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General Rule for Removing Coffee Stains

Before getting started, take a minute to read the label (if there is one), following specific care instructions and warnings provided by the manufacturer. For example, if you have a coffee stain on a natural fiber or dyed rug or carpet, then the standard coffee stain removal process may not be applicable. If there is not label, then you might talk to a professional cleaner before you get started.

For most coffee stains on fabric such as clothing items, linens, furniture, and carpet, you would start with a white paper towel, gently blotting it on the stain to remove as much of the stain as possible. Then, in a small bowl, mix one-third cup of white vinegar and two-third cup warm water. Dampen a clean paper towel, blotting on the stain again or if the stain is large, you can pour the mixture into a spray bottle and misting the stain followed by blotting.

If you find yourself at a restaurant, enjoying a wonderful meal with after-dinner coffee, only to discover a stain, the most important thing is to get warm water on it immediately. Simply excuse yourself to the men or women’s restroom and with a clean cloth (toilet paper will work is that is all there is), moisten the stain. Make sure you never rub, just blot. You may need to do this several times. When you see the stain is gone, use another piece of cloth to dab it dry. Sometimes, the entire stain will not come out with just water so as soon as you get home, treat the stain appropriately.

Coffee Stain Removal Methods

If the above method does not do the trick or if you do not have white vinegar handy, you have a number of other options for coffee stain removal. For example, you could mix about one-quarter teaspoon of hand dishwashing detergent (make sure it does not contain bleach or lanolin) with one quart warm water. Going back to the blotting method, use a clean, white paper towel and blot from the outside of the stain inward. In most cases, this will do the trick. If you are in a restaurant, even warm tap water blotted on will get most, if not all of the stain out.

Now, if you have a coffee stain on your carpeting, then take 3% hydrogen peroxide to moisten the stain. After letting the peroxide stand for about 60 minutes, use a white cloth or paper towel to blot the stain until it disappears. Then, place another clean cloth or paper towel on the stain and place something semi-heavy on top such as a book or brick so the stain will be drawn upward. Keep in mind that as this light peroxide stands, it converts back to water. Therefore, once the stain is removed, you do not need to rinse the area.

Two other coffee stain removal methods include using an egg yolk solution and baking soda. With egg yolk, you can mix one yolk in a bowl along with a few drops of rubbing alcohol. With a clean cloth or paper towel, gently rub the solution into the stain and then allow it to sit for a few minutes before rinsing. For baking soda, sprinkle a small amount onto a wet cloth and then begin working it into the coffee stain. Again, when the stain is gone, rinse with clear, cold water.

Why not try giving your timber furniture a new lease on life this weekend…

To clean and polish timber, you need to find out how it has been treated first, as you are cleaning the finish not the wood itself.

The simplest way to find out the finish of your wood is to apply a few drops of linseed oil and rub gently. The wood has an oil-based finish if it absorbs or what is known as a hard finish (such as varnish, shellac or polyurethane) if it repels and droplets form.

Protect and polish oil-based wood with beeswax (in a solid form or a paste is the best) only once or twice a year, but make sure it is dusted and cleaned with a damp cloth first.

A ‘multi-surface’ furniture polish that is designed to clean is suitable for most other finishes.

Water marks on timber can usually be cleaned off with beeswax applied with lemon peel.