There are a few things that can be a little frustrating when it comes to carpets, like spilling coffee. Whether it’s the light espresso or a strong, hard cup of brew, each of these will leave permanent stains if not treated quickly. But how to remove coffee stains from your carpet is the big question here. Well, the good news is that removing coffee stains from carpets is totally doable. All you need to know is the right techniques, and have proper cleaning materials. We present our personal guide on how to remove coffee stains from your carpet.
Why Are Coffee Stains On Carpets So Tough To Remove?
Before we get to the cleaning part, you must first understand the stain itself. Coffee is a naturally occurring substance that has a natural compound called tannin in it. This compound is normally found in many drinks and foods these days. This is the main culprit here, making stains stubborn for removal. The darker the coffee bean’s roast is and the hotter the spill, the higher the chance of the stain setting quickly. This is why you need to act fast. A fresh coffee stain is easier to deal with than one that has dried into the carpet fibers.
Step-by-Step Guide To Remove Coffee Stains From Your Carpet
Here is a step-by-step guide to the removal of coffee stains. This guide contains the cleaning options for both the home remedies and the market-based cleaners. Use whichever one you see fit for easy stain removal from your wall to wall carpet or rugs.
Step 1: Blot The Coffee Stains
The first thing you can do in case of a coffee spill is to quickly grab a clean cloth or paper towel. Take this and gently blot the stained area; do not rub it or the stain will be pushed deep into the carpet fibers, damaging its pile. Perform the blotting until much of the coffee has been absorbed easily. It’s best to work your way in from the sides to the middle to prevent the stain from spreading.
Step 2: Using The Right Method
As we said earlier, there are 2 types of stain removal that you can do. These are:
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Trying Home Remedies First
We advise this personally because chemical cleaners should be used as a last resort. You can make a DIY cleaning solution at home with everyday ingredients.
(i). Dish Soap and White Vinegar Solution
For this, you will need 1 tbsp of dishwashing liquid, 1 tbsp of white vinegar, 2 cups of warm water, and a clean sponge. Mix this solution in a bowl & dip a clean cloth into the mixture. Dab the stain with it gently to let the solution lift it. Wait for a few minutes before cleaning the area with a cloth dipped in clean water. Do this as many times as needed and then let the carpet air dry.
(ii). Baking Soda Paste for Deep Stains
If your stain is dried up, this baking soda paste will be very helpful. Mix 2 tbsp of baking soda in a small amount of water. Mix the two until a thick paste is formed. Apply the paste onto the stain directly and let it lift the stain naturally. Wait for 15 minutes before vacuuming the dried paste. The baking soda will also neutralize the odors of coffee and milk from your carpet.
Using Commercial Carpet Cleaners
If the DIY method doesn’t remove the stain completely, it’s time for extreme measures like carpet stain remover. We are talking about ones that are specifically made for the food and beverage stains. You must follow the label instructions on the cleaner, but try it first on the hidden area of your carpet. This is to see if there is any discoloration. There are specialized cleaners that offer a quick drying for the stain on round carpet and bedroom carpets that see daily foot traffic. It’s best to look for a cleaner that is non-toxic and pet-safe.
If the stain is on your outdoor carpet, the cleanup is simple. They are made with synthetic fibers that resist moisture and stains. You need to blot only the excess coffee spill. Rinse the area with water if the carpet doesn’t have a backing layer. Use the mild detergent and water to scrub the area. Rinse it completely and then let it air dry. An outdoor carpet is less absorbent, which makes it easy to remove the liquid-based stains.
Removing Coffee Stains from Light-Colored Carpets
Coffee stains are more visible on the white carpets or the light colored ones. In these cases, you can add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide as a cleaning solution. But be warned, it can cause a bleaching effect for the carpet fibers, so it’s best to always test on a hidden spot.
Step 3. Final Rinse and Dry
Once the carpet stain is removed, you must rinse your carpet with some clean water to remove any soapy residue. A leftover soap or cleaner residue can attract more dirt. Dry them with a clean, dry towel; a fan nearby will also speed up the drying process. For the bedroom carpet, which need to be clean and comfortable, you must ensure their complete drying before walking on them.
What to Avoid During Coffee Stain Removal?
These are some things you must always avoid during the coffee stain removal.
- Refrain from using hot water on the dried coffee stains. It can cause the stain to set deeper into the fibers.
- Do not use colored towels or rags as their dyes can transfer onto the carpet, making it more of a hassle to clean.
- Never use bleach to remove stains, unless the carpet manufacturer has stated it is safe to use.
Our Final Say
Coffee stains on a carpet are a real pain to deal with, but they are not always permanent. You need just the right approach and quick action to deal with these stains. So, if you ever wish to know how to remove coffee stains from your carpet, give our guide a read, and you will know exactly what to do.
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