Coffee is a beloved morning ritual for many of us, but one downside is that the aroma can linger on our clothes long after we’ve finished our cup. Whether you accidentally spilled coffee on yourself or simply can’t seem to shake the scent from your favorite shirt, it can be frustrating to deal with. But fear not, there are plenty of effective ways to remove coffee odor from your clothes.
In this guide, we’ll explore some simple and practical methods to get rid of that pesky coffee smell, let’s get started!
What Neutralizes the Smell of Coffee?
There are several household items and products that can effectively neutralize the smell of coffee on clothes. Here are some of the most effective options:
- Vinegar: White vinegar is a natural deodorizer and can help eliminate the smell of coffee. Simply mix equal parts water and vinegar, and soak the affected area for about 15 minutes before washing as usual.
- Baking soda: Baking soda is another natural odor neutralizer that can help absorb and eliminate the coffee smell. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with water to make a paste, and apply it to the affected area. Then wash after some time.
- Lemon juice: The acidic properties of lemon juice can also help break down the coffee odor. Apply fresh lemon juice to the affected area and let it sit for about 10 minutes before washing.
- Enzyme-based laundry detergents: Enzyme-based laundry detergents contain special enzymes that can break down proteins, like the ones found in coffee stains. These detergents are particularly effective at removing tough stains and odors.
- Odor-eliminating sprays: There are also several odor-eliminating sprays on the market that can help neutralize coffee odor. Look for sprays that specifically target coffee stains and odors.
How to Get Coffee Smell Out of Clothes
Freeze Them Out
Freezing your clothes may seem like an unusual method for removing coffee odor, but it can actually be quite effective. Here’s how to freeze your clothes to get rid of the coffee smell:
- Place your coffee-stained clothes in a sealable plastic bag.
- Put the bag in the freezer and leave it for several hours or overnight. The cold temperature will help kill bacteria that cause the odor.
- Remove the clothes from the freezer and let them thaw out at room temperature.
- Once thawed, wash the clothes as you normally would, using detergent and cold water.
Baking soda
Baking soda is effective at neutralizing odors because it absorbs moisture and helps to balance the pH levels of the fabric. It is also gentle and safe to use on most fabrics. Here’s how to use baking soda to get rid of coffee odor:
- Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a small amount of water to make a paste.
- Apply the paste to the coffee-stained area and rub it gently into the fabric.
- Let the baking soda paste sit on the clothes for 30 minutes to an hour.
- After the time is up, rinse the clothes with cold water to remove the baking soda paste.
- Wash the clothes as you normally would, using laundry detergent and cold water.
Set Them Outside
Setting your clothes outside is a simple and effective way to help remove the coffee smell from your clothes. Here’s how to do it:
- Hang your coffee-stained clothes outside on a clothesline or hanger.
- Make sure to place them in an area where they will receive direct sunlight and fresh air.
- Leave them outside for a few hours or until the smell has dissipated.
- Bring the clothes back inside and wash them as you normally would, using detergent and cold water.
The fresh air and sunlight help to naturally deodorize and refresh your clothes. This method is particularly useful for clothes that can’t be washed immediately or if you’re dealing with a persistent coffee smell that won’t go away with regular washing.
Steaming
Steam is another effective method to remove the smell of coffee from clothes. Here’s how to use steam to get rid of coffee odor:
- Hang your coffee-stained clothes on a hanger or lay them flat on an ironing board.
- Fill a kettle or pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- Hold the steaming spout of the kettle or pot over the coffee-stained area of the clothes, being careful not to touch the fabric with the spout.
- Allow the steam to penetrate the fabric for several seconds.
- Repeat the process as necessary, moving the steaming spout to different areas of the clothes until the odor has dissipated.
- Once the smell is gone, wash the clothes as you normally would, using detergent and cold water.
Steam is effective at removing odors because it helps to release and evaporate the molecules that cause the smell. This method is particularly useful for delicate fabrics, such as silk or wool, that may be damaged by more aggressive cleaning methods.
