Few things are more disruptive to your morning ritual than spilling that freshly brewed cup of coffee on your work clothes. We've all been there — but you may not know how to properly remove coffee stains. Instead of scrubbing furiously with a wet washcloth, take a look at these foolproof methods of making those embarrassing stains disappear, even when you're in a hurry.
What You'll Need
The process for removing coffee stains can vary slightly based on the material, but you'll need the following items to banish those stains for good:
- Water
- White vinegar
- Clean paper towels or cloths
- Soap, detergent, stain remover, or a combination of these items
- Lemon juice or baking soda (on occasion)
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Removing Fresh Coffee Stains
Fresh coffee stains are the easiest to remove because the coffee particles have yet to set into the material. When you drip coffee on your clothing, immediately run cold water through the stain to dilute it. Don't scrub, as this will only damage the material. Running water through a fresh stain will wash the coffee out in a minute or two. If this method proves unsuccessful, move on to the dried coffee stain method.
Keep in mind that removing fresh coffee stains from upholstery and carpet will require a bit more effort with the same method.
Removing Dried Coffee Stains
For dried coffee stains, you'll need water, clean cloths or paper towels, liquid laundry detergent, and white vinegar — in tough cases. If your clothing has a dried coffee stain, wet the stained area, and apply a few drops of laundry detergent while gently rubbing the stain with your fingers. Let the solution sit for five minutes, then rinse.
If the stain is still there, repeat this process by mixing a few drops of white vinegar with powdered laundry detergent until they make a paste. Gently rub the mixture into the stain with a soft-bristled toothbrush and let it sit for five more minutes before rinsing.
How to Get Coffee Stains Out of Different Materials
Clothes aren't the only victims of the infamous coffee spill. From carpets to nightstands, many surfaces are frequently subjected to coffee stains. The good news is that you can remove coffee stains from almost any special materials in the following ways:
- Carpet. Combine one tablespoon each of liquid dish soap and vinegar with two cups of water. Pour the mixture on the stained area and dry it with a fan or blow dryer.
- Wooden surfaces. Pour one teaspoon of white vinegar over the stain, let it sit for two minutes, and clear the area with a paper towel.
- Jeans. Sprinkle one teaspoon of baking soda onto a wet cloth and gently rub it over the stained area.
- Upholstery. Mix two cups of water with 1/4 cup of lemon juice or 1/3 cup of white vinegar. Blot the mixture into the stained surface and rinse with cold water.
Sip, Spill, Remove, Repeat — It's Worth It for Good Coffee
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