The Best Hacks To Clean Coffee Out of Car Carpet
Can you live without your morning fresh cup of coffee? I know I can’t!
And it never seems to fail, that on my way to dropping my kids off at school, I will inevitably spill my cup of coffee in my car. Can you relate?
These are the best hacks on how to clean coffee out of your car carpet!
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How to clean coffee out of car carpet
If not cleaned quickly it can turn into a nightmare.
It’s not just the mess that it creates, but if not cleaned correctly, it can leave behind a nasty, lingering odor that I can’t stand.
Fortunately, with these tips and hacks, you can easily and quickly clean old coffee stains from your car carpet and have your carpet looking brand new again.
How to Remove Fresh Coffee Spills
The FIRST Step to cleaning coffee out of car carpet is Blotting the Stain
Similar to cleaning a red wine stain from your carpet, the first step that you should always do is to blot the carpet.
Use a paper towel, an absorbent clean cloth, or a clean towel to blot up as much coffee in the affected area as you can.
Do not scrub the stain, as it will only spread fresh coffee stains further into the carpet fibers and make it harder to clean up.
The best way is to keep blotting until no more coffee is being absorbed, and the stain is as dry as possible.
Get It: Keep a microfiber car cleaning cloth handy for spills
Next Use a DIY or Homemade Cleaning Solution to the Stain
After you have blotted the stain, the next step is to apply a cleaning solution to the stain.
Use White Vinegar + Dish Soap + Water
One of the best DIY solutions that is recommended by the experts, is to mix white vinegar, liquid dish soap, and clean water.
- 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap
- 1 tablespoon of white vinegar
- 2 cups of warm water
1. Pour the DIY cleaning solution into a spray bottle
2. Apply the solution to the stain
3. Let it sit for a couple of minutes
4. Use a dry cloth or sponge to dab the stain gently in a circular motion
5. Repeating the process until the stain disappears
Use Baking Soda
Another DIY cleaning solution is to use Baking Soda.
If the stain and odor are stubborn, you can try applying baking soda to the stained area and following these easy steps.
1. Sprinkle some baking soda generously on the carpet
2. Let it sit for a few minutes.
3. Vacuum the baking soda after letting it sit, you should see the difference
This method not only removes the stain but also neutralizes the odor effectively.
Use Over The Counter Carpet Stain Removers
I have two over the counter carpet cleaning products I love for carpets.
CORE Products Company Tann-X Coffee Stain Remover for Carpet and Upholstery effectively
- Attacks both coffee and other natural tannins found in tea, cola, wine, and urine
- Modifies and reduces the stain color intensity
- REMOVES: Coffee, Tea, Cola, Wine, Chocolate, Browning, Hair dye, water stains
Do you happen to have Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover on hand in your home?
This product is amazing for those tough stains, old stains, or dried on coffee stains, and it works like magic.
As a mom of four young kids, this is my mom product hack I rave about.
Folex has single-handedly gotten out dried on coffee stains, red wine, mustard, blueberry cobbler, and neon green slime from my white carpet and area rugs.
I have tested this product to its max, and several times been shocked at the results.
The steps are so easy!
- First thing, blot and dry up as much of the wine with a clean dry rag or paper towels
- Spray a generous amount of Folex directly on the affected area
- Gently agitate with your finger
- Blot with a clean absorbent cloth
- Allow to dry
- For best results, repeat until gone
The Final Step to Clean Coffee Out of Car Carpet is to Rinse and Dry
Regardless of the cleaning solution you choose, you will always rinse the solution with clean water and dry the area with a clean cloth.
Repeat until the stain is completely gone.
You can air dry by keeping the windows down if weather permits.
How to Remove Old Coffee Stains That Had Time to Sit
Old coffee stains can be even harder to remove, and if left untreated, they can set into the fabric permanently.
But don’t worry, there are ways to remove them and have your carpet looking brand new again.
Here are some tips and tricks for getting rid of old coffee stains that had time to sit.
1. Pre-treat the Stain
Before attempting to remove the stain, pre-treat it with a stain remover that is designed for dark-colored fabrics.
Apply the stain remover directly to the stain and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. This will help to loosen the stain and make it easier to remove.
2. Blot the Stain
Using a clean cloth, blot the stain gently, beginning from the outside and working your way inwards.
Avoid rubbing the stain which can cause it to spread and make it harder to remove.
Continue blotting until you have removed as much of the stain as possible.
3. Rinse the Fabric
Rinse the fabric with cold water to remove any remnants of the coffee stain, making sure to thoroughly wet the area.
Avoid using hot water as it can set the stain into the fabric.
4. Apply a Vinegar and Water Solution
Create a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water.
Apply this solution to the stain and let it sit for approximately 10 minutes.
Vinegar is an effective cleaner as it breaks down the coffee molecules and neutralizes any odor.
How to Remove Coffee from Wool Carpets
Use Vinegar
Vinegar is an excellent natural remedy for removing coffee stains from wool carpets.
To use it:
- Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Saturate the stained area with the vinegar solution and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Blot the area with a clean cloth to remove the solution, and then sprinkle some baking soda on the area.
- Leave the baking soda on the carpet for an hour before vacuuming it up.
This will help to get rid of the coffee stain and any odors that may linger.
Use a Carpet Cleaner
In choosing a carpet cleaning be careful not to use chemical-based solutions that contain bleach or alkaline as they can cause the wool to shrink.
