Getting Rid of Coffee Stains in 5 Simple Steps

By 9 a.m. each morning, many things will have happened for the average person. A shower, a traffic-filled commute and a stop at the local coffee store. But then the inevitable will happen to many of us right after that: The dreaded spilling of that coffee on our shirts and slacks.

But getting rid of coffee stains doesn’t have to be so difficult. The faster you tackle it, the better position you’ll be in to remove it.

So follow our handy guide for getting rid of coffee stains in just 5 simple steps.

Step 1: Blot the Stain

Soak a clean cloth or paper towel in cold water and lightly blot the stain. This will help remove excess liquid from the blot’s surface. Never rub the stain back-and-forth as this can cause it to spread.

Step 2: Soak the Stain

Next, soak the area around the stain in cold water. If you’re performing this task at work, choose a private bathroom whereby you can take off your clothing item and hold it under the faucet. The cold water will allow some of the stain to “wash away”, making the next step more effective.

Step 3: Use Stain Removing Detergent

It’s always a good idea to have a small packet of powder detergent with you at all times. Carry some in your purse or leave some in your car for these emergency situations.

Apply the stain-removing detergent directly onto the stain, allowing a few minutes for it to saturate into the fabric.

Step 4: Rub the Detergent

Take your clean cloth or paper towel and gently rub the detergent into the stain. Do this for several minutes until the dark blotch begins to fade. If you need more detergent, simply wash away the first layer and apply more. Repeat this step until the stain has disappeared.

Step 5: Allow Stain to Dry

Natural air drying is the best way to finalize this task. But if you’re pressed for time, consider using a blow dryer or the hand-dryer in a public washroom to get the job done faster. You will most likely notice that even if the stain isn’t completely gone, it will at least have faded considerably enough to get you through the day.

Other Alternatives:

Besides laundry detergent, there are several household ingredients you can use to help you remove coffee stains:

• Rubbing alcohol
• Vinegar mixed with water
• Baking soda
• Beaten egg yolk and warm water