How to Remove Tea and Coffee Stains From Clothes and Carpet

The best ways to get rid of even old coffee and tea stains using common items

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 5 - 10 mins
  • Total Time: 10 mins - 12 hrs
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $0 to 10

Getting out tea and coffee stains from clothing or carpet can be tricky but not impossible. Both of these beverages contain tannins, which are plant compounds that can dye fabrics. Add the greasy component of cream or other flavoring ingredients, and the stain becomes even more difficult.

How to Remove Tea and Coffee Stains

The Spruce / Joules Garcia

No matter what type of tannin-based beverage has spilled, it's essential to treat the stain as soon as possible for the best chance of thoroughly removing it. Never use natural bar soap or soap flakes like Zote on a coffee stain because the soap can make tannin stains more difficult to remove. Instead, follow the steps below to get out tea and coffee stains from clothes and carpets.

Stain type  Tannin-based
Detergent type  Liquid laundry 
Water temperature  Cold 
Cycle type  Normal 

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • White paper towel or cloth
  • Soft-bristled brush
  • Wash bin (optional)

Materials

  • Heavy-duty liquid detergent
  • Oxygen bleach
  • Stain remover gel or spray
  • Stain remover pen (optional)

Instructions

Materials for removing coffee stains

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

Removing Tea and Coffee Stains From Clothing

  1. Blot Excess Moisture

    Blot away as much moisture as possible with a plain white paper towel or cloth.

    Blotting coffee off of a garment

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

  2. Flush the Stain With Water

    • Flood the stained area with plain cool water. If possible, flush the stain from the wrong side by holding the stain under a faucet of cold running water.
    • Alternatively, sponge the stain with a white cloth dipped in cool water. If any color remains, you can use a stain remover pen.
    Flushing the coffee stain with water

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

  3. Pre-Treat With Liquid Detergent

    • Treat with a bit of heavy-duty liquid detergent like Tide or Persil. or use a stain removal spray or gel.
    • Gently work the stain remover into the fabric with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush and allow it to work for at least 10 minutes before washing.
    • This step is critical if the coffee spill contained cream or other added flavorings.
    Pretreating the stain with laundry detergent

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

  4. Wash as Directed

    After the stain is successfully removed, wash the garment following care label directions using a good detergent and the hottest water recommended for the fabric.

    Washing the garment as recommended

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

  5. Soak Stubborn Stains in Oxygen Bleach

    • Mix a solution of warm water and oxygen bleach (brand names are: OxiClean, Nellie's All-Natural Oxygen Brightener, or OXO Brite).
    • Completely submerge the stained garments and allow them to soak for at least four hours or overnight.
    • Wash as usual.
    Soaking the garment in an oxygen bleach solution

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

How to Remove Tea and Coffee Stains From Carpet

There are a few ways to remove tea and coffee stains from your carpet, even if it's white. First, test the method on a hidden area of your carpet before attempting any method. If it's safe to use on your carpet, proceed to blot up as much of the coffee or tea liquid as possible with a white cloth or paper towel. Keep blotting until no more moisture is transferred from the carpet to the material. Then move on to the desired method.

Tip

The same cleaning solutions and techniques recommended for carpets can be used for coffee stains on upholstery. Take care not to saturate the fabric with a cleaning solution or water because excess moisture in the cushions can cause mildew problems.

Dishwashing Liquid

  • Mix a solution of 2 teaspoons of dishwashing detergent in 2 cups of warm water. Dip a clean white cloth, sponge, or soft bristle brush into the solution.
  • Working from the outside edge of the stain toward the center to keep it from spreading, work the cleaning solution into the stain.
  • Blot with a dry cloth to absorb the solution, Keep moving to a clean area of the cloth as the stain is transferred. 
  • Dip a clean cloth in plain water to "rinse" the spot. This is especially important because any soapy residue left on the carpet will attract more soil.
  • Allow the stain to air dry away from direct heat.
  • Vacuum to lift the carpet fibers.

Oxygen Bleach

  • Mix a solution of oxygen bleach and cool water following package directions to treat a stubborn or old stain. 
  • Dip a clean cloth into the solution and working from the outside edge of the stain toward the center, work the solution into the carpet. Do not over-wet. 
  • Allow the solution to remain on the stain for at least 30 minutes before blotting away with a dry cloth.
  • Air dry completely.
  • Vacuum to restore the pile.

Additional Tips for Handling Tea and Coffee Stains

You may need the help of a professional dry cleaner if the stain persists on clothing, carpet, or upholstery after repeating all the cleaning steps at least twice. In addition, when a tea or coffee stain appears on a garment labeled as dry clean only, take these steps: blot the stain with a dry white cloth, sponge lightly with a white cloth damped with plain cold water, and blot dry. Immediately head to the dry cleaner and point out and identify the stain.

If the upholstery is silk or vintage, it is also best to call a professional cleaner. Home cleaning may result in permanent water spots on your upholstery.

If you plan to use a home dry cleaning kit, treat the coffee stain with the provided stain remover before putting the garment in the dryer bag.

coffee stain on a sweater
The Spruce / Letícia Almeida
FAQ
  • Are coffee stains permanent on carpet?

    No, coffee stains (and tea stains) are not permanent on carpet. The tannins can be mobilized with cleaning agents and a bit of patience on your part if you need to repeat the process.

  • Will Dawn remove coffee stains from carpet?

    Dawn is a great and gentle liquid dish detergent that you can use to remove coffee and tea stains from carpet. Rub a few drops of Dawn into the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and thoroughly blot it up with a clean, wet cloth.

  • Can old coffee and tea stains be removed?

    Old tannin stains can be dissolved from fabric and carpet fibers by rubbing in a bit of a mild solvent, such as dishwashing liquid or vinegar, then flushing it away with water.