Latest news with #PlatesExpress
The Sun
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
I'm a vet – everyday habit you do without thinking could be silently destroying your dog's mental health
FOR many families, the car is a part of daily life - from school runs and the food shop to weekend getaways. But while most drivers don't think twice about using their horn, vets are now warning that this common driving habit could be quietly harming the mental health of their beloved pets. 2 2 Motoring experts at Plates Express have teamed up with veterinary professionals to raise awareness about the unexpected link between frequent car horn use and rising anxiety in dogs. It's not something many pet owners consider, but according to new findings, the sharp, sudden sound of a horn especially when used often or near the home can trigger deep stress in dogs that builds up over time. Dr Ellie Grant, a veterinary behaviour specialist, explains: 'Dogs hear things far louder and more clearly than we do. "A car horn might just be a quick sound for us, but for dogs, especially nervous ones, it can feel like an alarm or a threat. "Over time, repeated exposure to sudden, loud noises like honking can lead to chronic anxiety and fear-based behaviour.' Even small, daily honks outside the house can cause pets to associate the car or the driveway with stress. For pets left at home during the day, these sounds can feel unpredictable and threatening, leading to pacing, barking, shaking, or even destructive behaviour. Many dog owners don't realise their pet is reacting to car horns, because the signs aren't always immediate. But the warning signs often show up at home. Some of the most common symptoms of horn-related anxiety include barking or howling when they hear a horn, even on TV, and hiding or retreating when cars approach the home. Everyone can see the happy dog but you need 20-20 vision to spot the mistake in under 7 seconds Your pooch could also show sudden aggressive or fearful behaviour during walks near traffic, or start to pant and shake when exposed to loud, unexpected sounds. What's especially worrying, according to the experts, is that repeated stress can impact a dog's long-term mental health making them more fearful, less trusting, and more prone to panic in everyday situations. While honking isn't always avoidable, experts say most drivers can reduce their use of the horn and help ease the pressure on nearby pets. Here are three simple changes recommended by Plates Express and Dr. Grant: A spokesperson from Plates Express adds: 'Most drivers never think about how their habits affect animals. "But the simple act of using your horn too often, especially around pets can build up anxiety that lasts all day. "We urge homeowners to treat the horn like a last resort and be more mindful, especially when pulling into their own driveway.'
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Business Standard
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Business Standard
Your car's steering wheel may be dirtier than you ever thought, say experts
According to motoring specialists Plates Express, cited by the Daily Mail, your car's steering wheel is crawling with bacteria—more so than almost any other surface in your vehicle, including the gear stick or seatbelt buckle. Why? It's the one place you touch every single time you drive, often right after handling food, phones, door handles, or even your own face. Luxury car cleaner James Taylor told the Daily Mail, 'You wouldn't go weeks without washing your hands, but drivers go months without wiping down the one surface they touch every single day.' Even top-of-the-line Bentleys weren't spared—when he swabbed the wheels, bacteria levels were 'through the roof.' How often should you clean your steering wheel, and what's the best method? Thankfully, fixing this hygiene nightmare is quick and easy. Taylor recommends wiping down your steering wheel once a week using antibacterial wipes or a dedicated car interior cleaner. It takes less than a minute but can drastically reduce your exposure to harmful bacteria. Make sure to reach into the grooves and stitching, especially if your wheel is leather-wrapped, as these tiny crevices are germ magnets. Are most drivers skipping this essential hygiene step? Surprisingly, yes. A survey found that 32 per cent of drivers clean their car only once a year, and a shocking 12 per cent never clean it at all. That's not just gross—it's potentially risky, especially if you're prone to touching your face while driving. This lack of cleanliness stands in stark contrast to our everyday hygiene routines. We wash our hands after using the bathroom but forget the very surfaces we interact with every day—like the wheel we grip with those same hands. Do habits like eating or drowsy driving increase the germ load? Today's drivers are multitasking more than ever. A Lemonade Insurance survey found that over half of Gen Z drivers eat while driving, and about one-third hit the road when they're tired. Both behaviours add to the grime on your steering wheel. Food crumbs, sneezes, coughs, and sleepy stares all contribute to bacterial buildup. Combined with phone taps and face touches, your wheel becomes a petri dish of everyday germs. What other parts of your car should you disinfect regularly? While the steering wheel is the worst offender, it's not alone. Other frequently touched parts of your car deserve attention, too: Gear stick Seatbelt buckle Door handles (inside and outside) Touchscreens and infotainment controls A quick once-a-week wipe-down of these high-contact areas can make your drive safer—not just cleaner.
