How to Remove a Coffee Stain from Carpet

Co-authored by Marcus Shields and Sophia Latorre

Last Updated: February 8, 2022

Nothing wakes you up in the morning like that first cup of coffee. Spilling it on your carpet is sure to give you a boost of adrenaline, but don’t worry, there are several methods for removing coffee stains from carpet. You can use lemon juice, vinegar and dish soap, or club soda. Simply blot the stain, apply your cleaning solution, absorb the excess liquid, flush the area with water, and allow the carpet to dry. Your carpet will be clean again in no time.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Choosing a Cleaning Solution

1
Try lemon juice. Add two cups (473 mL) lukewarm water and ¼ cup (59 mL) of lemon juice to a bucket or bowl. Swirl or agitate to solution to mix it fully. Fresh squeezed lemon juice is best.^{[1]
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2
Mix vinegar and dish soap.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Marcus Shields
House Cleaning Professional
Expert Interview. 22 September 2019.} Add one tablespoon (14.8 mL) of dish soap, one tablespoon (14.8 mL) of white vinegar, and two cups (473 mL) warm water to a bucket. Agitate the solution to ensure it is fully mixed.^{[3]
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EXPERT TIP

Bridgett Price
House Cleaning Professional
Bridgett Price is a Cleaning Guru and Co-Owner of Maideasy, a maid service company that services the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area. She holds a Master of Management from the University of Phoenix, specializing in digital and traditional marketing.

Bridgett Price
House Cleaning Professional

Dish soap and water may be effective at removing minor stains, as well. Bridgett Price of Maid Easy says: "Try mixing a splash of liquid dish detergent into a cup of warm water. Then, get a towel or a white cloth and blot the area until the stain lifts. Don't rub, because that will rub the stain into the carpet fabrics. If the stain is really stubborn, add a little vinegar to the mixture to help remove it."

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3
Use club soda. Be sure to choose a club soda without any additional flavoring or color. You can pour a small amount of club soda directly on the stain, or transfer the club soda to a spray bottle and spritz it on the stain. ^{[4]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Applying the Solution

1
Remove excess moisture first. Apply paper towels to the stain to absorb as much of the coffee as possible. Don’t rub the stain, or it may spread. Gently press the paper towels into the carpet to soak up the coffee. You can also use a clean, absorbent towel if you wish.^{[5]
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2
Test the solution on an inconspicuous area. To be sure the cleaning solution won’t fade the color of your carpet, test a small amount of the solution on a small area. Apply the solution and wait 20 minutes. Check the spot for color changes. If there is a negative reaction, try a different cleaning solution.
3
Apply the solution to your carpet.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Marcus Shields
House Cleaning Professional
Expert Interview. 22 September 2019.} Use a clean towel dipped in the cleaning solution. Press the towel onto the stained area. Frequently change the area of towel you are using, or get a clean towel, to ensure you aren’t further dirtying the carpet. Be sure to get the entire stain, including the edges and any errant drops.^{[7]
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Blot the wet area. Gently press down on the carpet with a clean, dry towel. Use the towel to remove the stain and any excess moisture from your carpet. Use a clean portion of the towel each time.^{[8]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Rinsing and Drying Your Carpet

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Flush the area with water. This removes the cleaning solution from your carpet as well as ensures all the coffee is removed. Pour warm water directly onto the area, or dip a clean towel in water and apply it to your carpet.^{[9]
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Expert Source

Marcus Shields
House Cleaning Professional
Expert Interview. 22 September 2019.} You could also spray the area using a spray bottle filled with water.^{[10]
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2
Remove excess moisture. Blot the entire area to remove as much water as possible. Use a clean towel to press down on your carpet and soak up the moisture.^{[11]
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Expert Source

Marcus Shields
House Cleaning Professional
Expert Interview. 22 September 2019.} Be sure to frequently change the towel for maximum absorbency.^{[12]
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3
Allow the carpet to dry. Place a clean towel over the wet area. Cover the towel with a plastic bag and place a heavy item on top. You can use a heavy pan, paper weight, or other item. Leave the weight on for several hours to allow the towel to soak up the moisture. Remove the weight, bag, and towel, then allow the area to fully air dry.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I use regular vinegar?

Jayteeoh

Community Answer

This depends on what you consider to be "regular vinegar." White vinegar is advisable, as it is colorless.
Question

Could I clean a coffee-stained carpet with baking soda?

Jayteeoh

Community Answer

Yes. Baking soda may be used to clean a coffee stain if it is still wet. In this case, sprinkle baking soda onto the affected area, let it sit for a few minutes, then use a vacuum to remove the baking soda.
Question

How do you remove coffee granules from carpet?

Community Answer

Allow the coffee grounds to dry. Then vacuum the area thoroughly. Clean the stain as directed above.