Coffee is a very delicious beverage for many people, especially when hot. However, coffee spills occur quite often, regardless of how careful you might be. Coffee stains are quite easy to remove while still fresh and wet.
However, dried stains require extra effort to remove. Thus, you should remove the stains soonest possible after spilling your favorite beverage before drying.
Why is it challenging to remove dry coffee stains?
Dry coffee stains tend to be quite challenging to remove. If allowed to dry, coffee stains become more challenging to remove due to the tannins in the coffee.
The stains are even more challenging to clear if you had added some milk or creamer to the coffee. The protein component of dairy makes the stains more stubborn to clear. However, it’s possible to clear dried stains from the carpet.
Step 1: Wet the stained area
If the coffee stains are fresh, first, blot them with a clean towel or cloth to soak the liquid. If the stain has dried up, rewet the spot with warm water.
Doing so will assist in softening the dry stain for easier removal. Blot the spot with a clean towel or cloth to soak the stain. Wet and dab the spot with warm water to clean the stain as much as possible.
Step 2: Use a cleaner
In case the stain is stubborn and pure water doesn’t clear it, try a commercial or homemade cleaner. Homemade cleaners are effective and can save you the cost of buying commercial cleaners.
Whether you’re using a commercial or homemade cleaner, you should first test the product on a concealed area of the carpet to ensure it doesn’t damage the carpet.
Some of the best cleaners include hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap. A gentle but effective option would be adding a little amount of mild detergent to warm water.
Add white vinegar (1 tablespoon) to the mixture for enhanced cleaning power. Another option would be diluting vinegar and water in the ratio of 1:1 respectively in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on the spot to clear the stain.
To use baking soda, simply mix it with water in the ratio of 1:1 respectively. In case the stain appears stubborn, dab the spot with hydrogen peroxide.
However, hydrogen peroxide can discolor the carpet. Thus, test the product on a concealed area of the carpet first before using it on more visible areas.
Step 3: Using an enzyme-based laundry detergent
If your coffee brew had extra ingredients, especially milk or cream, then you’ll need extra ingredients to clear the stain.
You can break up any proteins making the stain more stubborn by using an enzyme-based laundry detergent. Add the detergent to warm water.
Dip a clean sponge or cloth into the soapy mixture. Dab the cloth on the stained spot. The enzymes in the mixture will break up and loosen the stubborn coffee stain.
Step 4: Rinse the spot
Stubborn stains may necessitate repeating the stain removal process severally or trying different stain clearing methods. Upon clearing the stain, rinse the spot thoroughly to clear any remnant cleaning products or detergents you used.
It’s recommended to rinse the carpet with cool water thoroughly. When rinsing, dab water from the carpet with a clean cloth or towel.
Rinse it until the cleaner is completely removed. Try to keep pets and people away from the spot you cleaned until it’s completely dry to avoiding staining or getting it dirty.
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