If you’re like most people, you probably drink coffee on a daily basis. And if you’re like most people, you’ve probably spilled coffee on your leather furniture, shoe, or jacket at some point.
Don’t worry – it’s not the end of the world! In this article, I will teach you how to remove coffee stains from leather so your furniture can look good as new. But first, let’s take a look at how coffee stains affect leather so as to better understand the cleaning process.
Effects Of Coffee Stains On Leather
When coffee spills on leather, it leaves behind a dark stain. This is because the coffee beans are naturally dark and contain dyeing properties that can make coffee stains difficult to remove.
In addition, if the coffee is hot, the heat from the coffee can cause the leather to absorb the stain more quickly making the staining a lot harder to remove. If you don’t act fast, a coffee stain can set into the leather and become permanent.
This is the more reason why you need to treat coffee stains from your leather items as quickly as possible. So, how do you go about removing coffee stains from leather? Read on to find out!
How To Remove Coffee Stains From Leather (Home Remedies)
There are a few different methods you can use to remove coffee stains from leather. You can use a store-bought leather cleaner or make your own cleaning solution at home. More on the former later.
For now, let’s focus on some home remedies that can help you get rid of coffee stains from your leather items.
1. Using Mild Dish Soap And Warm Water
This is probably the most common method used to remove coffee stains from leather. While the dish soap is going to remove the coffee stain, it’s important that you use a mild dish soap so as not to damage the leather.
In addition, using warm water will help to loosen the coffee stain from the leather making it easier to remove. The best part about using this method is that it’s gentle enough to use on all types of leather. The only downside is it will take a bit of elbow grease to remove the coffee stain.
To clean your leather with this method, here are the things you will need and the steps to follow;
Things Needed:
- Mild dish soap
- Warm water
- A soft cloth
Step 1: Blot Any Excess Coffee Stains
- Start by blotting any excess coffee stains with a soft cloth. You want to remove as much of the coffee as possible before you start cleaning the leather.
Step 2: Mix A Solution Of Mild Dish Soap And Warm Water
- Next, mix a solution of mild dish soap and warm water in a bowl. Make sure that the dish soap is fully dissolved in the water before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Dip A Soft Cloth In The Solution And Wipe Down The Leather
- Once you have your solution, dip a soft cloth in it and then wipe down the leather.
- Be sure to use gentle strokes as you don’t want to damage the leather.
Step 4: Rinse The Leather With Warm Water
- After you have wiped down the leather with the soapy solution, rinse it off with warm water.
- This will remove any soap residue that is left behind.
Step 5: Dry The Leather With A Soft Cloth
- Dry the leather with a soft dry cloth to get rid of any moisture on the leather surface.
Step 6: Condition Your Leather
- Once the leather is dry, you will want to condition it.
- You can use your regular leather conditioner to do this.
- This will help to keep the leather from drying out and cracking.
Step 7: Air Dry The Leather
- Once all is said and done, air dry the leather to complete the process.
- Make sure that the leather is completely dry before using it again.
If the coffee stain is still visible after following these steps, you can try repeating them. If the stain is still not coming out, you can move on to another method.
2. Using Vinegar And Linseed Oil
Another homemade cleaner you can use to remove coffee stains from leather is a mixture of vinegar and linseed oil. The vinegar will help to break down the coffee stain while the linseed oil will help to moisturize the leather.
Vinegar contains a lot of cleaning properties that can come in handy when you are trying to remove coffee stains from leather. With such an awesome cleaning property, you will be able to break down the coffee stain from your leather.
The best part about this method is that the linseed oil component means you will not have to necessarily condition the leather once you’re done removing the coffee stain. To use this method;
Things Needed:
- White vinegar
- Linseed oil
- Clean rag
Procedure:
Step 1: Blot Coffee Stains
- Just like with the other methods, you will need to start by blotting the coffee stain with a clean rag or paper towel.
