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How to Remove a Coffee Stain From Ceiling Paint

Mary Ylisela

Coffee stains are common stains on clothing, countertops, floors and furniture. Your ceiling isn't a common place for this stain, but a major coffee spill or splash can end up affecting your ceiling paint too. Since ceiling paint is made with flat paint, it's not as easy to remove stains as it is with semi-gloss paint.

Splashes of coffee or other drinks can result in stains on your ceiling.

Tip

Rub set-in stains out of ceiling paint using fine steel wool. Re-paint your ceiling if many stains have accumulated over the years.

Warning

Avoid abrasive cleansers when removing coffee stains from your ceiling as they will wear off the flat paint.

The most effective remedy is to remove the stain immediately before it has time to set on the surface. If this is not possible, you can still remove the coffee stain.

    Use a ladder to reach the stain.
  1. Set up a ladder beneath the coffee-stained area of your ceiling. Have someone hold the ladder to keep it secure while you're removing the stain.

  2. Mix 1 cup of ammonia with 1 gallon of warm water. Place rubber gloves on your hands to prevent your skin from drying out due to the ammonia solution.

  3. An old toothbrush comes in handy for removing stubborn stains.
  4. Soak a clean cloth in the ammonia solution and squeeze out excess liquid. Scrub the coffee stain on your ceiling gently, so the stain is removed and not any of the paint. Brush the stain with an old toothbrush dipped in the ammonia solution if the stain is difficult to remove.

  5. Spray all-purpose cleaning spray on your ceiling at the site of the coffee stain. Wipe with a clean cloth to wash off any remaining coffee stain as well as the ammonia solution. Dry with a clean cloth.