Most of us are all too familiar with that moment of panic when you spill something– such as coffee, wine or spaghetti sauce – onto the carpet. Yet, before reaching for costly cleaning products or frantically searching for “carpet replacement near me”, pause for a moment and take a deep breath, because Express.co.uk have got you covered.
The experts at online rug retailer The Rugs revealed you can tackle most spillages using basic, ordinary items already lurking in your kitchen cupboards or refrigerator. Emre Eser, Director at The Rugs, shared: “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.”
In fact, one ingredient is so bizarre and unusual, you’d never imagine it could serve as a stain remover.
A splash of beer can defeat tea and coffee marks
Who would’ve thought pouring another drink on top of the one that’s spilled could help remove the stain? While it may sound strange, a tiny amount of beer can genuinely lift persistent tea and coffee marks.
Emre explained: “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 small amount of beer onto the mark, then gently massage it in with a clean cloth. If the stain has been there for some time, you may need to repeat the process or add a little extra elbow grease.
Emre advised: “You’ll usually see the colour start to lift straight away. Then rinse with water, pat it dry and you’re done.”
It’s one of those peculiar tricks that genuinely works – and once you’ve witnessed it, you’ll never view spilt beer in the same light again.
Sprinkle salt on fresh spills before they set
If there’s one action you should take immediately after a spill, it’s to grab the salt. Emre shared: “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 damp spot with a generous layer and leave it for about an hour. The salt will soak up most of the liquid and prevent it from spreading. Once it’s dry, vacuum or brush it off to reveal a clean patch underneath.
Emre said: “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.”
Iron out old, stubborn stains
Some stains are stubborn and refuse to budge, especially those that have had their sweet time to settle in. But Emre said your household iron might just be the secret weapon you need to be armed with. The expert shared: “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 a few drops of washing-up liquid with two cups of warm water. Dip a clean towel into the mixture, wring it out, and lay it flat on top of the stained area. Then proceed to gently iron on a low steam setting. “You’ll start to see the stain transfer into the towel,” Emre shared. “It’s oddly satisfying – like watching the mark disappear in slow motion.”
It’s also amongst the rare hacks that performs brilliantly on older marks. Emre noted: “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.”
WD-40 isn’t just for creaky hinges
That trusty blue can most people store in the shed has more applications than you might imagine. Emre explainsed: “WD-40 is great for lifting oily marks and sticky residues. It’s especially good for makeup, candle wax, or wine spills – anything that leaves a greasy or waxy texture.”
To utilise it, spray a little directly onto the stain and allow it to sit for about half a minute. Then dab it with a damp sponge before wiping dry with a clean towel.
The expert noted: “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.”
Emre also pointed out that less is more. “A quick spritz does the job – don’t drench it. You just want enough to loosen the mark without overdoing it.”
Ice cubes serve as your hidden ally against chewing gum
Few things test your patience like gum stuck to the carpet. Emre said: “The natural instinct is to pick or scrape it, but that usually just makes a bigger mess. The secret is to freeze it solid first.”
Place several ice cubes – or an ice-filled bag – directly onto the gum and allow it to remain for several minutes. Once it has solidified, it ought to lift away with ease.
The specialist further explained: “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.”
Emre confirmed this technique functions equally effectively on upholstery as well, sharing: “If gum ends up on a sofa or dining chair, the process is exactly the same. Freeze it, lift it gently, give it a quick clean and you’re done. It’s one of those small wins that people always remember once they’ve tried it.”
Emre added that these modest, budget-friendly solutions can spare householders considerable anxiety and expense, sharing: “Half the battle is just not panicking. Most stains can be fixed if you catch them early and use what you’ve already got lying around. Honestly, a bit of salt, some patience and the right know-how can rescue just about any carpet.”
