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Weird £1 supermarket item clears slippery decking in minutes and gardeners swear by it
Weird £1 supermarket item clears slippery decking in minutes and gardeners swear by it

Daily Mirror

time3 days ago

  • General
  • Daily Mirror

Weird £1 supermarket item clears slippery decking in minutes and gardeners swear by it

There are few things more unpleasant than stumbling out onto a decking covered in slimy green algae - luckily, there's a strange hack going viral that gardeners say can get rid of it If your garden deck is covered in a slippery green mess, there's a wacky but effective trick going viral — and it costs just one pound. Algae are a collection of organisms that thrive in the UK's damp weather. When left to fester, they can quickly spread their gunky tendrils all over your garden, turning your deck into a slippery danger zone. ‌ Even worse, algae will eventually break down, resulting in a repulsive odour that can overpower your home. Luckily, you may not need to fork out on patio cleaners or a power washer to get rid of it. Experts say the fastest way to clean algae off decking could be hiding in your bathroom cabinet. ‌ ‌ According to outdoor specialists at Decking Superstore, shaving foam can actually be a great way to remove the dreaded slime from your garden. They explain: 'It sounds bizarre, but shaving foam is surprisingly effective at cleaning algae off decking. The consistency means it sticks to the wood and breaks down the slime.' Another major benefit is that it also avoids damaging your decking. They add: 'It rinses away easily and doesn't harm the surface.' The reason why shaving foam is so effective is because of its thick consistency. This allows it to stick to the surface instead of running off like other liquids. ‌ In turn, this gives it time to loosen algae from the deck, making it easier to remove. It's also a gentle option, making it safe to use around pets and kids, unlike many harsh chemical cleaners. As bizarre as it might sound, the trick has gained popularity, with more Brits trying it for themselves. Sophie Willoughby, a volunteer with the Royal Horticultural Society, tried it after nearly slipping on a set of slick steps in her garden. She said: "I thought it was one of those silly hacks that wouldn't actually work. But I was shocked. I left it for about ten minutes, gave it a light scrub, and the algae just lifted off." She added: "I've used expensive deck cleaner before and this worked better — plus it smelled nicer!" The way to use it is simple: pick up a can of plain white shaving foam (which you can find for £1 at Boots) and then spray a generous layer over any green or slippery patches. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub off with a stiff broom or brush. Once that's done, rinse the areas thoroughly with water to remove any remaining algae.

Welsh homeowners with garden decking urged to do 1 task this summer or risk infestation
Welsh homeowners with garden decking urged to do 1 task this summer or risk infestation

Wales Online

time12-07-2025

  • General
  • Wales Online

Welsh homeowners with garden decking urged to do 1 task this summer or risk infestation

Welsh homeowners with garden decking urged to do 1 task this summer or risk infestation Experts are warning homeowners to check decking for pests as they seek shelter in decking during the summer months, with rats, ants, foxes and even snakes increasingly seeking shelter under the structure Welsh homeowners with garden decking are being urged to do 1 task this summer or risk infestation (Image: John Keeble via Getty Images ) As the summer temperatures rise, those with garden decking are being alerted to a vital maintenance task they must not neglect. There's been a notable increase in reports of garden infestations, with occurrences of wasp and hornet nests escalating "by around 150%." With another heatwave on the horizon, pests are on the lookout for shelter, and garden decking is becoming a prime target. ‌ Decking Superstore experts have issued a warning that "rats, ants, foxes and even snakes are increasingly seeking shelter in the cool, quiet void beneath garden decks." ‌ Regardless of how spotless your decking appears, the specialist has outlined essential actions that gardeners should undertake to prevent an infestation this summer, reports the Express, adding: "Most pest issues under decking are completely preventable with some smart preparation. We always advise sealing entry points, keeping the area clear, and checking under the deck a few times during the season." The most important action is to inspect under the decking using a torch. Gardeners need to be vigilant for signs such as shredded materials, movement, or droppings. "Just five minutes with a torch every few weeks is often enough to catch a problem early," said the decking professionals. Following the inspection, gardeners are advised to clear the area, ensuring there are no bins, logs, or clutter near or on the decking. Article continues below Homeowners are also advised against consuming food or leaving behind any remnants like food scraps or crumbs, which includes bird seeds and pet food. Additionally, it's recommended to cut back any overgrown foliage, as it can provide hiding spots for smaller creatures. The expert further recommends sealing any potential entry points; using timber trim or fine-gauge mesh works effectively to prevent access under the decking. Lastly, applying pest-repellent wood treatments can help keep insects at bay and extend the life of your deck. Signs you might have an infestation Strange, musty or urine-like smells Scratching or rustling sounds after dark Sagging, soft, or warped boards Droppings or shredded debris near gaps Increased wasp or insect activity around the perimeter ‌ Rats and mice are opportunistic creatures that like to hide or burrow underneath your deck, porch, or shed due to colder weather or spring when nesting is needed for birth. Solutions Pests and Lawns suggests that "one of the most common ways to distinguish between these pests is to examine their waste." Mouse droppings tend to be scattered, while rats leave their droppings along walls and sides, both above and below porches, sheds, and decks. Article continues below "Mouse droppings are smooth with pointed ends and range from dark to light brown in colour, measuring about a quarter of an inch long. Rat droppings are black, pellet-shaped, and, depending on the species, have either blunted or pointed ends," the pest expert explained. To eliminate rats or mice lurking under your decking, the expert recommends placing four to six baits inside a bait station and positioning it flat against the decking, with the product entrance hole facing the structure.

