How to Get Coffee Stains Out of Carpet

In most cases, coffee stains on carpet can be fully removed with proper cleaning. This expert cleaning guide covers top methods for getting rid of coffee stains quickly and efficiently, including new spills and spots and old stains.

By following these steps and advice from our cleaning experts, you can restore your carpet’s appearance and prevent permanent damage.

Understanding the challenge of coffee stains

Coffee is a particularly stubborn stain on carpet. As a liquid, it can quickly penetrate carpet fibers and set in at the surface level of carpet and spread deep below the surface. Coffee also has a rich color and acidic nature, which contributes to its cleaning difficulty.  

Additionally, if coffee contains milk or sugar, the stain can become more complex, increasing the risk of discoloration and odor if left untreated.

For these reasons, it’s essential you approach removal with the right techniques.

Importance of quick action

Quick action is critical when combatting coffee stains. The longer a stain remains untreated, the deeper it can settle into carpet fibers, making it more difficult to remove. Acting fast also minimizes the chances of discoloration and ensures that cleaning efforts are more effective. Always aim to treat coffee spills right after they occur.

Store bought cleaning products

Retail products including portable carpet cleaners and spray stain removers are highly effective at removing coffee stains from carpet. These tools are specifically designed to tackle tough stains quickly and fully, making them especially useful for coffee spills.

Portable carpet cleaners

Coffee stains on carpet call for a deeper clean. Portable carpet cleaners can be used to remove tough spots and stains in a targeted way, so you don’t need to clean the entire carpet. These affordable devices spray a special cleaning solution onto stubborn coffee stains then use agitation and suction to lift the mess from the carpet fibers. The Little Green® Mini Portable Deep Cleaner is one good choice for removing coffee stains from carpet – it’s our smallest carpet cleaner but still holds 16 ounces of cleaning solution.  

Step 1: Prepare the cleaner with solution

Fill the cleaner’s tank with cool water and Little Green™ Oxy Formula for Portable Carpet Cleaners. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the correct water-to-solution ratio to ensure the best cleaning results.

Step 2: Spot clean the affected area

Spray solution on the spot and several inches surrounding the spill. Use the brush to gently work the spray into the stained area.

Step 3: Extract excess moisture

Press the brush into the carpet and slowly pull it back, using the cleaner’s suction function to remove moisture from the carpet. You will pull coffee and cleaning solution into the machine’s dirty tank. Although you will be able to remove most of the liquid, the area won’t be completely dry.

Step 4: Repeat if necessary

If the coffee stain or lingering odors persist, repeat the cleaning process to ensure the area is fully treated. Stubborn stains may require several cleanings to completely remove the stain.

Step 5: Allow to dry overnight

Once the area has been cleaned, air dry the carpet overnight. This ensures the spot is thoroughly dry before regular use. You can open a window or turn on a fan to circulate air throughout the room to speed up drying time.

Spray stain removers

Oxy stain removers are convenient, easy-to-use products for small stains. The spray and squeeze-bottle formulas quickly treat coffee spills without additional equipment and can often often be used on household fabrics such as upholstery. We like the PET PRO OXY Stain Destroyer, featuring Stainlift Technology™ which has a brush built into the squeezable bottle.

Step 1: Blot the area

Use paper towels or a clean rag to blot the coffee stain. Press down firmly so you absorb as much liquid as possible. Avoid scrubbing the stain. This can embed the stain further into the carpet fibers.

Step 2: Test in a hidden spot

Before applying any cleaner, test it on a discreet section of the carpet to ensure it won’t damage or discolor the fabric.

Step 3: Apply oxy cleaner

Apply the oxy cleaner generously over the affected area and up to the surrounding two inches. This type of cleaner is designed to remove a variety of stubborn stains, including coffee.

Step 4: Let it sit, then scrub

Allow the oxy cleaner to sit for 30 seconds on lightly soiled areas. For heavily soiled areas, allow it to sit for up to 5 minutes. If you use the PET PRO OXY Stain Destroyer, featuring Stainlift Technology™, you can use the built-in brush to gently scrub away the coffee stain.

