How to Remove Coffee Stains From Clothes

Whether it was from an insecure lid or a shake of your hand, spilling a fresh cup of coffee on your favourite outfit can be both upsetting and painful. Fortunately, removing coffee stains from clothes isn’t. Our guide will help you get coffee stains out of any type of fabric in three easy steps.

Cotton and synthetic fabrics in a washing machine.

COTTON & COTTON/POLY BLENDS

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

Rinse in cold water to flush out as much of the stain as possible.
Apply an enzyme detergent¹ to the stain and allow to set a few minutes.
Wash in the warmest water safe for the garment. Add some oxygen bleach³ or chlorine bleach for white cottons to help with dark stains.

POLYESTER, SPANDEX & NYLON

Good for: white clothes, lights, darks, active wear

Rinse in cold water to flush out as much of the stain as possible.
Apply an enzyme detergent¹ to the stain and allow to set a few minutes.
Wash in the warmest water safe for the garment. Add some oxygen bleach³ to help with dark stains.

Wool, knits and other delicates in a washing machine.

WOOL, SILK, LINEN, RAYON & ACRYLIC

Good for: sweaters, blouses, sheer fabrics, swimsuits

Mix a mild detergent² in cool water then add the stained garment.
Gently squeeze the soapy water though the garment to help release the stain.
Wash in the warmest water safe for the garment. An oxygen bleach³ can be used to further help with removal if safe for your delicate fabric.

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

TERMS TO KNOW FOR THIS STAIN REMOVAL GUIDE

1. 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. Mild detergents tend to be formulated for delicate fabrics or sensitive skin. The labels often indicate that they're fragrence free or gentle on skin.

3. Oxygen bleach is an alternative to traditional chlorine bleach that is generally safe on colours. It's colourless, fragrance-free and comes in either a liquid or powder form.