How to Remove Coffee Stains

Coffee is the most commonly spilled drink in the world — and one of the trickiest stains to remove if you leave it too long. The tannins in coffee bind to fabric fibres quickly, so speed is everything.

Act immediately

Blot the stain with a clean dry cloth — never rub. Remove as much liquid as possible before treating.

For clothing

Rinse the stain from the back with cold running water. Apply liquid dishwashing detergent, leave for five minutes, then rinse and wash in cold water.

For carpet

Mix one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid with one tablespoon of white vinegar and two cups of warm water. Apply with a clean cloth and blot until the stain lifts.

What NOT to do

Never use hot water and never put a coffee-stained item in the dryer until the stain is completely gone.