Dark, liquid, and notoriously tricky to remove – coffee sometimes seems like it’s just waiting to be spilt. But with a little know-how, removing coffee stains doesn’t have to be as hard as you think. Read the following guide for a number of quick and easy methods!
Whether applying Omo Liquid detergent directly to fabric, or trying one of the natural or alternative methods of coffee stain removal – always test it on a small, unnoticeable area of the clothing first.
Pre-treating a Coffee Stain
The best time to begin to treat a coffee stain is before it has set. Blot away any excess liquid with a paper towel or tissue paper, avoiding rubbing, as this will spread the stain. This will help all the steps that follow:
Hold the garment over the sink and run it under the cold tap for three to five minutes, running the water through the back of the stain. Rub the stain every minute or so to help loosen the marks.
If the stain remains, switch to water that is just about warm to the touch. Once this has been run through the stain for about 15 seconds, stop and add a few drops of laundry soap directly onto both sides of the stain and gently rub it in until it starts to lather.
Leave the detergent to set for a few minutes, and then gently rub the stain between your fingers to help loosen it, before continuing to rinse the garment through until all the soap has dissolved.
Soaking and Washing
If the coffee stain is stubborn, or larger than can be easily dealt with over the kitchen sink, you can try soaking the clothing in stain remover before washing it. As always, be sure to heed the instructions on the stain-remover product.
Fill a container (e.g. the sink, a bucket, a washing up bowl) with warm water and detergent, using the dosage advised on the label.
Leave the garment to sit for a few hours to loosen the stain ready for the washing machine.
Wash the item as usual, in warm water. In both the soaking and washing stages, use a good quality detergent such as OMO Ultimate, which is specially formulated to lift 48-hour dried in stains.
Other Methods of Coffee Stain Removal
Life being what it is, you may not always find time to soak and wash stained items immediately after their coffee stain occurs. In these occasions there are a few tricks you can try to lessen the stain before washing.
White Vinegar
Method 1: Mix a teaspoon of vinegar into a jug of water, and pour or spray over the stain. Gently blot the garment and the stain should begin to lift.
Method 2: Make a paste from powdered laundry soap and equal parts vinegar and water. After testing on an inconspicuous part of the garment, rub the paste into the stain before gently rubbing both sides. Rinse thoroughly.
Baking Soda
Wet the stained item with warm water and pour around a teaspoon of baking soda onto the stain before rubbing it into the fabric. Let it settle for as long as you can before rinsing it off.
Armed with this knowledge, you need not dread spilling a cup of coffee – you’ll now be able to clean coffee stains with ease!
Remember to check the care label on your clothing before attempting anything on this page.
Heat can set the stain. Use cold or warm (not hot) water when treating and make sure the stain is fully removed before tumble-drying.