How to Remove Coffee and Wine Stains from Concrete

Some of the common stains on concrete floors include those from beverages. In fact, many beverages, including coffee, wine, carbonated drinks, and juices, can easily stain bare concrete. However, such beverages can significantly vary in composition and acidity, which may require different removal methods.

However, this article presents the ideal methods on how to remove coffee and red wine stains from concrete, which are also generally applicable for most beverages, mustard, and ketchup stains. Besides, the sequence in which we list the removal methods starts with the easy and “friendly” methods.

But before getting into the step by step removal methods, it is important to shed light on an important detail. Mainly, wine, ketchup, mustard, and coffee are acidic, listed in an increasing pH value. However, the continuous and prolonged exposure to acids can actually etch the concrete surface and not only stain it. Thereby, it is important to remove any acidic spills as soon as possible. For example, red wine can have a pH lower than 3, which can etch concrete with frequent and prolonged exposure. Whereas, although coffee is also acidic, it generally has a pH between 5 and 6, and thereby is less likely to cause etching. In fact, a stain is like a discoloration, whereas etching is more like a damage, and requires different repairing methods.

Method #1: How to remove coffee and wine stains from concrete using soapy water

This method is quite simple, and is “friendly” to the surface. In fact, it is generally effective for most new red wine, coffee, tea, mustard, and ketchup stains.     

Things you will need

• Paper towels.
• Bristle brush / soft scouring pad / sponge.
• Warm water.
• Soap.
• Clean water.

Steps

1. Use paper towels to absorb as much of the spill as possible.
2. Use a bristle brush, soft scouring pad, or sponge to scrub the surface with soap and warm water (1:20 ratio).
3. And finally, rinse with clean water.

Explanation

In general, this method is very effective for the removal of most beverage stains from concrete. First, you have to remove as much as much as possible of the stain using an absorptive material such as paper towels. It is important not to scrub the spill in this step to avoid spreading it further. Instead, simply apply paper towels to absorb the excess spill. Afterwards, you have to remove the stain. Thereby, simply scrub with soapy water, with 1 part of soap to 20 parts of water. In fact, you may need to scrub vigorously but not with excessive pressure. And finally, rinse and flush thoroughly with clean water.

Method #2: How to remove coffee and wine stains from concrete with a bandage

This method involves the application of a bandage right on the stain. In fact, it is a very effective method to remove older tough stains, especially when the first method fails to fully remove the stain.

Things you will need

• Safety gear.
• Glycerin.
• Isopropyl alcohol – optional.
• Bowl.
• Piece of absorptive cloth / cotton ball / cotton pad.
• Water.

Notes

• Glycerin is called glycerol or glycol alcohol.
  Appearance: Colorless liquid.
  Availability: It is available at chemical and pharmaceutical supply centers.
  Hazards: This compound is flammable.
• Isopropyl alcohol or isopropanol.
  Appearance: Colorless thick liquid.
  Availability: It is available at supermarkets and pharmaceutical supply centers.
  Hazards: This compound is flammable.

Steps

1. Use a piece of absorptive cloth or paper towel to remove as much as possible of the spill.
2. Wear your safety gear.
3. Combine 1 part glycerin and 4 parts water in a bowl.
4. You can add to the mixture 2 parts of isopropyl alcohol for a boosted effect.
5. Saturate a piece of cloth or cotton ball with the mixture to use as a bandage.
6. Apply right on the stain for about 10 minutes.
7. Remove the bandage, and rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Explanation

This methods starts first by removing as much as possible of the excess spill, without any scrubbing. In fact, scrubbing at this stage can further spread the liquid and increase the area of the stain. Then, put on your safety gear; your safety is always a priority. Afterwards, combine 1 part of glycerin with 4 parts of water in a bowl, in addition to 2 parts of isopropyl alcohol for an even better effectiveness. Then, dip a piece of cloth or cotton ball in the mixture to saturate it, and apply directly to the stain. You may need to put some pressure on it to keep it in good contact with the surface. In general, all it takes is about 10 minutes for this bandage to break down and absorb the stain. Finally, remove the bandage and thoroughly rinse the surface.

Method #3: How to remove coffee and wine stains from concrete with a poultice

This method involves applying a poultice. Mainly, it is effective on old and stubborn red wine, tea, coffee, mustard, and ketchup stains.

Things you will need

• Paper towels.
• Safety gear.
• Glycerin.
• Talc / cat litter.
• Bowl.
• Bristle brush.
• Water.

Notes

• Glycerin is called glycerol or glycol alcohol.
  Appearance: Colorless liquid.
  Availability: It is available at chemical and pharmaceutical supply centers.
  Hazards: This compound is flammable.

Steps

1. Use paper towels to absorb the spill.
2. Wear your safety gear.
3. Prepare the poultice, and apply to the stain for about 24 hours.
4. Scrub the residue with a bristle brush and water.
5. Rinse and flush thoroughly with clean water.

Explanation

In this method, you first have to use paper towels to absorb the liquid spills, without scrubbing. Then, put on your safety gear. Afterwards, prepare a poultice with 1 part of glycerin, 4 parts of water, and cat litter or talc. Simply, mix the solids and liquids to form a thick paste. Then, apply this paste to the stain, with 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness (6 to 11mm) covering an area slightly more than that of the stain. After 24 hours, use a bristle brush and water to remove the residue of the poultice. And finally, rinse and flush the surface with clean water.
Note: Although the use poultices made of trichloroethylene can be effective for the removal of such stains, we decided not to include this compound in the poultice method. This is mainly because trichloroethylene is highly toxic, and can produce dangerous fumes especially when improperly used. In addition, it is banned in several regions.

Final thoughts

It is always preferable to remove red wine spills and other acidic spills as soon as possible from bare concrete surfaces, in order to avoid etching. However, even when you do so, some beverages and sauces can easily stain concrete, especially red wine, mustard, ketchup, tea, and carbonated drinks. Thereby, we presented the best methods to effectively remove such stains using mostly household products.