How to Remove Coffee Stains from Carpet

Coffee stains on carpet are common. We like coffee, but the stains it leaves can be annoying. This is worse when the stain is on carpet, which is hard to clean. If the coffee has milk or cream, the stain is harder to remove because it has protein, fat, and tannin. Both fresh and dried coffee stains can be cleaned with the right method.

Chris Albers, Marketing Director at Carbona, says it is important to act fast. The quicker you treat the stain, the easier it is to clean. If you can’t clean it right away, blotting the stain with a paper towel helps stop it from setting.

Items You'll Need

Tools

Paper towels
Mircrofiber cloths
Soft nylon brush
Bucket or dishpan
Vacuum cleaner

Cleaning Products

Dish soap
Carpet stain remover
Oxygen bleach powder

How to Remove Coffee Stains from Carpet

Step 1

Blot the Coffee Spill

Start by using paper towels or a clean microfiber cloth to gently blot the coffee from the carpet fibers. Move to a fresh part of the cloth as the coffee transfers to it.
Avoid using colored napkins or dyed cloths, as they could release pigment onto your carpet and make the stain worse.
If the coffee has dried, spray the area with some plain water and blot the moisture up to loosen the stain.

Step 2

Make a Cleaning Solution

Mix two cups of warm water and two teaspoons of dish soap in a small bowl or bucket. Use a good dish soap, like Dawn Platinum, because it helps remove oily stains from milk.
You can also use a carpet stain remover. Just follow the instructions on the label.

Step 3

Clean the Coffee Stain

Dip a soft-bristled scrub brush into the solution.
Scrub the solution into the stained carpet fibers.
Start at the outside edge of the stain and move toward the center. This stops the stain from spreading.
Blot the cleaned area with a dry cloth. Move to a clean spot on the cloth as the stain is absorbed.

Step 4

Rinse and Dry the Carpet

Dip a clean cloth in plain water and blot the cleaned area to remove soap residue. This step is important because leftover soap can attract more dirt.
Let the carpet air dry. Keep people off it until it is dry.
Vacuum the carpet to lift the fibers.

How to Remove Dried or Stubborn Coffee Stains from Carpet

For old or light-colored carpet stains, add oxygen bleach to the cleaning process. It’s safe for most carpets, except wool.

First, clean the area with a stain remover or a mix of dish soap and warm water. Blot away the soap. Then, mix oxygen bleach with cool water and apply it with a soft brush or cloth. Start at the outer edge and work inward.

Wait 30 minutes, then blot with a dry cloth. If the stain remains, repeat with a fresh bleach solution. Let the carpet dry and vacuum to lift the fibers.

TIPS

Before you start cleaning a coffee stain on your rug, place an absorbent cloth underneath the stained area. This will help soak up any liquid that seeps through and protect your hardwood floor from watermarks.

You can use the same cleaning products and steps to remove coffee or tea stains from upholstery. Just make sure not to soak the fabric too much, as excessive moisture can cause the cushion filling to mildew.

Your New Favorite

icon_top Top Headlines

Select more content