Latest news with #MyHomeImprovements
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
I'm a doctor - this one household feature is slowly harming your health
A common household feature may be unknowingly creating an unseen health risk – and it's hiding in plain sight. According to GP Dr Emily Carter, older carpets pose an unexpected health threat. 'People usually think of carpets as harmless,' said Dr Carter. 'But old carpets can be a major source of indoor pollution.' Carpets are known to trap allergens like dust mites, pet dander, pollen, mould spores, and even chemical residues from cleaning products or smoke. Over time, these build up in the fibres and can trigger or worsen health issues especially in children, the elderly, and those with asthma or allergies. The difficulty is that this build-up can occur gradually - even when older carpet is regularly vacuumed or appears clean. There are certain recurring health symptoms to be on the look out for that may indicate that your home environment could be be impacting on your health. Signs include frequent sneezing, coughing, or itchy eyes while indoors, worsening allergy or asthma symptoms. Feeling tired or headachy without clear cause is another indicator. Sudden skin irritations - especially in younger children – can also result from carpet-trapped allergens. However, the tricky part with many of these symptoms is that many may be mistaken for seasonal allergies or minor colds. Dr Carter, who is also a UK-based mother of two young children, said she had seen first-hand the health issues that can be caused by older carpets. 'I've seen it in my own family, my youngest started getting skin rashes and breathing problems that we couldn't explain,' Dr Carter said. 'After having our carpets replaced and testing air quality, the symptoms started improving.' For anyone who is concerned about whether their carpet poses a possible health risk, the British doctor recommends a simple 'sniff test' as a first line assessment. 'If a room smells musty no matter how often you clean it, that's a red flag,' Dr Carter said. 'Especially in bedrooms, where people spend hours each night, clean air matters more than we think.' For families with babies, Dr Carter also urges extra caution: 'Young children spend a lot of time crawling and playing on floors.' 'Their immune systems are still developing, so they're more likely to react to mould spores and dust mites. If you notice frequent eczema flare-ups or a child often gets congested indoors, your flooring could be part of the problem.' According to My Home Improvements, most carpets should be replaced every 7–10 years, depending on usage, cleaning habits, and exposure to pets or dampness. The UK home renovation business suggests that any carpet over a decade old is likely to be 'past its best'. 'Your carpet is like a sponge, it absorbs everything that enters your home. Over time, it collects years of grime, allergens, and chemical residues that vacuuming can't always reach,' says an expert from My Home Improvements. 'Even professional deep cleans won't remove built-up toxins that have soaked into the padding underneath. 'Replacing old flooring might not be glamorous, but it could be the biggest upgrade you make for your health.'
Scottish Sun
28-05-2025
- Climate
- Scottish Sun
Every home in Scotland warned to close windows at night after sudden weather shift creates ‘perfect storm'
Experts reveal some handy tips to avoid the 'perfect storm' BUG OFF Every home in Scotland warned to close windows at night after sudden weather shift creates 'perfect storm' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HOUSEHOLDS across Scotland are being warned to close their windows at night as a sudden shift in the weather creates a "perfect storm". A mini-heatwave has hit the country for the past few weeks with temperatures soaring to 24C. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Households across Scotland have been urged to keep their windows closed Credit: Getty But the sunny spells have come to an end with heavy downpours sweeping in. And with the temperatures remaining mild, the final week of spring is set to be muggy. This is the perfect conditions for bugs. Experts at My Home Improvements have warned Scottish households that the current weather mix is the "perfect storm for insect explosions", the Scottish Daily Express reports. They also revealed that leaving a bedroom windows open is an invitation to creepy crawlies as "millions of bugs become active during these conditions". The creatures tempted to crawl inside on warm and damp nights are spiders. The eight-legged arachnids often takes shelter in dark corners, bedding or even under furniture. Moths are also tempted inside by bedroom lights which invite them to fly in and circle lamps. They can also settle into clothes, bedding or even your pillows. The mixed warm conditions are also perfect for pesky midges to thrive. TikTok Gardening Hack: Beat the Bugs! To help avoid an insect infestation, experts have revealed some handy tips. You can install magnetic or clip-on insect screens across your window to keep the bugs out, along with using blackout curtains to reduce insect attraction. Keep your windows closed overnight and air the room beforehand. You can also spray the window edges with natural bug repellent such as peppermint or citronella. A spokesperson for My Home Improvements said: "With the weather turning both warm and wet, insects are becoming more active, and open windows at night create an easy entry point. "We always recommend using window screens or restrictors during spring to keep unwanted pests out—especially when lights are on and you're fast asleep. "We understand people want to keep cool during spring nights. But with the current mix of humidity and rainfall, there's no question—bugs are on the move. "If you're sleeping with your window wide open, you're also sleeping with your guard down."
