How do I clean coffee and tea stains from a collared shirt?

You can use vinegar, a laundry stain remover, ammonia, dish detergent, rubbing alcohol, or lemon juice to clean coffee and tea stains from a collared shirt. Be sure to follow the directions on any product you use and launder the shirt as usual afterwards.

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Eliminate Coffee and Tea Stains from Your Collared Shirt

Accidents can happen, but coffee and tea stains don't have to ruin your collared shirt. Here are some easy and effective methods to get rid of those pesky spills.

Updated 19 Jun 2023

By Nishat Asif

Using Vinegar

Vinegar is a great stain remover for many types of fabric. To use it on a coffee or tea stain, mix one tablespoon of white vinegar with two tablespoons of warm water. Soak the stained area of shirt for up to 30 minutes. Then launder the shirt as usual, using your usual detergent.

Using a Laundry Stain Remover

If the stain is still visible after the vinegar treatment, try using a laundry stain remover. Dab the stain with the product following the directions on package. Do not rub the stain or it may spread. Allow the product to remain on the shirt for the amount of time specified in the instructions, then launder the shirt normally.

Using Ammonia

Ammonia is another effective solution for removing tough coffee and tea stains. Mix one part household ammonia with two parts warm water. Soak a cloth in mixture and dab the stain with it. Keep dabbing the stain until it has disappeared. Rinse cloth in clean water if it becomes too saturated with the stain. Once you’re sure that the stain is gone, launder the shirt as usual.

Using Dish Detergent

Dish detergent is also great for tackling tough stains. To use it, simply mix one tablespoon of the detergent with two tablespoons of warm water. Apply solution to the stained area and gently rub the fabric together. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse the area with cold water. Launder the shirt as usual.

Using Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is another good option for removing stains from collared shirts. Dab a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol onto the stain. Make sure not to rub too hard as this could damage the fabric. Allow alcohol to sit on the stain for 10 minutes, then rinse the area with cool water. Finally, launder the shirt as usual.

Using Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is a mild acidic liquid, which makes it a helpful stain-removing agent. Pour a few drops of lemon juice onto the stain and allow it to sit for 15 minutes. Then, rinse the area with cold water. If the stain is still visible, repeat the process until it has disappeared. Finally, launder the shirt as usual.

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