The Exotic Bean

6 Easy Ways You Can Clean Up Any Coffee Stain

Think That Coffee Stains Are Permanent? Think Again

image of how to clean up coffee stain on carpet the natural way

Coffee is perhaps the most loved beverage of America. But as is the case with just about any beverage, the dangers of spilling are always present, and making matters worse, the possibility of doing permanent damage to clothes or surfaces like carpet are perhaps more of an issue with coffee.

Trust us: the following six methods work well if and when you spill your certified organic coffee on anything: your carpet, clothes, table, or even your dog (we’re kidding, of course)! Store-bought cleaners offer very little in the way of competition for these solutions, and our recommendations are safer to have around the house, especially if you have small children or animals.

Remember the first rule of cleaning up a coffee stain: it’s always best to get to stains as early as possible to minimize the damage. If you leave the stain unattended for too long, it could become pernicious and haunt your every waking moment. Now read on for 6 easy ways to remove coffee stains in the house.

Method #1: Blot With Water

The first step to take with any offensive coffee stain is to gently blot it with water. Coffee itself is a water-based liquid, so this would in effect dilute the stain. Wet a paper towel and try to convince that coffee stain to get out of town, and blot it several times.

If you are concerned that this method will just simply not do the trick, then try rubbing a little hand soap into the stain, as well. Even if your carpet is a pristine snow white, and the coffee you prefer is a dark French roast, don’t despair. We have five other excellent methods for you to try below.

Method #2: Club Soda

Club soda isn’t just for cocktail time; it can also be used to get rid of coffee stains. If you are out on the town and accidentally spill some of this (typically morning to afternoon beverage) on your clothes, blot at it with a little bit of club soda. It will remove the stain almost immediately. This method can also be used at home, for your carpet or clothing.

image of spot cleaning coffee stain from carpet using natural ingredients

Method #3: Beer

If you spill coffee on your carpet, never fear! There are multiple options you can choose to clean your carpet, but this is the easiest and simplest way to do it; just pour a little beer onto the stain, rubbing it gently into the carpet. The stain should just disappear!

Bonus with Method #3: you get an already opened beer and a ready excuse to drink it.

Method #4: Vinegar

This method is especially handy for spills on clothing or tablecloths. Mix in vinegar with any water-soluble stain and it will lighten or remove the spot instantly. Pat the offending spot with a paper towel dipped in undiluted vinegar, then throw it in the wash. The stain should be out in no time.

If the stain is rather large, don’t be afraid to let the item of clothing soak in a ratio of 3 parts vinegar to 1 part water overnight.

Method #5: Baking Soda

Finding that your endless cups of coffee every day are starting to leave stains in or on your mugs and thermoses? With some stains like this, eventually not even your trusty dishwasher will be able to get rid of them without some help.

image of how to clean coffee stains out of fabric

If you dip a wet cloth in baking soda and use it to gently rub at the offending stains, your favorite mug should be coffee-stain free in no time. This method can also be used to get rid of coffee stains on your clothing and electronic devices.

Method #6: Salt

If you mix a little salt with some determination and water, you will be able to get rid of those pesky coffee stains in no time. Sprinkle a little salt onto a sponge, wet it with water, and rub gently at coffee stains on your mugs or counter tops.

The benefits of these methods are that they do not require you to purchase any cleaning solutions that may be toxic if consumed, or that may go against your moral or ethical codes when it comes to the environment.

In many cases, these natural cleaning solutions will already be in your home and are easily available to you. These methods are not entirely foolproof – as we said earlier, the easiest way to get rid of the coffee stain is to get to it right away. May the force be with you!

[Photos Via: QPClean; Wisegeek; Birchbox]