Step 5: Repeat as necessary

If the stain or odor are not completely gone, reapply the cleaner and repeat the process. Some deep-set coffee stains may require multiple applications for complete removal.

Step 6: Blot excess moisture and allow to air dry

Blot any remaining moisture using paper towels or a rag and allow the carpet to air dry completely. Once dry, vacuum the area with a vacuum cleaner to restore the carpet’s texture.

Homemade solutions for coffee stain removal

BISSELL® carpet cleaner formulas and machines are developed by chemists and engineers. They are proven to effectively remove coffee stains and other spills. DIY cleaning solutions, on the other hand, aren’t guaranteed – what works for one person, may not deliver no results for another, and may even cause damage to your carpets.

However, household materials might be all you have on hand when an unexpected spill occurs. Below, we outline some common homemade coffee stain removal examples.

Basic soap and vinegar solution

Several online sources recommend combining soap and vinegar to clean and deodorize coffee stains.

A warning from our chemists: Dish soap can make your carpets sticky, which means this DIY method may result in your carpets collecting more dirt and debris after cleaning. Also, vinegar leaves a smell that can take a long time to fully disappear.

Step 1: Blot the area

Use paper towels or a clean rag to press down on the coffee stain. Avoid scrubbing, which can spread the stain.

Step 2: Mix ingredients in a spray bottle

Combine ½ teaspoon of dish soap, one tablespoon of white vinegar, and two cups of cool water in a spray bottle. Mixing in a spray bottle makes application easier and helps distribute the solution evenly.

Step 3: Spray the stain lightly

Start by testing your homemade solution on a small area to ensure it doesn’t damage or discolor your carpet. Then, lightly spray the solution over the stained area. Avoid soaking the carpet.

Step 4: Blot with a clean cloth

Blot the area with a clean, dry cloth to lift the stain. Continue blotting until the stain is no longer visible on the carpet or cloth.

Step 5: Rinse with cold water

Repeat steps two and three if coffee stain is still visible. Then “rinse” the area by applying a small amount of cold water and blotting again to remove any residual soap or vinegar.

Baking soda method

Another homemade solution for removing coffee stains from carpet cited by online resources is baking soda.

A warning from our chemists: Baking soda does absorb liquid and odors to some degree, but once those fine particles are in your carpet, they are hard to remove.

Step 1: Blot the area

Use paper towels or a clean cloth to firmly blot the coffee stain, pressing down to absorb as much liquid as possible.

Step 2: Sprinkle baking soda on the stain

Sprinkle baking soda generously over the damp stain. Baking soda is said to absorb the liquid and reduce the stain.

Step 3: Let sit for 15 to 20 minutes

Allow the baking soda to sit on the coffee stain for 15 to 20 minutes so it has time to absorb the moisture and odor from the coffee.

Step 4: Vacuum the baking soda

After waiting, vacuum the area to remove the baking soda and any absorbed coffee particles.

Lemon juice and dish soap treatment

Some sources claim lemon juice and dish soap can potentially lift acidic stains like coffee.

A warning from our chemists: Cleaning with dish soap can make your carpets sticky if any soap is left on the fibers, and the sugars and citric acid in lemon juice can also leave a sticky residue. There’s a chance lemon juice can discolor your carpets, particularly if they’re made of natural fibers, so be sure to do a spot-check before using.

Step 1: Blot the area

Use paper towels or a clean rag to gently blot the coffee spot. Press down firmly to absorb as much liquid as possible, but avoid scrubbing, which can spread the stain further into the carpet fibers.

Step 2: Mix lemon juice and water

Mix 1/4 cup of lemon juice and two cups of water in a spray bottle. Spray a small, discreet portion of your carpet first to ensure the lemon juice does not bleach your carpet.

Step 3: Spray lightly over the stain

If your carpet is colorfast when sprayed with the lemon juice and dish soap solution, spray a light mist over the stained area. Avoid oversaturating, as lemon juice is potent and can lighten carpet.

Step 4: Let sit for five minutes

Allow the lemon juice to sit on the stain for up to five minutes.