Scottish Sun
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
I was a royal cleaner at Buckingham Palace -my 5p hack gets rid of nasty smells immediately – it's discreet & lasts ages
Anne worked at Buckingham Palace for over a decade MAKES SCENTS I was a royal cleaner at Buckingham Palace -my 5p hack gets rid of nasty smells immediately – it's discreet & lasts ages Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A FORMER royal cleaner has shared a simple 5p trick she used to keep Buckingham Palace smelling fresh. If you've ever visited the famed London palace, and marvelled at its cleanliness, you may be forgiven for thinking that cleaners polish and scrub using pricey products. 2 Anne worked at Buckingham Palace for over a decade Credit: Plates Express 2 Anne uses a tea bag to get rid of bad smells Credit: Getty However, Anne Simmons, 57, who worked as a cleaner at Buckingham Palace for over a decade, has revealed that budget hacks are fit for the King. Anne, from Berkshire, shared that in order to keep royal cars fresh, she swapped pricey air fresheners for an every day essential that will cost you less than a Freddo. During her time working in the palace, Anne often had to face last minute inspections, which caused her to think on her feet and come up with inventive solutions. 'One day, I was asked to get a car ready for a senior royal's outing" Anne told Plates Express. "Everything looked spotless, but the inside just smelled… stale. 'We didn't have fancy sprays or scented gels to hand, so I reached into my bag and pulled out a dry tea bag. "I tucked it under the seat and let it sit. "By the time they stepped in, the smell was gone—and in its place was a gentle, comforting scent.' Tea bags are incredibly cheap, with each individual bag costing as little as 5p. Anne now swears by the hack. I tried Zoflora's new carpet cleaner - it works in just 30 seconds and leaves your home smelling super fresh (1) "It's something I've used ever since. It's discreet, cheap, and lasts much longer than people think," she said. "Black tea is my go-to, but you can use herbal ones like lavender or mint if you want a fresher smell.' Tea bags work as they are natural odour absorbers, and pull moisture and bad smells from the air as they dry. 'Tea bags work quietly in the background,' Anne explained. 'They don't overpower, and they don't make people sneeze. "I just pop one in the glove box, under a seat, or inside the cup holder.' Cleaning and household chores in numbers Well Polished conducted a survey and the results are in! Most Hated Household Chores Cleaning the oven - 34% Ironing - 15% Cleaning the toilet - 10% Washing the dishes - 5% Decluttering - 4% Most Liked Household Chores Cooking meals - 21% Decluttering - 12% Hoovering - 11% Doing the laundry - 9% Tending to pets 8% Men VS Women: Who Puts the Work In? Men spend 7 hours 54 minutes a week cleaning. Women spend 12 hours 15 minutes a week cleaning. And this isn't the only handy hack the royal cleaner has up her sleeve. Anne previously revealed how she used an old tube of toothpaste to get palace mirrors gleaming. And the royal cleaner even swears by a kids toy to keep homes dust free. She revealed that slime is also perfect for dusting. 'It's safe, easy to use, and doesn't leave any marks,' she said.
