How to Get a Coffee Stain Out of a Rug

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If thereās a java drinker in your household, weāre willing to bet thereās been at least one spill in your home at some pointāwhether it was marred with a small spot or a big olā splotch. Maybe you dropped your mug a minute ago, or perhaps thereās a coffee-stained rug thatās been haunting you for way too long. Sure, you could rearrange some furniture to try to mask the blemishābut why go to such great lengths when you could learn how to get that coffee stain out of your rug quickly and easily? Coffee stain removal might seem impossible, but it’s not!
Getting coffee stains out of the carpet can be done DIY, and doesn’t take much time or effort at all. No matter what kind of carpet or area rug you’re working with, weāre here with a simple guide to help get it back to its fresh, clean state. All you need is a reliable carpet spot cleaner and a little bit of patience to get it done the right way. Below, find tips to know before you start your stain removal, and step-by-step instructions to keep your rug in tip-top shape after a coffee spill.
Expert Tips
- If itās your first time using a specific carpet cleaner on your rug, it’s important to do a patch test before you commit. Apply cleaning solution to a small, inconspicuous area of the rug and follow the directions on the label. If you donāt see any damage, youāre ready to start the stain-removal process!
- If you do see signs of damage or bleaching after the patch test, try another (more gentle) carpet cleaner, test one of the DIY methods at the end of this article, or hire a professional to clean your carpeting.
- If you had milk or coffee creamer in your mug and want to avoid any unpleasant odors, use an oxygen-based cleaner in addition to the rug cleaner.
What You’ll Need
- Bucket (this collapsable one is a great space-saver)
- Vacuum (check out our comprehensive list if you’re looking for a new one)
How to Get a Coffee Stain Out of a Rug
Step 1: Blot and Dilute
If your spill is still fresh, the first step to avoiding a ruined rug is to blot the excess moisture away with a clean, dry towel or cloth. However, if youāre dealing with an old, set-in spill, dab it with a clean, damp cloth to loosen up dried stains. Then, grab another clean cloth and dab the stain until no more coffee rubs off onto the cloth. Always blot towards the center of the stain rather than outward; you donāt want to spread the stain to a larger area.
Step 2: Apply Carpet Cleaning Detergent
Apply your carpet cleaner of choice onto what remains of the stain. Follow the directions on the package to ensure youāre using the product most efficiently and effectively.
Step 3: Wet, Blot, and Air Dry
Now that youāve removed the stain, itās time to make sure youāre not leaving behind any stain detergent. Wet the stain once again with cold water, blot away the residue and water with a clean cloth, and let the rug air dry. Avoid walking on it until it is 100% dry.
Step 4: Vacuum to Fix Up the Fibers
Once the rug is dry, run a vacuum over the area where the stain used to be. Doing so will lift matted fibers back to their pre-spill glory.
DIY Stain Removal Alternatives
If you prefer to concoct your own rug-cleaning solution instead of buying one, then we have two DIY solutions for you to choose from, too:
- Mix one tablespoon of white vinegar, one tablespoon of dish soap, and two cups of warm water. Apply to the stain and wait at least 10 minutes before wiping it away. Then proceed from Step 3 from above.
- For another option, combine one cup of water with ā cup baking soda to form a paste. Spread it on the stain, let the mixture set for 20 or so minutes, and vacuum clean.