If you’re a regular coffee drinker, chances are you’ve spilled coffee on yourself or have come close. After the initial shock, your first thought might be: does coffee stain clothes?
Fortunately, coffee stains can be removed if treated properly. Read on to find out how to remove coffee stains from clothes and whether these stains can be permanent.
Are Coffee Stains Permanent?
Coffee stains are not usually permanent. However, they can be a pain to remove if they’re not treated correctly.
Coffee contains tannins, which are also found in red wine and chocolate. These tannins give coffee its bitter taste and, unfortunately, bind to fabric, causing dark stains.
That said, tannins only bind loosely to fabric and can easily be removed. It’s best to act fast to avoid the risk of a stubborn stain developing.
Coffee stains can be harder to remove from delicate materials as they can’t withstand the treatment needed to remove the stain. So be extra careful when wearing a wool jumper or silk scarf.
Do Coffee Stains Fade?
Heat can cause the tannins in coffee to bind to the fabric of your garment, which can make the stain set. This is why it’s best to treat the stain before putting it into the wash.
It’s also a good idea to make sure the stain is completely gone before putting it in the tumble dryer.
Does Black Coffee Stain Clothes?
There isn’t much difference between black and milky coffee in terms of staining because all coffee contains tannins.
In fact, some people think that milky coffee stains can be harder to remove because the fat proteins in milk can also bind to fabric, creating a seal.
How to Remove Coffee Stains
As soon as the coffee hits your clothing, be sure to follow these steps to reduce the risk of stubborn stains:
- Blot the area with a dry towel or paper towel.
- Turn the item of clothing inside out and run cold water over the stain. If you’re at home, you can also soak the item in cold water with a little detergent mixed in.
- Launder as normal.
If the stain doesn’t seem to be coming out in the wash, you can try these tips:
- Apply a drop of detergent mixed with water directly to the stain and scrub with a toothbrush.
- Mix a cup of vinegar with water and let the item soak for at least 15 minutes.
- Apply a stain remover to the area, following the instructions on the bottle.
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