For less than two euros and just minutes of effort, you can remove every stain from your mattress
In a time when cleaning the house can feel pricey and time-consuming, a method from British influencer Vicki Collis has gone viral online. Touted as “lightning-fast” and “spot-cheap,” the technique uses three everyday ingredients to tackle stubborn stains. Priced at only £1.52, it caught on after appearing on Instagram in March 2024.
How this viral cleaning trick started
The idea came about after an incident involving Vicki Collis and her daughter, which left them facing a tricky mattress stain. Collis, who describes herself as inventive and resourceful, wanted a way to lift the mark without damaging the mattress. She came up with a simple mix of baking soda, white vinegar, and dish soap, described as “everyday, cheap, and easy-to-find.” After the mixture worked on the stain, she posted the method on Instagram and interest spread quickly.
How the method works
Collis’s approach is straightforward. Mix baking soda, white vinegar, and dish soap into a paste and apply it directly to the stain. After a few minutes (users have called the effect “virtually immediate”), a gentle scrub with a soft brush starts to show results. Finish by wiping the area with a dry cloth, and the surface looks refreshed.
This combo isn’t just for mattresses. People have reported success using Vicki’s concoction on shower grout, tiles, ceramic surfaces, skirting boards, and dull grout. Instagram users have shared before-and-after images and reactions showing results across different household surfaces.
Why this low-cost method stands out
One of the main draws is the price. At £1.52, it is cheaper than many specialised industrial cleaners. It also reduces the need for multiple chemical products, which some users see as a more environmentally friendly choice. As Vicki put it, this recipe is a “budget-friendly aid: friendly for your wallet and effective enough to include in your daily cleaning routine, without needing a battery of products.”
The quick results people report have helped its popularity. As Collis says, “the results live up to the promise,” and that has encouraged many households to try it out.
Reaction and community response
When the demo went live on Instagram it drew a largely positive response. Many users praised the practical benefits and the clear, easy-to-follow nature of Collis’s method. As more people shared their own successes (and occasional failures), the technique gained a wider following.
Although the method lacks precise measurements or detailed scientific testing, the growing number of real-life success stories has helped build trust in it. People value the visible transformations on a variety of surfaces without spending much.
Adding Vicki Collis’s cleaning mix to your routine may offer a simple, low-cost way to keep things tidy and stain-free without leaning heavily on industrial products. Some users see it as aligned with more sustainable and budget-conscious cleaning habits among everyday households.