Step 2: Make The Cleaning Mixture
- In a small bowl, mix together one part white vinegar and two parts linseed oil.
- Make sure the solution is well mixed so that it can be easily applied to the leather.
Step 3: Apply The Mixture
- Dip a clean rag into the mixture and then rub it onto the coffee stain.
- Be sure to rub in a circular motion so that the mixture can penetrate deep into the leather.
Step 4: Wipe Away Excess Mixture
- Once the mixture has been applied to the coffee stain, use a clean rag to wipe away any excess.
- Wipe as thoroughly as possible to remove all vinegar and linseed oil residue.
- You don’t want to leave too much of the mixture on the leather for too long as it can cause the leather to significantly darken.
Step 5: Allow The Leather To Dry
- After you have removed the coffee stain, allow the leather to dry completely.
- You can help speed up the process by placing the leather in a well-ventilated area.
3. Using White Vinegar And Warm Water
If you do not have any linseed oil, you can also use a mixture of white vinegar and warm water to remove coffee stains from leather. This method is similar to the one above but without the linseed oil.
The vinegar will help to break down the coffee stain while the warm water will help to remove any residue that is left behind. This also means that you will have to condition the leather once you have been able to remove the coffee stains from the leather. To use this method;
Things Needed:
- White vinegar
- Warm water
- Clean rag
- Leather conditioner
Procedure:
Step 1: Blot Coffee Stains
- Just like with the other methods, you will need to start by blotting the coffee stain with a clean rag or paper towel.
Step 2: Make The Cleaning Mixture
- In a small bowl, mix together equal parts of white vinegar and warm water.
- You can pour the mixture into a spray bottle so that it is easier to apply.
Step 3: Apply The Cleaning Mixture
- Spray the cleaning mixture onto the coffee stain and then use a clean rag to scrub at the stain.
- Continue spraying and scrubbing until the coffee stain has been removed.
Step 4: Rinse The Area With Warm Water
- Once the coffee stain has been removed, you will need to rinse the area with warm water.
- This will help to remove any residue that is left behind from the vinegar and water mixture.
Step 5: Dry The Area:
- Use a clean rag or paper towel to dry the area.
- Once the area is dry, you can apply a leather conditioner to help restore any moisture that was lost during the cleaning process.
- Allow the leather to air dry before use.
4. Using Shaving Cream
Another one of the most effective household methods for removing coffee stains from leather is using shaving cream. This method works because shaving creams are usually made up of an emulsion of oils, soaps, or surfactants with water.
Shave creams also contain a humectant to make the consistency smoother and keep the leather moisturized. The best part about using this method is that it will not damage the leather-like some of the other methods can. To use this method;
Things Needed:
- Shaving Cream
- Water
- Sponge
- Soft Cloth
- Leather Conditioner or Olive Oil
Instructions:
Step 1: Lather Up
- Create a lather with the shaving cream and water on the sponge.
Step 2: Dampen The Leather
- Next, dampen the surface of your leather using a soft cloth and water.
Step 3: Apply The Shaving Cream Lather
- Apply the lather to the coffee-stained area of the leather and let it sit for about 15 minutes.
Step 4: Wipe It Away
- After 15 minutes have passed, use a damp cloth to wipe away the shaving cream lather and check if the stain is still visible.
- If the stain is still visible, you can repeat steps two through four until the stain is no longer visible.
Step 5: Finish Up
- After you have removed the coffee stain, it is important to moisturize the leather with your usual leather conditioner.
- This will help to prevent the leather from drying out and cracking.
- Alternatively, if you do not have a leather conditioner, you can condition your leather using a small amount of olive oil on a soft cloth.
- Buff the olive oil into the leather until it is no longer visible and you have finished conditioning your leather.
The shaving cream method is one of the most effective ways to remove coffee stains from leather without damaging the material. Be sure to follow up with a conditioner to keep your leather from drying out.