Experts issue terrifying infection warning over garden favourite - it could transmit deadly stomach bug
Experts issue terrifying infection warning over garden favourite - it could transmit deadly stomach bug

Daily Mail​

time04-07-2025

  • Health
  • Daily Mail​

Experts issue terrifying infection warning over garden favourite - it could transmit deadly stomach bug

While it may seem like a time-saving maintenance option for your garden, artificial grass could come with a major health risk, experts warn. Replacing a turfed lawn with a neat carpet of manmade fake grass has been one of the biggest home trends of the past decade, partly inspired by the lavish exterior styling of ITV2 reality show Love Island. However, many people who have swapped their patchy, muddy natural grass for a synthetic alternative aren't aware there is still some vital upkeep. Although it doesn't need to be mowed, watered or reseeded—after all, the main selling point of fake grass is that it's a hassle-free option—it does need to be regularly cleaned, and thoroughly. Experts have warned that as temperatures soar, the garden favourite can rapidly become a breeding ground for potentially harmful bacteria. This is particularly the case for pet owners who allow their cat and dog to urinate and defecate on the plastic surface. Without thorough cleaning with the correct antibacterial products, these germs can quickly spread—creating an increased risk of food poisoning if as people start BBQing and eating outdoors in the good weather. In a report commissioned by Decking Superstore, experts reminded Britons that their artificial grass 'doesn't clean itself'. The pristine fake lawns of the Love Island villa inspired thousands of Britons to invest in fake grass for their gardens According to previously published research, people with artificial grass have been exposed to E. coli and salmonella, two nasty strains of bacteria which can cause serious food poisoning. can trigger bloody diarrhoea as well as a potentially deadly kidney condition called severe haemolytic uraemic syndrome, and according to some researchers an increased risk of certain cancers. Salmonella can cause severe sickness which can last for up to a week. The report continued: 'Artificial grass can trap pet urine and faecal bacteria, if not rinsed and sanitised. 'Pet urine doesn't soak into the ground like it would with natural grass - instead it lingers on the surface or underneath, especially if left untreated. 'That build-up can release harmful vapours and bacteria.' Professor William Schaffner, a US-based infectious disease expert at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, told MailOnline there's a hidden 'yuck factor' with fake grass. He said: 'Poop and urine from pets clearly can make artificial grass be very unpleasant. That is the major issue.' However, he also acknowledged that natural grass is grounded in soil, 'which is also full of bacteria', so whether your lawn is natural or artificial there are health risks. Just last week, health officials warned the number of people infected with salmonella soared by almost a fifth in a single year in 2024 to over 10,000 cases. The figure, released by the UK Health Security Agency, is the highest recorded in a decade with only some 8,000 cases recorded in 2015. Furthermore, bacteria isn't the only danger linked to artificial grass—some reports have also warned it can contain PFAS. These chemicals which have been linked to low birth weight, birth defects and cancer.