South Wales Argus
30-04-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Homeowners could be fined £20k for cutting garden trees
Martin Fielding, from Stockport, thought it was just a 'regular tree' he was trimming back in his garden until he received an unsettling letter from the council. As more Brits dust off the tools and tidy up their gardens this spring, experts say thousands may unknowingly be breaking the law simply by cutting back or removing trees in their own backyard. According to home experts at My Home Improvements, many people don't realise that trees in residential gardens may be protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). It means that if you cut down, lop, damage, or destroy a protected tree without permission, it could result in criminal prosecution and a fine of up to £20,000 in a magistrates' court. Mr Fielding, 51, didn't realise that certain trees – even if its in your garden – can be protected. 'It was blocking the light in the conservatory and leaning over the fence,' he explained. 'So I gave it a proper cut.' But soon after he received a letter from the local council telling him the tree was protected and that he may have breached the order by cutting back too much. 'I didn't even know such a thing existed. I thought trees in your own garden were your responsibility,' Mr Fielding continued. 'I was shocked to learn I could be fined thousands.' Plants that could damage the value of your home What is a Tree Preservation Order? A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a legal protection issued by your local council to prevent important trees from being cut, pruned, damaged or removed without consent. These orders apply to trees that have environmental, historical or aesthetic value and yes, even if they're on your private property. Failing to get approval before carrying out work on a protected tree is a criminal offence. 'The trouble is, most homeowners have no idea their tree is protected,' says Sophie Willoughby, a gardening expert who was contacted by My Home Improvements. 'It's easy to think you're just doing routine garden work, but one snip too many and you could face a hefty fine,' Sophie explains. 'Councils take it very seriously and so they should, because mature trees are crucial for wildlife and air quality.' How to avoid a £20,000 fine To help homeowners avoid legal trouble this gardening season, My Home Improvements has shared some simple but important advice to keep things safe and legal in your garden. Check with your council – before cutting or trimming any large trees, contact your local authority to find out if there's a TPO in place. Don't assume it's okay just because it's in your garden Get written permission – if a tree is protected, you must apply for permission to do any work on it. Recommended reading: Take photos before you prune – this helps if there's any dispute over what was done. Use a professional tree surgeon A spokesperson from My Home Improvements, added: 'Before you pick up the saw or shears, take a moment to check your tree isn't protected. "Councils don't issue TPOs lightly and breaching one can land you in legal trouble. 'Whether you're trimming, pruning or removing, always ask first, as it's a simple step that could save you £20,000 and a trip to court.'