Step 5: Rinse the area and blot with a clean cloth

Rinse the area with cold water to remove the solution. Blot the area with a clean cloth to remove excess moisture. Repeat as necessary until the stain is no longer visible.

Prevent future coffee stains

Preventing stains is often easier than removing them. Regular carpet maintenance and protective treatments can help keep your carpet looking new and minimize future stains.

Regular carpet maintenance

Routine cleaning helps maintain your carpet’s appearance and prevent deep-set stains. Here’s how to establish an effective cleaning routine.

Step 1: Vacuum regularly

One of the best preventive measures for maintaining your carpet is vacuuming regularly. Vacuum high-traffic areas at least once a week to lift dirt and dust that can lead to deeper stains over time.

Step 2: Spot clean immediately after spills

Clean small spills as they occur to prevent them from becoming larger, harder-to-remove stains. Remember to blot rather than scrub to avoid stains setting deep into your carpet fibers and use professional cleaners to neutralize odors and sanitize your space.

Step 3: Perform routine carpet cleaning

We recommend cleaning your carpet every six to 12 months with a carpet cleaner and formula to maintain your carpet’s integrity and prevent long-term damage. Following this allows you to remove deeply embedded dirt, stains, and dust mite debris, which can make the carpet look dirty and cause unpleasant smells.

Use protective treatments

If your home is prone to spills and stains, consider using carpet protectants, such as BISSELL® PET PRO OXY Urine Eliminator Formula, which has StainProtect® Technology built-in. When you deep clean your carpets with this formula, it effectively creates an invisible barrier around the carpet fibers, making it harder for liquids to penetrate and cause stains. Deep clean your carpets every six to 12 months for continued protection and to maintain the carpet’s resistance to stains over time.

Conclusion

What gets rid of coffee stains the best?

Effective coffee stain removal starts with quick action: blotting the stain then applying an oxy cleaning solution via a portable carpet cleaner or handheld stain remover. Portable carpet cleaners are ideal for deep-cleaning with their suction capabilities, while stain-remover sprays and squeeze bottles are convenient for quick spot treatments.

For the best results, portable carpet cleaners and spray or squeeze bottle stain removers are highly recommended. Portable cleaners offer thorough removal by extracting stains and solution, making them perfect for repeated use on tough stains, such as coffee that’s been sitting on carpet all day. Spray stain removers, on the other hand, are easy to apply and effective for smaller spills, making them an excellent choice for in-the-moment coffee stains.

Acting quickly and using the right methods is key to keeping your carpet in pristine condition. With prompt action and this guide on how to remove coffee stains, you can manage coffee spills effectively and keep your carpet looking great.

The methods listed above should be safe for most carpet, but we still encourage you to test them in a hidden area to check for your carpet’s color fastness.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How soon should you act on a coffee spill?

Acting within minutes of a spill is ideal, as it prevents the stain from setting in and makes it easier to remove with basic techniques.

What if the stain doesn't come out completely?

If the stain persists after several attempts, consider retreating using a portable carpet cleaner. In the rare event this doesn’t work, consult a professional cleaner. They use specialized equipment and solutions designed for tough stains that are hard to remove at home.

Can coffee stains be removed from all types of carpet?

Coffee stains can be removed from most carpet types, but certain materials are more stain-resistant; some delicate or porous fibers can make stain removal more challenging.

Stain-resistant carpet

Some carpets are manufactured with built-in stain-resistant treatments, which make coffee stains easier to lift. Carpet made from synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester are typically more resistant to staining because their fibers do not absorb liquids as quickly. Additionally, carpet labeled as "stain-resistant" often have protective coatings, making them an ideal choice for high-traffic areas or homes where spills are common.

Carpets that are prone to stains

Natural fiber carpet, such as wool and silk, tend to be more susceptible to staining. Wool, for instance, is an absorbent, protein-based fiber that can hold onto stains more easily and may even react with certain cleaning chemicals. Coffee stains on wool carpet can penetrate deep into the fibers if not treated immediately.