Coffee and teapot

Coffee and tea are among the most common culprits for stains, especially on light fabrics.

Because these drinks are rich in tannins, they can quickly seep into the fibres – and once dried, they’re much harder to shift.

For the best chance of success, rinse the stain under cold water straight away to stop it from setting. With fresh stains, this alone is often enough. If the mark is more stubborn, gently rub in a little liquid detergent or dab with diluted vinegar, then leave it to work for 15–30 minutes.

Afterwards, rinse thoroughly and wash the garment as usual. On white fabrics, you can brighten the area with a touch of lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide, or bleaching salt (sodium percarbonate) – but always test on a hidden area first.