Western Telegraph
22-04-2025
- General
- Western Telegraph
Homeowners could be fined £20k for cutting garden trees
Martin Fielding, from Stockport, thought it was just a 'regular tree' he was trimming back in his garden until he received an unsettling letter from the council. As more Brits dust off the tools and tidy up their gardens this spring, experts say thousands may unknowingly be breaking the law simply by cutting back or removing trees in their own backyard. According to home experts at My Home Improvements, many people don't realise that trees in residential gardens may be protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). It means that if you cut down, lop, damage, or destroy a protected tree without permission, it could result in criminal prosecution and a fine of up to £20,000 in a magistrates' court. Mr Fielding, 51, didn't realise that certain trees – even if its in your garden – can be protected. 'It was blocking the light in the conservatory and leaning over the fence,' he explained. 'So I gave it a proper cut.' But soon after he received a letter from the local council telling him the tree was protected and that he may have breached the order by cutting back too much. 'I didn't even know such a thing existed. I thought trees in your own garden were your responsibility,' Mr Fielding continued. 'I was shocked to learn I could be fined thousands.' Plants that could damage the value of your home What is a Tree Preservation Order? A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a legal protection issued by your local council to prevent important trees from being cut, pruned, damaged or removed without consent. These orders apply to trees that have environmental, historical or aesthetic value and yes, even if they're on your private property. Failing to get approval before carrying out work on a protected tree is a criminal offence. 'The trouble is, most homeowners have no idea their tree is protected,' says Sophie Willoughby, a gardening expert who was contacted by My Home Improvements. 'It's easy to think you're just doing routine garden work, but one snip too many and you could face a hefty fine,' Sophie explains. 'Councils take it very seriously and so they should, because mature trees are crucial for wildlife and air quality.' How to avoid a £20,000 fine To help homeowners avoid legal trouble this gardening season, My Home Improvements has shared some simple but important advice to keep things safe and legal in your garden. Check with your council – before cutting or trimming any large trees, contact your local authority to find out if there's a TPO in place. Don't assume it's okay just because it's in your garden Get written permission – if a tree is protected, you must apply for permission to do any work on it. Recommended reading: Take photos before you prune – this helps if there's any dispute over what was done. Use a professional tree surgeon A spokesperson from My Home Improvements, added: 'Before you pick up the saw or shears, take a moment to check your tree isn't protected. "Councils don't issue TPOs lightly and breaching one can land you in legal trouble. 'Whether you're trimming, pruning or removing, always ask first, as it's a simple step that could save you £20,000 and a trip to court.'
South Wales Guardian
22-04-2025
- General
- South Wales Guardian
Homeowners could be fined £20k for cutting garden trees
Martin Fielding, from Stockport, thought it was just a 'regular tree' he was trimming back in his garden until he received an unsettling letter from the council. As more Brits dust off the tools and tidy up their gardens this spring, experts say thousands may unknowingly be breaking the law simply by cutting back or removing trees in their own backyard. According to home experts at My Home Improvements, many people don't realise that trees in residential gardens may be protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). It means that if you cut down, lop, damage, or destroy a protected tree without permission, it could result in criminal prosecution and a fine of up to £20,000 in a magistrates' court. Mr Fielding, 51, didn't realise that certain trees – even if its in your garden – can be protected. 'It was blocking the light in the conservatory and leaning over the fence,' he explained. 'So I gave it a proper cut.' But soon after he received a letter from the local council telling him the tree was protected and that he may have breached the order by cutting back too much. 'I didn't even know such a thing existed. I thought trees in your own garden were your responsibility,' Mr Fielding continued. 'I was shocked to learn I could be fined thousands.' A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a legal protection issued by your local council to prevent important trees from being cut, pruned, damaged or removed without consent. These orders apply to trees that have environmental, historical or aesthetic value and yes, even if they're on your private property. Failing to get approval before carrying out work on a protected tree is a criminal offence. 'The trouble is, most homeowners have no idea their tree is protected,' says Sophie Willoughby, a gardening expert who was contacted by My Home Improvements. 'It's easy to think you're just doing routine garden work, but one snip too many and you could face a hefty fine,' Sophie explains. 'Councils take it very seriously and so they should, because mature trees are crucial for wildlife and air quality.' To help homeowners avoid legal trouble this gardening season, My Home Improvements has shared some simple but important advice to keep things safe and legal in your garden. Recommended reading: Can you paint over algae on a fence? How to remove it Dog owners warned of fatal plants that could endanger pets Common garden tasks that could lead to hefty £26k fines A spokesperson from My Home Improvements, added: 'Before you pick up the saw or shears, take a moment to check your tree isn't protected. "Councils don't issue TPOs lightly and breaching one can land you in legal trouble. 'Whether you're trimming, pruning or removing, always ask first, as it's a simple step that could save you £20,000 and a trip to court.'
