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How To Get Coffee Stains Out Of A Carpet
A guide on how to clean coffee stains out of your carpet.
Published August 10, 2021
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Joachim Estal
Coffee experts@The Coffee Lab
Do you know what doesn't go well with a cup of freshly brewed coffee? Clumsiness. At one point in our lives, we've definitely experienced spilling coffee accidentally onto some of our books, a favorite t-shirt, and the worst of all, our living room carpet.
Coffee stains on carpets can be tough to remove. This is because the high temperature of the beverage will cause the carpet fibers to open, allowing tannins and other chemicals to penetrate through.
How To Clean Coffee Out Of Your Carpet
Although stains may appear to take permanent residency on our tapestry, taking the proper solutions will get you a better chance at saving that carpet you most probably spent a fortune for. So, here is a guide on how to clean coffee stains out of your carpet.
Step 1: Inspect the stain.
Check the carpet whether the coffee stain is fresh or dried up. In addition, if the spilled coffee contained creamer or sugar, gently scrape with a spoon and dampen it with a warm wet rag to break down the stickiness on the carpet. Once dry, vacuum the area.
Step 2: Blot the stain with a rag.
If the stain is fresh, simply use a dry white rag to blot the stain. Remove as much liquid as possible. On the other hand, if the stain has completely dried up, you may need to loosen it up by wetting the area with warm water. Make sure to begin at the edges of the stain and move inwards to prevent the coffee from spreading out.
Step 3: Mix your own cleaner.
With supplies already available at the convenience of your home, you can remove stains from your carpet very easily. Avoid using commercial detergents, as they may contain optical brighteners or bleaching agents that may dye your carpeting. Instead, mix 1/2 teaspoon of liquid dish soap in 2 cups of warm water.
Step 4: Do a pretest.
Always test out your solution onto a small portion of the textile before using it completely on the entire stained area. This will make sure it doesn't damage your carpet or discolor it in any way.
Step 5: Apply the cleaner.
Using a white fiber cloth, start working from the edges of the spill and move towards the center. Do not rub it in, and make sure you're gentle. Dip the cloth back into the solution as needed. Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes.
Step 6: Wipe the area with a dry cloth.
To completely take off the coffee stain, blot the area gently with a dry cloth. If you notice that the stain begins to fade and transfers to the fabric, it's a good sign. Continue the step until the stain is fully cleaned. Remember that it may take several tries before the stain is completely removed.
Step 7: Rinse the carpet.
Soak a towel in cool water to rinse the cleaned portion of the carpet. Blot up the area until the solution is thoroughly rinsed off. Allow it to air-dry and avoid walking on the spot until it's completely dry.
Alternative Solutions You Can Use
There are instances in which the coffee stain may be really tough to remove, and a simple cleaner won't do the magic. If so, you can try using the following alternative solutions:
Vinegar
White vinegar is composed of acids that may help remove stains off your carpet. Combine one cup of vinegar into two cups of water. When applying, you will also need to follow the exact instructions above.
Baking Soda
Baking soda contains mild alkali, making it one of the best cleaning agents. Mix one part of the powder to three parts of water and apply it to the carpet. After you've rinsed and dried the carpet, vacuum the area. Repeat the process if necessary.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Only use this alternative solution if you have a white or a light-colored carpet. Combine 1 tablespoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide and 3 tablespoons of warm water. Don't forget to test it out first before applying it on the carpet as if you don't want to end up bleaching a spot.
Stain Removers
If all household products don't seem to work, you may opt to purchase a commercial stain remover. Usually, you may need to use a brush when applying it to the surface of the carpet. Have the solution stay in the area for about five minutes before blotting it with warm water. Make sure no suds are left to avoid watermarks. Also, read the how-to-use instructions carefully, as some stain removers are not recommended on some fibers.
Do-it-yourself methods to remove coffee stains are usually enough to save your carpet. However, there are times when continuing to clean the stain may be doing more damage. So, if the stain is stubborn and difficult to remove, you may need to seek help from professional carpet cleaners.
While spills and accidents are totally inevitable, remember to always be careful, especially when you have a cup of coffee in your hands!
About the author
Joachim Estal
8-year barista for a world-class coffee chain from the Philippines. Passionate writer and coffee champion. "Coffee has always been one of my biggest love interests in life. And I am here to share it with all of you through this platform."
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