← Stain and Surface GuideCoffee and Tea Stain Removal Guide
Coffee and tea stains come from tannins, the same plant compounds that make red wine tricky, so the treatment approach is similar: act fast, blot instead of rub, and rinse with cool water before it dries.
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Carpet
- Blot up excess liquid immediately with a clean towel, pressing rather than rubbing.
- Mix one tablespoon of dish soap, one tablespoon of white vinegar, and two cups of warm water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution onto the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then blot with a clean cloth until the color transfers off the carpet.
- Rinse the area by blotting with a cloth dampened in plain water, then let it air dry completely.
Safety note: Test the vinegar solution on an inconspicuous patch of carpet first, since some natural fiber carpets can be sensitive to acidic cleaners.
Upholstery
- Blot the spill immediately, working inward from the edges to keep it from spreading further.
- Dab the area with a cloth dampened in cool water and a small amount of mild dish soap.
- Blot with a clean, damp cloth to rinse, then press with a dry towel to absorb moisture.
- If a faint mark remains once it dries, treat it with a fabric-safe stain remover made for upholstery.
Safety note: Check the manufacturer care tag for the correct cleaning code before using any liquid cleaner on upholstered furniture.
Clothing
- Rinse the back of the stain under cool running water as soon as possible to flush out the tannins before they set.
- Apply a liquid laundry stain remover directly to the spot and let it soak in for at least 15 minutes.
- Wash the garment on the warmest cycle the care label allows.
- Check the spot before drying, since heat can permanently set any trace of coffee or tea that remains.
Safety note: Avoid hot water on a fresh stain, since heat can bind the tannins to the fabric before you have a chance to treat them.
Mattress
- Blot up as much liquid as possible with a clean towel, pressing down firmly without rubbing.
- Mix a small amount of dish soap with cool water and dab it onto the stain with a cloth, working from the outside in.
- Blot with a cloth dampened in plain water to rinse away the soap, then blot dry.
- Sprinkle baking soda over the damp area, let it dry completely for several hours, then vacuum it up to lift any remaining odor or residue.
Safety note: Use only a small amount of liquid on a mattress, since excess moisture can soak into the padding and encourage mold to grow.