We’ve all been there…you’ve just made yourself a fresh cup of coffee and suddenly, you trip while carrying it upstairs, you knock over your mug or someone bumps into you, causing you to spill your coffee, either over yourself, the floor or somewhere else. At this point, many of us would instantly panic - how do I remove a coffee stain? Well, there are a few crucial steps you must follow, and quickly, to ensure that your coffee spillage doesn’t leave a mark. Keep on reading to find out how to clean coffee stains.

Solutions to remove a coffee stain

Coffee stains are notorious for being stubborn and difficult to remove, often leaving behind unsightly marks on clothes, carpets, sofas and other fabrics.

There are a number of ways to remove a coffee stain using a few different ingredients and products. Luckily, you’re likely to already have most of these ingredients in your cupboards, so you can act quickly.

Different materials and types of spillage require different methods for removing the stain, so we have broken down the best solutions to remove coffee stains from the usual offenders.

How to remove coffee stains from clothes

The worst has happened - your white shirt is ruined by a coffee spill! Fear not, for we have a solution for you. For coffee stains on cotton, cotton-blend and linen clothing, follow these steps:

Step 1. Firstly, use a clean, dry towel or cloth to blot and try to absorb as much of the excess coffee as possible. Avoid rubbing the stain as this can cause it to spread
Step 2. Rinse the shirt with cold water through the back of the stain to prevent the coffee from penetrating the fabric
Step 3. If the mark is still there, move onto cleaning products. Start by applying liquid laundry detergent or dish soap and a splash of cold water, and letting it sit for a few minutes before washing the garment as usual

How to get coffee stains out of carpet

Coffee spills on the carpet can soon become a nightmare if not addressed quickly enough. To remove coffee stains from carpet, follow these steps:

Step 1. Firstly, use a clean, dry towel or cloth to blot and try to absorb as much of the excess coffee as possible. Avoid rubbing the stain as this can cause it to spread further.
Step 2. Mix one tablespoon of dish soap, one tablespoon of white vinegar and two cups of warm water and apply the solution to the stain. Blot gently with a clean cloth until the stain lifts. Repeat as necessary, then rinse the area with cold water and blot dry

How to get coffee stains out of a sofa

If you’re wondering how to get coffee stains out of a couch or sofa, they can be particularly challenging to remove, but there is a way.

Step 1. Firstly, use a clean, dry towel or cloth to blot and try to absorb as much of the excess coffee as possible. Avoid rubbing the stain as this can damage the fabric.
Step 2. Then, mix a solution of mild dish soap and warm water and gently dab it onto the stain. Once the stain lifts, rinse the area with clean water and blot dry. For stubborn stains, you may need to repeat the process or consult a professional upholstery cleaner.

Beyond removal: another use for stained clothing

If, despite your best efforts, the coffee stain on your clothing refuses to budge, don't despair! Instead of throwing away your stained item, why not consider repurposing it for other uses! Stained T-shirts can be cut up and used as cleaning rags. A white shirt ruined by a coffee stain can be kept for wearing for DIY projects.

Get creative and give your stained T-shirt a new life!