For many, coffee is a daily essential, but when it ends up splashed on clothes, carpets or countertops, it quickly becomes a source of stress. Due to its high tannin content, coffee is one of the most stubborn household stains to shift.
But, cleaning expert Elizabeth Wickes shared a surprising and budget-friendly hack that could save your surfaces. Speaking on behalf of coffee machine specialists Coffee Friend, she said: “You don’t need to spend a fortune on specialist products. Some of the best stain-removal solutions are already sitting in your bathroom cabinet.”
Shaving cream works similarly to soap and can break down the tannins in coffee, making it a powerful, low-cost tool in your cleaning kit.
Simply apply a small amount of white shaving cream to the stained area, gently rub it in, let it sit for a few minutes, then blot and rinse with cold water. For tougher stains, you may need to repeat the process.
It is essential to work fast when it comes to stains.
Wickes said: “Acting quickly can make all the difference.” She advises blotting the stain to stop it from spreading and setting deeper into the fibres.
For clothes, the expert recommends a multi-step approach starting with cold water, then mild detergent, followed by natural stain fighters like vinegar, toothpaste, or baking soda paste.
Always avoid using heat, like tumble drying, until the stain is completely gone, as this can cause it to set permanently.
When it comes to carpets, different materials need different approaches. Wool carpets, for example, require gentle products to avoid damage, while synthetic fibres can withstand stronger solutions.
Wickes advises a gentle mix of warm water and washing-up liquid for most cases, followed by dabbing with white vinegar and blotting thoroughly.
If DIY methods fall short, she recommends calling in a professional cleaner, especially for valuable or delicate carpets.
Whether it’s a spill on your favourite shirt or your living room rug, Wickes’s advice offers a helpful reminder: you don’t always need to break the bank to fix an everyday mishap. And for just £1, that can of shaving cream might be the stain-fighting hero your home needs.
