Carpets and couches are wonderful additions to any room, especially one where you’re aiming for cosy and welcoming vibes. And even though you’ve laid out all the necessary coasters, napkins, and even asked your guests to remove their shoes, it happens: the coffee spills on the armrest, the red wine glass tips over and spills onto the couch, or half the dessert ends up on your new carpet. Before you freak out, give it a go with products and materials you will have lying around at home anyway.
Whether your couch or carpet, here’s how to lift food and drink stains without needing to call in the pros.
How to lift food and drink stains like a pro
Whether a carpet or a couch, following these simple steps will help you remove most stains:
1. Remove the excess
As soon as you can, scrape away excess solids with a spoon or butter knife, and gently blot away excess liquids with a clean, dry cloth – blotting from the outer edge, working your way to the centre.
Remember: Blot, don’t rub. Rubbing will push the solids or liquids further into the material, making the stain permanent.
2. Spray the stain with stain remover
Whether you like buying a commercial brand or making your own solution, after removing excess solids and liquids, spray a stain remover directly onto the stain. No matter which solution you’re using, avoid over-wetting or drenching the area, as this will damage the material and backing. Leave on to sit for 10 minutes.
DIY Solution: Mix one teaspoon of mild dishwashing liquid, one litre of warm water, and a quarter teaspoon of white vinegar (preferably straight in a spray bottle).
3. Blot, blot, blot
Use a clean, dry, absorbent cloth and blot the stain again, working your way from the outside in. Repeat this process until the stain no longer transfers to the cloth. Then, blot with cold water, then with another dry, absorbent cloth to blot dry.
4. Dry
Once you’ve successfully lifted the stain, place a few sheets of thick cloth or paper towels, and weigh them down with a heavy object (like a doorstop or a heavy pot). Leave the cloth or paper towels to suck up as much moisture as they can, changing them out for a new set every so often until the area has thoroughly dried up.
Tips for specific stains
- Blood: Apply soda water or cold water to the area, then blot with a clean cloth. Repeat until the stain has been lifted.
- Candle wax: Remove excess wax by rubbing an ice pack over the stain and picking up or vacuuming the hardened bits. Then try blotting the stain with a small amount of rubbing alcohol. Or place a paper towel over the stain and, using a warm iron, gently iron the area until the wax re-melts and is absorbed into the paper towel. Repeat this process as much as necessary.
- Chocolate: Scrape away as much solid material as possible with a butter knife. If the chocolate has melted into the carpet or couch, ice the area with an ice pack (or freezer bag filled with ice cubes). Then vacuum the area to pick up loose pieces. Finally, spray stain remover onto the area and leave to sit for at least 5 minutes. Blot with a dry cloth until the stain is gone.
- Coffee/tea: Spray on a solution of two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide and one tablespoon of dish soap. Leave for a few seconds before cleaning the area with cold water. Blot with a dry cloth, working from the outside inwards until the stain is lifted.
- Dirt: Leave dirt or mud stains to dry completely before attempting to lift them. Scrape off as much residue as possible, then vacuum the area. Finally, spray on some DIY stain remover (listed above), leaving it to sit for 10 minutes before blotting with a clean cloth or paper towel.
- Fatty stains: Sprinkle some bicarbonate of soda and leave it to sit for at least six hours. Vacuum and blot the area with a cloth moistened with rubbing alcohol.
- Wine/juice: Spray the area straight away with club or sparkling soda. Blot clean with a microfibre cloth, and repeat as necessary.
- Urine: Blot as much of the liquid as possible. Apply an enzymatic cleaner, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
