Spilling your morning coffee in bed is a quick way to ruin the start of a good day. But fear not! There are some tried and true methods to banish those pesky coffee stains and get your mattress looking fresh.
What You’ll Need:
- Clean cloths or absorbent paper towels
- Cold water
- Dish soap
- White vinegar (optional)
- Baking soda (optional)
- Hydrogen peroxide (for stubborn stains, optional)
The Steps:
- Act Fast! The sooner you act, the easier it is to remove the stain.
- Blot, Don’t Rub: Blot the excess coffee with a clean cloth or paper towel. Rubbing will spread the stain deeper into the mattress fabric.
- Mix a Gentle Cleaner: Combine a few drops of dish soap with cold water. Dish soap is great at breaking down stains.
- Apply and Blot: Dip a clean cloth into the soapy solution and gently blot the stain. Start at the outside and work your way in to prevent the stain from spreading.
- Rinse: Use a clean cloth dipped in plain, cold water to rinse the soapy area. Blot until the soap is removed.
- Repeat: If the stain persists, repeat steps 4 and 5.
- For Stubborn Stains:
- Vinegar: Mix equal parts white vinegar and cold water and apply as before. Vinegar’s acidity helps break down stains.
- Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda on the damp stain to absorb liquid and odors. Vacuum once dry.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: For very stubborn stains, create a paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Apply to the stain, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then blot away. Use caution, as peroxide can bleach some fabrics.
- Dry Completely: Air dry the mattress, or use a fan or hairdryer (on a cool setting) to speed drying and prevent mold growth.
Additional Tips
- Test on an inconspicuous area: Always test any cleaning solution on a hidden part of the mattress to check for colorfastness.
- Consider a mattress protector: This will protect against future spills and make cleanup easier.
- For older stains: While fresh stains are easier to remove, you can try the above steps for older stains as well.
Important: For deeper or extensive stains, consider professional cleaning services.
