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Dunelm's £25 'quiet and powerful' fan is 'perfect' for hot nights

Dunelm's £25 'quiet and powerful' fan is 'perfect' for hot nights

Daily Record16-06-2025
The tall fan has been rated highly online, with people saying it gives 'instant relief' on humid nights
The latest Met Office forecasts claim that parts of the country could experience daytime temperatures of up to 30C this week, meaning summer has truly arrived in the UK. With the arrival of that kind of summer heat, Brits are likely to be setting up their fans in a bid to stay cool.
However, the evenings might not provide the cool temperatures many would hope for after sunny conditions all day. Some parts of the UK will struggle with humid heat nearing 20C during the late night and early morning hours, potentially disrupting a good night's sleep. You can check your local forecast here.
If you haven't done so already, it might be worth investing in a fan to help make those nights more bearable. There are plenty available, such as Argos' Bush 16-Inch Pedestal/Desk White Fan (£24, down from £30) and (£19.99).
Dunelm's 16-inch White Pedestal Fan also comes highly recommended by shoppers. This basic and affordable option has received glowing online reviews and is priced at £25, reports the Mirror.
It can be collected free of charge from most branches within a few hours of placing a click-and-collect order. With three different speed settings, this fan is "perfect for keeping you cool and comfortable during the summer months", according to Dunelm.
Customers have praised the effective device for offering a "quiet" solution to staying cool. One customer said: "A godsend in really hot weather. Brought instant relief during really hot nights. Standing in front of it, feeling the cool air was amazing."
Another shared that they had "bought one for every room." A third added: "Probably the best fan I have ever purchased. Very quiet and powerful. Ideal for the heat!"
Someone else said: "Very easy to assemble and put together. It works well and makes a nice breeze. [It is a] good height, especially for being in bed or on the sofa."
A fifth person wrote: "The fan works well. Even on the lowest setting, it creates a nice cool breeze. It's very quiet to run and doesn't take up a lot of space." And another put in their review: "Quiet fan even on full power!"
However, not all reviews were as positive, with some customers having a few issues such as the power cord being "quite short" and others mentioning that the fan's turning mechanism would "click loudly all the time." One shopper claimed that the fan would "shake violently" on any speed above 'one'.
How expensive is it to have a fan on all night?
Many wonder about the cost of running a fan throughout the night during warm weather. Panic about waking up one day to sky-high electricity bills shouldn't worry people - having a fan on all night typically consumes just pennies' worth of energy.
Consumer champions at Which assure that electric fans aren't heavy on power, even at top speeds. That said, Which does highlight: "Energy use varies between different types of fan and by brand. Generally speaking, desk fans are smaller so will use less energy, whereas bigger pedestal or tower fans use more energy, making them more expensive to run."
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I'm a dishwasher engineer – the models to buy and cost £10 per year even if you use them EVERY day
I'm a dishwasher engineer – the models to buy and cost £10 per year even if you use them EVERY day

Scottish Sun

time20 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

I'm a dishwasher engineer – the models to buy and cost £10 per year even if you use them EVERY day

