If you’re a coffee lover, you know that one of the best parts of your morning routine is brewing a fresh cup of coffee. But sometimes that delicious aroma can linger on your clothes long after you’ve finished your morning cup. The good news is that there are several easy and effective ways to get rid of that stubborn coffee smell from your clothes.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through four simple methods to help you eliminate coffee odor and leave your clothes smelling fresh and clean. Whether you spilled coffee on your favorite shirt or just want to freshen up your clothes, these tips will help you get the job done. So let’s dive in and learn how to get coffee smell out of clothes!
What Neutralizes The Smell Of Coffee?
There are several ways to neutralize the smell of coffee, depending on the source of the odor and the desired outcome. Here are some methods that may help:
Baking Soda
Baking soda can help absorb and neutralize odors, including the smell of coffee. The alkaline properties of baking soda can help to neutralize acidic odors, such as the strong scent of coffee.
To use baking soda as a deodorizer for coffee smells, simply sprinkle some on a plate or bowl and place it near the source of the odor. You can also mix baking soda with water to create a paste and apply it directly to surfaces or items that have absorbed the odor. Leave the baking soda in place for several hours or overnight before vacuuming or wiping away any residue.
It’s worth noting that baking soda may not completely eliminate the coffee odor, especially if it has penetrated deeply into fabrics or porous surfaces. In such cases, you may need to use additional methods or products to fully remove the smell.
Vinegar
Vinegar is also a natural deodorizer that can help to neutralize the smell of coffee. The acetic acid in white vinegar can help to break down the compounds in coffee that create the strong odor.
To use vinegar as a deodorizer for coffee smells, mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and spray the affected area. Be sure to test a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure that the vinegar does not damage the surface or fabric.
After spraying the solution, leave it for a few hours to allow it to fully penetrate and neutralize the odor. Then, wipe the area clean with a clean cloth or sponge. You can repeat this process as needed until the odor is fully eliminated.
It’s important to note that vinegar has a strong odor of its own, so you may want to open windows or use a fan to help dissipate the smell as the vinegar dries. Additionally, vinegar should not be used on some surfaces, such as natural stone or certain types of wood, as it can cause damage. Be sure to check manufacturer’s instructions before using vinegar on any surface.
Citrus
You can also use citrus fruits to neutralize the smell of coffee in your coffee maker. Simply add a slice of lemon or orange to the water reservoir before brewing a pot of coffee. The citrus fruit will help to absorb any odors that may be lingering in the coffee maker.
Citrus fruits are a safe and effective way to neutralize the smell of coffee. They are a natural product that is available at most grocery stores.
Coffee Grounds
Coffee lovers often enjoy the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee, but sometimes that pleasant smell can linger longer than we would like. Fortunately, there is a simple and effective way to neutralize the smell using the very thing that produces it – coffee grounds.
To eliminate the odor, all you need to do is take a bowl of fresh coffee grounds and place it near the source of the smell. Whether it’s a lingering odor from a morning cup of joe or a spill that left your carpet smelling less than fresh, the coffee grounds will work their magic. As they absorb the unwanted odor, you’ll be left with a much more pleasant and inviting atmosphere.
One of the best things about using coffee grounds to neutralize odors is that it’s an affordable and natural solution that doesn’t require any harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances. Plus, you can feel good about repurposing something that would otherwise go to waste.
So next time you find yourself battling an unpleasant coffee smell, remember that a simple bowl of fresh coffee grounds can come to the rescue. Just let them work their magic for a few hours, and enjoy the fresh, clean air that follows.
Activated Charcoal
Yes, activated charcoal is known for its ability to absorb and trap impurities and odors. It’s often used in air purifiers, water filters, and even some medical treatments.
To use activated charcoal to absorb odors, simply place some in a bowl or container near the source of the odor. It’s important to make sure that the charcoal is activated, which means it has been treated to increase its surface area and make it more porous. This allows it to trap more impurities and odors.
Leave the activated charcoal in the area for a few hours or overnight, and it should absorb the odor. However, keep in mind that activated charcoal is not a permanent solution and will eventually become saturated and need to be replaced.
Ventilation System
Opening windows and doors to increase air circulation is a simple and effective way to reduce coffee odors in a room. This allows fresh air to circulate and replace the stale, coffee-scented air.
In addition to opening windows and doors, using a ventilation system such as an exhaust fan can also help to remove odors from the room. This works by drawing the stale air out of the room and replacing it with fresh air from outside.
If the coffee odor is coming from clothing, upholstery, or other fabrics, specialized products designed to remove odors from those materials can be used. For example, there are odor-eliminating sprays and powders that can be applied directly to fabrics to help neutralize odors. It’s important to follow the instructions on the product and test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it won’t damage the fabric.
How To Get Coffee Smell Out Of Clothes
Freeze Them Out
Although it may appear unconventional, freezing clothes is a practical way to eliminate coffee scent. The following steps outline how to freeze your clothes to get rid of the coffee smell:
- Put your coffee-stained clothes inside a sealable plastic bag.
- Place the bag in the freezer and leave it there for a few hours or overnight. The low temperature will aid in killing the bacteria that contribute to the odor.
- Retrieve the clothes from the freezer and allow them to thaw out at room temperature.
- Once defrosted, launder the clothes as usual using cold water and detergent.
Baking Soda
The effectiveness of baking soda in neutralizing odors stems from its moisture absorption properties and ability to balance fabric pH levels. Moreover, it is a gentle and safe option for most types of fabrics. To eliminate coffee smells, follow these simple steps:
- Create a baking soda paste by mixing a tablespoon of baking soda with a small amount of water.
- Gently rub the paste onto the coffee-stained area of the fabric.
- Leave the baking soda paste on the clothing for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Once the time has passed, rinse the clothes with cold water to remove the baking soda paste.
- Wash the clothes as usual with laundry detergent and cold water.
Set Them Outside
One effective and straightforward way to remove coffee odors from clothes is to hang them outside in the fresh air. Here’s how to do it:
- Hang the coffee-stained clothing outside on a clothesline or hanger, placing them in a sunny and well-ventilated spot.
- Leave them outside for a few hours or until the odor dissipates.
- Once the smell has faded, take the clothes back inside and wash them as usual with detergent and cold water.
- This method is ideal for clothes that cannot be washed right away or have persistent coffee smells that regular washing cannot eliminate. The sunlight and fresh air work naturally to deodorize and refresh the clothing.
Steaming
Using steam is an effective way to remove coffee odor from clothes. Here’s how to do it:
- Hang the coffee-stained clothing on a hanger or lay it flat on an ironing board.
- Boil water in a kettle or pot.
- Direct the steam spout of the kettle or pot onto the coffee-stained area of the clothing, being careful not to touch the fabric.
- Allow the steam to penetrate the fabric for a few seconds.
- Repeat the process as needed, moving the steaming spout to different parts of the clothing until the odor dissipates.
- Once the smell is gone, wash the clothing as usual with detergent and cold water.
Steam works by releasing and evaporating the odor-causing molecules. This method is particularly beneficial for delicate fabrics like silk or wool that might be damaged by harsher cleaning methods.
