This article was co-authored by Susan Stocker and by wikiHow staff writer, Amber Crain. Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices.
There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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Removing a coffee stain from your pristine white shirt might seem hopeless at first, but don't worry! There are a number of stain-busting techniques you can try out. We'll start by walking you through some options for treating fresh coffee stains, then move into a few suggestions for removing stubborn stains and older coffee stains.
Here are 9 effective tricks for getting coffee stains out of your white shirt.
Steps
Expert Q&A
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QuestionIs there anything else I can try?Susan StockerSusan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices.
Green Cleaning ExpertIf you haven’t let the stain dry yet, pour regular table salt over it and let the salt soak it up as much as possible. When the salt is dry, wipe it off. Then put baking soda on it (Arm and Hammer is the best), let it soak up as much as possible, then scrub with a paste of baking soda and a bit of water. Next, put vinegar on it (white vinegar only!) until it is nice and saturated, let it soak for 4 minutes, blot it with a white paper towel, and then machine wash with cold water and bleach. -
QuestionWhat should I do if the stain is already dry?Susan StockerSusan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices.
Green Cleaning Expert -
QuestionAre coffee stains permanent?Jon GholianJon Gholian is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Cleany, a home and office cleaning concierge service based in New York City, New Jersey & Miami. Cleany specializes in providing quality cleaning and handyman services to all their customers. All Cleany employees are insured, bonded, and professionally trained. Cleany has been featured in the New York Times, Bravo & Redfin.
Cleaning Specialist
References
- ↑ Susan Stocker. Green Cleaning Expert. Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.
- ↑ Jon Gholian. Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 3 December 2020.
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-remove-coffee-stains/
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-remove-coffee-stains/
- ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/house-and-home/household-advice/a657006/remove-coffee-with-milk-stains/
- ↑ Jon Gholian. Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 3 December 2020.
- ↑ https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clothes/stain-removal-guide
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/5-things-to-know-about-coffee-stains-239257
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/5-things-to-know-about-coffee-stains-239257
- ↑ https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clothes/stain-removal-guide
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/5-things-to-know-about-coffee-stains-239257
- ↑ https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clothes/stain-removal-guide
- ↑ Jon Gholian. Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 3 December 2020.
- ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/laundry-linens/stain-removal/how-to-remove-coffee-stains/
- ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/laundry-linens/stain-removal/how-to-remove-coffee-stains/
About This Article
Coffee spills can leave stubborn stains on white shirts, but the good news is that you can get the stain out if you act fast. Use a paper towel to blot up as much of the coffee as you can, then soak the shirt in cold water for at least 3 minutes. When you’re done, wring it out. Pour a coin-sized amount of laundry detergent onto the spot where you spilled the coffee, rub it in, and let it sit for 5 minutes. Rinse the shirt with cool water, then toss it in your laundry machine and wash it on a cool setting so the stain doesn’t set. If you still see any traces of coffee on the shirt, repeat the process before you toss it in the dryer. Keep reading for tips on how to get out old or set-in stains!