Plus, expert tips on how to use your dishwasher properly IN A SPIN I'm a dishwasher engineer – the models to buy and cost £10 per year even if you use them EVERY day Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BOUGHT the wrong dishwasher? You'll soon know about it. Instead of sparkling dishes, you might end up with streaky glassware, sky-high bills, and a heap of dirty cutlery. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Which? has revealed the best dishwashers to buy Credit: Alamy Even worse, some models end up needing fixing every few months, leaving you out of pocket. We spoke to the testing expert at Which? and two leading UK engineers to find out which dishwashers come out sparkling, and which ones will leave you with a sink full of regrets. The Which? verdict Andrew Laughlin is the Which? dishwasher expert, which means he's well-versed in how poor they can be. He said: 'Buy a bad dishwasher and you'll end up having to fall back on washing up by hand, or you'll have to run the dishwasher again, wasting more time, energy and money.' Which? tests dozens of dishwashers every year at its in-house lab, running thousands of dirty plates, glasses, cups and cutlery through each machine. Its experts dirty a range of crockery and cutlery, then score how well the machine cleans, how dry everything is at the end, and whether it leaves watermarks behind. It also checks how easy each machine is to load and use, tests how often the filter needs cleaning, and measures the energy and water used on both auto and eco programmes. Energy and water use are then turned into running cost calculations. Dishwashers that perform well in cleaning, ease of use and efficiency can earn both Best Buy and Eco Buy status. An Eco Buy could save you more than £30 a year in energy. Mum issues urgent warning to 'check fire alarms now' as she shows devastating results of running her dishwasher at night Best buys Miele G 7191 SCVi AutoDos, £1,048, Which? Score: 82% 3 This more expensive dishwasher is well worth the cash This top-of-the-line fully integrated dishwasher boasts automatic detergent dosing, ComfortClose door, Miele@Home connectivity, and whisper-quiet operation at just 43dB. It's rated B for energy use, consuming just 0.64kWh and 8.4 litres per eco cycle, with annual energy and water costs of around £66. This means it's not only efficient, but long-term affordable. It's currently available for £1,048 at Appliance Centre – a discount of over £500 off the RRP. Which? verdict 'Flawless cleaning. Although the price tag will put a dent in your wallet, this high-quality Miele will put a lean, mean, cleaning machine in your kitchen. "If you want a premium integrated dishwasher, look no further.' Pros - Flawless cleaning Cons - Nothing of note Bosch SMS4EMW06G, £549, Which? Score: 80% 3 This Bosch dishwasher came second in Which?'s rankings This freestanding Bosch model balances performance and features at a mid-range price point. It includes Home Connect smart features, SpeedPerfect Plus for faster washes, and Extra Dry for added hygiene. Rated C for energy, it uses 0.79kWh and 9.5 litres per auto cycle – working out to annual running costs of around £69.23, according to Which?. Available to buy at Which? verdict "Lean, mean, dishwashing machine. Although its price is rather high, overall this Bosch dishwasher is worth the investment. "It combines Best Buy cleaning and drying, with simple usability and Eco Buy efficiency.' Pros - Good cleaning Cons - Noisy Best to avoid Hoover HDPH 2D1049W-80 – £249, test score 39% This slimline Hoover model is one of the cheapest on the market – and unfortunately, one of the worst performing too. Which? verdict 'Avoid. A bargain this is not. It fails to clean everything, leaving dried-on dirt on many dishes. "If it was wonderfully energy efficient, we might be able to excuse this, but it's not. "It actually uses more energy than most (doing what, we don't know). "Add on that it's noisy and tricky to use, and we have no option but to make it a Don't Buy.' Pros - It's cheap (and that's about it) Cons - Really bad at washing, inefficient with energy CDA CDI6242 – £455, test score 43% This integrated, full-sized dishwasher may seem affordable, but its low Which? score and serious performance flaws make it one to avoid. Which? verdict 'This dishwasher cleans and dries so poorly we've made it a Don't Buy. As such, it's one to avoid at all costs.' Pros - good energy and water efficiency Cons - poor cleaning, dismal drying, noisy Which? expert tips for using your dishwasher properly Don't rinse the plates – Most dishwasher programs pre-rinse your dishes, so you won't need to waste water (and money) by running them under the tap. Don't bother with the detergent dispenser – Logic dictates that the detergent dispenser will release your dishwasher tablet at the optimum moment during the wash cycle. But you can just chuck it straight into the body of your dishwasher and not sweat about it. It will still work. Don't skip maintenance – That means topping up your rinse aid and salt, regularly cleaning the filter, and periodically maintaining other aspects of the machine, such as the spray arms and door seals. You should also leave the door ajar after a cycle from time to time, as this will circulate air into your dishwasher, stopping the build up of mildew, mould and bacteria. Stack like a pro – Stack plates and flat items facing inwards