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Ask Pr. Sophie
Abstract: Pr. Sophie helps a bishop out of an embarrassing situation.
Pr. Sophie Fortresson, our resident expert on all matters of theology, Lutheran etiquette, and social protocol, answers questions submitted by our readers and occasionally simply volunteers advice when no question has been asked. If you have questions (and who among us doesn't?) send them to pr_sophie@lutheranconfessions.com.
Dear Pr. Sophie: I am the bishop of an ELCA Synod. I have a delicate problem, and I hope you can provide some assistance. In another week or two, the synod will elect another bishop (I have decided not to stand for re-election). I was organizing our vestments the other day, I noticed a coffee stain on the synod's mitre. I do not want the new bishop to think poorly or me, and I'd like to clean this up. Do you know the best way to remove a coffee stain from a mitre? Thanks, DM
Dear DM Pr. Sophie never ceases to be amazed at the trusting nature of her readers, and she is truly touched that you would write to her with such a problem. Pr. Sophie has been many things, but she has never been a bishop, and so, quite uncharacteristically, she offers this advice somewhat tentatively because she has never had to care for a mitre herself. However, Pr. Sophie has drunk her share of coffee and has not always been as neat as her mother taught her to be, so she is not entirely unprepared.
Coffee leaves a stain on cloth because it contains colored substances that are both water-soluble and acidic. (If your stain is from coffee with cream, you may also have to worry about an oily stain from butterfat in the cream. Let's just assume that your stain is from black coffee.) Since the coffee stain is acidic, an alkaline medium is recommended for the dislodging the stain. Pr. Sophie has had good success with baking soda sprinkled onto a damp cloth. The cloth may then be placed flat on the stain where with gentle pressure, it will soak up the stain.
Always try stain removal techniques on an inconspicuous spot, the new bishop will be grateful.
