How to Remove Coffee Stains from Carpet

We all love a good cup of coffee, but when it comes to cleaning a spill from carpet, it is one of the most challenging spots to tackle — even for professional carpet cleaners.

While many people enjoy their coffee black, others like to customize their brew with a variety of flavor additives. When cream, sugar, liquid coffee creamers, and artificial sweeteners have been added, it becomes a combination spot with added organic matter, protein, and oil that complicate the stain. Many instant and decaffeinated coffees also contain dye to enhance their appearance, which makes them seem richer and fuller, but also a lot harder to fully remove if spilled on carpet.

Thankfully, Jon-Don has just the right products and methods to help professionals remove coffee stains from carpet. In the following article, we’ll explore why coffee is such a difficult stain and provide two options you can use to remove it from both residential and commercial carpet.

Why Is Coffee So Tough to Remove from Carpet?

Many beverages, especially coffee, tea, and wine, have polyphenolic biomolecules called tannins. The resulting acid produced from those tannins, called tannic acid, is brown in color and notorious for leaving behind unsightly stains. 

With the addition of creamer and sugar, things get a little more challenging. Sugar is sugar; it’s sticky and can grab on to more dirt and debris as it dries. On the other hand, dairy-based creamers and artificial creamers are made of liquid proteins and oil. When spilled on carpet, those oils and proteins bind to the fibers. To make matters worse, if milk products are not sufficiently removed they can start to stink — bad.

When you think of the hustle and bustle of carpeted corporate offices — and all the coffee being carried around at any given time — accidents can happen. The following methods can be used to clean coffee stains from most synthetic carpets, such as nylon, polyester, and Olefin. 

NOTE: If you’re working with a wool carpet, techniques may vary as it’s a delicate fiber that requires a different approach. Contact a Jon-Don expert for more information and product recommendations to help you tackle coffee spills on wool or other natural fibers.

Steps for Removing Coffee Stains from Carpet

Before getting started with either of the following methods for removing a stubborn old coffee stain from carpet, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Don’t overwet the area as this could cause damage to the carpet and subfloor.
• Use enzymatic cleaners for coffee spills when there’s creamer involved.
• If you’re working with a wool carpet or rug, be sure to use the appropriate products and best practices to avoid causing unnecessary damage. The following methods are not meant for wool or other natural fiber carpets.
  
  

Solution #1: Matrix Coffee Stain Remover

1. Pre-test carpet for colorfastness in an inconspicuous area.
2. Rinse and extract as much coffee liquid or remaining residue from the area as possible before applying spotters.
3. Apply Matrix® Spot Out undiluted to spot. Tamp and blot with a nylon spotting brush and a clean white spotting towel.
4. Apply Matrix® Coffee Stain Remover undiluted using a chemical-resistant sprayer fitted with a coarse spray nozzle (DO NOT MIST) or moisten the area using a clean white spotting towel. Allow to dry.
5. Make a second application if necessary. (Each must be done on a dry carpet).
6. Rinse thoroughly with cool water once the stain has been removed.
7. Blot excess moisture with a clean white towel.
   
   

Solution #2: Matrix Advanced Stain Remover (ASR)

1. Mix equal parts Matrix® Advanced Stain Remover solution A and solution B in a clear container.
2. Apply the mixture to the stained area, evenly wetting the discolored fibers (a trigger sprayer works well for this application, such as the Matrix® Dual Chamber Sprayer). Note: Do not apply to wool or natural fibers.
3. Allow the product to dwell on the stain. The stain may disappear immediately or it may require up to 8 hours for the chemical reaction to reach completion, depending on the severity of the stain.
4. Thoroughly rinse the area with hot water and extract.
   
   

Warning: Always test materials for colorfastness, follow label directions, and never mix products unless specified in the label directions. Each situation reacts differently and results may vary.

Coffee Removal FAQs

What products give the best results for coffee spills on carpet?

Jon-Don recommends using the products listed in the above cleaning guides, as they’re specially formulated to remove coffee stains from carpet without damaging the fibers.

For more cleaning solutions and tools, check out our selection of carpet cleaning equipment.

Can you use household products to clean a coffee carpet stain?

While some DIY methods may work to remove a fresh coffee stain or dried coffee stain from carpet, the best results are achieved using professional products that are designed for this specific use case.

In a pinch, and if you don’t have the products mentioned above at your immediate disposal, you can try using white vinegar or liquid dish soap. Just remember: always blot the stained area with a clean cloth; never scrub. And, always use cool water for coffee stain removal, as warm or hot water could make matters worse by expanding the fibers and allowing the coffee to sink deeper into the carpet.

How to remove coffee stains from upholstery?

If there’s been a coffee spill on upholstery, removing a stubborn stain is fairly similar to the methods used for carpet. In fact, both techniques mentioned in this guide can be used for upholstery cleaning and coffee stain removal. The same rule applies here, too: Always blot; never scrub, and don’t overwet the fabric.

Become a Carpet Cleaning Professional and Earn IICRC Certification

Coffee stains are just one of the many challenges that carpet cleaning service providers encounter on the job.

Whether you’re an experienced professional carpet cleaner looking to brush up on your skills or brand new to the carpet cleaning industry, we highly recommend attending the IICRC Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT) seminar. 

In the two-day course, you’ll learn everything from how to identify carpet fibers to solutions for the 10 most difficult carpet cleaning challenges. Beginners and experienced professionals are welcome!

For upcoming classes, visit our course page.