How do I remove coffee and tea stains from jeans?

Start by blotting as much of the liquid off with a clean white cloth. Then wash the jeans with a mild detergent or stain remover mixed with cool water. If the stain persists, try treating it with an Oxyclean solution and flush with fresh water. If that doesn't work, try washing again with a regular detergent and ½ cup of white vinegar. Finally, hang to dry in a well-ventilated space away from direct sunlight and inspect for any remaining stain.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Coffee and tea > Jeans

Get Rid of Stubborn Coffee and Tea Stains from Your Jeans

Coffee and tea stains can be one of the most stubborn and unsightly stains to deal with, especially on light-coloured jeans. But don't worry – with a few simple tricks and techniques, you'll soon have your jeans looking as good as new.

Updated 19 Jun 2023

By Cyryl Wozniak

1. Blot as Much of the Stain as Possible Right Away

The most important thing to do when dealing with any stain is to act fast. If you happen to catch the stain within the first few minutes of it occurring, try to blot as much of the liquid off with a clean white cloth. This will help stop the stain from setting and spreading further into the fabric.

2. Pre-treat with Detergent and Cool Water

Once you've removed as much liquid as possible, you should pre-treat the stain with a mild detergent or stain remover mixed with cool water. Let the paste sit on the stain for approximately 5 minutes and then flush with fresh water.

3. Use an Oxyclean Solution and Rinse

If the stain is still visible, try treating it with an Oxyclean solution. Make a paste using 1 part Oxyclean powder with 2 parts water and apply it to the stain. Put jeans in the wash for a 10-minute cycle and then let them soak for another 10 minutes. After that, rinse them in cold water.

4. Wash Again with Detergent and Vinegar

If the stain is still not gone, try washing the jeans again with a regular detergent. However, this time add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the washing machine before you start the cycle. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and will help remove remaining stain.

5. Repeat if Necessary

If the stain is still present after the previous steps, you may need to repeat process until it is completely gone. Don't be too discouraged if you don't get it out right away – just keep trying and you'll eventually get there.

6. Air Dry

Once stain has been successfully removed, hang the jeans to dry in a well-ventilated space away from direct sunlight. Avoid using dryer as this could set the stain and cause it to become permanent.

7. Finish Up!

After the jeans are dry, give them one last inspection to make sure the stain is completely gone. If all looks good, you can go ahead and put them back in your wardrobe.

Try Laundryheap - 24h laundry service with free delivery

Never do laundry again. Save time for things you ❤️

Book now

WikiLaundry