Here's How to Get Coffee Stains Out of Clothes

We've all been there: You sit down with a cup full of freshly brewed coffee and go to take a sip only to find yourself with a (metaphorical) hole in your chin and a new stain on your favorite blouse. It happens to the best of us. Thankfully, just because you spilled your coffee doesn't mean it has to be permanent nor does it mean you have to rack up an expensive dry cleaning bill. We assembled a super-simple yet effective list of on-the-fly tips that if you don't know by now you definitely should keep on hand. Scroll down to see why cold water is your best friend as well as our favorite products for extra-stubborn spots. And in the spirit of wishful thinking, we put together an edit of 20 new stylish white pieces to shop for the summer season, from flowy blouses to effortless dresses.

1. Cold Water

Although it may sound obvious, if you spill coffee (or anything, for that matter) on your clothes, the first thing you should do is run cold water on it—and fast! This is the quickest and most painless way to get rid of that pesky coffee stain.

2. Detergent

Cold water not cutting it? Reach for the detergent and lightly scrub the stain using the garment itself. Let it sit for a few minutes and rinse with cool water again.

3. Stain Agents

If neither of the above methods worked or you've let your coffee stain sit for longer than an hour or two (it happens!), then we suggest keeping Shout wipes or a Dryel stick close by for unexpected spills. 

SHOP SUMMER WHITES YOU (PROBABLY) WON'T STAIN

Now that you know what to do with coffee stains, here's your step-by-step guide to washing lingerie.

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Nicole Kliest
Freelance Contributor

Nicole Kliest is a freelance writer and editor based in New York City who focuses on fashion, travel, food, wine, and pretty much anything else that's amusing to write about. After graduating from Pepperdine University with a bachelor's in journalism and creative writing, she started her career back in 2010 as Who What Wear's photo editor and throughout the last decade has contributed to publications including Fashionista, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, The Zoe Report, PopSugar, Fodor's Travel, and several others. She also copywrites and has worked with clients such as Frame, Sea, 3x1, Intelligentsia, and others to develop brand voices through storytelling and creative marketing. She's very passionate about the ways we can improve our sustainability efforts in the fashion industry as well as cultivating content that's diverse and inclusive of all people. When she's not checking out the latest restaurant opening in her West Village neighborhood or riding her bicycle along the West Side Highway, she can be found scheming her next trip somewhere around the world. (Up next is Vienna.)