Easy DIY Methods to Get Coffee Stains Out of Carpet

Homeowners are instantly overcome with dread at the mere sight of an unsightly coffee stain soaking into their carpet. Even worse is seeing one that has been sitting there long enough to dry and settle into the fibres. Considering the dark, muddy colouration of a coffee spill, it’s only natural to have a (borderline) panicked reaction to seeing a coffee stain on your favourite carpet!

For years, homeowners have struggled with the task of getting coffee out of carpet whether it is a fresh or old stain. Perhaps they have been using the wrong methods all along, or simply gave up before even trying! Fortunately, we are here to assure you that a coffee spill on your carpet needn’t be permanent, nor is it difficult to remove. 

There are quite a few different ways to get coffee out of your carpet and, the best part is, if one fails, you can always try another. With that said, here are two of the best, tried and tested methods to remove coffee stains (new and old) from carpet!

How to Remove Fresh Coffee Stains from Carpet

It is fairly simple to get coffee out of carpeting if it has just occurred. There are, however, some dos and don’ts to keep in mind to ensure that you get the job done safely and successfully. 

We have all the information right here in our handy step-by-step guide to remove fresh coffee stains from carpet. Read on.

Step One: Soak Up the Spill

Before your carpet absorbs the entire stain, try to lift as much as you can by blotting the spill with a clean white rag. Blot from the outside of the stain and work your way inward to prevent the liquid from spreading further.

Step Two: Make a DIY Cleaning Solution

To make an effective stain remover for coffee spills on carpet, add a few drops of liquid dish soap to 1 cup of lukewarm water. Avoid dish soaps that contain bleaching agents and laundry detergents as they may also have chemicals that fade or discolour carpet fibres. 

Step Three: Apply the Cleaning Solution

Before you begin, it is advisable to test the cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the carpet to ensure that it is safe to use on your type of carpet. Allow the carpet to dry and observe any changes in appearance or texture thereafter. Pretesting cleaning agents and solutions is highly recommended regardless of what you are using to clean your carpet. 

To apply your DIY carpet cleaner, dampen one side of a clean, white microfibre cloth with the solution; gently blot the edges of stain and push inward. Do this repeatedly, all around the edges of the stain, until you get to the centre. This will help lift the stain while preventing the liquid from spreading. 

NOTE: Use a fresh side of the cloth as the coffee stain begins to lift.

Step Four: Blot With a Dry Cloth

To avoid saturating the carpet, take a clean, dry white cloth and blot the affected area to absorb as much liquid as possible. This will also help to lift some (if not all) of the discolouration left on the carpet. If the stain has not disappeared completely, reapply the cleaning solution and blot the area with a dry cloth. Alternate between these two steps until the coffee stain is removed.

Step Five: Rinse & Dry

Cleaning agents should never be left on carpet fibres for too long as they tend to attract more dirt. Therefore, it is crucial to rinse the carpet thoroughly to remove all traces of the cleaner. Do this by dampening a fresh cloth with plain, lukewarm water, and wipe the entire area where the cleaning solution was applied. When you are sure that all the residue has been picked up, take a clean, dry towel and blot the area one last time. Allow the carpet to air-dry thereafter. 

How to Remove Old Coffee Stains from Carpet

No matter what type of carpet stain you are dealing with, the older it is, the harder it is to remove. This is no different when trying to get coffee out of your carpet, however, contrary to what some might believe, it is not impossible to remove old coffee stains from carpet if you use the right step-by-step approach. Fortunately, we’ve got that right here for you! 

Step-By-Step Instructions

• Start by spraying the dried coffee with just enough plain water to wet the stain; avoid saturating the carpet as some fibres weaken when exposed to moisture. This will help loosen the dried spill, thus making it easier to lift.

• Now that the stain is wet, blot it with a paper towel to lift as much of the brown discolouration as possible. Again, work from the outer edges and move inward. Repeat the step by re-spraying the stain and blot again with fresh paper towels. Do this until the stain stops lifting.

• For an old coffee stain on your carpet, it’s a good idea to double up on cleansing power to effectively remove it. Adding distilled white vinegar to the mix is a great way to do this. Simply combine 1 part water, 1 part white vinegar, and mix in a few drops of liquid dish soap. 

• Dampen a clean microfibre cloth in the solution and dab it over the stain. Do this gently but repeatedly to work the cleaning solution into the carpet. If the area becomes too wet, soak up moisture with paper towels and repeat the process until the stain vanishes. 

• When the coffee stain has been removed, rinse the area with a clean, damp cloth and blot it with a dry towel; allow it to air-dry thereafter.

The next time you spill a little (or a lot) of coffee on your carpet, don’t panic! Simply come back to this article and follow the steps above to effectively get coffee out of your carpet. Remember to be patient and, if needed, repeat the cleaning process to fully remove old or new coffee stains from your carpet. If these methods don't work in removing coffee from your carpets, it's probably best to book a professional carpet cleaning service.