While we may love the taste of coffee, the stains certainly outstay their welcome.
It’s one of the most stubborn stains to remove because it contains tannins – natural compounds that give coffee its colour and flavour.
These tannins bond with carpet fibres, making the stain harder to remove.
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So what should you do when a coffee stain strikes?
Speaking on behalf of coffee machine retailer, Coffee Friend, cleaning expert Elizabeth Wickes reveals the key is to act fast and avoid rubbing.
She also explains that while you can splash the cash on pricey stain removers, some of the most effective treatments are products you probably already own, including the 35p kitchen cupboard staple.
What’s the best way to remove a coffee stain from clothes?
Elizabeth explains: “Always check the care label before using any treatments, and avoid heat until the stain is completely removed. For stubborn stains, try the tips below for amazing results. You probably have most of the items in your kitchen or bathroom cupboards.”
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Step 1: Cold water
Run cold water through the front and back of the stain.
Step 2: Liquid detergent or mild washing-up liquid
Apply liquid detergent or mild washing-up liquid to the stain and rub gently. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse.
Step 3: Vinegar solution
Mix white vinegar with water. Scrub the stain with a towel dipped in the solution, then rinse. Tesco Distilled Vinegar (568ml) currently costs 35p at the supermarket.
Step 4: Toothpaste
Use white toothpaste to gently scrub the stain. Rinse and repeat as needed.
Have you ruined any clothes from spilling coffee? (Image: Getty Images)
Step 5: Baking soda paste
Mix baking soda and water into a paste. Apply, scrub, rinse, and dab dry.
Step 6: Wash and air dry
Wash the garment as soon as possible. Avoid machine drying until the stain is fully gone.
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Elizabeth shares: “First things first, you need to understand the coffee stain and the material of your carpet. Understanding these factors can help you choose the best cleaning method for your carpet type and improve stain removal success.”
Wool carpets: “These require gentle, non-alkaline cleaners to avoid damage, but the wool absorbs liquids more deeply, making stains harder to treat.”
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Synthetic carpets: “These can handle more robust cleaning solutions.”
Blended fibre carpets: “These may need a combination of methods tailored to the different fibres.”
Step 1: Remove excess
Scrape or blot up as much of the spill as possible.
Step 2: Apply liquid laundry detergent or mild washing-up liquid solution
Use a damp towel to apply a clothes detergent solution or mild washing-up liquid. Mix one teaspoon of mild washing-up liquid with 300ml of warm water and let it sit for 3–5 minutes.
Step 3: Blot – don’t rub
Gently blot the area to lift the stain without spreading it.
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Step 4: Apply white vinegar
Use a damp towel to apply undiluted white vinegar to the stain.
Step 5: Rinse with water
Dab the area with a damp sponge to rinse out the cleaning agents.
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Step 6: Blot and absorb
Blot the area again, then place a half-inch thick pad of white paper towels over it to absorb the remaining moisture. Weigh it down and leave it overnight if needed.
Step 7: If DIY methods don’t work
Hire a professional carpet cleaner.
Elizabeth says other household items that work well to remove coffee stains include shaving cream, baby powder, egg yolk and bleach (for white only – use cautiously as a last resort).