How to Remove Coffee Stains

Spilling coffee on clothing can often seem like an irreversible disaster. Coffee stains don't have to be a permanent addition to your favorite shirt or pants, though. Several techniques-some a little less conventional than others-can help you say so-long to those unsightly brown coffee stains.

Instructions

1. Combine a teaspoon of white vinegar with a quart of cold water. Apply the mixture to the stain then proceed to blot it up.

2. Beat an egg yolk and, using a white towel or a sponge, dab it onto the stain. Add a little water to the yolk to dilute it if necessary. Rinse the yolk off with clean water.

3. Dampen a towel and add about a teaspoon of baking soda to it. Work the baking soda into the fabric before rinsing it with clean water.

4. Apply a little denatured alcohol to the spot and gently work it in. Rinse off the area afterwards.

5. Use a time-tested commercial stain remover to get rid of a coffee stain. Apply the stain remover and allow it to set for a few minutes before laundering the piece of clothing. Wash the stain-ridden article immediately for best results.

Tips & Warnings

• Blot a spill with a clean white towel in order to remove any excess before attempting to remove the stain.

• Act quickly: the sooner you take action against that nasty brown spot, the better your chances for removing it completely.

• If you don't have a stain remover on hand, try combining ½ tsp. laundry detergent with a pint of water. Blot the mixture onto the fabric then rinse.

• Remember that these techniques are precursors to actually washing the stained garment. Don't plan on wearing that shirt to work the same day you've spilled coffee on it and removed the stain with an egg yolk.