so they are well covered by the spray jets, while pots, pans, deep bowls and other such items should face down. Make sure no large items are placed in a way that will block the spray arm. Anything that needs harder cleaning, such as baking trays or pots and pans, goes on the lower rack where the water pressure is higher whereas more delicate items, including glasses, mugs and cups, go on the upper rack. The same goes for plastic items and containers, as well as large utensils. Leave enough space between items for the water and detergent to spread around – alternating larger and smaller plates in the rack will help with this. Watch out for spoons 'nesting' in the cutlery basket – when this happens, there's no space for the water to circulate. To avoid this, place some facing upwards and some downwards. Make use of the adjustable racks – The upper racks on most modern dishwashers are usually adjustable, meaning you can lower the rack to accommodate taller items, such as a long-stemmed wine glass. The engineer's verdict Steve Neale, founder of repair business The London Spin Doctor, has seen the worst of and dishwashers and warns that buying cheap, usually means buying twice, and more quickly than you might think. He said: 'If you buy a dishwasher for £200, it's going to last you less than five years. "If you spend around 400, 500, you should have the machine for at least 10." When it comes to picking a good machine, he said brand is important, as is ease of repair. He said: "Every machine in the world is going to break, but you want one that's cheaply repairable. That's the key. "So, I always recommend Bosch machines simply because they're quiet. They're really well-built and they're always repairable.' Steve's brands to buy: Bosch Beko (best on a budget) Neff Siemens Steve's brands to avoid: Indesit Hoover Candy Hotpoint AEG When it comes to upkeep, Steve said that many of the callouts he gets could have been avoided with better use. He said: '90% of the dishwasher repairs that I do are down to user error rather than mechanical failure. "Which means basically they've they haven't scraped their plates. So, for example, sweetcorn, eggshell, fish bones, chicken bones. "You have to scrape them off your plates because the dishwasher can't break those things down.' He added that another common is blocking one or both of the spray arms, for instance by having a long spatula poking through the top. This stops the dishwasher from cleaning properly. Key features to look for in a dishwasher Rado Domev, CTO at appliance repair company Domex, said choosing the right dishwasher for your needs is not just about brand – it's about smart features and long-term usability. For instance, he tends to recommend models with higher capacity. He explained: 'Full size dishwashers could vary from 12 to 16 place setting. Higher capacity allows you to wash more dishes per cycle, saving water and electricity in the long run.'. His other must-have features include: Half Load Option: A half load setting offers great versatility. If you only have a few items, you can run a smaller, more efficient cycle, avoiding wasted water and energy. Separate Cutlery Tray: Dishwashers with a separate cutlery tray at the top often provide superior wash results for your silverware. Plus, it frees up valuable space in the bottom rack for larger pots and pans. for larger pots and pans. Flood Protection: This is a crucial safety feature. Models with flood protection can prevent significant water damage to your property in case of a leak, offering peace of mind. What not to overspend on Rado warned not to obsess over efficiency ratings alone. He said: 'Don't let energy efficiency ratings be your sole focus. "While important, the real-world running cost difference between an A and B rated model might only be around £10 per year if used daily. "The upfront cost difference for a slightly more efficient model often doesn't justify this minimal annual saving.' He also recommended ditching models with limited wash programmes. He said: 'Avoid models with only 3 or 4 basic programs. "A poor choice of programs might force you to use longer, more intensive cycles for lightly soiled dishes, wasting time and resources. "Look for dishwashers with a variety of settings to match different cleaning needs.' Rado's top maintenance tips To ensure your dishwasher performs at its best and lasts longer, follow these maintenance tips: Always Use Dishwasher Salt : This is critical, regardless of the type of dishwasher tablet you use. Dishwashers require salt to regenerate their water softener resin, which prevents limescale buildup and ensures effective cleaning. : This is critical, regardless of the type of dishwasher tablet you use. Dishwashers require salt to regenerate their water softener resin, which prevents limescale buildup and ensures effective cleaning. Set Correct Water Hardness : Adjust your dishwasher's water hardness setting to match your local water supply. This optimises the performance of the detergent and softener. : Adjust your dishwasher's water hardness setting to match your local water supply. This optimises the performance of the detergent and softener. Regular Cleaning: Make it a habit to regularly clean the filters and degrease the appliance. This prevents blockages, maintains wash performance, and extends the life of your dishwasher. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

