There’s nothing like the smell and taste of fresh coffee in the morning – but that cup of joe can quickly turn from enjoyable to disastrous if you accidentally spill it. Luckily, removing stains from upholstery is not as difficult as you may think. Our carpet and upholstery cleaning experts have put together a quick and easy guide on how to get those pesky coffee stains out of your furniture.
The Staining Power of Coffee
Coffee is a complex and ancient drink – it contains over 1,000 different compounds that work together to create its unique flavor and aroma. Unfortunately, many of those same compounds are also responsible for coffee’s ability to quickly stain fabrics and upholstery.
The main culprits in coffee that cause staining are:
Tannins: These are organic compounds that are found in coffee beans, leaves and fruit skins. Tannins are what give coffee its bitter taste, and they’re also responsible for coffee’s ability to stain teeth.
Pigments: Coffee beans contain a variety of pigments that can leave behind dark stains on fabric and upholstery.
Oils: Like all food and drink, coffee contains oils that can transfer to fabric and upholstery, leaving behind a greasy stain.
Now that you know what’s causing those coffee stains, it’s time to learn how to remove them.
Removing Coffee Stains From Upholstery
There are a few different methods you can use to remove coffee stains from upholstery, and the best one to use will depend on the type of fabric you’re dealing with.
For most fabrics, you’ll want to start by blotting up as much of the coffee as possible with a clean, dry cloth. Once you’ve done that, you can try one of the following methods:
Removing Coffee Stains With Vinegar
Vinegar is a great natural stain remover, and it’s especially effective on coffee stains. To use vinegar to remove a coffee stain, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a bowl. Dip a clean cloth into the mixture and use it to blot the stain. You may need to do this several times to remove the stain completely.
Once you’ve blotted the stain with vinegar, rinse the area with cold water and blot it dry.
Removing Coffee Stains With Baking Soda
Baking soda is another natural product that can be used to remove coffee stains. To use baking soda, mix it with water to form a paste. Rub the paste into the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before blotting it dry.
Once you’ve removed the coffee stain, you’ll want to rinse the area with cold water and blot it dry.
Call in the Professionals for Stubborn Stains
Though some coffee stains can be removed at home, certain fabrics and materials are too delicate for home remedies and may require professional cleaning. Our team of experienced and certified upholstery cleaners will be able to quickly and effectively remove even the most difficult coffee stains. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.