'Neutralise' odours in your home using 65p kitchen staple you likely already own

An expert has revealed a simple and affordable cupboard staple can help eliminate unwanted smells from your home.

Balancing cleaning tasks with work, childcare, leisure activities, and other daily responsibilities can be challenging. Research shows that 65% of us also have a dog or cat to look after. While having a pet can offer significant benefits, such as promoting a healthier lifestyle and happiness, many pets can bring in unwanted dirt.

Humans can shed between 50-100 hairs a day, and our pets can shed hundreds more depending on their breed. Carpet fibres are particularly known for trapping stubborn hair, with many people eager to find solutions for keeping their homes odour and pet-hair free.

This is clearly a hot topic, with social media giant TikTok featuring trending hashtags like #carpetcleaning and #pethairremoval, accumulating over 228,000 and 30,000 posts, respectively. To address this issue, Paul Brewster, flooring specialist and CEO of Flooring Hut, a leading online carpet and flooring specialist, has shared his top tips to permanently remove hair - and unwanted smells - from your carpet and home.

Paul stated: "Pet and human hair can be tricky to remove from carpets, especially when they become embedded in the fibres. However, with the right tools and techniques, you can keep your carpets looking fresh and clean." The expert suggests the following eight tips:

Baking soda

“Baking soda not only neutralises odours but also helps loosen hair from carpets. Simply sprinkle it over the carpet, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then vacuum. The baking soda reduces static charge, making the hair easier to lift. This method is highly cost-effective, with a price tag as low as 65p.”

Use a lint roller

“A lint roller is a quick and effective tool for removing hair, especially in smaller areas like stairs and corners. Opt for gel-based lint rollers that are washable and reusable. For those who struggle with bending down, choose a roller with a telescopic handle.”

Sticky tape hack

“For quick spot cleaning, wrap sticky tape around your hand with the sticky side facing out. Gently press your hand onto the carpet, and the tape will lift away hair from the surface. This is ideal for small areas but may be time-consuming for larger spaces.”

Squeegee

“A rubber squeegee isn’t just for windows; it can work wonders on carpets too. The rubber surface clings to hair, lifting it from the fibres. Simply run the squeegee across the carpet, and you’ll be amazed at the amount of hair it collects.”

Rubber-soled shoes or gloves

“If you have a clean pair of rubber-soled shoes or rubber gloves, they can be surprisingly effective. Simply drag the rubber sole or glove across the carpet. The friction helps to pull up the hair, making it easier to pick up or vacuum away.”

Vacuum with a pet hair attachment

“Regular vacuuming with a vacuum that has a specialised pet hair attachment is key. These attachments often have rubber bristles that help loosen and lift hair embedded deep in the carpet fibres. Aim for a thorough vacuuming session at least once a week.”

Grooming gloves

“Grooming gloves aren’t just for your pet; they work well on carpets too. Wear the gloves and ‘groom’ your carpet, similar to how you would groom your pet. The rubber texture helps to pull up hair that’s stuck in the fibres.”

Carpet rake

“For larger carpeted areas, a carpet rake is an effective tool. Run it over the carpet to pull up hair from the deep layers. This method works particularly well for shaggy carpets and rugs.”

Paul Brewster added: “By incorporating these techniques into your cleaning routine, you can help manage and reduce hair build-up in your carpets. For stubborn or heavily embedded hair, a professional carpet cleaning service can offer a deep clean and restore your carpet’s appearance.”