Latest news with #SophieHinchliffe


Daily Record
2 days ago
- General
- 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."


Daily Mirror
19-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
'Weeds die straightaway' and 'never come back' using tried and tested hack
Fans of cleaning sensation Mrs Hinch have taken to social media to share their advice for removing weeds from patios and driveways without resorting to chemicals Garden weeds, decidedly unsightly nuisances, often spring up in the most inconvenient of places – from cracks between paving stones to the heart of patios. Forgoing chemical weed killers due to their potential harm to the environment and animal wellbeing, green-thumbed enthusiasts advocate for natural alternatives that are gentler on a garden's ecosystem, like boiling water. Fans of cleaning guru Mrs Hinch, real name Sophie Hinchliffe, whose Instagram boasts an impressive 4.8 million followers, frequently exchange tips in Facebook groups dedicated to gardening and home care. In one such Mrs Hinch fan group, Julie Lucas sought advice with a post reading: "Any ideas for killing weeds on patio slabs please?" In response, the post received almost 50 comments, but the standout suggestion amongst Mrs Hinch devotees was simply boiling water. Gill Cardwell Jones advised: "Boil your kettle and while it's still bubbling, pour over the weeds and they'll never come back. My gardener told me that and it works great. Obviously, don't do it to weeds on your grass though." Echoing this sentiment, Victoria Jewell remarked: "I just boil the kettle and pour it on. Kills them straight away!" while Jean Clough and Kim Hudspeth concurred, also proposing "boiling water" as an effective solution. Meanwhile, Facebook user Natalie Dawson has recommended the use of "boiling water and salt" as a sure-fire way to eradicate weeds. Boiling water is an almost immediate weed killer, reports the Express. The heat from the water annihilates the plant's root tissue, causing a shock to the system that results in the plant wilting and dying within a day or two. This method is particularly effective for clearing weeds on paths and driveways. However, this approach should be avoided on lawns or flower beds, as it could also destroy grass and plants that gardeners wish to preserve. Other weed removal suggestions from Mrs Hinch fans included using salt, white vinegar and a weed burner. Irene Ducros stated: "Salt - just salt. It does the job. I've been using it for years now and nothing else seems to work." Jan Mchugh responded to the post with: "Mixture of salt, washing up liquid and white vinegar." Ally East suggested: "I tried the vinegar and washing up water method and it works, but have now decided that I like the effect of moss in amongst my slabs. Gives it a cottage-y feel, like the paving you see in gardens of listed buildings. I just pull up the weeds." Liz Hogan penned: "One litre of white vinegar. Do it when the sun is on it." Jacqui Spelman replied: "I was told pure vinegar they get in the chippies and water it down. I used it and it's brilliant. Does the job and quickly. Just don't get it on the grass as it burns it."


