Latest news with #DailyPoppins
Western Telegraph
08-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Western Telegraph
I tried a natural 45p bathroom cleaning hack
But have you tried making your bathroom sink, bath and tiles sparkle like new, using a piece of fruit? I have, and it blew my mind. I'm the first to admit that I get sucked into these ridiculous trends on social media when it comes to household hacks – the cheaper (and weirder), the better, in my honest opinion. Because let's be honest, cleaning your house with the same old anti-bacterial spray, such as Flash or Zoflora, can get pretty boring, and that's coming from someone who cleans for a hobby. Can you make cleaner out of grapefruit? 45p bathroom hack that blew my mind So, when I came across a cleaning expert who recommended giving your bathroom suite a rub-down with a grapefruit and some salt, I quite literally jumped (up from the sofa) at the chance. My first thoughts were, is my bathroom going to turn into a giant bucket of Pimms-like sticky syrup, and will it attract every flying insect (I'm looking at you, wasps nest across the road) surrounding my house? I just had to find out, because there was no way a humongous 45p grapefruit from Tesco could replace my trusty method army – I was adamant this was even too weird for me. But do you know what, Nigel Bearman at Daily Poppins was right, it does clean your bathroom surfaces and it does one hell of a job without any harsh chemicals in sight. I actually ate the other half of grapefruit which wasn't used to clean my bathroom - don't judge (Image: Molly Court/Newsquest) What stood out to me the most was how much it made the likes of my bathroom taps shine like they were straight out of a Wickes showroom. It even managed to get rid of a small build-up of limescale. Plus, I can't tell you how refreshing it was to have a natural, zesty scent take over my bathroom, a difference from the usual pungent anti-bacterial sprays. Although it looked a bit of a mess at first (I found it quite satisfying squeezing the inner grapefruit flesh over my sink and bath), it all washed away within seconds of pouring warm water on top. Best of all, after letting the grapefruit juice and salt soak, there wasn't a speckle of sticky residue, which was my ultimate fear. All that was left was a gleaming sink, taps and bath without any dust, grime or stains, and it only took 10 minutes to achieve. What do you usually clean your bathroom with? (Image: Molly Court/Newsquest) How to use a grapefruit for cleaning When cleaning my bathroom with grapefruit and salt, this is the method I followed, thanks to Nigel's instructions: Cut the grapefruit in half and sprinkle it with coarse salt (like Epsom or sea salt) - I used normal cooking salt and it worked just fine Take one half of the grapefruit and lightly scrub it over the surface of your bath and shower Let it sit for a few minutes to help the citric acid work even harder on the stains (optional) Rinse the area with warm water and wipe clean if necessary So, what's the science behind grapefruit and salt being an excellent bathroom cleaner? Nigel explained: 'Grapefruit contains citric acid which helps to quickly break down soap scum and grime found in baths and showers. It acts as a natural cleaning agent and dissolves through tough stains while eliminating germs and bacteria. An unbelievable transformation if I do say so myself (Image: Molly Court/Newsquest) 'The salt works as an abrasive to help scrub the grime away while you use it, while the grapefruit uses its natural acids and antibacterial properties to break down the buildup and leave your bathroom sparkling clean. It's a simple, eco-friendly solution that gives you a fresh, citrus-scented finish.' Recommended reading: Additionally, you can also make an all-purpose grapefruit spray – just squeeze the juice from the grapefruit into a spray bottle, add 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar, top it up with warm water, and give it a good shake. You can also use the leftover grapefruit peel to deodorise your bathroom bin or pop it in a pot of boiling water to naturally scent the whole room. If you fancy giving your bathroom a clean using this cheap grapefruit hack, let us know how you get on in the comments below. What a zest-tastic idea from Nigel, I owe you one.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
This homemade 45p bathroom cleaning hack blew my mind (the experts were right)
What's the weirdest thing you have cleaned your bathroom with? Maybe it was a bizarre TikTok shop product, or you decided to polish your taps with baby oil. But have you tried making your bathroom sink, bath and tiles sparkle like new, using a piece of fruit? I have, and it blew my mind. I'm the first to admit that I get sucked into these ridiculous trends on social media when it comes to household hacks – the cheaper (and weirder), the better, in my honest opinion. Because let's be honest, cleaning your house with the same old anti-bacterial spray, such as Flash or Zoflora, can get pretty boring, and that's coming from someone who cleans for a hobby. So, when I came across a cleaning expert who recommended giving your bathroom suite a rub-down with a grapefruit and some salt, I quite literally jumped (up from the sofa) at the chance. My first thoughts were, is my bathroom going to turn into a giant bucket of Pimms-like sticky syrup, and will it attract every flying insect (I'm looking at you, wasps nest across the road) surrounding my house? I just had to find out, because there was no way a humongous 45p grapefruit from Tesco could replace my trusty method army – I was adamant this was even too weird for me. But do you know what, Nigel Bearman at Daily Poppins was right, it does clean your bathroom surfaces and it does one hell of a job without any harsh chemicals in sight. I actually ate the other half of grapefruit which wasn't used to clean my bathroom - don't judge (Image: Molly Court/Newsquest) What stood out to me the most was how much it made the likes of my bathroom taps shine like they were straight out of a Wickes showroom. It even managed to get rid of a small build-up of limescale. Plus, I can't tell you how refreshing it was to have a natural, zesty scent take over my bathroom, a difference from the usual