Coffee stains can be stubborn and if left untreated, can be almost impossible to remove. The best time to start coffee stain removal is immediately after it occurs. The longer you take, the deeper the coffee will soak into the material and become difficult to remove. When a coffee spill is noticed, the area should be immediately dabbed to remove most of the liquid and then the remaining stain can be worked on.
While removing the liquid, the area should not be rubbed because the liquid will be rubbed farther into the fabric. Heat is also a factor in both cleaning and staining of coffee stains; warm temperatures set the sugar and stick them on the material.
Coffee stain removal may not be as hard as it may seem as long as the proper procedure is followed.
The following are the most common victims of coffee stains:
-washable fabric
-non-washable fabric
-coffee cups
-carpets
-wood
-leather and suede
-stone surfaces
To carry out coffee stain removal, you will probably require a number of items which may include:
-cold water
-toothbrush or a small nail brush
-small cup or dish
-distilled white vinegar
-absorbent white paper towels
-color-safe liquid laundry detergent
-powdered laundry detergent
-baking soda
-glycerin
-baking soda
-carbonated water-dish-washing soap
The following are tips on how to remove coffee stains on various materials.
Washable Fabrics
These stains are common on fabrics like sheets, clothing, cloth napkins and blankets. The stain can easily be removed as follows:
Pour some amount of baking soda on the stain to absorb the moisture.
Brush off extra baking soda
Prepare a solution of 1/2 cup of water,
1 cup of white vinegar and 1 tablespoon of dish-washing liquid.
Dip an absorbent white paper towel in the solution and directly apply it on the stained area.
Leave it for 15 minutes to set and finally launder normally.
Non-Washable Fabrics
This fabric is not easy to clean because some are fragile and cannot be washed in a typical washing
machine.
To remove the stain;
Prepare a solution of one part isopropyl alcohol and one part glycerin.
Pour the solution on the stain and leave it for 5 minutes before blotting with clean paper towels.
This should be repeated until the stain disappears.
Finally clean the material as per the manufacturer’s specifications.
Coffee Cups
Coffee cups are the chief victims of coffee stains. Stains develop on cups when coffee is left in them for a long time, allowing the liquid to seep into the pores of the cup.
This stain can be removed as follows:
Pour white vinegar over the stain and let it sit for 10 minutes
Use warm water to dampen a sponge and pour a small layer of baking soda or salt on it.
Scrub off the stain with the baking soda side of the sponge until the stain disappears and finally wash the cup as usual.
Carpet
These stains are very common on carpets and are conspicuous especially on light shaded carpets. Coffee stains on carpets may be very difficult to remove if they are left unattended to for a long period of time.
The following procedure is a sure way of cleaning this stain.
Use a sponge to soak excess liquid and then pour carbonated water over the stained area.
Let it sit for 20 minutes then blot up the liquid.
If the stain persists, make a solution of 1 teaspoon of borax or hydrogen peroxide and 1 cup of water and pour it on the stain. Let it sit for 15 minutes and blot again.
Finally pour additional carbonated water on the stain and blot for the final time.
Coffee Stain Removal from Wood
It is easy to remove this stain on wood because coffee does not easily bind on wood.
Add dish washing liquid to warm water.
Dip a sponge or cloth in the water and use it to wipe the stained surface.
Rinse using a cloth or sponge soaked in clean and cool water .
Polish the wood to prevent future stains.
Leather and Suede
Fast response is very vital when cleaning these stains on leather and suede.
The following procedure can clear the stain.
Blot up most of the liquid.
Dip a sponge in a soapy solution prepared from several dish-washing detergent drops and warm water.
Allow foam to collect on the sponge and apply it on the stain.
Allow it to stand for 20 minutes and finally wipe dry using a dry cloth.
Stone Surfaces
These stains can occur on concrete, sandstone, masonry tile terrazzo, granite and lime stone.
Prepare a soapy solution by adding drops of dish-washing detergent to warm water.
Dip a brush with stiff bristles into the solution and use it to scrub the strain repeatedly until the stain disappears.
Clean any residue with cold water.