How to Remove Coffee Stains from Clothes

Learn how to remove coffee stains, step by step. These stain removal tips will help you get your clothes clean. Always check and follow your appliance and product use and care instructions before beginning any task, as it should be your primary source of information.

Whether it was from an insecure lid or a shake of your hand, spilling a fresh cup of coffee on your favorite outfit can be both upsetting and painful. Fortunately, learning how to remove coffee stains from clothes isn’t. Our guide will teach you how to get coffee stains out of any type of fabric in three easy steps.

HOW TO REMOVE COFFEE STAINS FROM COTTON & COTTON/POLY BLENDS

Good for: white clothes, lights, darks, jeans, towels, sheets

Rinse in cold water to flush out as much of the stain as possible.
Apply an enzyme detergent¹ to the stain and allow to set for a few minutes.
Wash in the warmest water safe for the garment. Add some oxygen bleach² or chlorine bleach for white cottons to help with dark stains.

Treating a coffee stain on a white shirt with detergent

HOW TO REMOVE COFFEE STAINS FROM POLYESTER, SPANDEX & NYLON

Good for: white clothes, lights, darks, active wear

Rinse in cold water to flush out as much of the stain as possible.
Apply an enzyme detergent¹ to the stain and allow to set for a few minutes.
Wash in the warmest water safe for the garment. Add some oxygen bleach² to help with dark stains.

HOW TO REMOVE COFFEE STAINS FROM WOOL, SILK, LINEN, RAYON & ACRYLIC

Good for: sweaters, blouses, sheer fabrics, swimsuits

Mix a mild detergent³ in cool water then add the stained garment.
Gently squeeze the soapy water through the garment to help release the stain.
Wash in the warmest water safe for the garment. An oxygen bleach² can be used to further help with removal if safe for your delicate fabric.

When applying treatment to a stain, work from the outside in to prevent spreading.

TERMS TO KNOW FOR THIS STAIN REMOVAL GUIDE

1. Enzyme detergents target stains such as blood, food stains, grass, and others. These are most commonly liquid formulations but powdered formulations are also available. Check the label of your detergent to see if yours contains enzymes.

2. Oxygen bleach is an alternative to traditional chlorine bleach that is generally safe on colors. It’s colorless, fragrance-free and comes in either a liquid or powder form.

3. Mild detergents tend to be formulated for delicate fabrics or sensitive skin. The labels often indicate that they’re fragrance-free or gentle on skin.