<p>howstuffworks.com has complete directions for removing coffee from all kinds of materials. Here is what they say about Cotton.</p>

<blockquote>
  <p><strong>Cotton and Linen</strong><br/> Follow these steps to remove coffee stains from Cotton and Linen:</p>
  
  <ul>
  <li>Blot up excess.</li>
  <li>Pretreat (the method of applying a stain-removing agent directly to    the stained area before laundering) with Shout Liquid Laundry Stain<br>
  Remover, then launder immediately.</li>
  <li>If that is not possible, soak the stain in a solution of 1 quart warm    water and 1/2 teaspoon dishwashing detergent for 15 minutes.</li>
  <li>Rinse well with water.</li>
  <li>Next, sponge the stain with rubbing alcohol.</li>
  <li>Rinse and allow to dry.</li>
  <li>If the stain remains, use an enzyme presoak (follow directions on    label).</li>
  <li>Rinse well with water and dry.</li>
  <li>Launder as soon as possible.</li>
  </ul>
  
  <p>Another method that has worked:</p>
  
  <ul>
  <li>Stretch the stained area over a bowl and secure with a rubber band.</li>
  <li>Pour boiling water through the stain from a height of 2 to 3 feet.    Stand back to avoid splatters.</li>
  <li>Although cotton and linen can stand boiling water, some of the    finishes and colors used on the fabrics might be damaged by such<br>
  harsh treatment.</li>
  <li>Be sure to test on an inconspicuous corner first. (If coffee    contained cream and any greasy stain remains, follow procedures to<br>
  Remove Milk and Cream.)</li>
  </ul>
</blockquote>

<p>There are more directions for other fabrics and materials <a href="http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-remove-coffee-stains.htm" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-06T16:11:30.470Z
2015-02-06T16:11:30.470Z
Justin C
<p>Coffee stains on cotton fabric can be treated using standard laundry strain removing products like Spray-and-Wash and OxiClean. The former has worked well for me in the past. Spray it on the stain and let it sit for a day or so before putting it in the wash.</p>

<p>As with any laundry product, it's a good idea to spot test to ensure your garment is colorfast.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-06T16:00:16.577Z
2015-02-06T16:00:16.577Z
Alex A.
<p>I spilled my coffee all over my cotton shirt. Will it stain if I let it dry? It's not white so I can't just bleach it. Or will it come out in an ordinary wash?</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-06T15:35:41.803Z
each fabric responds to different chemicals. Can you post the make-up of the shirt?
Justin C
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-06T15:45:53.813Z
I like your [tag:accidents] tag. Could also have been tagged "oops."
Alex A.
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-06T15:49:33.897Z
@JustinC added.
fredley
<accidents>
How can I shift coffee stains out of fabric?
fredley
# How can I shift coffee stains out of fabric?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2015-02-06)

I spilled my coffee all over my cotton shirt. Will it stain if I let it dry? It's not white so I can't just bleach it. Or will it come out in an ordinary wash?

**Tags:** accidents

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: each fabric responds to different chemicals. Can you post the make-up of the shirt?  
> **username_2**: I like your [tag:accidents] tag. Could also have been tagged "oops."  
> **username_0**: @JustinC added.  

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## 2 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2015-02-06. Score: 4 | Accepted answer

howstuffworks.com has complete directions for removing coffee from all kinds of materials. Here is what they say about Cotton.

> **Cotton and Linen**  
>  Follow these steps to remove coffee stains from Cotton and Linen:
>
> * Blot up excess.
> * Pretreat (the method of applying a stain-removing agent directly to the stained area before laundering) with Shout Liquid Laundry Stain  
>   Remover, then launder immediately.
> * If that is not possible, soak the stain in a solution of 1 quart warm water and 1/2 teaspoon dishwashing detergent for 15 minutes.
> * Rinse well with water.
> * Next, sponge the stain with rubbing alcohol.
> * Rinse and allow to dry.
> * If the stain remains, use an enzyme presoak (follow directions on label).
> * Rinse well with water and dry.
> * Launder as soon as possible.
>
> Another method that has worked:
>
> * Stretch the stained area over a bowl and secure with a rubber band.
> * Pour boiling water through the stain from a height of 2 to 3 feet. Stand back to avoid splatters.
> * Although cotton and linen can stand boiling water, some of the finishes and colors used on the fabrics might be damaged by such  
>   harsh treatment.
> * Be sure to test on an inconspicuous corner first. (If coffee contained cream and any greasy stain remains, follow procedures to  
>   Remove Milk and Cream.)

There are more directions for other fabrics and materials [here](http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-remove-coffee-stains.htm).


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### Answer by username_2 on 2015-02-06. Score: 3

Coffee stains on cotton fabric can be treated using standard laundry strain removing products like Spray-and-Wash and OxiClean. The former has worked well for me in the past. Spray it on the stain and let it sit for a day or so before putting it in the wash.

As with any laundry product, it's a good idea to spot test to ensure your garment is colorfast.


---

