January has been revealed as the peak month for replacing carpets, with wine spills topping the list of reasons for the damage.
A recent study by SimplyUnderlay.co.uk found that after a season of holiday entertaining, many homeowners choose to replace their carpets in the new year – especially when faced with stains caused by spilled wine.
Key findings
The study, which surveyed over 9,000 UK homeowners, uncovered some revealing statistics:
- 28% of homeowners reported replacing their carpets in January.
- 36% of those replacing carpets cited wine spills as the primary cause of damage.
- 45% of respondents delayed their carpet replacements until January, citing the financial strain of the holiday season.
- 19% of homeowners admitted to leaving wine stains untreated for an extended period.
- 56% of homeowners opted for more durable, stain-resistant carpets after experiencing wine-related damage.
Why wine spills are the main culprit
According to the survey, wine spills are most common in living rooms and dining areas, where social gatherings tend to occur. The study also revealed that many homeowners delay replacing their carpets, often waiting until after the festive period when finances are less stretched.
This delay can lead to further damage, making cleaning more challenging and sometimes requiring full carpet replacements.
“It’s not uncommon for people to wait until January due to the financial strain of the holidays,” said a spokesperson from Simply Underlay. “However, by waiting too long, they risk the stain setting, making it harder to clean, and often leading to the need for a complete replacement.”
Many homeowners put off cleaning or replacing their carpets, hoping the stains will fade on their own. Unfortunately, as 19% of respondents admitted, this often leads to more serious issues. Wine spills that are not addressed immediately can set, making them difficult or even impossible to remove.
“It’s crucial to act quickly when spills occur,” the spokesperson advised. “Blot the stain with a clean cloth – don’t rub – to avoid pushing the stain deeper. If the stain persists, it’s best to consult a professional cleaner to prevent long-term damage.”
After dealing with wine-related carpet damage, 56% of homeowners decided to replace their old carpets with more durable, stain-resistant options. “We’ve seen an increase in demand for carpets with built-in stain resistance, as homeowners look for long-term solutions to prevent future mishaps,” said the spokesperson.
For those frequently entertaining at home, the experts at Simply Underlay recommend using high-quality underlay to minimise the impact of wine spills. A good underlay, especially one with moisture-resistant properties, can protect the carpet from deeper stains and enhance overall comfort.
As homeowners begin replacing their carpets in January, they are encouraged to make informed choices to ensure their new flooring is more resilient in the future. “Choosing durable, easy-to-clean carpets and ensuring the right underlay can help homeowners avoid the frustration of wine-related damage in the future,” said the spokesperson.
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
