We all know that our cotton goods won’t last forever, but it’s very frustrating when a product’s shelf life gets cut short because of an unsightly stain. As one of the most popular morning drinks, coffee is a liquid that’s easy to spill. We’re going to tell you how to get coffee stains out of cotton.
Accidents happen all the time, especially when we’re not at our best. If you’re the kind of person that can’t function until you’ve had your cup of coffee, then chances are you’ve had to deal with your share of spills.
The easiest way to get rid of stains is to prevent them from happening. If your coffee spills, grab a piece of paper towel and blot it away. If the stain remains, here are some tips to help you remove it.
How to Get Coffee Stains Out of Cotton
Spills are something we never plan for, and they tend to happen at the most inconvenient times. They can be particularly annoying when they happen on the go.
In this guide, we’ll teach you how you can deal with coffee stains on white shirts or your most expensive pair of slacks whether you’re in the comfort of your home, at work, or out at the local cafe. Learn how to get coffee off your favorite clothes and upholstery with just a few simple ingredients and tips.
Get Coffee Stains Out of Cotton with Water
To get a fresh stain out of cotton, the first thing you have to do is blot the excess coffee with a paper towel or clean cloth. After blotting the stain, you’re ready to choose your stain removal technique of choice.
One of the simplest ways to remove coffee stains from cotton is to use boiling water. However, this may damage certain dyes and finishes, so it is best to use this method only on white cotton.
Note that hot water is also one of the techniques for shrinking cotton, so if you don’t want your favorite shirt to be too small after stain removal, you may want to opt for cold water instead.
Alternatively, you can also try removing fresh stains by rinsing cold water through the back of the stain. Let the water go through the fabric until it runs clear, which should be about 15 minutes.
Pretreat the Cotton with Homemade Stain Remover
If you have a stain on something that you can throw in the washing machine, one cycle alone is usually not going to be enough. Pretreat the cotton fabric before doing a load, just as you would do if you were removing coffee stains from clothing. This homemade stain remover is useful for tackling a variety of stains.
Stretch the stained cotton over a bowl and use an elastic band to secure it in place. Heat water to 200°F and pour the hot water directly over the stain.
Mix the warm water, dishwashing detergent (not laundry detergent), and white vinegar. Presoak the stain in the solution for 15 minutes. Rinse the stained area with warm water.
As you would remove grease from clothes, blot at the stain using rubbing alcohol on a sponge. Rinse once more with warm water.
Read the washing instructions on the label, as that is how to keep clothes from shrinking, while you allow the fabric dry completely. Wash according to the label instructions.
Remove Coffee Stains from Cotton Sheets
Cotton sheets are a bit more of a hassle to clean than a single cotton shirt, so you might want to learn how to remove coffee stains from cotton sheets without throwing them in the washing machine. For that, baking soda is your best friend.
Baking soda is perfect for cleaning around the house and can be used on upholstery and carpet stains, as well. Dip a damp cloth into a small bowl of baking soda. Blot out the stain by rubbing gently in a circular motion. If the stain is set, use a toothbrush instead of a cloth.
Some set stains may leak through your sheets onto the surface below, and for those, use one of our favorite bed mattress cleaner recipes. If the stain in your sheets is more difficult, mix the baking soda with a little water or laundry detergent before rubbing the area.
Use Club Soda
Club soda is another ingredient that is perfect for stain removal, especially for cotton fabrics. Pour some club soda on the coffee stain and use a clean towel or dry cloth to blot the spot.
This method works well for fresh stains, but set stains may require a few more steps. A spritz of club soda also works as an excellent final step to accompany any of the other methods on this list to ensure the stain is gone.
Getting Coffee Stains Out of Cotton Clothes with Egg Yolk
We have an excellent idea for a DIY coffee stain remover that you probably have never heard of before. This solution might sound like it will create more of a mess than the coffee stain, but this is one method for how to get coffee stains out of cotton clothes that works!
Beat an egg yolk in a small bowl and add a little bit of warm water. Grab a terry cloth or sponge and dip it in the mixture.Rub the yolk solution onto the stain for about one minute, making sure to get every part of the stain.
Rinse the fabric with water until it runs clear. Throw your cotton item in the wash after this method, as the material may be a little stiff.
Use Hydrogen Peroxide For Old Coffee Stains
Hydrogen peroxide is perfect for cleaning up stains. It is the ideal ingredient for a white shirt, but you may need to test color fabrics by swabbing a small area first. If all is clear, then rub some hydrogen peroxide over the stain and let it sit for 30 seconds.
Rinse the stain. If it is still there, apply some more hydrogen peroxide and repeat the process.If the stain is older and has already set, mix a little bit of liquid dish soap or liquid laundry detergent with the hydrogen peroxide.
This is also an effective cleaner to get pen ink out of clothes. Rub the mixture onto the stain, letting it sit for 30 seconds before rinsing.
Sprinkle the Coffee Stain with Salt
This might sound like another strange cleaning solution that shouldn’t work, but it does! Sprinkle a liberal amount of table salt on top of the stain. The more salt you use, the deeper it can get into the fabric to combat the stain.
Let the salt sit for several minutes and use a cloth or paper towel to rub it away. Don’t scrub, but use a gentle rubbing motion.
This solution may not remove the stain entirely, but it will help it fade and prevent it from spreading. As salt is so easy to find, this is an excellent option if you’re out on the town when you spill your coffee.
With these simple tips, you don’t need to let a little spill ruin one of your favorite items. Whether you spill on your cotton sheets while sipping some java in bed, or you get a drop on your shirt while you’re on the go, these methods will work.
If you learned how to get coffee stains out of cotton thanks to this article, then share our tips on Facebook and Pinterest with a coffee drinker in your life!