Difference between revisions of "Remove a Coffee Stain from a Cotton Shirt"
(importing article from wikihow) |
m (Update ref tag) |
||
| Line 8: | Line 8: | ||
#Wet some paper towels or a piece of cotton cloth with cold water. Blot the stain with the wet paper towels or cloth to remove as much of the stain as you can. Make sure that you only blot at the stain, as rubbing may cause it to spread. | #Wet some paper towels or a piece of cotton cloth with cold water. Blot the stain with the wet paper towels or cloth to remove as much of the stain as you can. Make sure that you only blot at the stain, as rubbing may cause it to spread. | ||
#*Cold water is best for a fresh stain, since heat can "set" the stain into the fabric. | #*Cold water is best for a fresh stain, since heat can "set" the stain into the fabric. | ||
| − | #Run the shirt under cold water from the back. Washing from the side opposite the stain will help push the coffee off the shirt, instead of pressing it further in.<ref>http://www.housecleaningcentral.com/en/cleaning-tips/stain-removal/coffee-stains-removal.html</ref> Wring out the shirt of excess water. | + | #Run the shirt under cold water from the back. Washing from the side opposite the stain will help push the coffee off the shirt, instead of pressing it further in.<ref name="rf1">http://www.housecleaningcentral.com/en/cleaning-tips/stain-removal/coffee-stains-removal.html</ref> Wring out the shirt of excess water. |
| − | #Treat with dishwashing liquid. This should pick up some of the stain and mix it into a soapy residue, which is easier to remove.<ref>http://www.si.edu/mci/english/learn_more/taking_care/stains.html</ref> | + | #Treat with dishwashing liquid. This should pick up some of the stain and mix it into a soapy residue, which is easier to remove.<ref name="rf2">http://www.si.edu/mci/english/learn_more/taking_care/stains.html</ref> |
#*You may use diluted shampoo instead, but only if it contains no fragrance, color, or conditioner. | #*You may use diluted shampoo instead, but only if it contains no fragrance, color, or conditioner. | ||
| − | #Rinse away the soap with white vinegar. The coffee stain is slightly acidic, so vinegar is more effective than pure water.<ref | + | #Rinse away the soap with white vinegar. The coffee stain is slightly acidic, so vinegar is more effective than pure water.<ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | #Repeat the dishwashing liquid and vinegar treatments. You may need to apply dishwashing liquid and vinegar up to seven times to remove stubborn stains.<ref | + | #Repeat the dishwashing liquid and vinegar treatments. You may need to apply dishwashing liquid and vinegar up to seven times to remove stubborn stains.<ref name="rf2" /> However, if you don't notice any change after two or three treatments, it's probably best to move on to the next step. |
#Use a pretreatment laundry stain remover. If the dishwashing liquid and vinegar didn't do it, move on to a commercial product. Stain removers in bar soap form can be rubbed directly onto the stain, and left for about a minute. Liquid stain removers can be effective as well, but work best when you have time to soak the clothing in water for a longer period of time. | #Use a pretreatment laundry stain remover. If the dishwashing liquid and vinegar didn't do it, move on to a commercial product. Stain removers in bar soap form can be rubbed directly onto the stain, and left for about a minute. Liquid stain removers can be effective as well, but work best when you have time to soak the clothing in water for a longer period of time. | ||
#*If you do not have a commercial laundry stain remover, apply a small amount of liquid detergent to the stain. Rub the detergent onto the stain with your fingers, and let it sit on the shirt for about 15 minutes. | #*If you do not have a commercial laundry stain remover, apply a small amount of liquid detergent to the stain. Rub the detergent onto the stain with your fingers, and let it sit on the shirt for about 15 minutes. | ||
| Line 25: | Line 25: | ||
#*Color safe bleach usually includes hydrogen peroxide. If one doesn't work, the other probably won't either. | #*Color safe bleach usually includes hydrogen peroxide. If one doesn't work, the other probably won't either. | ||
#*You can use regular bleach instead, for white shirts. | #*You can use regular bleach instead, for white shirts. | ||
| − | #Remove the stain using baking soda. Sprinkle some baking soda onto a wet piece of cloth. Use the cloth to blot out the stain.<ref>http://www.mrbreakfast.com/feature_dd_coffeestains.asp</ref> | + | #Remove the stain using baking soda. Sprinkle some baking soda onto a wet piece of cloth. Use the cloth to blot out the stain.<ref name="rf3">http://www.mrbreakfast.com/feature_dd_coffeestains.asp</ref> |
| − | #Blot with rubbing alcohol. Apply some rubbing alcohol onto the stain. Blot with a clean, wet cloth. Rinse.<ref | + | #Blot with rubbing alcohol. Apply some rubbing alcohol onto the stain. Blot with a clean, wet cloth. Rinse.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #Rub with egg yolk. Beat an egg yolk, and add a little warm water. Rub the mixture onto the stain using a sponge or a terry cloth. Rinse.<ref | + | #Rub with egg yolk. Beat an egg yolk, and add a little warm water. Rub the mixture onto the stain using a sponge or a terry cloth. Rinse.<ref name="rf3" /> |
#Leave it in the sun. Soak the stain with water and lay the shirt over a towel in direct sunlight. Many stains will disappear after two or three days of hot sun, and it may make the fabric look more vivid as well. | #Leave it in the sun. Soak the stain with water and lay the shirt over a towel in direct sunlight. Many stains will disappear after two or three days of hot sun, and it may make the fabric look more vivid as well. | ||
