Should you enjoy starting your day in tranquility with a soothing cup of coffee, looking out the window while mentally arranging your daily tasks, accidental drips on your carpet are a likely mishap.
At one point or another, you may have already dealt with this irritating and unsightly problem.
Not only is it frustrating to stare at the coffee stain on your pristine rug, but it can also be worrisome knowing that it can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
So, if you're on your way to ask the help of a professional cleaning service to get rid of the stubborn stain, don't do it just yet.
In this article, I'll delve into the household secrets of cleaning coffee stains from the rug.
Why are Coffee Stains Difficult to Remove?
Coffee stains are an eyesore, especially on a lighter-coloured carpet. While you would want to scrub the rug to get rid of the stain quickly, it could damage the rug.
So, why is it difficult to remove coffee stains? Coffee contains tannins. They are naturally occurring compounds called polyphenols.
Tannins are naturally occurring vegetable dyes that give coffee its black color and bitter taste.
How to Remove Coffee Stains From Rug?
1. Blot Up the Coffee
When it comes to coffee stains, time is of the essence. However, there is still hope for set-in coffee stains.
But if you have just spilled coffee on your rug, you better work quickly, as coffee stains lift up faster if you act immediately.
Blot up the coffee quickly using a rag, towel, or paper towel.
You would want to blot as much liquid as possible, starting from the outside stain and working toward the middle so that the stain wouldn't spread.
Avoid back-and-forth movements.
2. Add Cold Water
If you are unable to remove the stain, add cold water. Carefully pour a small amount of water into the coffee stain, but be careful not to overwet the rug.
Don't oversaturate the rug because it could penetrate under the rug layer and promote bacteria growth.
Get a new clean cloth and blot the liquid until no coffee stains transfer to the cloth.
3. Mix a Cleaning Solution
If blotting didn't work, it's now time to mix a cleaning solution. You can make a DIY rug stain remover by mixing 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide with 1/2 teaspoon dish soap.
Mix them in a bowl and stir well with a spoon.
Pro tip: Hydrogen peroxide might affect dyes on some rugs, so test a small, inconspicuous area first before treating the stain.
4. Apply the Cleaning Solution
Dip a clean white cloth into the mixture and dab it onto the stain. Again, don't oversaturate the rug.
Allow the solution to sit for 5-10 minutes.
5. Rinse the Area and Vacuum
After the solution worked its magic, use a new and clean white cloth to blot on a little cold water to rinse off the cleaning solution off the rug.
With a dry cloth this time, blot the area dry. Allow to air dry and vacuum after.
How Do You Clean Set-in Coffee Stains on a Rug?
It can be easy to remove when you act on the stain upon spilling. However, it can be tricky once the coffee stain has set, but it doesn't mean it's impossible.
Coffee stains don't have to be permanent. You can use household items already available in your home to remove the stain permanently.
You need vinegar, dish soap, and baking soda. To create a cleaning solution using vinegar, get a bowl and mix 2 cups of warm water with 1 tablespoon dish soap and 1 tablespoon vinegar.
Blot the stain with a cloth and apply the vinegar solution. Blot the area again with a clean and dry cloth until no stain sticks to the cloth.
Sprinkle baking soda over the stained area and let it air dry. Vacuum the remaining soda after.
How to Remove Coffee Stains from Rug with Other Solutions?
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a good cleaning agent because it is a mild alkali and causes stains and grease to easily dissolve in water. It's also non-toxic and a natural way of deodorizing odors.
To use baking soda to clean coffee stains, mix three parts of water with one part of baking soda to make a paste.
Apply the paste to the stained area. Leave it until the paste dries up. You can leave it overnight if you want. Wipe it up with a dry and clean cloth. Vacuum up the baking soda.
Toothpaste
Toothpaste can also be used to remove coffee stains, not only on your teeth but also on the rug. It's equally as effective as other ingredients on this list. Just make sure to use white toothpaste.
To use, dampen the stained area with cold water, but avoid oversaturating the area with water. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the stain and gently rub with a toothbrush or a dry cloth.
Let it sit for at least 5 minutes, then blot it with cold water using a cloth to remove the stain.
Use a dry cloth this time to blot the area dry. Allow to air dry completely.
Salt
While using salt may be an uncommon method, it works as well as other household cleaning materials. Salt soaks up the grease and oil, making it easier for the rug to be cleaned.
Blot as much liquid as possible using a paper towel or a clean, light-coloured cloth. Sprinkle salt where the coffee stain is.
Let it sit for 20 minutes, and vacuum the salt.
Vinegar
Mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap, and 2 cups of warm water.
Apply the solution to the stain and blot the area with a clean cloth. Blot on some cold water to rinse the solution and remove the stain.
If your coffee has some cream or sugar in it, mix 1 capful of enzyme laundry detergent and one cup of warm water in a bowl.
Related: Best Coffee Creamers of 2024
Sir the solution and dab to the stain using a cloth. The enzymes will help break down the stain.
Rinse the area with cold water and let it air dry.
