A splash of red wine on the carpet is enough to spark panic in most households. But cleaning experts say there’s no need to fret, thanks to a cheap kitchen staple that costs just 65p.

According to professionals from Yell, a common pantry staple is one of the most effective and affordable solutions for removing red wine stains from carpets, especially when acted on immediately. This can save you hours of panicked scrubbing and splashing out on expensive stain removers. The experts advise to simply pour a generous amount of salt directly onto the spill while it's still wet. The salt works by absorbing the moisture from the carpet fibres, effectively drawing the wine out of the material.

The expert said: "If the spillage is fresh, cover it with a generous layer of salt and leave it to absorb into the carpet. The salt should act as an absorbent, soaking up the wine so you can simply hoover up the residue afterwards." 

The key is to act fast; the longer the wine has to soak in, the more difficult it becomes to remove. 

If the stain isn’t caught in time, all is not lost. You can use the tried-and-true household combo of white vinegar and washing-up liquid.

Mix a tablespoon of each with two cups of warm water. Gently blot the stain with the solution using a clean cloth or sponge. This method can help break down the pigments in red wine, making it easier to lift from upholstery and carpeting. 

Another alternative for clothes or fabrics is a paste made from dishwashing liquid and baking soda. Apply the mixture to the stained area, allow it to sit for several minutes, then rinse and launder as normal.

The mild abrasiveness of the baking soda, paired with the degreasing power of the dish soap, helps to tackle the wine’s tannins and lift the colour from the fibres.

Red wine contains natural pigments called anthocyanins, which are highly prone to binding with fabrics. With alcohol acting as a spreading agent, wine can leave a deep, fast-penetrating stain that can leave a permanent mark if not treated quickly.

This is why professional cleaners emphasise the importance of speed and the right method. Scrubbing aggressively or applying hot water straight away can actually make the stain worse by pushing it deeper into the fibres or setting it.

So next time your hand slips and a splash of merlot or shiraz hits the floor, don’t panic. Skip the panic-buy of specialist sprays and reach for the salt instead.