If you’ve got some stubborn carpet stains, there’s a cheap and easy way to get rid of them – and you probably already have what you need in your kitchen cupboard
White vinegar, a simple and versatile liquid, has been used for centuries as a natural cleaner. From stubborn limescale to pesky mould, there’s not much it can’t clean.
If you’re dealing with unsightly carpet stains, you’ve likely been on the hunt for the best ways to get rid of them. There are loads of products out there specifically designed for carpet stains, but these specialist items can be pricey.
Moreover, they’re often packed with harsh chemicals which can damage your carpets and harm the environment, and they aren’t even always effective against tough stains.
Instead, you might want to consider using vinegar as it is a “very efficient way to remove carpet stains”, according to the cleaning experts at Prolux Cleaning.
The biggest advantage of white vinegar is that it’s readily available anywhere – it’s cheap and found in most shops.
It’s also an acid, which helps it neutralise certain types of smells and bad odours. The experts claimed: “When used properly, you can achieve the same results expert carpet cleaners could.”
For relatively small stains, mix one part hot water or lukewarm water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Apply it over the stained area, then start blotting with a white cloth or paper towel, from the edges to the centre.
When a stain is more complex, or has the added effect of an invasive smell, vinegar alone won’t do the trick. Prime examples would be coffee, tea, and various food stains.
However, one particular trick to tackle these issues is to mix washing-up liquid and vinegar. This is thought to “clean carpet stains of any kind” and is suitable for nearly all types of carpet.
The concoction consists of three teaspoons of washing-up liquid and a quarter cup of white vinegar with four litres of warm water.
To eliminate the stain, use a sponge or a cloth to apply the solution and leave it for five minutes. If the stain is fresh, remove it from the edge towards the centre to prevent spreading.
Remember not to scrub, just blot the stain until it disappears, and the carpet is completely dry.