Mrs Hinch fans share 55p item to get mouldy washing machine drawers sparkling again
Mrs Hinch fans share 55p item to get mouldy washing machine drawers sparkling again

Daily Record

time21 hours ago

  • Daily Record

Mrs Hinch fans share 55p item to get mouldy washing machine drawers sparkling again

The cleaning experts fans have shared a cheap, effective way to make your machine look new again. Washing machines are designed to clean clothes, but they also need regular scrubbing to stay fresh themselves. This is particularly true of the detergent drawer. ‌ Because the drawers are used frequently, softener and detergent can cause mould to build up, making them look grubby. The narrow drawers are also hard to clean, so they are often left for long periods of time. ‌ There are cleaning products on the market that promise to clean your drawers in seconds. However, these can be pricey and often not very reliable. So, what is the best way to get your washing machine drawer sparkling clean? ‌ Fans of cleaning guru Mrs Hinch —real name Sophie Hinchliffe—believe the process is simple and involves a cheap household item that you probably already have in your kitchen cupboards. Posting on the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook group, one person asked recently: 'Has anybody got any suggestions on how to get rid of black mould in the washing machine drawer?' And cleaning fans were quick to respond, with several people telling the woman to remove the drawer, soak it in a bowl of water, and use a washing-up liquid, which can be bought for as little as 55p from Asda. ‌ One person said: 'Washing up liquid is great for this, simple and so effective.' For the best results, Mrs Hinch fans recommend cleaning the drawer after every use, so that mould doesn't have the chance to build up. ‌ There are many reasons why mould may grow in the washing machine drawer, including excess detergent, which can cause soap scum that can get caught and turn into mould. Homewares deal of the week Looking to beat the heat as temperatures continue to rise? Then look no further than Dunelm's White Rechargeable USB Desk Fan that has an almost perfect five star rating for its small, yet mighty, design that means it works "even on the lowest setting." Easy to connect via a USB cable that can be connected to laptops and computers, this desk fan is perfect for those who find themselves working from home on these sweaty, humid summer days. However, it doesn't need to remain plugged-in, as the rechargeable element and compact six-inch design means it can be taken anywhere, even placed on a bedside table overnight on summer nights thanks to its "quiet" operation. It's finished with four speed settings to choose from and an adjustable angle that can help direct the cool breeze where it is needed, unlike other models that can sometimes be stuck in one place. As for Dunelm's own mini desk fan, it has received an impressive 4.8 rating from impressed shoppers who say that, despite its size, it is "surprisingly powerful" and "a literal life-saver" during this kind of weather. One five-star review read: "Fantastic fan, surprisingly powerful, quiet, lasts for quite a long time when charged, very hard to find a decent small rechargeable fan but this is it, will be buying more!" Beat the heat with Dunelm's White Rechargeable USB Desk Fan that costs just £25. Washing at temperatures below 40 degrees regularly can also leave behind some residue, which facilitates the growth of mould and dirt. ‌ Meanwhile, other cleaning fans recommended using white vinegar instead of washing up liquid. The product is known for its versatility in tackling a variety of cleaning jobs. It can dissolve hard water and cut through grime, making it ideal for washing machine drawers. And for another alternative, some commenters in the same Facebook group suggested putting the drawer in the dishwasher if you have one or soaking it in water with a dishwasher tablet. ‌ Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Sarah Dempsey, a cleaning expert from MyJobQuote, recently shared the best method to clean inside of your washing machine. Sarah said: 'The best way to clean your washing machine seal is to run a hot wash cycle.' The expert added that there are some household products that you can use to clean your washing machine. She added: 'For example, you can spray the washing machine drum with white vinegar and wipe it all around the drum with a clean cloth. "This will help to get rid of residues and hard water stains and can even lift away grease easily."

Air India crash victim's mum horrified as authorities send wrong body back to the UK in a casket
Air India crash victim's mum horrified as authorities send wrong body back to the UK in a casket

Scottish Sun

timea day ago

  • Scottish Sun

Air India crash victim's mum horrified as authorities send wrong body back to the UK in a casket

