Don’t let a coffee stain ruin your day.
You get up, grab a nice cup of coffee to start your day, and then disaster strikes! One minute you’re drinking coffee, and the next, you’re looking down to see a coffee stain on your shirt.
Did you know that coffee is the second most popular drink in the world, after water? It’s no wonder that coffee stains are among the most common and notorious stains to treat.
If you drink coffee regularly, you’ve most likely spilled it at least once, and you’re probably aware of how difficult it can be to remove coffee stains. Coffee stains are difficult to remove because of various reasons.
For starters, coffee has a rich, dark colour, because it contains a naturally occurring pigment called tannin, which creates a dark, noticeable stain, especially on lighter fabrics.
Secondly coffee grounds contain oil and proteins, which settle in between the fibres, making it difficult to scrub out completely. A cup of coffee with milk added actually leaves a tougher stain. This is because the fats and proteins in milk coagulate and generate a sealing effect when added to hot coffee. This sets the stain in and makes removal much more difficult.
Finally, coffee has high acidity levels, which can damage the fibers of the fabric if not removed properly. But do not fret fellow coffee lovers, for there is hope.
Let’s look at how to get rid of these stains.
- Act quickly
How quickly you attend to the stain affects your success rate in removal. The longer a coffee stain stays, the more difficult it will be to remove.
So as soon as you notice the spill, blot it with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to absorb as much liquid as possible. This will help draw out some of the stain.
Dab the clothes on both the right and wrong sides of the garment to soak up as much coffee as possible. Avoid any form of harsh scrubbing as this can worsen the stain.
A form of a quick response in this situation is to get some table salt! spread it evenly on the stain. Be generous with the amount of salt you use. The more salt you add, the deeper it can penetrate into the fabric’s fibres. Salt absorbs most of the stain. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes gently rub it off with a paper towel or clean cloth. Even if it does not totally eliminate the stain, it is a great hack to prevent it from spreading.
2. Rinse under running water
Flush the stain with cold water on both sides to prevent it from penetrating the cloth further. This is sometimes effective to remove the spill even without washing. It is important to start the process with cold water since hot water can cause the stain to set and become more difficult to remove.
3. Detergent
Pre-treat the stained area with laundry detergent. Sprinkle some detergent on the stain, then add a few drops of water and gently scrub the area after that, wash the whole garment as you normally do to remove any unpleasant odour and watermark stains.
What about old coffee stains?
When dealing with a dried coffee stain, start by gently scraping off any excess coffee grounds with a spoon. Once you’ve removed the dried coffee, it’s time to treat the area.
You can start by creating a simple cleaning solution by mixing one cup of water with one cup of white vinegar. Spray this mixture on the stained area and blot with paper towels gently until the stain lightens up. Add detergent to the solution, spray, and gently massage the stain with your fingers. Let the solution sit for five minutes, then rinse.
If the stain persists, repeat this process but this time, gently rub the mixture into the stain with a soft-bristled toothbrush and let it sit for 10 more minutes before rinsing.
If the stain is proving stubborn, make a paste with 4 teaspoons of baking soda and a 1/4 cup of water. Rub the mixture on the stain and let it sit for up to an hour, then blot with a damp cloth and scrub lightly.
If the stain persists, it might be time to bring in the professionals. At Trenor, we have at our disposal powerful cleaning agents and techniques, and experience that can remove the stain. Call us on 0553655059
Conclusion
We occasionally spill coffee on our clothes. Yes, coffee can stain your favourite shirt. But that’s not the end of the world simply because you can get the stain out now that you’re armed with the knowledge and skills to combat coffee stains. Refer to this guide next time you have a coffee stain, and we can assure you that you’d do a terrific job of getting the stain out.
Written by :
Loveryn Dodu
Research and Training Supervisor
Trenor Coats and Gowns Ltd
References
Scott.(2021).Do Coffee Stains Come Out From Clothing? (Here’s How To Treat Them). Retrieved from https://aboveaveragecoffee.com/do-coffee-stains-come-out/
The Coffee Enthusiast(2023). Does coffee stain clothes? Retrieved from https://thecoffeebros.com/does-coffee-stain-clothes/
By: Loveryn Dodu
Research and Training,
Trenor Coats and Gowns LTD
