How to Remove Coffee Stains from Clothes

Whether it was from an unsecure lid or a shake of your hand, spilling a fresh cup of coffee on your favorite outfit can be upsetting and painful. Fortunately, learning how to remove coffee stains from clothes isn’t. Read more to learn how to get coffee stains out of fabric in three easy steps.

Does Coffee Stain Clothes Permanently?

Despite how permanent coffee stains look, with the right tools and cleaning method, they won't last forever. No matter what kind of fabric you were wearing when you spilled your coffee, there is a solution to fight that stain.

How to Get Coffee Stains Out of Cotton, Polyester, Spandex and Nylon

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

If you get coffee stains in one of these pieces of fabric, there is a simple solution. By following these steps, your coffee stains should easily come out of your clothing (but always make sure to reference your care label prior to cleaning).

Supplies

Water
Enzyme detergent

Step 1: Rinse Stain in Cold Water

Rinse in cold water to flush out as much of the stain as possible.

Step 2: Apply Enzyme Detergent

Apply a small amount of enzyme detergent to the stain and allow to set for a few minutes.

Step 3: Wash in Warm Water

Wash in the warmest water safe for the garment. Add chlorine bleach for white cottons to help with dark stains.

Step 4: If Stain Remains

If the stain remains after these steps then repeat them fully until the stain is removed or you are satisfied with the results.

Step 5: Drying

After you finish washing the stain, make sure to air dry the article of clothing only. Do not put your clothing in the dryer until the coffee stain is completely removed. This is because running the item through the dryer with the stain still present can set the stain, which can make it almost impossible to remove.

How to Get Coffee Stains Out Of Wool, Silk, Linen, Rayon & Acrylic

Good for: sweaters, blouses, sheer fabrics, swimsuits

If you get coffee stains in one of these pieces of fabric, don’t panic. The following steps should help you to easily and effectively remove your stains.

Supplies

Water
Mild detergent

Step 1: Mix Detergent in Cold Water

Mix a mild detergent in cool water then add the stained garment.

Step 2: Squeeze Soapy Water Through Garment

Gently squeeze the soapy water through the garment to help release the stain.

Step 3: Wash in Warm Water

Wash in the warmest water safe for the garment. An oxygen bleach can be used to further help with removal if safe for your delicate fabric.

Step 4: If Stain Remains

If the stain remains after these steps then repeat them fully until the stain is removed.

Step 5: Drying

After you finish washing the stain, make sure to air dry the article of clothing only (making sure to check the care tag for tumble drying). Do not put your clothing in the dryer until the coffee stain is completely removed. This is because running the item through the dryer with the stain still present can set the stain, which can make it almost impossible to remove.

Stop Stains from Spreading

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

Treating a coffee stain on a white shirt with detergent

What Cleaning Products Should You Use To Remove Coffee Stains?

There are a number of cleaning products you can use in order to remove coffee stains. The most reliable solutions will be detergents, but there are other home remedies you can try.

1. Enzyme Detergents

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

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. Make sure to follow oxygen bleach and washer instructions to understand how much to bleach dose and where to place in the machine.

3. Mild Detergents

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.

4. Other Cleaning Products

Although the cleaning products listed above are recommended for their ability to remove coffee stains from clothing, there are other cleaning products to try using if traditional methods haven’t succeeded. Make sure you are careful when using these home remedies as some can potentially damage your clothing (and always check your care label).

Will Baking Soda Remove Coffee Stains?

When used after a detergent, baking soda can remove coffee stains. Just mix it with water and rub it on the stain until it comes out.

Does Vinegar Remove Coffee Stains?

Although not as effective as detergent, some will use vinegar in a pinch. To use a vinegar solution, place the solution on the stained spot, then rinse and wash in washer.

Does Dish Soap Remove Coffee Stains?

As an alternative to detergent, dish soap can work to remove your coffee stains. Just replace your detergent with dish soap while following the above steps. Remember to rinse out the dish soap after letting it stand prior to washing.

Side by side washer and dryer appliances

Coffee Stain Removal Tips

When removing coffee stains from clothing and sheets, remember not to rub the stain in. Additionally, do not tumble dry the stain before completely washing it out, otherwise the stain will set and become more difficult to remove later. Finally, when flushing the stain, do your best to wash from the inside-out.

Shop Maytag^® Washers

There is nothing more important when washing than reliance, and Maytag^® washers offer performance you can count on. On select models, features like the Optimal Dose Dispenser provides the right amount of detergent each time while the Extra Power button boosts stain-fighting on any wash cycle in select top load washers and front load washers.