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How to Clean a Coffee Stain From a Suede Couch

Mary Ylisela

Relaxing on the couch with a cup of coffee eases you into the day. A dribble or spill of coffee onto your suede couch is quickly absorbed to form a brown stain in the leather. If you add sugar or milk to your coffee, they add a sticky element to the coffee stain.

When coffee stains your suede couch it's time to act fast.

Because suede is a natural material, you must clean it with care to avoid damaging the surface. When you use supplies and techniques safe for your suede couch you can successfully clean a coffee stain from the upholstery.

    Absorbent paper towels help remove stain moisture.
  1. Lay two or three paper towels over the coffee stain. Gently press down to absorb the coffee into the towels. Discard the dirty paper towels and continue to absorb the spilled coffee until no more is transferred to the towels.

  2. Pour 2 cups of cool water into a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of dishwashing detergent and stir the two ingredients to form a soapy solution.

  3. A soft cleaning cloth won't damage suede upholstery.
  4. Wet a cleaning rag with the soapy mixture and wring out excess moisture. Blot the coffee stain on the suede upholstery to lift the stain. Rinse the cloth as the coffee is removed. Add more detergent solution to continue cleaning the suede.

  5. Blot the suede with a moist cleaning rag to rinse the detergent solution from the suede.

  6. Treat any remaining coffee stain on your suede couch by dabbing it with a solution made from 1/3 cup of white vinegar and 2/3 cup of warm water.

  7. Press a dry cleaning rag into the suede to absorb moisture and aid the drying process. Allow the suede to air-dry completely.

  8. Brush the dry suede upholstery with a soft-bristled brush to lift and blend the nap.

Tip

Spray your suede couch with a water-resistant spray to prevent moisture from absorbing quickly.

Warning

Avoid using hot water to remove a coffee stain as the heat will cook proteins in milk or cream, making the stain more difficult to remove.