
If the stain is still wet, let it dry first. Wet mud smears deeper into the fibers, while dry mud can be brushed away more cleanly.
Mud and clay respond well to baking soda, washing soda, or borax. These help break the bond between the soil and the fabric so the wash can lift it away.
After washing, check the stain carefully before putting the item in the dryer. Heat can set any remaining mud stain and make it harder to remove.
If the stain is still visible, repeat the booster wash. Tougher stains may need a few rounds, especially if the mud was heavy, clay-based, or ground in.
Most mud stains are easy to remove at home. If the fabric is delicate, dry clean only, or the stain has already been heat-set, professional cleaning is the safer choice.
Quick tip: For washable clothes, the key is simple: remove the loose dirt first, then use a washing soda, borax, or baking soda wash before drying.
Or ask about any laundry or garment care question
Zach Pozniak is VP of Operations and co-owner of Jeeves of Belgravia New York, the Madison Avenue dry cleaner serving New York since 1979, and the fourth generation of his family in the trade. Zach posts garment care techniques as @jeeves_ny on TikTok to over 620,000 followers, and his book The Laundry Book, co-written with his father Jerry Pozniak, was featured on Good Morning America in October 2024. Jeeves NY's clients include the Metropolitan Opera, the Met Museum, and FIT, and the business has been profiled by The Wall Street Journal and New York Magazine.