Remove Coffee Stains on Carpets with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Coffee is the lifeblood of too many people. But there’s one problem with the delectable black gold we love so much: That dark, rich color seems to bleed from all over our coffee cups right onto our carpets and floor.

There are lots of ways you can prevent coffee stains on your carpet, but what if the damage has already been done? Well, here’s a handy guide outlining the steps to removing coffee stains from carpet with baking soda — using a secret weapon that anybody can make at home!

This blog post will help you to remove coffee stains from your carpet with baking soda.

Let’s get started.

For Fresh Coffee Spills

What You’ll Need:

Baking soda
White vinegar
Paper towels
Clean cloth or soft brush
Vacuum cleaner
Water

Steps:

Get to cleaning the stain asap. Grab a paper towel and let it soak as much of the coffee as possible. Blot the stain as best you can.
Sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda on top of the stain. Make sure you cover the entire stained spot.
Pour some white vinegar on the coffee stain. You’ll notice it start to fizzle as the vinegar reacts with the baking soda. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes.
Use a clean cloth to wipe the area. If you still notice some stain, repeat steps 2 and 3.
Pour some water on the carpet to rinse it. Use paper towels to dry it afterward.
When the carpet has completely dried, check it for any leftover trace baking soda and vacuum it up. You’re done!

For Old Coffee Stains

What You’ll Need:

Baking soda
White vinegar
Clean cloth or soft brush
Vacuum cleaner
Water

Steps:

Cover the whole stain with baking soda.
Pour some white vinegar on top of the stain. It will start to fizz as it reacts with the baking soda.
Leave it on overnight or for up to 24 hours. Give the vinegar and baking soda enough time to really get deep on the stain. Wait for it to dry completely. The smell of vinegar should go away once it’s dried.
Check the spot. If there are still some stains left, pour some white vinegar and scrub it off with a brush. Wait for it to dry again, then vacuum up the leftover baking soda.
Rinse the spot with water and let it dry. That’s it.

Do I have to use white vinegar for this?

Yes. White vinegar will not leave any discoloration on your carpet, which can happen if you use other kinds of vinegar. So stick with good old white vinegar.

Conclusion:

Coffee stains are one of the most common mishaps that can happen to your carpet. Remember to clean them as soon as possible so that they don’t set in.

If you’re looking for more ways to clean with baking soda, see my article on how to clean yoga mats with baking soda.

I hope that you found this article helpful.

Thanks for reading my blog.

-Baking Soda Guy

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: Can I use other types of vinegar instead of white vinegar?

A: It’s best to stick with white vinegar to avoid potential discoloration on your carpet.

Q2: Are there any precautions to take before using baking soda and vinegar on my carpet?

A: Before applying the baking soda and vinegar solution, test it on a small inconspicuous area of your carpet to ensure it doesn’t cause any adverse reactions or discoloration.

Q3: Can I use this method for other types of stains on my carpet?

A: While baking soda and vinegar can effectively tackle coffee stains, they may not be as effective for all types of stains. For other stains, consider using appropriate carpet cleaning products or consult a professional cleaner.

Q4: Is it necessary to let the vinegar and baking soda mixture sit for a long time on old stains?

A: Allowing the mixture to sit for an extended period can be more effective in breaking down old coffee stains. However, you can adjust the waiting time based on the severity of the stain.

Q5: Can I use a carpet cleaning machine instead of a brush for old stains?

A: Yes, using a carpet cleaning machine can be an efficient way to work the baking soda and vinegar mixture into the carpet fibers for old stains.

Q6: Can I use this method on delicate or antique carpets?

A: For delicate or antique carpets, it’s best to consult a professional carpet cleaner to avoid any potential damage.

Q7: Will the vinegar smell linger after cleaning?

A: The smell of vinegar should dissipate as the carpet dries. If you find the scent bothersome, you can open windows or use fans to speed up the drying process.

Q8: Can I store the baking soda and vinegar mixture for later use?

A: It’s best to prepare the mixture fresh each time you need it for optimal effectiveness.

Q9: How often should I clean my carpet to prevent coffee stains from setting in?

A: To prevent coffee stains from becoming stubborn, clean your carpet regularly and address spills as soon as they occur.

Q10: What if the coffee stain remains after attempting these methods? A: If the stain persists, it may be time to seek professional carpet cleaning services to handle the issue effectively.

Top Photo by Scarbor Siu on Unsplash