Coffee Stain Emergency: How to Remove Coffee Stains from Your Shirt at Work

coffee laptop

Hey, coffee lovers! 

We’ve all been there: you’re at work, sipping on your morning brew and suddenly you make a not-so-graceful move and SPLASH! 

The coffee ends up all over your shirt. 

But don’t worry, your work wardrobe doesn’t have to suffer just yet. 

In this guide, I’ll show you how to remove those pesky coffee stains using three household items you can hopefully find in your office pantry: lemon juice, baking soda, and club soda.

Let’s get started.

Using Lemon Juice:

  1. Blot the stain immediately with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to absorb as much of the coffee as possible.
  2. Mix a solution of equal parts lemon juice and water in a small container.
  3. Using a clean cloth or sponge, gently dab the stain with the lemon juice solution. Be sure to work from the outside of the stain towards the center, so as not to spread the stain further.
  4. Leave the solution on the stain for five minutes to allow it to penetrate the fabric.
  5. Rinse the area with cold water and gently blot it dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
  6. If the stain is still visible, repeat steps 3-5.
  7. Once the stain is removed, launder the shirt as usual when you get home. 

Using Baking Soda:

  1. As soon as possible, press a clean and dry cloth or paper towel onto the stain to soak up as much of the coffee as you can.
  2. Mix a solution of one part baking soda and one part water in a small container.
  3. Using a clean cloth or sponge, gently dab the stain with the baking soda solution. When applying the solution, start at the outer edges of the stain and work your way inwards to prevent the stain from spreading further.
  4. Leave the solution on the stain for a few minutes to allow it to penetrate the fabric.
  5. Rinse the area with cold water. After rinsing the area, use a clean cloth or paper towel to gently pat the area dry.
  6. If the stain is still visible, repeat steps 3-5.
  7. Once the stain is removed, launder the shirt as usual.

Using Club Soda:

  1. To prevent the stain from spreading, quickly press a clean and dry cloth or paper towel onto the stain and absorb as much of the coffee as possible.
  2. Soak a clean cloth or sponge in club soda and wring it out so it’s damp.
  3. Apply the soda to the stain and let it sit for five minutes.
  4. Rinse the area with cold water and gently blot it dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
  5. If the stain is still visible, repeat steps 3-4.
  6. Once the stain has been successfully removed, proceed to wash the shirt according to the usual care instructions.

Why They Work

Lemon juice is a natural stain remover because of its acidity. The acid in lemon juice can break down the proteins found in coffee stains, making them easier to remove. The acidity also helps to brighten and deodorize the area, making it smell fresh.

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and can also be used to gently scrub away stains. It is a mild abrasive, which makes it perfect for removing stains without damaging the fabric. The alkaline nature of baking soda also helps to neutralize any acid present in the coffee stain, which makes it a great option to use after using lemon juice.

Club soda is a good option for removing coffee stains due to the carbonation present in it. The carbonation helps to lift the stains from the fabric by breaking down the coffee’s proteins and pigments. The carbonation also helps to loosen and lift the stain, making it easier to remove.

Important Reminder:

It’s worth noting that these items are not only effective for coffee stains but also for other types of stains as well. The effectiveness of these items can also vary depending on the type of fabric and the age of the stain. 

It’s always a good idea to test any solution in an inconspicuous area of the fabric to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage or discoloration.

Conclusion:

Don’t let a little coffee stain ruin your day or your shirt! 

With the help of lemon juice, baking soda, and club soda, you’ll be back to looking sharp in no time. The next time you find yourself in a coffee-stained predicament, give one of these methods a try. 

So go ahead and enjoy that coffee, just be a little more careful with it next time.

Your carpet at home got the same coffee problem? See Remove Coffee Stains on Carpets with Baking Soda and Vinegar.

Thanks for dropping by my blog.

-Baking Soda Guy  

Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels