How to Remove Tea, Coffee, and Pet Stains from Your Sofa

Your sofa is the heart of your living space—whether you’re sipping coffee while watching a movie, enjoying tea with guests, or cuddling with your pet after a long day. Unfortunately, these cozy moments can sometimes leave behind stubborn stains that ruin the look and freshness of your furniture. Tea and coffee spills, along with pet accidents, are among the most common—and challenging—stains to deal with.

If you’ve ever panicked over a cup of chai tipping over your fabric sofa or your pet leaving an unpleasant surprise, don’t worry. With the right techniques and timely care, you can restore your sofa’s look and hygiene without permanent damage.

1. Act Fast – Time Is Everything

When a spill happens, the quicker you act, the better. Stains that settle deep into the upholstery fabric become harder to remove and may also cause discoloration or foul odors over time.

• Blot, don’t rub: Use a clean microfiber cloth or tissue to blot the stain gently. Avoid rubbing, as that can spread the stain or push it deeper into the fabric.

• Absorb the moisture: If it's a fresh spill, sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch to absorb any remaining liquid. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes before vacuuming.

2. Removing Tea & Coffee Stains

Tea and coffee stains can be particularly tricky on lighter fabric sofas due to their tannin content.

DIY Remedy:

• Mix 1 cup of lukewarm water, 1 tbsp of white vinegar, and a few drops of dish soap.

• Dip a soft sponge into the solution and blot the stain gently. Let it sit for 5 minutes.

• Use a clean damp cloth to wipe off any residue, then blot with a dry towel.

Pro Tip:

Test the solution on a small hidden area of the sofa first to make sure it doesn't damage the fabric.

3. Handling Pet Stains (Urine, Vomit, or Fur Oils)

Pet stains come with an added problem: odor. The goal is to remove both the stain and the smell.

For urine or vomit:

• Wear gloves and remove any solid residue.

• Blot up the moisture.

• Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, and spray directly on the stained area.

• Let it sit for 10 minutes.

• Blot with a dry towel and then sprinkle baking soda to neutralize odor.

• Vacuum after it dries.

For fur oils or drool marks:

• Use a mild dish soap solution and blot.

• Rinse with a damp cloth and pat dry.

4. When to Call in the Professionals

If stains keep reappearing, or if your sofa has started smelling even after repeated cleaning, it’s time to seek professional help. Certain fabrics like velvet, suede, or leather can be damaged with home remedies if not handled properly.

Professional sofa cleaning involves:

• Hot water extraction

• Eco-friendly chemicals

• Fabric-safe sanitization

• Stain-targeted treatment

This not only restores the appearance but also improves the hygiene and lifespan of your furniture.

Final Thoughts

While home remedies work for small, fresh stains, long-standing tea, coffee, and pet stains often need professional attention to be completely removed without harming your upholstery. If you’re dealing with stubborn marks or recurring odors, consider scheduling a professional sofa cleaning services.

For reliable, expert-level results,Aquuamarine Deep Cleaning Services offers specialized sofa cleaning solutions tailored to different fabric types and stain issues. Their experienced team uses safe, effective techniques to ensure your sofa looks and feels as good as new.