The Irish Sun
06-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
I was a royal cleaner at Buckingham Palace -my 5p hack gets rid of nasty smells immediately – it's discreet & lasts ages
A FORMER royal cleaner has shared a simple 5p trick she used to keep Buckingham Palace smelling fresh. If you've ever visited the famed London palace, and marvelled at its cleanliness, you may be forgiven for thinking that cleaners polish and scrub using pricey products. Advertisement 2 Anne worked at Buckingham Palace for over a decade Credit: Plates Express 2 Anne uses a tea bag to get rid of bad smells Credit: Getty However, Anne, from Berkshire, shared that in order to keep royal cars fresh, she swapped pricey air fresheners for an every day essential that will cost you less than a Freddo. During her time working in the palace, Anne often had to face last minute inspections, which caused her to think on her feet and come up with inventive solutions. 'One day, I was asked to get a car ready for a senior royal's outing" Anne told Advertisement Read more cleaning stories "Everything looked spotless, but the inside just smelled… stale. 'We didn't have fancy sprays or scented gels to hand, so I reached into my bag and pulled out a dry tea bag. "I tucked it under the seat and let it sit. "By the time they stepped in, the smell was gone—and in its place was a gentle, comforting scent.' Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive Tea bags are incredibly cheap, with each individual bag costing as little as 5p. Anne now swears by the hack. I tried Zoflora's new carpet cleaner - it works in just 30 seconds and leaves your home smelling super fresh (1) "It's something I've used ever since. It's discreet, cheap, and lasts much longer than people think," she said. "Black tea is my go-to, but you can use herbal ones like lavender or mint if you want a fresher smell.' Advertisement Tea bags work as they are natural odour absorbers, and pull moisture and bad smells from the air as they dry. 'Tea bags work quietly in the background,' Anne explained. 'They don't overpower, and they don't make people sneeze. "I just pop one in the glove box, under a seat, or inside the cup holder.' Advertisement Cleaning and household chores in numbers Well Polished conducted a survey and the results are in! Most Hated Household Chores Cleaning the oven - 34% Ironing - 15% Cleaning the toilet - 10% Washing the dishes - 5% Decluttering - 4% Most Liked Household Chores Cooking meals - 21% Decluttering - 12% Hoovering - 11% Doing the laundry - 9% Tending to pets 8% Men VS Women: Who Puts the Work In? Men spend 7 hours 54 minutes a week cleaning. Women spend 12 hours 15 minutes a week cleaning. And this isn't the only handy hack the royal cleaner has up her sleeve. how she used an old tube of toothpaste to get palace mirrors gleaming. And the royal cleaner even swears by a kids toy to keep homes dust free. She Advertisement 'It's safe, easy to use, and doesn't leave any marks,' she said.
The Sun
04-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
I was a royal cleaner at Buckingham Palace – simple £1 trick leaves windows spotless & streak-free
A FORMER royal cleaner has revealed a £1 hack she used to keep the Buckingham Palace windows sparkling. If you've ever visited the royal palace, and seen its windows gleaming in the sunlight, you would be forgiven for thinking that cleaners use pricey products to keep them sparkling. 2 2 However, Anne Simmons, 57, who worked at the famed London palace for a decade has revealed her cleaning trick costs less than a cup of tea. The cleaning pro, from Berkshire, told Plates Express that when she cleaned royal windows "there was no room for error." 'The windows had to be perfect no streaks, no marks. "We weren't allowed to use harsh chemicals either, so I had to find a better way.' Anne revealed that her simple trick was to use £1 worth of distilled water, which is water that has been purified and stripped of minerals and impurities. 'I kept a jug of distilled water on hand,' she said. "Before cleaning the windows, I'd wet the cloth with it. "It made a massive difference—no streaks, no oily residue. "It was a simple trick but very effective.' Anne revealed that it is important to use distilled water as, unlike tap water, it doesn't leave behind mineral deposits or spots as it evaporates. Stacey Solomon shares 3p way to clean your windows which doesn't leave any smears & you may already have it at home 'I kept a jug of distilled water on hand,' Anne said. 'I know some people worry about spending money on fancy cleaning solutions,' Anne said. 'But a bottle of distilled water from the supermarket costs less than a coffee—and lasts a long time.' And this isn't the only handy hack the royal cleaner has up her sleeve. Anne previously revealed how she used an old tube of toothpaste to get palace mirrors gleaming. She recalled how a "surprise inspection" led to the discovery. With nothing "fancy on hand" to wipe down glass surfaces, she remembered an old trick her mum swore by. "I ran in, grabbed a tube of toothpaste from the staff bathroom, and gave [the surfaces] a gentle scrub. Minutes later, they looked brand new," she recalled. And the royal cleaner even swears by a kids toy to keep homes dust free. Slime, is a popular toy with young children, and is used for squeezing and squishing into shapes. However, Anne revealed that it is also perfect for dusting. 'It's safe, easy to use, and doesn't leave any marks,' she said.
