Laundry Lingo: How-To Remove Stubborn Coffee Stains

Yow! Did someone just bump into you and tip your coffee cup? Did your mocha or latte splash all over your pinstriped suit or silk blouse?

First, please make certain no one is injured. Coffee burns can be serious! First-aid for people certainly comes before clothing care. Usually, simply running cold water over a burned area provides immediate relief. More serious burns may require medical attention.

About Your Apparel

Got a java jolt or a mocha mess? How can you get that deep stain out of your clothing?

Attack coffee stains immediately, before they have a chance to dry and set. Read the fabric care label inside the garment before attempting any cleaning methods. If in doubt, take the item to a professional dry cleaner. Be sure to point out the stain to the cleaner's counter staff when you drop off your apparel.

Never run a stained item through an automatic dryer cycle, and avoid hot-ironing, as these processes can make stains permanent.

Several stain removal strategies may be used. Take your pick. (Just be sure to test your tactic on a small, hidden portion of the garment, and rinse out one solution completely before attempting another, if you must.)

Here are a few of our favorites:

Water

If you act fast, you may be able to lift a coffee spot with just water. Using clean cold water, moisten the stained area. Blot the stain with clean paper towels. (Avoid using real towels for cleaning stains!) Do not rub the area hard, as this can ruin the fabric's weave and make the stain even worse.

Baking Soda

Call an old friend to the rescue! Sprinkle baking soda on a clean, damp sponge. Gently rub the stain, and rinse thoroughly before washing your garment in laundry detergent.

Club Soda

If you're dining out, traveling, or otherwise on-the go, this is probably your best bet. Grab a bottle of clear club soda, and pour it directly on the stain. Rub the tainted area gently. Blot the area with paper towels. Wash the entire item with laundry detergent.

Glycerin

Mix equal parts of glycerin and warm water into a sticky solution. With clean fingers, gently work the mixture into the stain. Let it sit for 15 minutes. Launder your apparel as usual.

Vinegar

An all-purpose life-saver, vinegar is excellent for removing coffee stains. Mix a teaspoon of clear vinegar with water in a one-quart spray bottle. Soak the stain thoroughly before blotting it. Rinse your article clean before washing it as usual.

Store-Bought Stain Removers

Several powerful products are readily available. Detergent boosters and pre-wash stain treatment formulas may include pourables, solid sticks, stain pens and wipes. Each is applied directly to the stain and allowed to sit for several minutes before laundering.

Product characteristics vary. Liquids are the old stand-by. In a pinch, you can easily substitute a spot of liquid detergent, or mix a paste of powdered detergent and water instead. Solid sticks resemble roll-on antiperspirants. It's simple to smear these on a stain.

Bleach sticks are super for use on whites. Stain pens fit conveniently inside a pocket or purse. Wipes work extremely well for on-the-spot stain removal.

Be sure to read and follow directions for the products you select.

Don't Panic.

Most coffee stains do come out of garments, although they may require some elbow grease.

Of course, if a stubborn spot refuses to lift, you can always dye that garment darker! How would you like a pair of java jeans, a mocha manteau, a cafe-au-lait cardigan, or a bean-toned blouse?

Once you have addressed the stain, why not sit down and ponder your efforts with a nice cup of coffee?