How to Remove Coffee Stains From Clothing

Sure, there are a lot of health benefits to drinking coffee. But it's also a risky endeavor for those bleary-eyed, non-morning people who might accidentally spill it on themselves. If you're one of them, you may wonder how to continue guzzling your morning caffeine without fear of destroying your clothes.

The good news? We've got some quick coffee stain removal tips. These three foolproof methods will make that silky white blouse look good as new. Start with the simplest hacks, using ingredients you probably have around your house.

Considerations Before You Get Started

As with most spills, treating coffee stains as quickly as possible will make a big difference. If the stain is new, act fast; otherwise, it will bond with the fibers. Run cold water over the back of the fabric to keep it from penetrating the garment. Continue until the water running out is completely clear. 

If you're dealing with a coffee stain that has already set in, you can still usually remove it by diluting it with water and flushing it out of the fabric. After using one of the methods below, ensure the stain is fully gone before putting the garment in the dryer. Otherwise, the heat could end up setting the stain into the fibers.

What You Need:

Club Soda Method

• Club soda
• Spray bottle
• Microfiber cloth

Boiling Water Method

• Clean white cloth
• Shatterproof bowl
• Tea kettle

Dish Soap / Laundry Detergent Method

• Dish soap
• Liquid laundry detergent
• Bowl

How to Remove Coffee Stains With Club Soda

Step 1: Fill a Spray Bottle With Club Soda and Spritz

Spritz the club soda on the stain. The carbonation lifts the stains and keeps them from settling into the fabric. (You can do without the spray bottle if you are out at a restaurant. Ask the wait person for a glass of club soda, dip a cloth napkin, and blot the stain.)

Step 2: Blot With a Cloth

Blot with a microfiber cloth, starting from the outside of the stain and working your way in. Don't rub, or you could end up setting the stain into the fabric.

Step 3: Rinse

Rinse the stain with water to check if the coffee stain is fully removed. If not, move on to the method below. If the stain is gone, launder the garment according to the care instructions on the label. Then air-dry it.

How to Remove Coffee Stains With Boiling Water

Step 1: Add Boiling Water to Bowl

Center the stain over a shatter-proof bowl or pot that can handle boiling water. Boil a kettle of water, then very slowly pour the water over the stain from about one foot above, starting from the outer edge of the stain and working your way in.

Step 2: Wring Out Fabric and Blot With Cloth

Carefully remove the fabric (it will be hot!) and gently wring it out. You'll see the coffee coming off of the garment and making the water brown. Blot the fabric with a clean, white cloth.

Step 3: Rinse

Rinse the garment with water, and if the stain is fully removed, launder the garment and air-dry it.

How to Remove Coffee Stains With Dish Soap or Laundry Detergent

Step 1: Apply Soap

Add a few drops of liquid dish soap or liquid laundry detergent directly to the stain and soak it in a bowl of cold water. Let it sit for a few minutes.

Step 2: Massage the Fabric

Use your fingers to gently rub the stain out of the fabric. Return it to the bowl and let it soak for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Rinse

Remove the garment from the bowl and rinse. If the stain is fully removed, launder the garment and air-dry it. If not, repeat the process until it's gone, then launder and air-dry.