How to Remove Coffee Stains From Commercial Carpet

Vinegar cleans commercial carpet safely.

A business' appearance reflects its services. Stains on a carpet in a commercial settings can be more than just an eye sore. Coffee stains, especially on light colored carpets, are quite noticeable. And, if possible, they must be cleaned up immediately. One of the best solutions for coffee stains is vinegar. More acidic than coffee, it is effective at removing freshly made stains. Older coffee stains may be able to be removed with hydrogen peroxide. However, the longer coffee sits on a carpet, the more deeply the stain sets in.

Things You'll Need

• Rags
• Towels
• Liquid dish washing detergent
• Vinegar
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Steam cleaner (optional)

Instructions

1. Blot up any excess liquid. Do not rub the carpet. It will fray the fibers. If the stain is dry, skip to step five.

2. Blot the discolored area. Dip a rag in a cup of water to which 1 teaspoon of dish detergent (alkaline and bleach free) has been added. Press the liquid into the stained area so that it is well saturated.

3. Soak the stain with a solution that is one part white vinegar, two parts water. Allow the solution to soak for 15 minutes. Then use a clean, dry towel and press until no more liquid is absorbed.

4. Soak the spot again with cold water. Then use a clean, dry towel and press until no more liquid is absorbed (weighing the towel down with bricks can help). Or, if you have a steam cleaner, steam clean the spot.

5. Blot the stain with diluted hydrogen peroxide if some discoloration remains. Add 1 1/2 tsp. of hydrogen peroxide per cup of water. Dip a clean rag in the solution and blot the stained area until it is well saturated. Leave it to soak for one hour. Repeat until the stain is removed. Then allow it to air dry.

Tips & Warnings

• As you blot, move to a clean section of the towel or rag when it becomes stained.

• Test the carpet's colorfastness before you clean with vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Dampen a white cloth with the liquid then press it into the carpet for 60 seconds. If none of the color is transferred to the cloth, it is okay to use it on the carpet.

References

• Mrs. Clean USA: Removing Carpet Stains
• Bubbles and Suds: Stain Removal Techniques for Coffee Stain