Cleaning guru's 65p hack will 'banish odours and stray hairs' in your home

A cleaning expert has shared his top tips for banishing unwanted odours from your home, as well as a string of other tips to help with stubborn problems like pet hair and dirty carpets

An cleaning expert says a budget-friendly pantry staple is perfect for eliminating unwelcome smells from your house.

Juggling cleaning with work, kids, leisure, and other daily tasks isn't easy. And studies show 65% of us also look after a dog or cat. Although pets boost well-being and encourage a healthier way of life, they can carry in grime. People lose around 50-100 hairs daily, while pets may shed much more.

Carpet fibres tend to trap pesky hair, leading many to seek methods for maintaining odour and pet-hair free homes. This is clearly a bone of contention for many - even on TikTok, where hashtags like #carpetcleaning and #pethairremoval have exploded, amassing upwards of 228,000 and 30,000 posts respectively.

In response to this challenge, Paul Brewster, flooring specialist and CEO of Flooring Hut, an online carpet and flooring enterprise, divulged his essential tips to eradicate hair and persistent scents from your carpets.

Paul remarked: "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 home expert recommended trying the following eight options to keep your home spick and span:

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.”