How to remove a coffee stain (both black and with milk):
A dark trace that doesn't ask

A story from life

"I was carrying my morning coffee to bed when suddenly... splash. T-shirt, sheets and carpet. It looked like nothing on the fabric, but after washing it, grey-brown maps appeared. Luckily, I know the soda and lemon trick - and with EcoHaus paper, everything disappeared."

- Eva, EcoHaus customer

Why the coffee stain remains

Coffee contains:

Tannins (natural dyes) - oxidize and turn brown
oils from roasted beans - leave a greasy residue
sugars and proteins - in dairy variants, they are "baked" with heat

When coffee is just rinsed or washed straight without pre-treatment, it often leaves a permanent pigment shadow - especially on light-coloured fabrics.

How to treat a coffee stain step by step

What helps:

Cold water
Baking soda
Citric acid or lemon juice
White vinegar 10%
EcoHaus Washing Papers
Sodium percarbonate - ideal for white and light fabrics

Procedure:

Dry the stain (e.g. with a napkin), do not press or rub.
Rinse the spot with cold water on the reverse side.
Apply a paste of baking soda and lemon juice or citric acid solution.
Why it works: Soda absorbs residual oils and pigments, acid helps with tannins.
Leave on for 10-15 minutes, gently blot.
Wash with EcoHaus wash cloths at 30-40°C.
For light-coloured laundry, add sodium percarbonate.
Why it works: Active oxygen can handle oxidised coffee or milk residues.

What not to do

Do not wash immediately without treatment. This will "set" the stain.
Do not use hot water for coffee with milk. The proteins are "baked".
Do not wait. Fresh coffee = easy to deal with. Dried = stubborn.

➙ Tip from Grandma Petra

Lemon and baking soda always helped with the coffee. Sometimes a little vinegar if it was already dry. Percarbonate on a white shirt and wash gently - the result was always like new.

➙ Tip from Vlaďka - the cleaning lady

Dried coffee? Soak, lemon, soda, two in a row. Then EcoHaus paper and gentle program. For cushions or bedding, I also recommend percarbonate - it works wonders.

Looking for a solution to another stain?

In our Spotters you'll find articles on chocolate, cocoa, oil, ice cream, tartar or ketchup. And if you need an answer now, write to Vlaďka - you'll find her in the bottom right corner.

Got a trick?

Share it with others - send it to marketing@ecohaus.cz or write it in the comments. We'll be happy to publish your tried-and-tested tips to inspire other households.

Summary

A coffee stain doesn't have to be a cause for panic. With natural remedies and the right attitude, you can handle even dark shadows - and your shirt, pillow or blouse will be as good as new again.