How to get coffee stains out of carpet

Many of us rely on an early morning coffee as an essential part of our daily routine, to help wake up and set us up for the day. But what to do if, in our haste, coffee spills on the floor? Follow these tips on how to remove coffee stains from carpet, and learn how to rescue the situation.

You will need:

• Clean dishcloth or paper towel
• Spray bottle or a wet sponge
• Kitchen towel
• Clean dry cloth
• Lukewarm water
• Carpet cleaning product

How to get coffee stains out of carpet

1. Don’t panic, and act quickly.

   Coffee stains on carpet are easier to remove when still fresh. So act before the spillage dries. Take a clean dishcloth or a paper towel and gently blot the area in order to absorb as much liquid as possible. Careful not to rub too hard and risk embedding the stain into the carpet fibres.

2. Treat the area with lukewarm water

   Treat the area with lukewarm water (if the water is too hot, there is a danger that it will help the stain to set). Either use a spray bottle to apply the water to the stain, or dab the area with a wet sponge. Then repeat Step 1, using a kitchen towel to blot the excess liquid.

3. Use a cleaning product

   These two steps alone may be sufficient to get coffee stains out of carpet. However, if the mark is more stubborn, use of a cleaning product should do the trick. Carpet shampoo can be used but, if you have none to hand, any non-bleach detergent or washing powder will do. Always test any product in a small area first, and read the directions on the label before proceeding. Simply add a quarter teaspoon to a litre of warm water, dip a cloth or a paper towel into the solution, and then apply to the area. Use the back of a spoon to massage the solution into the affected area, working from the outside of the towel in, in order to avoid the risk of spreading the stain. Then return again to Step 1, blotting to remove excess moisture.

4. Rinse the treated area.

   Once the cleaning solution is applied, the treated area needs to be rinsed. Use a spray bottle or a sponge to apply clean water to the area, before repeating the blotting process, until the cleaning solution and the stain are gone.

5. Leave the area to dry.

   Almost there! The final step is to ensure that the area is left dry. Place a clean, dry cloth or towel over the area, and a weight on top, in order to apply some pressure. Then leave for a few hours, until the area is completely dry.

Bonus Tips

• For extra effect, add vinegar to the water at Step 2. The acetic acid will react with and loosen the dirt from the fibres. Remember to test this solution on a small area of the carpet first, too.

• If the stain proves to be particularly stubborn, form a paste made of baking soda and water, spread it onto the stain, leave to dry, and then vacuum away the residue.

• If your carpet is of a sensitive material and you are not confident about using the above tips to remove coffee stains from carpet, consult an expert before proceeding.