coffee-for-less-blog
We love just about everything about coffee, from the aroma, to the flavor, to the morning pick-me-up feeling. But if there’s one thing we don’t like about coffee, it’s coffee stains. Fortunately, there’s no need to let a coffee spill ruin your morning cup. Just follow these handy tips and tricks for coffee stain removal, and coffee stains will be a thing of the past.
Check the Care Label
When you’ve spilled coffee on clothing, it’s important to note that different fabrics require different strategies for stain removal. Remember that while stains can be removed from many clothing items and textiles using DIY methods, stains on delicate fabrics such as cashmere and silk may be better addressed by professional cleaners.
Blot Fresh Coffee Stains
If you’ve just spilled your coffee, taking immediate action can save lots of work later. The first thing you want to do is to blot the spill with an absorbent cloth or paper towel. The more you can soak up now, the less coffee you’ll have to remove later.
Use Cold Water When You Clean Up
This tip is extremely important. Hot water may seem like your ally in removing coffee stains, but it can actually cause the stain to set. Instead, run stained items under cold tap water, taking occasional breaks to scrub the stained area with a washcloth.
Break Out the Club Soda
If you’re out with friends, then you probably don’t have any laundry detergent or white vinegar on you. Instead, order a club soda and use its effervescence to tease out the stain. It may not be as effective as other methods, but it will certainly work in a pinch.
Vinegar Works Wonders With Coffee Stains
Vinegar isn’t just for adding flavor to your recipes; it’s also a useful cleaning agent. Make a paste out of powdered laundry soap and white vinegar. Don’t use balsamic or red wine vinegar, for obvious reasons. Test your stain-removal paste on a hidden part of the garment. If it discolors the fabric, then this isn’t the right solution for this particular stain. But if no discoloration occurs, use an old toothbrush to rub your cleaning paste into the stain. Once you’ve lifted the coffee stain, rinse the fabric thoroughly under cold water to make sure all of the vinegar and detergent have been removed.
When All Else Fails, Use a Stain Stick
If your garment is still stained, pick up a stain stick from your local grocery store. Like the vinegar and detergent paste, the stain stick should first be tested on a hidden section of fabric, like the inside of the collar or the back of a shirt’s placket (that’s the part with the buttonholes.) If all goes well during the discoloration test, then apply the stain stick to the coffee stain. Wait five minutes or so, then run the stained article through the washing machine. If the stain is gone, it’s safe to toss your newly cleaned garment into the dryer. If not, hold off on drying; you could make the stain permanent.
Goodbye, Coffee Stains
If you’re unprepared, then coffee stains can be a real disappointment. But now that you know these helpful tips, you’ll be able to get rid of them like a pro. Don’t worry, drink coffee.