pungent anti-bacterial sprays. Although it looked a bit of a mess at first (I found it quite satisfying squeezing the inner grapefruit flesh over my sink and bath), it all washed away within seconds of pouring warm water on top. Best of all, after letting the grapefruit juice and salt soak, there wasn't a speckle of sticky residue, which was my ultimate fear. All that was left was a gleaming sink, taps and bath without any dust, grime or stains, and it only took 10 minutes to achieve. What do you usually clean your bathroom with? (Image: Molly Court/Newsquest) When cleaning my bathroom with grapefruit and salt, this is the method I followed, thanks to Nigel's instructions: Cut the grapefruit in half and sprinkle it with coarse salt (like Epsom or sea salt) - I used normal cooking salt and it worked just fine Take one half of the grapefruit and lightly scrub it over the surface of your bath and shower Let it sit for a few minutes to help the citric acid work even harder on the stains (optional) Rinse the area with warm water and wipe clean if necessary So, what's the science behind grapefruit and salt being an excellent bathroom cleaner? Nigel explained: 'Grapefruit contains citric acid which helps to quickly break down soap scum and grime found in baths and showers. It acts as a natural cleaning agent and dissolves through tough stains while eliminating germs and bacteria. An unbelievable transformation if I do say so myself (Image: Molly Court/Newsquest) 'The salt works as an abrasive to help scrub the grime away while you use it, while the grapefruit uses its natural acids and antibacterial properties to break down the buildup and leave your bathroom sparkling clean. It's a simple, eco-friendly solution that gives you a fresh, citrus-scented finish.' Recommended reading: Method's new cleaning spray transformed my home into a Jo Malone-scented paradise I banished the world's worst washing machine smell with 30p hack (and toothpaste) How to remove tough yellow toilet seat stains - 65p hack leaves them 'spotless' Additionally, you can also make an all-purpose grapefruit spray – just squeeze the juice from the grapefruit into a spray bottle, add 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar, top it up with warm water, and give it a good shake. You can also use the leftover grapefruit peel to deodorise your bathroom bin or pop it in a pot of boiling water to naturally scent the whole room. If you fancy giving your bathroom a clean using this cheap grapefruit hack, let us know how you get on in the comments below. What a zest-tastic idea from Nigel, I owe you one.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Pollen Season 2025: The Worst Allergy Wave Yet & the 30‑Second Fix You Need
If your eyes are itchy, your nose won't stop running, and you've already blown through your allergy meds since spring (and now summer) began, you're not alone. Experts warn that 2025 is shaping up to be one of the worst allergy seasons on record, thanks to rising temperatures, longer growing seasons, and record-breaking pollen counts. According to the USA Facts, 60 million Americans experience allergies annually, with about 25.7% of adults—and nearly 19% of children—suffering from seasonal allergies in 2021. With so many affected, finding everyday ways to ease symptoms is more important than ever. While antihistamines are often the first line of defense, there's one simple, expert-backed cleaning habit that can make a real difference—right in your own home. Nigel Bearman, home cleaning expert and founder of Daily Poppins, says one of the most overlooked indoor pollen traps is your windowsill: 'Forgetting to wipe your windowsills after leaving the windows open all day is one of the biggest mistakes I see. It's unrealistic to say 'don't open your windows' in summer, but not wiping the sills afterward is basically inviting pollen to settle and linger in your home.' Wipe down your windowsills daily with a damp microfiber cloth. Do this in the evening, when outdoor pollen levels are lower. It's free, easy, and genuinely helps reduce hay fever symptoms indoors. Pollen settles on smooth surfaces like sills, blinds, and frames when windows are open during the day. The particles don't just stay put—every time you open or close the window, draw a curtain, or walk by, they get kicked back into the air and land on fabrics, bedding, and carpets. Climate and air quality experts are sounding the alarm: 2025 may rival or exceed past record-breaking allergy years. Here's why: Longer pollen seasons: Researchers led by the University of Utah analyzed pollen data from 60 stations across the U.S. and Canada (1990–2018), finding pollen seasons now start ~20 days earlier, last ~10 days longer, and contain approximately 21% more pollen compared to 1990—attributing most of the shift to human-caused climate change. Higher pollen levels overall: The National Allergy Bureau and have reported significant spikes in pollen counts across major U.S. cities. Here are more steps that can help keep pollen under control inside your house: Use a damp cloth instead of a feather duster to trap and remove allergens from hard surfaces. This keeps them from becoming airborne. National Allergy recommends washing sheets and pillowcases in water at 130°F (54°C) or higher to kill dust mites and remove pollen. If you usually dry your bedding outdoors (not common in the U.S.), try drying it indoors on a rack or in the dryer instead to minimize pollen collection. Dogs and cats easily track pollen inside on their fur and paws. Keep a damp towel or pet wipe near the door to clean them off before they curl up on your couch. Especially in bedrooms and living spaces, true HEPA air purifiers can dramatically reduce airborne allergens. According to the EPA, they're one of the most effective tools for pollen control indoors. Use weather stripping on doors and windows, and try dabbing a bit of petroleum jelly around window frames to trap pollen before it enters. Use allergy map to stay ahead of high-pollen days and adjust your outdoor activities accordingly. When allergy season hits hard, even your home can feel like a pollen trap. But with just 30 seconds a day—and a few smart tweaks to your cleaning routine—you can reclaim your space and reduce hay fever flare-ups significantly.
