A recent study has revealed that January is the most common month for replacing carpets due to wine spills, with homeowners increasingly replacing their flooring after the festive season.
A spokesperson for Designer-Carpet.co.uk explained the findings: “Our survey showed that 28% of homeowners replace their carpets in January, with wine spills being the main cause of damage. The holiday season often involves more social gatherings, and unfortunately, wine spills are a common accident.”
Key findings from the research include:
- 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 replacing their carpets until January due to financial constraints after the holiday period.
- 19% admitted to leaving wine stains untreated for a long time.
- 56% of homeowners preferred to switch to more durable, stain-resistant carpets following wine spill damage.
According to the study, the spike in carpet replacements follows a busy period of entertaining over Christmas and New Year, with 36% of respondents naming wine stains as the main reason for needing a new carpet.
“This time of year often sees people hosting family and friends, and a glass of red wine can occasionally end up on the carpet,” the spokesperson said. “Our data shows that spills are most common in the living room or dining areas, where social activities tend to take place.”
The survey also found that 45% of homeowners who replaced their carpets in January waited until the new year because of the added financial strain during the holidays.
Replacing carpets can be expensive, and many people prefer to wait until after the festive season to handle the damage.
However, delaying the replacement can lead to further staining and wear, making cleaning more difficult in the long run,” the spokesperson noted.
In fact, 19% of respondents admitted to leaving wine stains untreated for longer than they should, hoping they would fade on their own.
“Wine spills are tricky to clean, especially when not addressed immediately. If left untreated, stains can set, and the damage may become irreversible, often requiring a full carpet replacement,” the spokesperson warned.
Interestingly, the survey found that 56% of homeowners opted to replace their carpets with more durable, stain-resistant options after experiencing wine-related damage.
“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,” the spokesperson explained.
When it comes to minimizing the impact of wine spills, the spokesperson recommended using high-quality underlay, “A good underlay with better cushioning not only enhances comfort but can also protect the carpet from deeper stains. We suggest an underlay with moisture-resistant properties for anyone who frequently entertains at home.”
For those still struggling with stubborn wine stains, the spokesperson offered some advice: “It’s crucial to act quickly. Blot the area with a clean cloth, avoiding rubbing, as this can push the stain deeper. If the stain persists, it’s best to consult a professional cleaner to prevent the damage from worsening.”
With the festive season now behind us, homeowners looking to replace their carpets in January can make more informed decisions about their flooring, ensuring they choose solutions that will be more durable and resilient in the future.
Methodology for their findings:
Data collection: Respondents were asked about the frequency and types of spills or stains that led to carpet replacements, specifically due to wine-related accidents.
Survey population: Data was collected through an online survey of 9,200 UK homeowners conducted by Designer-Carpet.co.uk in November 2023.
Survey timing: The survey was completed in the week following New Year’s Day to capture trends related to post-festive season flooring issues.
Focus group: The survey focused on homeowners who hosted gatherings during the Christmas and New Year period in 2023.