- Begin by removing any excess coffee from the carpet with a clean cloth.
- Then, spray the carpet cleaner onto the stained area, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Allow the solution to sit for the recommended time,
- Then blot the area with a clean cloth.
Repeat this process until the stain is fully removed.
Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is effective in removing stubborn coffee stains from wool carpets.
To use it:
- Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts water and apply to the stained area.
- Let the solution sit for 30 minutes,
- Blot the area with a clean cloth.
Repeat the process until the stain is gone, and then allow the carpet to air dry.
Avoid rubbing the stain, as this will make it spread.
Other Cleaning Solutions for Carpet
While the above cleaning solutions are some of the easiest and quickest ways to remove coffee stains from car carpet, it does not always cut it when it comes to dealing with tough stains and spills.
Here are other cleaning solutions for car carpets that you can use in addition to the above options.
1. Shaving Cream
Believe it or not, shaving cream can be a lifesaver when it comes to removing stains from car carpets.
Apply a small amount of shaving cream to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes.
Then, use a clean damp cloth to wipe away the shaving cream and the stain.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an effective cleaning solution for car carpets as it can remove tough stains such as wine, blood, and coffee.
Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with one part water and apply the solution to the stain.
Let it sit for a few minutes, and then blot it with a clean cloth.
3. Club Soda
Club soda is perfect for removing stains caused by soda, coffee, and tea.
Pour a small amount of club soda on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes.
Then, use a clean, damp cloth to blot away the club soda and the stain.
4. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a natural cleaning solution that works well on car carpet stains caused by grease and oil.
Mix one part lemon juice with one part water, and apply the solution to the stain.
Let it sit for a few minutes and then blot it with a clean cloth.
5. Laundry Detergent
Laundry detergent has powerful cleaning agents that can get rid of stubborn stains such as mud, dirt, and grass.
Mix one tablespoon of laundry detergent with two cups of warm water, and apply the solution to the stain.
Let it sit for a few minutes and then blot it with a clean cloth.
6. Essential Oil
Essential oils not only add a pleasant scent to your car, but some oils also have cleaning properties.
Lemon, lavender, and tea tree oil are excellent at removing stains and disinfecting the carpet.
Mix a few drops of essential oil with water and spray the solution on the stain.
Let it sit for a few minutes and then blot it with a clean cloth.
7. Glass Cleaner
Glass cleaner is not just for your car’s windows; it can also be used to remove stains from your car carpet.
Spray a small amount of glass cleaner on the stain, and then blot it with a clean cloth.
Make sure to test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the stain.
8. Water and Soap
When all else fails, you can always rely on the good old water and soap solution.
Mix one teaspoon of dish soap with two cups of warm water, and apply the solution to the stain.
Let it sit for a few minutes and then blot it with a clean cloth.
9. Seek Professional Help
If nothing seems to work or you’re unable to clean the stain effectively, it is time to consider calling a professional cleaner.
Professional cleaners have the equipment, knowledge, and cleaning solutions to tackle the toughest of stains in no time.
Cleaning Tools for Car Seats and Carpet
Here are the top cleaning tools that can help you keep your car seats and carpets immaculate.
1. Upholstery cleaners
The first cleaning tool you should consider investing in is upholstery cleaners, which can be incredibly effective at removing dirt and stains from car seats.
However, it’s essential to research the brand and make sure it’s suitable for your car’s upholstery.
Before use, make sure to vacuum and remove any debris from the seats to ensure the cleaner works effectively.
2. Carpet shampooers
Carpet shampooers are another cleaning tool to keep in mind when it comes to cleaning car carpets.
They work by injecting cleaning solution into the carpet fibers, and after some time, the machine removes the solution and dirt from the fibers.
For better results, it is always wise to pre-treat the carpets with a stain remover.
3. Steam cleaners
A steam cleaner is a versatile cleaning tool that works through the use of heat and water to extract dirt and stains.
Steam cleaning works well on both carpets and car seats, making it an excellent all-around car-cleaning tool.
Before using it, remember to vacuum away any debris that may be present.
4. Detailing brushes and vacuums
Detailing brushes, old toothbrushes, and vacuums are also essential when it comes to keeping your car’s upholstery and carpets clean.
Most detailing brushes can help remove stubborn stains, dirt, and grime that may be difficult to remove with other cleaning tools.
Get It: Use a car cleaning brush to clean out those hard-to-reach crevices
Will the smell go away in my car?
The coffee smell can linger for a while, but if you use the above steps, the smell in time will go away.
Get It: For a quick new car smell, buy these new car smell-protectant wipes
Tips to Remember
Remember to always consult your car manual, which may provide specific directions on cleaning your car interiors.
Cleaning your car regularly helps to preserve the car’s appearance, need some easy car cleaning hacks?
Related: Quick Car Cleaning Hacks: Have you cleaned your car lately?
Cleaning coffee from your car carpet may seem like a daunting task, but with the right hacks and cleaning solutions, it’s much easier than you think.
Blot the carpet, use a cleaning solution, apply baking soda, use a carpet cleaner, and if all else fails, call a professional.
By using these tips, you can get rid of those stubborn stains and unpleasant odors for good. Make sure to clean up the stain as soon as possible, as letting it sit can make it harder to clean.
So, don’t wait, tackle that stain today!
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