If you drink coffee, you know that there’s always the risk of a splash landing where it’s least wanted—your favorite shirt. But before you start mourning your wardrobe, rest assured that removing coffee stains from clothes is totally doable. Whether you’re dealing with a major spill or a small splash, there are a few effective methods for cleaning up coffee stains that’ll take your outfit back to its original state.
Just remember: quick action, the right technique, and a little bit of old-fashioned elbow grease is all it takes.
Dawn Arias-Spinelli, owner of Kleaner Image, a professional cleaning company serving Jersey Shore homes
Act Fast—and Rinse First
“The faster you address the stain, the better,” says professional cleaner Dawn Arias-Spinelli, owner of Kleaner Image. “Fresh stains are much easier to treat than old ones.” For best results, try to catch it before it sets. As soon as you notice the coffee stain, blot the area with a clean paper towel or cloth. The key is not to rub, as that can push the coffee deeper into the fabric.
Additionally, rinsing the stain first with cold water can help prevent the stain from setting. Run the garment under cold water before proceeding with one of the following methods.
Method 1: Dish Soap Solution
When it comes to tackling coffee stains, sometimes simplicity is best. Just a bit of dish soap and warm water makes for a potent (yet gentle) stain solution. This method works best when the coffee stain is still fresh, but be cautious with delicate fabrics: While dish soap is a pretty mild cleaning agent, certain materials, such as silk, can be more sensitive. Always test your cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area before applying to the entire stain.
Materials Needed:
- Clear dish soap
- Warm water
- A clean cloth or sponge
Instructions:
- Mix the Solution: In a small bowl, mix a teaspoon of dish soap with warm water. Stir it to create a soapy mixture.
- Apply the Solution: Using a clean cloth or sponge, gently apply the soapy water to the coffee stain. Dab, don’t rub to lift the stain.
- Rinse and Repeat: Once the stain begins to lift, rinse the fabric with cold water. “You may need to repeat this process a couple of times for tougher stains,” adds Arias-Spinelli.
- Launder as Normal: Follow the garment’s care instructions and launder as normal.
Method 2: Baking Soda Paste
This simple household ingredient can work wonders when it comes to stubborn stains, neutralizing odors while lifting the stain. If the coffee stain is on a white or light-colored fabric, baking soda can also help brighten the fabric after the stain is gone. But, like with the dish soap method, always test on an inconspicuous area first—this could discolor darker fabrics.
Materials Needed:
- Baking soda
- Water
- A soft brush or old toothbrush
Instructions:
- Create and Apply the Paste: Mix baking soda with a little water to form a paste. Gently rub the paste into the stained area using a soft brush or old toothbrush. Be sure to work the paste into the fabric, but avoid being too harsh, especially with delicate materials.
- Let It Sit: Let the paste sit for 15-20 minutes. This allows time for the baking soda to absorb the stain and any odors.
- Rinse and Launder: After the paste has dried, rinse the fabric under cold water and launder as usual.
Method 3: Vinegar and Water
With so many applications, it should come as no surprise that cleaning superstar vinegar also has the ability to save your clothes from a coffee stain disaster. As with other methods, test on a hidden area of the fabric before applying the solution to the stain.
Materials Needed:
- White vinegar
- Water
- A clean cloth or sponge
Instructions:
- Create the Vinegar Solution: Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water.
- Apply to Stain: Soak a clean cloth or sponge in the vinegar solution and gently dab the coffee stain. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Blot the Stain: Afterwards, blot the stain with a clean paper towel or cloth. You should see the stain start to lift.
- Rinse with Cold Water: Rinse the fabric with cold water to remove any vinegar residue.
- Launder as Usual: Vinegar has a strong scent, but it dissipates once dry. “Make sure the fabric is thoroughly rinsed and washed to ensure there is no lingering vinegar smell,” says Arias-Spinelli.
General Tips and Advice for Coffee Stain Removal
Whether you go with dish soap, a trusty baking soda paste, or a vinegar solution, you’ll be able to tackle those stains like a pro. Consider the additional tips for an even better chance at stain-removal success.
- Don’t Rub—Blot: It’s tempting to scrub away at a stain, but this can just make the problem worse by pushing the coffee deeper into the fabric, Arias-Spinelli explains. Always blot gently to lift the stain.
- Opt to Air Dry: After you’ve treated the stain, make sure to check the stain before tossing it in the dryer. If any of the stain remains, repeat the process and air dry until it’s gone. The heat from the dryer can further set the stain.
- Consider Oxygen Bleach: For suitable fabric colors and materials, consider washing with an oxygenated bleach to help lift particularly stubborn coffee stains.
