Banish stains fast with 85p ingredient – not baking soda
Every now and then we have to tackle pesky stains.
And, with Christmas around the corner, they’re likely to crop up now more than ever. Between the festive eating, mulled wine drinking and endless decorating – there’s a chance so many messes can be made.
But now you’ll be able to clean them up easily thanks to a simple cleaning hack. Many videos on TikTok show viral hacks of products such as baking soda being used to banish tough stains.
None the less, you may not want to go reaching for the baking cupboard just yet. That’s because an expert has revealed you probably have something at home that could be a lot more effective.
If you’re wondering where to look for help, you may want to head to the drinks cupboard. It might sound unusual, but there’s great reason for it.
Sofa and interiors expert, Kayleigh Stafford, from Snappy Sofas, said: “With Christmas approaching, and friends and family popping in, it’s likely that your sofa may get more attention than ever. And with this unfortunately, comes the risks of food and drink spills.
“But, instead of reaching for the usual baking soda, consider a fresh solution this festive season – soda water. Soda water, a fizzy drink found in most kitchens, is a game-changer for cleaning up stains on fabric.
“The natural carbonation breaks down grime and lifts stubborn marks, including red wine and juice. To use, simply pour a small amount onto the stain, blot gently with a clean microfibre cloth and repeat until the area is clean.
“Avoid rubbing too hard as this could damage the fabric fibres. Not only does soda water offer a quick and affordable solution, but it also doesn’t leave a powdery residue behind like other cleaning hacks, making it perfect for last-minute clean-ups before guests arrive.”
Before you do anything, the expert said it’s essential to test the soda out on a small area of fabric first to ensure the soda water won’t cause any damage. Remember to use a clean, dry cloth to blot excess liquid after cleaning to prevent dampness.
Kayleigh emphasises one thing though – everyone needs soda water in their cupboards this Christmas. If you have some to hand, she said you won’t have to worry about any spills taking place over the festive season.
Even though many experts admit the drink can remove stains, it’s important to know it’s not a “magic” fix. If you do notice a stain, it’s best to act quickly and try to remove it.
According to the Drycleaning and Laundry Institute (DLI), soda water is better than water at removing new stains from clothing. However, it doesn’t always completely remove them, and sometimes remaining residue can become permanent unless the item is treated by a professional.
