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Home > How To > Cleaning > How to Get a Coffee Stain Out of a Rug

How to Get a Coffee Stain Out of a Rug

hands cleaning a carpet getting out a coffee stain with spray bottle and rag

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If thereā€™s a java drinker in your household, weā€™re willing to bet thereā€™s been at least one spill in your home at some pointā€”whether it was marred with a small spot or a big olā€™ splotch. Maybe you dropped your mug a minute ago, or perhaps thereā€™s a coffee-stained rug thatā€™s been haunting you for way too long. Sure, you could rearrange some furniture to try to mask the blemishā€”but 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, weā€™re 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 itā€™s 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 donā€™t see any damage, youā€™re 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


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 youā€™re 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 donā€™t 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 youā€™re using the product most efficiently and effectively.

Step 3: Wet, Blot, and Air Dry

Now that youā€™ve removed the stain, itā€™s time to make sure youā€™re 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

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