Carpets make a home look warm and cosy, but there is nothing worse than accidentally spilling something on them, as it can take ages to scrub out a stain from the fabric. It can be tough to get a carpet clean because they are made of tightly woven fibres, which are absorbent and prone to trapping stains. If grime is left to build up in the fabric it can also encourage bad smells, germs and mould spores to fester in a carpet which will make a home dirty even if it is being cleaned regularly.
However, Julieanne, an expert from Cleanzen, has revealed that you do not need a steam cleaner or any fancy equipment, as most carpet stains can be removed with cornflour. She said, “Upholstery and carpeting can take on a funky smell over time, and they can also get blemished with a variety of spots and stains. You don’t have to use chemical deodorisers or wet cleaning methods to freshen up these areas.
“Instead, sprinkle cornstarch on spots and stains, or spread it across the entire surface to eliminate musty smells.”
Cornstarch, also called cornflour in the UK, is highly absorbent and can penetrate stains that a vacuum cleaner cannot reach.
Most stains, like food spills, are made up of fatty residues that can create tough stains, but cornstarch will absorb any oil, which will help loosen the stain.
Cornflour can embed itself deeply into carpet fibres and soak up moisture and grease in the stain, so it is much easier to remove.
Using cornflour is an old-fashioned cleaning method that pulls most stains out of fibres while still being gentle on a carpet.
How to use cornflour to clean a carpet
If the stain is new, immediately begin dabbing it with a clean cloth to help remove any excess liquid. Try to avoid rubbing the stain, as this can push it deeper into the carpet fibres.
However, if it is an old stain, it can help to spray it with a little white vinegar to help loosen it up so the cornflour is more effective.
Then, simply scatter a generous amount of cornflour on the dirty area of a carpet. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to give it soak up the oils, grease and moisture.
Once the time is up, vacuum the area thoroughly to remove the cornflour. If any residue remains, then gently blot it with a damp cloth.
Your carpet should now be completely stain-free. This method can also help eliminate dust and odours, which will leave a carpet smelling much fresher and looking much cleaner.
