Easy Ways to Remove Coffee Stains

Removing coffee stains can be a difficult job. The tannic acid and pigment in brewed coffee cause the stain to insinuate itself into fabrics. The most important part of removing coffee stains is to work on them right away, before they have a chance to set. This means treating a garment in the restaurant bathroom or before the item is laundered at home, especially before it is put in the dryer. This is very important when cleaning coffee stains.

This you will need to remove the coffee stain:

Towels or cloth rags (white/non-dyed material) or white paper towels

Powdered laundry detergent

Cold water

Cup or shallow dish

White vinegar

Small brush or toothbrush

Liquid laundry detergent (preferably with color-safe bleach)

Step 1:

Blot the front side of the stain with dry towel/rag/paper towel when cleaning coffee stains. Do not rub the fabric, as this will cause the stain to spread and set in. Blot until little or no color is visible on the towel/rag/paper towel.

Step 2:

Mix powdered laundry detergent in the cup or dish with cold water and white vinegar to make a paste to remove coffee stains, similar in consistency to toothpaste.

Step 3:

Wet the back of the stain with cold water and blot with towel/rag/paper towel. Leave some moisture in the fabric to work with the paste.

Step 4:

Spread the paste on both sides of the stain and let stand for 5 minutes. (Test the paste on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first for color fastness. This is how to remove coffee stains in a safe manner).

Step 5:

Rub the paste on both sides of the fabric with the small brush or toothbrush in a circular motion when cleaning coffee stains.

Step 6:

Rinse the stain on both sides of the fabric in cold water to remove coffee stains and blot with towel/rag/paper towel, leaving some moisture in the fabric.

Step 7:

Apply a small amount of liquid laundry detergent directly onto the stain and work into the fabric with thumb and forefinger. This will help to further remove coffee stains.

Step 8:

Launder the fabric with similar wash items using liquid detergent with color-safe bleach (White fabrics may be laundered with regular detergent and bleach only if they are mixed with other color-safe items). Do not place the stained fabric in dryer yet. This is also very important when removing coffee stains.

Step 9:

Check to see if stain has been completely removed. If stain still exists after washing, repeat above steps and check again. If any stain still exists, item may need to be dry-cleaned. This should be done as soon as possible when cleaning coffee stains.

Care instructions on fabric labels should always be followed to prevent color bleeding or damage to the fabric. Delicate fabrics, such as silk or wool, should be taken to a professional dry cleaner. This is how to remove coffee stains in the best and safest manner possible.