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MUM whose son died in the Air India plane crash has been left horrified after authorities sent the wrong body back to the UK. Amanda Donaghey, 66, was left heartbroken and appalled after DNA evidence proved Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek's casket actually belonged to another victim. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 DNA evidence proved Air India crash passenger Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek's casket actually belonged to another victim Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 6 Fiongal and husband Jamie filmed themselves waiting to board the doomed plane Credit: Instagram 6 All but one passenger died when the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft crashed in Ahmedabad, India Credit: Reuters Fiongal, 39, had been to India celebrating his wedding anniversary with husband, Jamie, 45. The pair were all set to fly home to Britain on the doomed Flight AI171 when disaster struck just a minute into the journey. Moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport, the pilots lost altitude as the plane came crashing towards the ground. Footage captured the moment it smashed into a medical college hostel. A total of 241 passengers and crew plus 19 people on the ground were all killed in the tragedy - including 52 Brits like Fiongal and Jamie. Amanda initially believed the two men had caught a flight home two days earlier until she received an emotional phone call from the dad of Fiongal. A brave Amanda then flew out to India shortly after being told both men were on the plane when it crashed. She went to look for her son or, in the worse case scenario, bring his remains home. She told The Sunday Times: "Visiting the site and seeing it was something I felt like I had to do. I wanted to understand what had happened. "I remember all these burnt trees. The trees were scorched black. But there were still birds and squirrels in those trees, which I found quite profound. How pilots cutting engines sparked TWO plane disasters after South Korea & India crashes as calls for cockpit CCTV grow "It was like a bomb site. You would think it was from a war scene, but there were still these small birds twittering." Hours after the crash, it was confirmed that only one person had survived the accident. Despite the tragedy, Amanda remained determined to help find Fiongal's remains. She gave blood to help find a DNA match before being informed officials had found the body and sent it back to the UK. Jamie had already been identified by this point with both men's families hoping to lay them to rest next to each other. Amanda rushed back to the UK hoping to say her final goodbyes after being assured that Fiongal was in the casket. The family had started to plan Fiongal's funeral when they received a gut-wrenching phone call from the police. A British coroner had completed a second, more thorough DNA test on the remains which were inside the casket. Fiongal's tragic final video A HEARTBREAKING final video posted by Fiongal came just hours before their tragic death in the Air India crash. In the chilling final clip filmed at Ahmedabad airport, Fiongal and Jamie, dressed in floral shirts and visibly happy, reflect on their trip. Fiongal says: "We are at the airport just boarding. Goodbye India. Ten-hour flight back to England. What was your biggest takeaway Jamie?" Jamie responds: "I don't know," prompting Fiongal's laughter and a teasing, "Thanks for your contribution." Fiongal jokes that his main lesson was "don't lose your patience with your partner," to which Jamie smiles and replies, "You snapped at me at the airport for having chai." Passengers mill in the background as Fiongal adds: "I'm going back to Britain happily, happily calm." Earlier social media posts from the couple showed their experiences in Ahmedabad, including a seven-hour car journey to a stunning hotel. In one clip, Fiongal lies on a large bed beside a giant swing, describing the hotel as "beautiful" and saying he felt "very, very happy." Their time in India was captured in a series of posts showing henna tattoos, shopping for fabrics and gifts, and riding in a tuk-tuk through busy streets. On their final night, Fiongal reflected: "So, it's our last night in India and we've had a magical experience. Some mind-blowing things have happened. "We are going to put all this together and create a vlog. It's my first ever vlog about the whole trip and we want to share it." Jamie added: "We have been on quite a journey and then spending our last night here in this beautiful hotel, it's really been a great way to round off the trip." They did not belong to Fiongal. "It was heartbreaking," Amanda said. "We don't know what poor person is in that casket. This is an appalling thing to have happened." Amanda's experience is tragically just one of many parents struggling to find closure after the crash due to a mix up of many caskets. NHS microbiologist Shobhana Patel, 71, and her husband Ashok, 74, both died in the crash. The couple, from Orpington, Kent, were repatriated in different coffins but DNA tests in Britain found other body parts along with Shobhana's. One heartbroken family was even forced to cancel funeral plans due to the mix-up of bodies, the Mail Online reported. And in another harrowing mistake, "commingled" human remains - consisting of body parts of more than one victim - were reportedly packed into a casket before being shipped to the UK. It is thought that only Indian authorities carried out DNA tests on victims with no input from any international agency. India's Ministry of External Affairs said: 'All remains were handled with professionalism.' Brit families previously slammed the chaotic ground operation following the horror smash on June 12. One relative reportedly blasted the "lack of transparency and oversight in the identification and handling of remains". 6 Brit families previously slammed the chaotic ground operation following the horror smash on June 12 Credit: AFP 6 Vishwash Ramesh was the sole survivor of the Air India crash Credit: Dan Charity

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