When you spill the liquid goodness that is coffee, we know the agony it creates.  Not only do you lose that essential ounce of caffeine for yourself, but the carpet or upholstery that catches the liquid is destined to stain.  And though we can't remove the coffee prints from your notebooks, we can give you the best advice on how to remove coffee stains from your carpet and upholstery.

Step 1: Act Fast to Blot Up the Liquid

Yes, we know, mornings are typically slower.  But when a coffee stain is involved, the best thing you can do is act quickly.  The longer you wait, the deeper the coffee will seep into your carpet or through the fabric of your upholstery, making it more difficult to remove.  Grab a paper towel or dish towel and blot the stain gently.  Avoid scrubbing or moving the towel aggressively over the stain; this will cause the oils to be absorbed at a faster rate.  With the towel, take up as much of the stain as possible.

Step 2: Flush It with Water

With no more than 1 cup of cool water, flush the stained area of carpet or upholstery fully.  With a new, clean, paper or dish towel, continue blotting the stain gently.  

Step 3: Create an Easy Cleaning Solution

Then, mix ¼ cup lemon juice with 2 cups of lukewarm water.  Add a teaspoon of dish detergent to the mix.  

(For an alternative to this water and lemon juice mixture, you can also combine 1/3 cup white distilled vinegar and 2/3 cup lukewarm water.)

Step 4: Work the Solution into the Stain

Apply the solution to a clean sponge.  Make the sponge damp enough so that it has an affect on the stain, but don't soak it.  Begin on the outskirts of the stain and lightly rub over the discoloration in a circular motion, working your way to the inside.  

Step 5: Rinse

When you're finished, rinse the area with cold, clean water.  Using another dry, clean towel, remove any moisture by firmly pressing down on the area.  If the coffee stain remains, repeat this process until the stain is no longer visible.