Auto Care: How to Remove Coffee Stains from Carpet?
If you find yourself rushing to work in the mornings, yet you cannot seem to get the day started without a cup of coffee, there are likely many days in which you enjoy a cup of coffee on the drive to work. Being able to safely drive while drinking or eating is a skill that many have mastered. However, bumps in the highway will arise. To avoid spilling coffee on clothing, most people fling the coffee on the floor or in the passenger seat. While this approach prevents ruining your clothes, it will also create a dark stain in the vehicle’s interior. Removing coffee stains from light colored fabric is possible. The key is cleaning the stain before it dries.
Step 1: Once you’ve come to a complete stop, grab a towel or napkins and blot the stain to remove as much of the coffee as possible. If your car’s interior is dark, the coffee will not create a noticeable stain. Nonetheless, removing residue and cleaning the stain is necessary to avoid a permanent coffee smell in the car.
Step 2: Clean the coffee stain with automotive carpet cleaner.
Step 3: If a carpet cleaner is unavailable, create your own cleaner. Combine 1 quart of water, 1 tbsp of vinegar, and a �½ tsp of detergent. Detergent can consist of dishing washing liquid or washing machine detergent.
Step 4: Using a soaked towel or spray bottle, apply the mixture to the stain. Allow the mixture to saturate the stain for a half hour.
Step 5: Using a towel soaked in warm water, wipe away the mixture.
Step 6: Allow the stain to dry.
Step 7: If stain remains, repeat steps 4 and 5.
Step 8: Apply a stain repellent product to the carpet.
Step 9: Once the car is completely dry, vacuum the interior.
Unfortunately, after stains have been cleaned and seemingly disappear, they may resurface once the carpet dries. In this instance, the only way to guarantee complete stain removal is to have the vehicle professionally detailed. Auto detailers used specialized cleaners which are very effective with restoring stain damaged interior carpet. Also, don’t forget to ask about a stain guard or repellent. Stain repellents are great because they protect carpet and fabric from permanent stains. When spills occur, they will not soak into the fabric. Rather, liquids such as coffee, sodas, and so forth will bead at the surface, which makes cleaning easy.
