SPILLING something on the carpet can feel like a proper disaster.
That moment of panic is universal – whether it’s coffee, wine or even dreaded pasta sauce, it always seems to be right in the middle of the lightest patch of floor.
Coffee can be tricky to remove[/caption]
But there’s no need to reach for expensive cleaners or start Googling ‘how to replace carpet’.
The experts at online retailer The Rugs say you can tackle most spills with simple, everyday items already sitting in your cupboards – and for just pennies.
And they have pulled together five quick DIY hacks to banish stubborn carpet stains – including a 65p trick that clears fresh spills
Emre Eser, Director at The Rugs, said: “People assume you need fancy products to fix a spill, but you’d be surprised what works.
“A few quick tricks can rescue your carpet before a stain ever sets in. The key is not waiting too long – act fast and you’ll almost always save it.”
Here, Eser shares five tried-and-tested hacks.
A DROP OF BEER
It might sound like something your mates would dare you to do, but a small splash of beer can actually lift stubborn tea and coffee stains.
Eser says: “Beer works a bit like a gentle cleaning agent,.
“It helps break down the tannins in tea and coffee – those are the pigments that leave behind that yellow-brown ring.”
Pour a tiny bit of beer onto the mark, then gently rub it in with a clean cloth.
If the stain’s been sitting for a while, you may need to repeat the process or add a little extra elbow grease.
He added: “You’ll usually see the colour start to lift straight away. Then rinse with water, pat it dry and you’re done.”
GET SALTY
If there’s one thing you should do immediately after a spill, it’s reach for the salt.
Eser explains: “Salt acts like a sponge – it pulls up moisture before it sinks into the carpet fibres.
“The faster you get it on there, the better your chances are of avoiding a permanent stain.”
Simply cover the wet patch with a generous layer and leave it for about an hour. The salt will absorb most of the liquid and stop it spreading.
Once it’s dry, vacuum or brush it away to reveal a clean patch underneath.
Once the salt has soaked up the stain, simply hoover[/caption]
He added: “It’s a 65p fix, tops. And the best part is, it’s probably already sitting in your kitchen.
“People underestimate how powerful simple table salt can be when it comes to rescuing carpets.”
SPRAY SOME WD-40
That trusty blue can most people keep in the shed has more uses than you think.
Eser says: “WD-40 is great for lifting oily marks and sticky residues.
“It’s especially good for make-up, candle wax or wine spills – anything that leaves a greasy or waxy texture.”
To use it, spray a little directly onto the stain and let it sit for about half a minute.
Then dab it with a damp sponge before wiping dry with a clean towel.
The expert added: “It breaks down the bond between the stain and the fibres, so you can literally wipe it away.
“It only takes a few minutes, which makes it a great emergency fix before guests arrive.”
But less is more.
Eser warned: “A quick spritz does the job – don’t drench it. You just want enough to loosen the mark without overdoing it.”
IRON MAN
Some stains refuse to budge, especially those that have had time to settle in.
But Eser says your household iron might just be the secret weapon you need.
He explained: “Heat can actually help lift the stain out of the carpet and into a towel. It’s simple science, but it feels like magic when you see it work.”
Start by mixing two cups of warm water with a few drops of washing-up liquid. Dip a clean towel into the solution, wring it out, and lay it flat over the affected area.
Using an iron can help on stubborn stains[/caption]
Then gently iron on a low steam setting.
Eser said: “You’ll start to see the stain transfer into the towel. It’s oddly satisfying – like watching the mark disappear in slow motion.”
It’s also one of the few hacks that works well on older stains, the cleaning pro says.
He added: “If you’ve got a patch that’s been bugging you for months, this is the one to try.
“Just remember to test a small area first, and don’t use high heat – the gentle approach wins here.”
ICE IS NICE
Nothing tests your patience quite like chewing gum stuck to carpet.
The natural instinct is to pick or scrape it, but that usually just makes a bigger mess.
Eser says the secret is to freeze it solid first.
Pop a few ice cubes – or a bag of ice – over the gum and leave it there for several minutes.
Once it’s hardened, it should peel away easily.
The expert said: “You can use your fingers or a dull knife to lift it off.
“And when it’s gone, just give the area a quick clean with warm water and mild soap. No tearing, no damage, no drama.”
Eser says this trick works just as well on upholstery too.
