Hay fever season is in full swing, with grass pollen typically peaking from mid-May to July. The Met Office has issued a red weather warning for parts of the UK, including London, the Midlands, south-east Wales, and southern England, from 9am Wednesday to 9pm Thursday. Pollen levels are expected to be high, affecting one in four Brits who suffer from hay fever, causing symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes.
Pollen easily clings to clothing, hair, and shoes, leaving yellow stains on carpets once indoors. However, a simple, inexpensive cleaning solution can tackle the problem effectively.
The 37p Lemon Juice Remedy
James Higgins, eCommerce Manager at Online Carpets, has revealed a hack using a single lemon, available at Tesco for 37p. The method requires only water and a lemon.
Higgins explains: "Pollen can be annoying for many reasons, not just for hay fever. It can also leave yellow stains on our flooring when brought into our homes, which can be quite difficult to remove at times. To remove any pollen stains from your carpets, simply pour a few drops of lemon juice into a spray bottle and mix with some tap water. If you don't have a spray bottle, you can also pour a few drops of juice onto the carpet straight from the lemon itself."
How to Apply the Solution
Spray the mixture onto the stain and blot with a clean cloth, starting from the outside and moving inward. It is crucial not to rub the stain, as this can smudge the pollen and spread the problem. For stubborn stains, Higgins recommends adding bicarbonate of soda or salt with more water to help remove it afterward.
Higgins adds: "You must remember to wait until the pollen is dry for this to work well. If the pollen is still fresh and wet, it can spread further across the carpet leaving a larger stain that can be more difficult and time-consuming to remove."
