Simple and Effective Coffee Stain Removal Guide
It is a little disheartening that one of the most popular beverages in the world is so likely to cause stains on clothing, table cloths, and carpeting. Though a coffee stain left untreated is almost sure to leave a mark, these coffee stain removal tips are designed to help you salvage your garment or furniture after a spill. It should be noted that each of these tips represents general advice, and readers should defer to the care instructions on the stained piece if they recommend different types of care.
The first thing that should always be remembered is that problem areas should be dealt with as quickly as possible. The longer they are allowed to sit on the fabric, the more likely it is that they will sink in and become impossible to remove. As soon as you notice a spill, begin to dab at the area to remove as much of the liquid as possible. It is important that you not rub, as you may only succeed in rubbing the coffee further into the fabric.
Once you have removed much of the liquid, you can begin to work at removing any stains that may have formed. When trying coffee stain removal methods, you should always try to start with those that are the least abrasive, and the least likely to cause further damage, first. For many, this means initially attacking the stain with a mixture of diluted vinegar and water. In order to increase your chances of success, make sure that the water is lukewarm but not hot. Also, do what you can to work this mixture into the fabric. As you rub, you may begin to notice the stain lifting.
If vinegar and water do not seem to be doing the trick, you can move on to applying commercial spot removers. Before doing so, it is important to consult the ingredient list on your stain remover of choice. This is because some contain bleach, which can remove the color from a fabric or cause the fibers to disintegrate. For this reason, it is a good idea to invest in an addition stain removing product to be used with your more delicate fabrics. Apply this product as directed but use it as sparingly as possible.
In situations where professional cleaning is called for, time is of the essence. Getting your garment to your dry cleaner of choice as quickly as possible, and before you have washed and dried the fabric, will increase their chances of success. When you do drop it off with them, make sure to point the stain out and let them know what caused it.
With these coffee stain removal tips, you do not have to worry about fabrics being permanently ruined by coffee spills any longer.