How to Remove Coffee Stains From a Car Seat

Morning coffee often results in spills and stains.

If your typical morning includes a balancing act of loading children into the car, juggling backpacks and lunch boxes in one hand and that much needed cup of coffee in the other, you know that coffee spills are inevitable. But that ugly, brown spot on your child's car seat doesn't have to be permanent. Eradicate the stain without removing the car seat or cover by using simple stain-removal techniques and everyday household items.

Things You'll Need

• Warm water
• ½ tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. white vinegar
• 1 tsp. dish detergent
• Medicine dropper
• Rubbing alcohol
• Towel/washcloth
• Bristle brush

Instructions

1. Blot the affected area immediately with a dry towel to absorb any excess moisture and minimize the damage.

2. Sprinkle about ½ tsp. baking soda onto stain and add several drops of warm water with the dropper for smaller stains. Gently scrub the stain with bristle brush (an old toothbrush works for this method). Wipe off paste with a clean, wet towel.

3. Mix 1 tsp. dish detergent, 1 tsp. white vinegar and 2 cups of warm water for larger stains, as they may require more attention.

4. Using the dropper, apply several drops of the prepared solution to the affected area. As the solution saturates the fabric, press the towel against the fabric to absorb the liquid as the stain is lifted out.

5. Repeat application of the solution and blotting until stain is no longer visible.

6. Wipe off the solution with a clean, wet towel.

7. Lower the car windows to speed up drying time and to release any lingering odor of vinegar.

8. Allow ample time for drying. Make sure the stain is removed.

9. If further treatment is required, use the dropper to soak the stain with rubbing alcohol. Let set for 15 minutes and wipe with a clean, wet towel. Repeat as needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Treating the fabric quickly enables easier stain removal.

• Avoid rubbing the stain, as this can force the stain deeper into the fabric and spread the stain.

• When blotting, be sure to absorb the excess moisture on the outer edges first and work your way to the center to ensure the stain doesn't spread.

• Prevent future stains by treating the car seat with a fabric protector.

References

• Mrs. Clean Housing Cleaning Specialists: Removing Coffee Stains