Daily Mirror
19-06-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Brits warned not to dry their clothes outdoors during 32C heatwave
Experts have warned people they could risk aggravating a specific health condition if they're tempted to hang their clothes outside to dry during the heatwave this week Brits have been warned to resist the urge to dry their washing outside during the heatwave - with 32C temperatures bringing health risks for those who decide to take the plunge. Temperatures hit a searing 31C in the southeast this afternoon, leaving hundreds of thousands of people at the mercy of severe heat for hours on end. With the sky-high mercury set to persist into the weekend and even increase, people will be looking for a silver lining to the oppressive heat, with quick and energy efficient clothes drying being one of few benefits. But select people have been warned against doing so, as they risk exacerbating an already debilitating condition. Home cleaning experts have warned that hayfever sufferers risk making their symptoms much worse if they hang their clothes outsie as pollen count surges. Nigel Bearman, home cleaning expert and founder of Daily Poppins, told the Manchester Evening News that this is a "recipe for itchy eyes and a stuffy nose. He said: "Hanging your clothes, bedding or towels outside on high pollen days is a recipe for itchy eyes and a stuffy nose. 'The wet laundry acts like a sponge, soaking up all the pollen. It settles into the fibres and clings on as the fabric dries, meaning it'll end up in your bed, wardrobe and on your skin. It's no wonder so many people have allergy flare-ups even in their own homes.' According to the Met Office, high temperatures play an important role in the release of pollen, with hotter days bringing on higher counts. Those most at risk aren't those in the hottest areas, however, as pollen is known to decrease if the temperatures reach the recent unbearable highs. The service explains that grass pollen is most active between 18C to 28C when the day is dry and winds are gentle, which is how recent conditions have played out. When the mercury rises beyond the 28C threshold, pollen levels of all kinds decrease, and the supply can even run out altogether if warm days chain together as they have this week. When clouds of pollen are being kicked into the air, clothes are known to absorb particles. Fibres tend to trap pollen quite easily, especially fabrics like cotton, linen or towels, with the clothes lines, balconies and garden racks people use to dry their clothes being well-exposed to airborne particles. Once the pollen has stuck to people's clothes, it can create hell for hay fever sufferers, who struggle to escape the source of their allergies for hours after exposure.
Daily Record
19-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Householders warned not to dry clothes outside this weekend
Some homeowners are being urged to follow the advice. Hanging a washing out on the line seems like the obvious thing to do when the sun is out. It's the best way to get a laundry load to dry quickly and also the sunshine helps to remove tough stains from clothing. However, according to experts this is the worst thing you can do if you suffer with hayfever. The Met Office's UK temperature map shows the country's major cities sitting in the mid 20s for most of the weekend, which will be some of the hottest temperatures we've seen so far this year. With hot weather, also comes high pollen counts. This year the Met Office has frequently warned of high pollen counts across the UK, including later this week. Hayfever now affects almost 10 million Brits causing suffers to wake up each day with streaming eyes, blocked sinuses, and scratchy throats. And while hayfever, which has no cure and can only be managed by taking antihistamines or using nasal sprays, becomes an issue again, preventative measures are being advised. Hayfever sufferers should avoid hanging their washing out to dry as it can exacerbate their symptoms. Nigel Bearman, home cleaning expert and founder of Daily Poppins, says: 'Hanging your clothes, bedding or towels outside on high pollen days is a recipe for itchy eyes and a stuffy nose. "The wet laundry acts like a sponge, soaking up all the pollen. It settles into the fibres and clings on as the fabric dries, meaning it'll end up in your bed, wardrobe and on your skin. It's no wonder so many people have allergy flare-ups even in their own homes.' Laundry fibres trap pollen easily, especially cotton, linen and towels. Clotheslines, balconies and garden racks are all exposed to airborne pollen, especially on warm, breezy days. 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'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Once indoors, pollen from laundry can aggravate symptoms like itchy eyes, blocked nose and sneezing, even hours after exposure. 'On high pollen days, I always recommend drying your clothes indoors, ideally near a window or with decent airflow. If you're short on space, use a collapsible drying rack in a well-ventilated room," Nigel adds. It might be slightly less convenient, but Nigel says this simple switch could make a big difference to daily comfort, especially for those suffering from seasonal allergies. Extra tips to reduce pollen indoors: Check the pollen forecast each day and avoid drying clothes outside when levels are high. Wash bedding regularly at 60°C to remove allergens that build up overnight. Wipe down pets after walks, their fur and paws pick up pollen just like laundry. Vacuum floors and upholstery regularly, especially if you've had windows open or brought in laundry from outdoors.
