Cleaning Coffee Stains from Car Carpet: 7 Easy Ways
A fresh cup of brewed coffee is the perfect kick to start your morning. What takes the fun away? An accidental coffee spill on your car carpet! This may cause a stain and it is because of an element found in coffee called tannin. However, do not let the spill wreck your day.
You can clean the coffee stain with materials that are easy to find and possibly ones that are sitting in your pantry. Here are 7 easy ways to clean coffee stains from your car carpet.
- Blot the Stain
A fresh spill of coffee is easier to clean than an old one. So act quickly! Pull over the car if possible or get to cleaning as soon as you reach your destination. Gently blot the stain with a dry cloth or paper towel. Work your way from the edges of the stain going inwards to stop the spill from spreading. Please do not rub on the stain to avoid sticking and damaging the carpet further.
- Plain Water
Pour a little water on the stain and apply pressure on the dry towel or cloth to soak up as much liquid as possible. Keep changing the dry towel when they become wet. Repeat the process until the cloth comes out dry and clean.
You may need to add other materials to the water to clean up older or bigger stains on the carpet.
- Dishwashing Liquid
This is a simple and effective way of cleaning coffee stains from the carpet because it is always available in the kitchen. Mix 1 teaspoon of the liquid with 1 cup of water. Dump your cloth or sponge on the soapy water and press on the coffee stain. Remember to resist the urge to scrub with the soapy cloth. Rinse the area with a clean cloth using the method described in the previous subheading.
- Baking Soda Powder
Baking soda or Bicarbonate of soda is a great natural addition to your cleaning detergents. This is because it has many uses apart from cooking. It can help get rid of tough stains and any bad odor on the car carpet. It can be used in many different ways. Here are 3 ways;
- Spray 1 teaspoon of baking soda on the stained area you have already cleaned using the liquid soap. Let it sit for 10 minutes then use a car vacuum to clean up the residue.
- Mix 1 teaspoon baking soda with 3 teaspoons water to form a paste. Soak a sponge with the mixture and press on the stained area until it is completely clean. Rinse with a damp cloth and leave to dry.
- Mix ½ cup baking soda with ½ cup white vinegar in a spray bottle. This is a cleaning power pack. Spray generously on the stain. This combination produces a fizzy reaction that breaks down the stain. Let it sit for 15 – 20 minutes and then vacuum the residue.
- Lemon Juice
Lemon juice contains citric acid that enables it to remove the stain and discoloring caused by tannin. Adding lemon juice to the dishwashing liquid mixture will lighten the dark stains. Squeeze the lemons to make ¼ cup and add to the liquid mix. Blot the area with the stain until it is clean and leave it to dry.
- White Vinegar
White vinegar contains acetic acid that helps in dissolving stains during cleaning. Compared to the other types of vinegar like apple cider vinegar, red and white wine vinegar among others, White vinegar contains more acidity. This makes it a powerful cleaning option.
Dilute ¼ cup of white vinegar with 2 ½ cups of water in a spray bottle. Mix well and add 2 teaspoons of liquid dishwashing soap. Spray on the stain and blot gently to clean the stain. Rinse with a clean damp cloth and let it dry.
- Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a disinfectant and a powerful stain remover that has been used for many years in households. It has oxidation properties that enable it to kill tough stains discoloration. Since it has strong bleaching abilities, it is advisable to test it on a hidden area of the carpet first.
Mix 1 cup hydrogen peroxide with ½ teaspoon dishwashing liquid. Use a sponge or cloth to apply to the stain and leave for 10 minutes. Use a paper towel or a clean cloth to absorb the solution then let it dry.
Summary
Coffee stains can be annoying to look at and may feel difficult to clean. However, if you act quickly and use the materials within reach, you can easily clean coffee stains on your car carpet. Water and a piece of cloth can clean coffee stains effortlessly. Tough or old coffee stains on your car carpet can be cleaned by combining dishwashing liquid soap with baking soda, lemon juice, white vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide.
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