Blot the stain with a clean, dry cloth right away, then rinse the back of the stain with cold water for several minutes to flush out as much coffee as possible.

Fresh stains on clothes

• Blot, don’t rub, using paper towels or a clean cloth to soak up excess liquid.

• Rinse from the back with cold water until the water runs clearer.

• Gently work a small amount of liquid laundry detergent or mild dish soap into the spot, let sit 5–10 minutes, then rinse and wash as normal, air‑drying to check the stain is gone.

Stubborn or dried stains on fabric

• Soak the stained area for about 15 minutes in a mix of roughly 1 quart (1 liter) warm water, ½ teaspoon dishwashing detergent, and 1 tablespoon white vinegar.

• Rinse well; if a shadow remains, dab with a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol, then launder again and air‑dry.

Carpet and upholstery

• Blot up as much coffee as possible from the outside of the stain toward the center.

• Sponge with a solution of about 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and 2 cups warm water, blotting until the stain lightens, then blot with plain water and dry with towels.

Mugs and hard surfaces

• For stained mugs, make a paste of baking soda and a little water, rub it around the stain, then rinse well.

• On walls or counters, wipe with warm water plus a little dish soap and a splash of white vinegar, then rinse and dry.

Quick household alternatives

• Sprinkle salt or baking soda on a fresh, damp coffee spot on fabric, let sit about 10 minutes to absorb, then brush off and wash.

• For very fresh stains on clothes when nothing else is handy, gently dab with sparkling water or even a baby wipe, then wash normally as soon as you can.