Alternatives To Removing Coffee Stains From Leather (Products)
Now that you know a few household items you can use to remove coffee stains from leather, let’s look at some other great alternatives.
5. Using Stain Removers
There are a lot of stain removers for leather on the market, but the best way to remove coffee stains from leather is by using Folex Instant Spot Remover.
If you want to effectively remove coffee stains from your leather items quickly without causing any damage to your leather, your best bet is the Folex Instant Spot Remover. It is one of the best stain removers that will work like magic on leather upholsteries, carpets, and clothing.
It does not only remove coffee stains but can also remove other types of stains such as grease, wine, ink, and blood. To use Folex Instant Spot Remover;
Things Needed:
- A bottle of Folex Instant Spot Remover
- Paper towel or clean microfiber cloth
Procedure:
Step 1: Blotting
- Start by blotting as much of the coffee stains from the leather as possible using a paper towel or clean microfiber cloth.
Step 2: Applying Folex Instant Spot Remover
- Next, spray a small amount of the Folex Instant Spot Remover on the affected area.
Step 3: Rubbing the Stain
- Gently rub the solution over the surface of the leather with your hand to help agitate the stain and let it sit some 15-30 seconds.
Step 4: Wiping the Stain
- Then, using a paper towel or clean microfiber cloth, dab or pat the surface of the leather to remove any residue.
- While patting or dabbing your cloth over the stain, make sure to add a bit of pressure so that all of the coffee stains will get absorbed.
Step 5: Rinse And Repeat
- If the coffee stains are still visible, repeat steps two through five until the stain is no longer visible.
Step 6: Let it dry
- Once you’ve removed the coffee stains from your leather, let it air dry completely before use.
6. Using Leather Cleaner
Using leather cleaner to remove coffee stains is also one of the best ways to clean your leather without causing any damage.
There are a lot of leather cleaners on the market, but I usually recommend using the Weiman Leather Cleaner and Conditioner.
The Weiman Leather Cleaner and Conditioner is one of the best leather cleaners that will not only remove coffee stains from your leather but it will also help to condition and protect your leather.
It is also safe to use on all types of leather including upholsteries, clothing, shoes, handbags, and car interiors. To use the Weiman Leather Cleaner and Conditioner;
Things Needed:
- A bottle of Weiman Leather Cleaner and Conditioner
- A clean microfiber cloth
Procedure:
Step 1: Test The Cleaner
- First, you will want to test the cleaner on a small, hidden area of your leather to make sure it is compatible and will not cause any damage.
Step 2: Clean The Leather
- Next, using the microfiber cloth, apply a small amount of the Weiman Leather Cleaner to the cloth and rub it into the leather in a circular motion.
- Continue to rub the cleaner into the leather until the coffee stains are no longer visible.
Step 3: Wipe Away Excess Cleaner
- Once you’ve removed the coffee stains, wipe away any excess cleaner with a clean, damp microfiber cloth.
Step 4: Condition The Leather
- Finally, use the conditioner that comes with the Weiman Leather Cleaner to condition the leather and help protect it from future stains.
- To use the conditioner, simply apply a small amount of it to a clean microfiber cloth and rub it into the leather in a circular motion.
- Allow the conditioner to soak into the leather for about five minutes before wiping away any excess with a clean, damp microfiber cloth.
7. Getting Professional Help
This is a practical solution if the coffee stain you have on your leather is particularly difficult to remove or if you are not confident in your abilities to remove the stain yourself.
There are a lot of professional leather cleaners and upholstery cleaners that will be able to help you remove coffee stains from your leather quickly and easily.
The cost of getting professional help will vary depending on the size of the stain, the type of leather, and the company you use.
However, it is generally not very expensive to get coffee stains removed from your leather by a professional.
If you have a coffee stain on your leather that you cannot remove yourself, I recommend getting in touch with a professional cleaner or upholstery cleaner and asking for their help.
