Why a can of £2 WD-40 is all you need to fix any pesky carpet stain – and the rule for getting makeup & candle wax out
THERE’S nothing more annyoing than spilling something on your carpet, especially if it will leave it stain.
Although there are plenty of cleaning products you can use to clean up after spills, if you don’t have them at home when you need them you’ll need a quick DIY hack instead.
Luckily, the experts from online rug store The Rugs have revealed five hacks you can deliver at home to eliminate those nasty stains.
A drop of beer can remove tea stains
While spilling beer on your carpet can cause havoc, the beverage also happens to have surprising stain-removal properties itself.
It might sound counterintuitive, but all you need to do is pour a small drop of beer onto the stain and rub it lightly into the carpet with a cloth to see almost immediate results.
For larger, more challenging stains, you may need to scrub a little harder with your cloth to see the tea and coffee blotches disappear.
Once the stains are gone, just rinse the carpet with some water and pat it dry to make it look as good as new.
Pour a handful of salt on fresh stains
If you’ve encountered a fresh spill on your carpet, salt may be exactly what you need.
Pouring a generous amount of salt on the newly stained area and leaving it for an hour or so will allow the salt to absorb most of the liquid.
Once the carpet dries, you can hoover or sweep away the salt to reveal a clean, stain-free area.
This hack works effectively on wet carpets with new spills/
In fact, once your stain is dry, you will have to venture to other methods.
WD-40 is your quick fix for carpet spills
Despite usually being used for protecting metal from rust and corrosion, WD-40 can be used for carpet spills too.
It can remove tougher marks from makeup, wine, candle wax and more.
Start by applying the solution to the stained area for 20-30 seconds to allow for absorption, followed by a thorough wash with a damp sponge for around a minute and a quick clean with a dry towel or cloth.
This allows for the WD-40 to work underneath the stain to loosen its bonds and enable easy removal.
Iron out carpet stains with a homemade cleaning solution
Combining a homemade cleaning solution with your household iron is the perfect trick to getting rid of carpet stains like wine, juice, and more.
To create your cleaning solution, just add two cups of warm water into a bucket with five drops of washing up liquid.
Once this is completed, just add a clean towel or cloth into the bucket, soaking it in your solution and wringing it out.
All you need to do is place the towel over the stained area on a low steam setting and iron the surface until you begin to see the stain soaking into the cloth or towel.
Place ice cubes on chewing gum stuck to your carpet for easy removal
It may seem impossible to remove chewing gum from your carpets and upholstery without inflicting irreversible damage, but by opting for the ‘freezing method’, you give yourself the best chance of restoring your surface.
Cleaning hacks and tips
Here are some tips to help you clean your home like a pro:
- How to clean your washing machine in a few easy steps
- Keep on top of cleaning your oven regularly
- Clean your shower to ensure it’s always sparkling
- How to clean your microwave using cheap household items
- Here’s how to get rid of that nasty limescale in your kettle
- You’re cleaning your carpet all wrong – here’s how to get it spotless again in no time
- Unblock a toilet without a plunger
- Clean your fabric or leather sofa in a few easy steps
- If you haven’t cleaned your mattress in ages, here’s how
- Steps to cleaning your dishwasher to leave it looking brand new
- This is how to clean mirrors and windows without streaking
- Keep your toilet clean in four easy steps
- Give your TV screen a once-over
- Did you know your Venetian, Roman, vertical, or roller blinds also need cleaning?
- Deep-clean your fridge in five simple steps
This proven method involves freezing the gum with an ice cube or a small bag of ice and placing this over the area for a few minutes.
Once the gum is hardened, you can remove it simply by pulling it from the carpet gently or using a dull knife to scrape the gum off the surface.
Dispose of the chewing gum and wash the treated surface with warm water to leave your carpet looking fresh.
Emre Eser, Director of The Rugs, commented: “If you follow these quick household hacks, you will keep your carpets in better shape and avoid spending extra money on professional carpet cleaning services or even brand-new carpets.”
“When it comes to tacking your spills and stains, acting as quickly as possible is vital in helping you remove the stain with minimal hassle.
“Making the most of the solutions you have at home and trying these useful DIY tricks will allow you to respond to spillages immediately and prolong the lifespan of your carpets.”