What causes coffee and tea stains?

Coffee and tea stains are caused by tannins—naturally occurring organic compounds found in plants.

How do you remove coffee and tea stains from workwear?

The best way to remove coffee and tea stains from workwear is to act quickly and treat the stain with a solution of warm water and laundry detergent. For tough stains, you may also want to soak the fabric in a mixture of cold water and white vinegar.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Coffee and tea > Workwear

Revive Your Workwear: How to Clean Coffee and Tea Stains Quickly

There's nothing like the feeling you get when you've finally tracked down the perfect work ensemble. However, one spilled cup of coffee or tea can feel like an absolute disaster. Don't worry- here we have solutions you need to help revive your workwear and make it look as good as new.

Updated 19 Jun 2023

By Luke Smith

Understanding Coffee and Tea Stains

The main problem with coffee and tea stains is that they contain tannins—naturally occurring organic compounds that are found in many types of plants. These tannins are responsible for the staining power of both coffee and tea. In order to properly remove the stain, you'll need to break down the proteins in the tannins to loosen them from the fabric.

Removing Coffee and Tea Stains from Workwear

The best way to handle coffee and tea stains on workwear is to tackle them as soon as possible. The sooner you treat the stain, the easier it will be to remove.

Start by blotting the stain gently with a paper towel or clean cloth. Don't rub at the fabric, as this can cause stain to spread further.
If you're dealing with a stubborn stain, mix up a solution of two parts warm water and one part liquid laundry detergent. Soak the stained area in the solution for 15 minutes.
Scrub the stain gently with a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush. This should help to loosen tannins and lift the stain.
Rinse the fabric with cool water, then blot the area again with a clean towel to remove any residual moisture.
For tough stains, repeat the process until the stain is gone. You may also want to soak the fabric in a mixture of cold water and white vinegar for a few hours or overnight.
Once the stain is gone, launder the fabric according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips to keep in mind when dealing with coffee and tea stains:

Always pre-treat the stain with a quality stain remover before laundering your fabric.
If you don't have a stain remover on hand, you can try club soda instead. Pour the soda directly onto the stain and let sit for 10 minutes before blotting with a clean cloth.
Some fabrics may be more prone to staining than others. Consider investing in stain-resistant fabrics if you find yourself dealing with coffee and tea stains frequently.
When in doubt, it's best to take your fabric to a professional dry cleaner. They can often tackle even the toughest stains with ease.

Conclusion

It can be tricky to remove coffee and tea stains from workwear, but with a little elbow grease and right techniques, you can restore your fabrics to their original state. Remember to always act quickly and be sure to follow the care instructions as advised by the manufacturer.

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