How do you remove coffee stains from leather and suede?

Coffee stains on suede and leather can be difficult to remove because traditional stain removal methods can damage these materials.

As with any beverage stain such as coffee, tea, or chocolate, the best practice is to clean stained surfaces as quickly as possible before the stains “set.” If in doubt or if the value of suede and leather is great, by all means seek the assistance of a professional.

However, there are some basic steps to take if you choose to remove coffee stains from leather and suede yourself:

• First, carefully blot excess liquid from the stain with a clean, soft cloth.
• Then mix a mild soap solution in lukewarm water.
• Go ahead and create a large volume of foam by agitating the water.
• Apply only the foam with a sponge – do not apply water to suede or leather as this will stain.
• Take your time and patiently apply only the foam.
• Dry with a clean, dry cloth.
• Look at the results and decide whether to continue cleaning or not.

If you decide to remove an additional stain, such as “oily residue”,

• Apply a small amount of cornmeal, a good absorbent, in a powdered form to the stain.
• Give this absorption enough time to work. Be patient.
• Gently brush off the powder and repeat if necessary.

On leather only, it’s a good idea to condition the leather with a special soap or conditioner..

• It is very important to apply the proper conditioning to your leather furniture.
• Some saddle soaps may work well and many consumers love them while others find them messy.
• In general, however, anyone who owns leather furniture, for example, agrees that conditioning is an excellent and necessary part of general upkeep.
• It is recommended to consult your manufacturer.
• Home remedies and old-fashioned cleaning tricks offer no guarantee of stain removal.
• However, they have been proven and effective for many people who choose to use them.
• It’s always a good idea to try any cleaning technique for suede and leather, for example in an inconspicuous spot, such as the back of a sofa that stays out of sight.
• This is what is called a test for color fastness and basic personal common sense.

Spots happen and they shouldn’t ruin your day.. Remember to enjoy your coffee: how about a cup of gourmet coffee flavored with tiramisu?