How to remove coffee and tea stains from clothes: ‘Trusty’ 65p method 'breaks down' marks

Sep 06, 2023

Stains often appear on clothes, especially when enjoying certain beverages and food items.

While suncream, grease and red wine are some of the worst offenders during the summer months, coffee and tea stains are a year-round problem.

With this in mind, large appliance and laundry experts at AO.com have shared their top tips for removing stubborn coffee and tea stains from clothes.

Fran Forgione, laundry expert at AO.com said that “cheap cupboard items” are just as “effective” at removing stains from clothes as “harsh chemicals”.

She said: “When it comes to stains, so many of us reach for expensive, harsh chemicals to get rid of them, without realising that combinations of cheap, cupboard items work just as effectively.”

READ MORE: 40p cupboard staple prevents blood from setting on laundry in just 30 minutes

Fran said there are a number of solutions that can remove coffee and tea stains that don’t cost a fortune.

If you’ve just spilt fresh coffee on a laundry item, it’s best to immediately run the item under cold water.

If the cold water removes the stain, pop it in the wash to ensure the garment comes up “sparkling”.

If the cold water doesn’t work, Fran said there is an “alternative” method people can use.

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She said: “Alternatively, you can apply dish soap or liquid washing detergent as soon as possible, and let it soak into the stain for at least an hour – and don’t let it dry.

“Keep the stain wet to ensure the product can work on removing it.

“For more stubborn stains, there are some household staples that might be able to help.

“Trusty white vinegar mixed with water will help lift stains, or you can even use toothpaste (just make sure it’s white) which will act as an exfoliator and break down the stain.

“Lastly, a paste made of baking soda and water will also do the job.

“It’s important to persist with this one and continue to work the paste into the stain until it is gone. Then wash on a normal wash cycle.”

White vinegar can be bought for as little as 99p and baking soda for 65p.