‘The bubbles pull the stain right out’ cleaners rave about 50p buy to remove any stain from carpet without scrubbing
WITH the plethora of cleaning products being pushed on social media, it’s hard to consider traditional methods that work just as well… if not better.
But according to one cleaning expert, one 50p hack for removing stains from your carpet works better than any product you can buy in the cleaning aisle.
Melissa Caverly, founder of Imagine Maids, hailed the hack a cleaning hero for when you drop a colourful liquid or saucy food on your beloved carpet.
It is using soda water, or sparkling water, to lift the stain.
“Using the power of soda water to remove stains from carpets is a tried-and-true hack that yields impressive results,” Melissa said.
“To apply it, simply pour a moderate amount of club soda directly onto the stain and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the severity of the stain, to penetrate the fibres.
“The club soda will help lift dirt and stains to the surface.
“Blot the area with a clean cloth or paper towel to lift the stain away.”
That’s right: it works with zero scrubbing – which also means no risk of spreading the spain further.
You should definitely avoid rubbing on the carpet stain as this can push the stain deeper into the carpet fibres.
“This hack has been passed down through generations, prized for its effectiveness in tackling spills and stains on carpets without the need for harsh chemicals,” Melissa added.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The carbonation in the soda or sparkling water helps to lift the stain to the surface of the carpet fibres, making it easier to remove.
Depending on the severity of the stain, you may need to repeat the process a few times until the stain is completely lifted.
Once the stain is removed, rinse the area with water and blot it dry with a clean cloth.
Make sure the carpet is completely dry to prevent any lingering residue or mould growth.
You can pick up soda water for as cheap as 49p in Aldi, or 65p in Tesco.
Dirtiest Items In Your Home You’re Probably Forgetting To Clean
Research shows people are exposed to an average of 60,000 types of germs on a daily basis.
Cleaning expert and Product Development Scientist at Astonish, Olivia Young, reveals the dirtiest items in your home and how to clean them.
Kitchen sponges or cloths
Some of the items we use to clean surfaces are actually the dirtiest. From wiping down worktops, to cleaning dishes, kitchen sponges or clothes are used multiple times throughout the day. And when doing so, it’s usually wet and warm, meaning if it’s not cleaned properly, it can be a prime spot for bacteria to grow.
As a general rule of thumb, if you’ve used your sponge for around two weeks – it’s time to replace it.
Shoes
Shoes are without a doubt an item in your home that is full of bacteria. A study suggested a single shoe sole has an average of 421,000 units of bacteria, but there’s no need to panic.
Most of these germs that gather on shoes won’t come into contact with other areas of your house, assuming that you take them off as you enter or put them in a box in your wardrobe.
Pet bowls and toys
Pet bowls have actually been found to be the third most contaminated item in households, meaning they are a breeding ground for germs and bacteria that could make you and your pet unwell.
Give them a wash with warm soapy water after each use to keep bacteria at bay. For toys, if they’re plastic you can soak them in warm water with either disinfectant or soap, soft toys can be cleaned thoroughly in a washing machine on a gentle cycle.
Toothbrush holder
Your toothbrush holder is probably not something you’ve considered to be dirty – but there’s more germs in the container that holds your toothbrush, than the taps on your sink.
Clean your toothbrush holder at least once or twice a week.
Melissa also shared a bargain hack using something from your kitchen cupboard to draw odours out of an area.
“Utilising coffee grounds for odour absorption is a simple yet effective cleaning hack that dates back centuries,” she revealed.
“To employ this method, place dried coffee grounds in an open container and leave them in areas prone to odour, such as the refrigerator or kitchen cabinets.
“The porous nature of coffee grounds allows them to absorb and neutralise unpleasant odours, leaving behind a fresh and inviting scent.
“This hack has its roots in ancient practices where coffee was used not only as a beverage but also for its aromatic properties, making it a versatile solution for banishing unwanted smells.
“In the pursuit of cleanliness, simplicity is not just a virtue, but a powerful ally.”