How to Remove Coffee Stains from a Car's Interior

Spilled coffee is a fact of life in today's world of morning commutes through the urban jungle. These instructions are for cloth upholstery. If you have leather upholstery, use a commercial leather cleaner/restorer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dishwashing Detergent
• Sponge
• Warm Water
• White Vinegar
• White Vinegar
• Paper Towels
• Paper Towels
• Paper towels
• leather cleaner/restorer

1. Soak up any residue of coffee by blotting with paper towels.

2. Mix a solution of 1 quart water, 1 tbsp. white vinegar and 1/2 tsp. detergent (such as dishwashing soap.)

3. Apply to stain with a sponge or towel and let sit for 15 minutes.

4. Wipe away with warm water.

5. Stains from coffee with cream or other added ingredients may be more difficult. Increase the concentration of white vinegar and reapply if stains persist.

6. Let dry thoroughly.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider applying a stain-repelling product such as Scotchgard to protect rugs and upholstery. Use Scotchgard Leather Protector on leather upholstery.
• Your car dealer may be able to supply you with cleaning products made especially for your car's interior.
• 7-Eleven offers for sale Coffee Wipes, towelettes that contain a multi-enzyme solution that removes coffee stains.
• Do not use cleaning solvents, oils, abrasive cleaners, detergents or ammonia on leather.

[jamaclassics]

on 10/24/2007 Oreck and Rug Doctor both make enzyme type coffee stain removers too, and plain old glycerin from the pharmacy works pretty well.