How to remove coffee or tea stains
A tannin stain — water-based and easier while fresh. Here's the safe way to lift a coffee or tea stain — these steps work for most fabrics, and you can tailor them to yours in the tool below.
Good odds
Usually lifts if you treat it promptly.
Do this now
- 1
Blot up the excess with a clean cloth — don’t rub.
- 2
Rinse the back of the stain under cool running water to push it out.
- 3
Dab on a little washing-up liquid mixed with a splash of white vinegar; leave 5 minutes.
- 4
Rinse, then wash as the care label allows. Check it’s gone before drying.
Use
- Washing-up liquid
- White vinegar
- Enzyme detergent
Avoid
- Hot water first (sets tannin)
- Bar soap
- Rubbing
- Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, alcohol, rust remover, or other cleaners.
- Use only one stain-removal chemical at a time, then rinse before trying another.
Good to know
These steps suit most washable fabrics. Choose your fabric to tailor them — gentler for wool, silk and other delicates, firmer for cotton and denim.