Imagine that awfully annoying moment when you accidentally spill coffee on your favorite leather shirt or your expensive leather bag or purse.
You scrub and scrub but the stain is as stubborn as ever. It can be very frustrating.
It is very difficult to erase coffee stains on leather but if you act fast before it sets, using the appropriate and effective cleaning products, you can get rid of the stain completely.
How do You Get Rid of Coffee Stains from Leather
Here are a couple of steps to follow in order to effectively remove coffee stains from leather.
- Avoid rubbing the stain. Instead use paper towel or a soft clean cloth and gently dab as much of it as possible. Gradually push it onto the leather to absorb enough of the liquid.
- Do not apply water directly to the leather. Dib a clean cloth in warm water, wring out the water and gently dab the stained area making sure to rub the leather in the same direction.
- In the case where warm water is not enough and the coffee stain is already dried up, make use of a cleaner specifically designed for leather. Test out the leather cleaner on a small area of the bag or purse before cleaning the affected area. Gently brush the leather in one direction and wash with a clean and damp cloth.
- And if traces of the stain still linger, then you can mix together a solution of one part vinegar and two parts lukewarm water or a solution of mild soap in lukewarm water. Dip a clean cloth in the solution and rub on the leather gently.
- Using another dry towel, dab the leather to remove excess moisture.
The Basics of Leather Care
If you are in possession of leather products, it is very necessary to care for them so as to enhance and prolong their quality and usability. Let’s take a look at some basic things you need to know about caring for leather products:
- It is crucial to take note that leather needs air and therefore requires enough ventilation to reduce the risk of getting rot and mildew. It is recommended to store leather in plastic bags.
- A waterlogged leather product should not be kept in front of a direct heat source. If your leather jacket gets drenched in water and you use a hair dryer to enable it dry faster, it shrivels up and rapidly becomes dehydrated. Instead spread it on a flat surface in a cool room to dry naturally.
- Keep leather products stored away from direct exposure to sunlight. Leather naturally fades with time, but frequent and direct exposure to sunlight quickens this process, cracking and drying can also occur which cannot be undone.
- When applying polish, you first test it on a small part before applying and allow it to dry for at most twenty-four hours. Bear in mind that there are specific products that change the color and shine of leather so make sure to use the right one.
- Regularly clean your leather products with a damp cloth.
How To Clean Beige Leather
Beige leather is a light- colored leather that is prone to staining. Here’s a few ways you can clean white leather:
- Clean the leather frequently with a dry cloth to get rid of smudges.
- Wipe off stains the moment they occur.
- You can use a leather cleaner but make sure you’re using the right one.
- Mix half a cup of vinegar with a quarter cup of olive oil and pour it into a spray bottle. Apply on the stain and leave it to sit for about five minutes then wipe.
- Lemon juice and cream of tartar have a mild bleaching effect that can help remove stains. Mix equal amounts of both into a paste and apply to the stain, letting sit for about thirty minutes then use a damp sponge to remove the paste.
Home Remedies You Can Use to Clean Your Leather Couch
A leather couch requires constant care and maintenance. There are a bunch of things in our homes that can also serve as stain remover.
- Baking soda and Cornstarch. Sprinkle some amounts of baking soda and cornstarch on the stained area, gently rub it in and let it sit for a few hours or overnight to absorb the stain. Wipe off with a soft and clean cloth.
- Toothpaste. Dampen or wet the stained area, dab a bit of non-gel toothpaste on stain then use a soft toothbrush to brush away the stain. Wipe the area with a clean cloth when done and dry with a towel.
- Alcohol or Nail polish remover. To remove an ink stain, dip a cotton swap in rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover and blot the stain. Don’t rub the stain to avoid the ink from spreading. Once the stain is removed, clean the area with a mild solution of soap and warm water and wipe with a clean, damp cloth.
- Coconut oil and Castile soap. Mix one cup of warm coconut oil, one teaspoon of castile oil and four cups of warm water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on the affected part of the leather, leave for a few minutes and clean with a soft cloth.
Best Cleaning Products
- Leather brush
- Leather cleaner and conditioner
- Leather spray
- Leather Re-coloring balm
Final Thoughts
Overall, we can all agree that coffee stains on leather are a pain to deal with. And although very difficult to get rid of, there are various effective measures you can take to ensure that the stains are removed and you don’t have to abandon your leather products at the bottom of your closet.
