How to Remove Coffee Stains from Shoes

Coffee contains pigments called tannins that readily bind to fabrics. These tannins are what give coffee its characteristic brown color. Once these pigments latch onto the fibers, they can be difficult to dislodge with just water. Not only that, but coffee often contains sugars, syrups, or milk products. These additional components can create a sticky residue that attracts dirt and makes the stain more complex to clean.

Additionally, any shoe materials, like leather and fabric, are naturally porous. This means they have tiny holes that allow liquids to seep in. Coffee easily penetrates these pores, making it difficult to remove entirely. But fear not, with a little know-how, you can restore your favorite shoes to their pre-spill glory.

Leather shoes are both stylish and durable, but proper maintenance is essential to ensure their longevity. If you accidentally spill coffee on your leather shoes, don't worry. Follow these easy steps to effectively remove coffee stains, whether your shoes are black, brown, or light-colored:

1. Immediately use a paper towel to blot and absorb any excess liquid from the shoes. Acting fast prevents the stain from setting in.
   
   
2. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and warm water.
   
   
3. Dampen a lint-free cloth with the vinegar and water solution.
   
   
4. Gently blot the stain with the cloth, starting from the edges and working towards the center. Avoid rubbing, as this can push the stain deeper into the leather.
   
   
5. Continue blotting until the stain is completely gone. Re-wet the cloth with the solution as needed.
   
   
6. Dampen another lint-free cloth with clean water and blot the area to remove any vinegar residue.
   
   
7. Allow the shoes to air dry completely before wearing them again.

Learn how to conquer ink stains and more with our other article, keeping your leather shoes looking its best.

Suede is a type of leather with a velvety texture that, while stylish, is less durable than smooth leather. If you spill coffee on your suede shoes, quick and delicate action is crucial. Follow these steps to effectively remove coffee stains from suede shoes:

1. Use a rag to gently dab and absorb as much coffee as possible. Continue blotting until no more coffee transfers to the cloth.
   
   
2. Dampen a cloth with lukewarm water and gently blot the stain. Avoid soaking the suede.
   
   
3. Mix one teaspoon of mild dish soap with two cups of cool water.
   
   
4. Dip a rag into the soap mixture and gently dab the stain until it is completely removed.
   
   
5. Use a clean cloth dampened with plain water to remove any soap residue. Then, use a dry rag to blot away moisture from the shoe.

If the stain persists, mix equal parts water and white vinegar. Then dip a rag into the vinegar solution and blot the stain gently until it is fully lifted. Finally, rub very gently to avoid damaging the suede. Vigorous rubbing can harm the delicate texture.

We explore how to handle a wider range of stains in suede, including grease, in our other article.

White canvas shoes offer a classic look but can be susceptible to stains. Here's a guide to removing coffee stains from white canvas shoes, including Converse and Vans.

1. Allow the coffee stain to dry completely. Wet stains can be trickier to remove and may spread during cleaning.
   
   
2. Create a paste using equal parts baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stain using a clean toothbrush and massage gently. Baking soda can help absorb and lift coffee residue. Leave the paste on the stain for 15-30 minutes.
   
   
3. Mix a solution of laundry detergent or washing liquid with cool water. Using a clean toothbrush, scrub the stain in a circular motion. Cool water helps prevent the stain from setting further.
   
   
4. Rinse the shoes thoroughly with clean water. If the stain persists, repeat steps 3-5.
   
   
5. Once the stain is removed, you can hand-wash your shoes or machine wash them according to the care label instructions.
   
   
6. Allow the shoes to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area. Stuffing them with paper towels or cloths can help the shoes retain their shape.

Our follow-up article explores effective methods for keeping your shoes smelling great and looking their best, long after the stain removal.

If you want to read similar articles to How to Remove Coffee Stains from Shoes, we recommend you visit our Home cleaning category.