One of the first things I do nearly every morning is fire up the bean to cup coffee machine and get my morning cup of joe going. I literally am no use without one.
Unfortunately like most people my mornings can be hectic and rushed to say the least. There is just so much to get done before I get out of the house.
Being rushed and a slightly clumsy person to start with, it is not uncommon for me to drop my cup and spill coffee all over my clothes, carpet or just about anywhere else it likes to go.
Like I said my mornings are rushed as it is, so I don’t need the extra hassle of worrying about how to remove coffee stains.
Well over the years I have built up quite a few tips and today I am going to share these with you. In addition I have sought the advice of cleaning experts and will also share some bonus insider secrets.
So stick around and I will show you what every clumsy coffee drinker wished they knew.
Does Coffee Stain?
If the first thought going through you head is “Does coffee stain” well there is good news for you, if you act quickly. No coffee does not stain permanently.
However the longer you leave it the harder it is to remove, which is why one of the best uses for your used coffee grounds is as a dye for fabric or wood.
How to Remove Coffee Stains From Clothes
This is the worst, you just got ready for the days important meetings (or interview as happened to me once), and you spill your morning brew down the front of your crisp white shirt.
Well not too worry with prompt action these can easily be removed 99% of the time, but you may need some essential household items.
What you need
- Running Water
- Stain remover
- Laundry Detergent (liquid)
- Washing/laundry Powder
- White vinegar (odour free)
Fresh Coffee Stains On Clothes
Although annoying this is the easiest of stains to remove, if not too big you can even get away with wearing the item the rest of the day – result
Simply remove the item and hold inside out under fresh running cold water, leave in place until the coffee stain is completely removed.
TIP : Do not rub the item this will only spread the coffee around and make it harder to remove
Dried Or Larger Coffee Stains On Clothes
If the above cold water trick hasn’t worked or you simply didn’t have the time to action straight away, then there are a few ways used for removing dried coffee stains.
First one to try, is to rub a little liquid laundry detergent or liquid dish soap gently into the stained area. You then need to leave this to do its work for 5-7mins before washing out with cold water. You can repeat if not all the stain has gone.
Second and for more stubborn stains is to use powdered laundry detergent and vinegar. This time you want to make a paste by mixing equal parts. Apply this paste to the stained area and gently rub into the fabric (you may find an old toothbrush handy).
TIP: Test on an unseen part of the item first in-case the vinegar reacts with the colour.
Lastly for the hardest coffee stains to remove, you will need an oxygen bleach style stain remover. For this it is best to follow the instructions on the stain remover.
For a detailed process on the above check out this readers digest article
Get Coffee Stains Out Of Jeans
Denim is quite hardy and take a little more robust cleaning.
What you may need to remove coffee stains from jeans
- Fresh cold water
- Liquid laundry detergent
- Baking soda
- Stain remover
- White vinegar
- Paper towels or clean cloths
For new or fresh stain
Try mixing 4 parts fresh water to 1 part vinegar (odourless such as white). Gently apply this to the affected stain using clean cloth or paper towel. Let it sit for a few mins and then gently blot away with a dry paper towel or dry cloth.
For older or harder stains
You will need to use the baking soda. Wet the affected part of the jeans and then sprinkle with baking soda. Then massage in the baking soda using a rag or toothbrush. You may need to repeat this a few times until the stain is completely removed.
Removing the most ardent coffee stain will need the use of a stain remover, follow the on pack instructions.
After any method you will want to either hand wash or launder as usual.
Coffee Stained Carpets And Rugs
Removing Coffee Stains From Rugs And Carpets
There is nothing worse than an unsightly stain in the middle of your rug or carpet especially when you have guests over.
But worry not, getting coffee stains out of carpet is a simple process, and I don’t mean moving a plant pot on top.
Things You May Need
- Liquid or Powdered laundry detergent
- Fresh cold water
- Odourless vinegar
- Liquid dish soap
- Clean rags or paper towels
Fresh Coffee Stains on Carpet
The key here is NOT to scrub the stain as this will only make it worse and even damage the fabric. You are going to need a little elbow grease and some time for this one.
Grab a clean rag or paper towel and start with a blotting motion, it is best to start at the outside and work your way in to the centre of the stain. Make sure to keep using clean rags.
Once you have got all you can up, you then need to damp the area by spraying with a little water, and then blot again. Keep repeating until until everything has been removed. DO NOT soak the carpet
Let the area air dry before walking over.
Dried Coffee Stains On Rugs and Carpets
Removing dried on coffee stains is a little more of a challenge, but fret not, it’s not impossible.
Firstly you need to make a cleaning solution by mixing one tablespoon of washing up liquid and white vinegar along with two mugs of warm water. You can then use this solution with the blotting method above to apply to the stain. You need to alternate between a damp cloth with this mixture and drying with a dry cloth.
Again allow the area to air dry before allowing people to walk across.
How To Remove Coffee Stains From Upholstery
The sofa is probably one of the most expensive items in your lounge. Whether its a few drops or two cups, spilling coffee on upholstery can ruin your day.
Again the key to this is not to scrub the area. Instead we need to follow the blotting motion.
Fresh Coffee
If your stain is new, then all you need to do is grab a clean sponge or cloth. Start from the outside of the stain and work towards the middle, blotting up as you go.
Once you have got all you have, then if any more coffee remains. You can try adding a little white vinegar, lemon juice or liquid detergent to the sponge and blot again.
Remove Coffee Stains From Mugs and Cups
If you are like me and have a favourite coffee mug, then you will hate having to use a different one. The good news is if you do end up with coffee stain on the inside, they are simple to remove.
Mix some baking soda with a little warm water in the cup to form a paste like substance. Then scrub the inside of the mug until your coffee stains are gone.
Removing Coffee Stains From Wooden Items
This is fairly simply if the stain is still wet, then you can simply mop up with a dry towel or cloth.
For dried on stains, try treating with a little white vinegar or lemon juice first. Then rinse off with cold water.
As a last resort you could always sand and re-finish.
