Tea stains will lift out of carpets with 1 natural ingredient - not vinegar

Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the UK and can be enjoyed morning, noon and night. But while it makes a delicious drink, it's not quite as enjoyable when it accidentally sloshes all over your carpet, leaving a less than desirable brown stain.

If you have a light coloured carpet in your home, can look particularly alarming and it's easy to think that you might have to get a professional in to remove the offending brown mark. But it is possible to yourself for a fraction of the cost using one natural ingredient. While vinegar and are often the go-to items when it comes to , experts say using salt on your carpet works a treat.

Salt is a good absorbent and can soak up liquids and stains very effectively. Experts suggest first blotting the stain with a clean cloth or some kitchen roll and then liberally sprinkling salt over the affected area.

As the salt sits on the stain it draws the liquid into its granules, helping to prevent the stain from setting deeper into the fibres of your carpet. Some experts suggest adding some carbonated water on top as well to help lift the stain, but it can still work without this step.

Once the salt has absorbed all the liquid, vacuum it up and then rinse the area with some cold water and blot it dry.

Rugs Direct explains: "To remove a tea stain using sale, you need to begin by absorbing as much of the tea as possible. The best way to do this is to start out with a wet cloth and quickly dab across the entire area as you see the tea transfer over onto the cloth.

"When you've removed as much as you can, liberally pour salt over the stain and it will begin to absorb the remaining tea. Top it off by pouring a small amount of club soda on top as the carbonation is great for stain removal. Then all you need to do is rinse with cold water and repeat until the stain has vanished forever."