The Irish Sun
02-05-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
Everyday 25p item in your cupboard that'll stop cats pooing in your garden – they hate it and won't come back
CATS using your garden as a personal potty is a pet peeve for those with green thumbs. There is no legal recourse for those wanting to block the neighbour's kitty from pooping in their garden, and even if there was they are notoriously nifty operators. 5 A little kitty on the prowl for its next pit stop Credit: Getty 5 Tabby cats will no longer settle into your foliage to do their business Credit: Getty 5 Potty train your neighbour's cat Credit: Alamy 5 Aldi lemons for 99p Credit: Aldi But this cheeky 25p trick allows homeowners to repel the unwanted felines furr-real. Cleaning guru Mrs Finch, better known as Sophie Hinchliffe, has weighed in on the topic. She was asked by one of her 4.7million devoted followers the best way to prevent pussies pooping amongst her carefully tended hydrangas. Facebook user Meabh Ni Chonrai's question sparked a flurry of activity, with 230 comments advising either citrus peels or oils. Read more Katherine Elizabeth Antonia Bushby advised: "Citrus. Put orange and lime peel all around your garden." And Lee Darling recommended: "Put out sliced lemons and limes. Cats hate citrus fruit." Alison Ellis shared her tricks of the trade, advising: "Just squeeze lemons around the beds and that will stop them. It acts as a strong scent which equates to another male's scent/territory." Joanne Hinchcliffe argued that you should spice it up, adding chopped chilli to the tangy mix. Most read in Fabulous For botany buffs on a budget, Aldi sells four lemons for 99 pence- that's less than 25p for no more poop. Funkier ideas also come thick and fast. Some recommend using plastic bottles, coffee grounds, curry plants and broken egg shells to stop the kitty from decimating the flower arrangements. 5 Little kitties will stay on their side of the fence, or lane Credit: Getty How to find gardening bargains Doing up your garden to enjoy on warm and sunny days needn't cost the earth. Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to get a top deal on items for the garden… You can bag big savings on plants, shrubs and flowers, as well as gardening tools and furniture. Many retailers have flash sales across entire seasonal ranges – often these promotions tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout. Sign up to mailing lists of your favourite brands and you'll be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too. Use a price comparison site to search out the best value items. And keep a close eye on the specialbuys at Aldi and middle of Lidl drops which drop a couple of times a week and usually mean great value seasonal items for your outdoor areas. If you are not in a hurry to buy an item, try adding it to the shopping cart online and leaving it for a couple of days. Sometimes big brands will try to tempt you into the sale by offering you a discount. And always check if you can get cashback before paying. It's especially worth using sites such as Topcashback, Quidco and app Jamdoughnut when buying bigger ticket items such as garden furniture as you'll get a nice kickback.


The Sun
02-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Everyday 25p item in your cupboard that'll stop cats pooing in your garden – they hate it and won't come back
CATS using your garden as a personal potty is a pet peeve for those with green thumbs. There is no legal recourse for those wanting to block the neighbour's kitty from pooping in their garden, and even if there was they are notoriously nifty operators. 5 5 But this cheeky 25p trick allows homeowners to repel the unwanted felines furr-real. Cleaning guru Mrs Finch, better known as Sophie Hinchliffe, has weighed in on the topic. She was asked by one of her 4.7million devoted followers the best way to prevent pussies pooping amongst her carefully tended hydrangas. Facebook user Meabh Ni Chonrai's question sparked a flurry of activity, with 230 comments advising either citrus peels or oils. Katherine Elizabeth Antonia Bushby advised: "Citrus. Put orange and lime peel all around your garden." And Lee Darling recommended: "Put out sliced lemons and limes. Cats hate citrus fruit." Alison Ellis shared her tricks of the trade, advising: "Just squeeze lemons around the beds and that will stop them. It acts as a strong scent which equates to another male's scent/territory." Joanne Hinchcliffe argued that you should spice it up, adding chopped chilli to the tangy mix. For botany buffs on a budget, Aldi sells four lemons for 99 pence- that's less than 25p for no more poop. Funkier ideas also come thick and fast. Some recommend using plastic bottles, coffee grounds, curry plants and broken egg shells to stop the kitty from decimating the flower arrangements. 5 How to find gardening bargains Doing up your garden to enjoy on warm and sunny days needn't cost the earth. Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to get a top deal on items for the garden… You can bag big savings on plants, shrubs and flowers, as well as gardening tools and furniture. Many retailers have flash sales across entire seasonal ranges – often these promotions tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout. Sign up to mailing lists of your favourite brands and you'll be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too. Use a price comparison site to search out the best value items. And keep a close eye on the specialbuys at Aldi and middle of Lidl drops which drop a couple of times a week and usually mean great value seasonal items for your outdoor areas. If you are not in a hurry to buy an item, try adding it to the shopping cart online and leaving it for a couple of days. Sometimes big brands will try to tempt you into the sale by offering you a discount. And always check if you can get cashback before paying. It's especially worth using sites such as Topcashback, Quidco and app Jamdoughnut when buying bigger ticket items such as garden furniture as you'll get a nice kickback.