Garden experts issue urgent artificial lawn warning as kids and pets could be at risk
Garden experts issue urgent artificial lawn warning as kids and pets could be at risk

Scottish Sun

time02-07-2025

  • Health
  • Scottish Sun

Garden experts issue urgent artificial lawn warning as kids and pets could be at risk

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRITS have been warned that their fake lawns could be harming their children and pets. Artificial grass traps traces of animal wee and poo, with the resulting bacteria a risk to people, cats, dogs and other wild critters, say experts. 1 Artificial grass could be a danger to kids and pets (stock image) Credit: Getty The report said: "While synthetic lawns are a popular low-maintenance option, they don't clean themselves." It added: "Many households don't realise that artificial grass must be cleaned regularly - especially when pets are involved. "Artificial grass can trap pet urine and faecal bacteria, if not rinsed and sanitised. "That build-up can release harmful vapours and bacteria, posing risks to your pet's health." It said the recent heatwave had turned mock turf into "a breeding ground for pests and a source of serious bacterial contamination". The report commissioned by Decking Superstore went on: "Pet urine doesn't soak into the ground like it would with natural grass - instead it lingers on the surface or underneath, especially if left untreated." Researchers found fans of astroturfed back yards had suffered maggot and fly infestations, ammonia build-up from pet urine, E. coli and salmonella exposure, and unpleasant pongs during hot temperatures. While pets had been hit with skin infections and paw irritation. Lawn Tips If real grass is more your thing in the garden, there's a good chance the scorching weather recently has been turning your lawn yellow. But don't worry, there's a simple fix. Watch the moment home owner walks over their new-build's lawn and shows how landscaping turned it into a water bed You can transform your grass this summer with a completely free step. Scattering grass seed is the only way you can boost growth in sparse patches of lawn. However, this solution often faces a significant problem when it comes to wildlife. Birds often feed on grass seeds, swooping into your garden to peck them from your lawn. To protect your grass seed while you wait for growth, one gardening fanatic suggests: "Cover your grass seeds with grass cuttings to protect them from the birds. "Grass cuttings hold a lot of water so [they] will make it grow faster, proper green fingers." More gardening hacks An everyday £3 household item also helps to fertilise your flowerbeds this summer. Another budget buy will leave your lawn looking healthier than ever in a matter of days. And another hack helps to fertilise your soil this summer season. Plus, a B&Q gadget that will elevate your lawn for just £8.50. A 30p food item can also help to keep your garden nourished this summer.

Garden experts issue urgent artificial lawn warning as kids and pets could be at risk
Garden experts issue urgent artificial lawn warning as kids and pets could be at risk

The Sun

time02-07-2025

  • Health
  • The Sun

Garden experts issue urgent artificial lawn warning as kids and pets could be at risk

BRITS have been warned that their fake lawns could be harming their children and pets. Artificial grass traps traces of animal wee and poo, with the resulting bacteria a risk to people, cats, dogs and other wild critters, say experts. The report said: "While synthetic lawns are a popular low-maintenance option, they don't clean themselves." It added: "Many households don't realise that artificial grass must be cleaned regularly - especially when pets are involved. "Artificial grass can trap pet urine and faecal bacteria, if not rinsed and sanitised. "That build-up can release harmful vapours and bacteria, posing risks to your pet's health." It said the recent heatwave had turned mock turf into "a breeding ground for pests and a source of serious bacterial contamination". The report commissioned by Decking Superstore went on: "Pet urine doesn't soak into the ground like it would with natural grass - instead it lingers on the surface or underneath, especially if left untreated." Researchers found fans of astroturfed back yards had suffered maggot and fly infestations, ammonia build-up from pet urine, E. coli and salmonella exposure, and unpleasant pongs during hot temperatures. While pets had been hit with skin infections and paw irritation. Lawn Tips If real grass is more your thing in the garden, there's a good chance the scorching weather recently has been turning your lawn yellow. But don't worry, there's a simple fix. You can transform your grass this summer with a completely free step. Scattering grass seed is the only way you can boost growth in sparse patches of lawn. However, this solution often faces a significant problem when it comes to wildlife. Birds often feed on grass seeds, swooping into your garden to peck them from your lawn. To protect your grass seed while you wait for growth, one gardening fanatic suggests: "Cover your grass seeds with grass cuttings to protect them from the birds. "Grass cuttings hold a lot of water so [they] will make it grow faster, proper green fingers." More gardening hacks An everyday £3 household item also helps to fertilise your flowerbeds this summer. Another budget buy will leave your lawn looking healthier than ever in a matter of days. And another hack helps to fertilise your soil this summer season. Plus, a B&Q gadget that will elevate your lawn for just £8.50. A 30p food item can also help to keep your garden nourished this summer.

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