White vinegar is a simple and versatile liquid that has been used for centuries as a natural cleaner, from stubborn limescale to pesky mould, there’s not much it can’t clean.

If you’ve got some unsightly carpet stains, you’ve probably been searching for the best ways to remove them. 

There are tons of products on the market that is designed specifically for carpet stains, but these specialty products can be expensive. 

Plus, they’re often full of harsh chemicals which can ruin your carpets and harm the environment, and they aren’t even always effective against tough stains.

Instead, you may want to try giving vinegar a go as it is a “very efficient way to remove carpet stains”, according to the cleaning experts at Prolux Cleaning.

The greatest advantage of white vinegar is that it is readily available anywhere - it is cheap and found in most stores.

It is also an acid, which helps it neutralise certain types of smells and bad odours. The experts claimed: “When used properly, you can achieve the same results expert carpet cleaners could.”

For relatively small stains, mix one part hot water or lukewarm water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Apply it over the stained area, then begin blotting with a white cloth or paper towel, from the edges to the centre.

When a stain is more complex, or has the added effect of an invasive smell, vinegar alone won't do the trick. Prime examples would be coffee, tea, and various food stains. 

However, one particular trick to dealing with these issues is to combine washing-up liquid and vinegar.

This is considered to “clean carpet stains of any kind” and applies to almost all types of carpet. 

The mixture is three teaspoons of washing-up liquid and a quarter cup of white vinegar with four litres of warm water.

To remove the stain use a sponge or a cloth to apply the solution and leave it for five minutes. If the stain is fresh, remove it from the edge to the centre, otherwise it may spread. 

Remember to not scrub, just blot the stain until it is gone, and the carpet is completely dry.