How to remove coffee stains
There are times when the energy of a good coffee brings good luck, as well as providing a unique source of pleasure. Too bad that all it takes is one tiny distraction to spill the entire cup on your clothes and ruin everything. What now? How can you remove coffee stains?
It’s easy to despair, especially if it happens at the worst time ever, during an event, for example, or perhaps during a coffee break in the office before an important meeting. The code word is timing: if the coffee stain is fresh, removing it is much easier. And you might even manage to remove it immediately, even if you’re not at home. In fact, sometimes all you have to do is soak the stain with fizzy water and scrub it until the smudge disappears: problem solved in a just a few minutes.
Coffee stains, old-time remedies
The longer you leave a stain, the more it risks leaving a stubborn mark. But keep calm and reach for one of these fool-proof old-time remedies, efficient natural DIY methods for removing coffee stains from any garment and fabric.
Granny’s old-time remedies: Marseille soap
Let’s start with a great classic. Marseille soap often proves to be an incredible stain remover, not only for smudges created by our favourite beverage. Here are some tips from grandmothers in the know:
- First of all, use a napkin to blot the liquid.
- Then, wet the Marseille soap with cold water and rub it gently onto the stain.
- Once you’ve made a good lather, wait a few seconds before rinsing the garment under running water.
- Repeat the last two stages until the stain disappears.
Granny’s old-time remedies: vinegar
Obviously, not everyone always has a bar of Marseille soap close at hand. Another effective natural remedy is cider or white vinegar:
- The first step is always to remove the excess liquid with a paper towel.
- Then, make a DIY stain remover by mixing one part vinegar and three parts distilled water.
- Apply this liquid to the coffee stain, wait a few minutes then try scrubbing it until it disappears.
- Finally, the garment can be washed in the washing machine.
How to remove coffee stains from fabrics
With items made of specific fabrics such as jeans and silk shirts, it’s best to take extra precautions to avoid ruining the garment and remove the coffee stains more quickly.
How to remove coffee stains from jeans
Here are two DIY remedies for removing smudges from jeans:
- The first one consists in mixing salt and lemon juice and applying it to the stain. After an hour, gently scrub and rinse with water before laundering in the washing machine as usual.
- The second natural method requires you to mix salt and fizzy water and apply the result to the coffee stain. After about 8 hours, you can wash the jeans in the washing machine so that it can finally come out clean.
How to remove coffee stains from cotton
The best way to remove a coffee stains from cotton garments is to pour boiling water on it (lukewarm water works too) together with a few drops of peroxide while the stain is still wet.
If it has already dried in, it’s best to blot it (very carefully) first with glycerol and then with ammonia.
How to remove coffee stains from silk
Silk is a very delicate fabric which must be treated with great care. To break down the coffee stains on silk garments, prepare a basin full with water and two cups of cider vinegar, then leave the item to soak overnight. The next day, all you’ll have to do is rinse it with cold water!
But take note: it’s not all bad! You can also use coffee as an ally for removing stains from floors or surfaces, for example: discover how to use coffee grounds.
