Latest news with #The5MinuteCleanRoutine
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
Households urged to pour 35p kitchen staple in dishwashers to get them sparkling
Cleaning expert's insider hack will ensure your appliance is grease and residue-free and looking and smelling fresh If you've ever returned from a holiday to find an army of ants transporting cake crumbs across your kitchen worktops, the whiff of stinky bins, pongy plug-holes or just a general sense of mustiness and mess, you'll know it's not the best welcome home. The good news? All it takes is a small amount of easy pre-departure prep to ensure you open the door to a house that feels fresh, tidy and inviting - so you feel happy to be home. CLEAN UP CRUMBS Cleaning influencer Anna Louisa (@anna_louisa_at_home), who has 1.2 million followers on TikTok and 4.2 million followers on Instagram, says it's vital you clear away crumbs and food debris from floors and surfaces before heading off on your hols. 'Give the house a quick vacuum or sweep, especially around the kitchen and dining areas to remove any food remnants, or you risk returning to a trail of ants,' says Anna, author of new book, The 5 Minute Clean Routine. 'Wipe down worktops, too, to ensure there are no food remnants left behind. Even small crumbs or sticky spots can attract pests or start to smell if left for several days.' READ MORE: 'I'm a cleaning influencer - a simple everyday product has transformed my home' DON'T LEAVE A DIRTY DISHWASHER 'Run a hot dishwasher cycle to make sure there's no trapped food in your appliance,' advises Anna. 'Leave the door slightly open to prevent a stale smell from developing." It also doesn't need to cost much to make sure the dishwasher is free of grease, residue and old food - in fact, buying one five litre canister of white vinegar (£6.99 from B&Q), will last a long time. Anna suggests: "For a deeper clean, use a dishwasher tablet or place a mug of white vinegar on the top rack during an empty cycle.' TREAT THE TOILET 'For fresh toilets, clean as usual with toilet cleaner, including under the rim and around the seat and cistern,' says Kerry Hale, cleaning expert at Mira Showers. 'Drop in a toilet cleaning tablet before you leave. If you're away for a long break, seal the toilet bowl with clingfilm and close the lid.' This can prevent water in the plumbing trap of your toilet from evaporating, which can allow sewer gases and unpleasant smells to escape into the home. LOCATE DIRTY DISHES 'Collect any dirty mugs, glasses or plates from around the house and wash them - don't forget to check in bedrooms and living areas where you might have snacked,' she says. 'Leaving dishes unwashed can lead to mould and unpleasant smells which can attract insects.' BLITZ BINS 'Empty all household bins, particularly the kitchen bin,' says Anna. 'It's a good idea to rinse that out with hot soapy water and leave the lid open to air out. A sprinkle of bicarbonate of soda at the bottom can help absorb lingering smells.' RAID THE FRIDGE 'Check the fridge for any perishables that might go off while you're away such as things like soft fruit, dairy, and leftovers,' says Anna. Eat, bin or donate anything that won't be good by the time you get back. 'Wipe down the shelves with a mild cleaner like diluted washing up liquid. Leaving a small bowl of bicarbonate of soda inside can help keep odours at bay too.' AIR THE WASHING MACHINE Try to do as much laundry as you can before you leave, especially if you have gym gear waiting to be washed. Leave sweaty clothes crammed in the laundry basket and they'll retain moisture, which provides a breeding ground for mildew, mould and smelly bacteria. 'After doing a wash, leave your washing machine door slightly open to allow air to circulate, and water to evaporate,' says Anna. 'It helps prevent mould, bacteria and musty smells from developing. If there's time, wipe the rubber seal and detergent drawer clean.' SHINE THE SHOWER 'Rinse and wipe down your shower before your holiday to prevent soap scum from building up and hardening when you're on holiday,' says Kerry. 'Chemicals can harm your shower and fittings, so to protect against limescale while you're away, simply spray warm soapy water on the showerhead, leave for 10 minutes and rinse clean. Leave the shower door slightly ajar to keep air flowing through and prevent musty smells.' PURIFY YOUR PLUGHOLE Any leftover food scraps that accumulate in the kitchen sink or plughole can cause a stink as they decompose. The same goes for grease, hair and soap scum in your bathroom sink, so make sure you clear away all debris from sinks and plugholes, says Anna. 'Pouring some bicarbonate of soda followed by white vinegar down the drain can freshen things up while you're away,' she says. Kerry also advises pouring a few drops of essential oil down the drain before you leave. LET YOUR BED BREATHE House dust mites, known to worsen asthma, eczema and various allergies, thrive in the warm, humid environment of our beds. They feed off our shed skin cells and absorb moisture from our perspiration. By stripping the bed and exposing the mattress to light and air while you're away, you can help remove moisture, meaning that any dust mites present will dehydrate and eventually die. Just make sure you have freshly-washed, clean sheets ready and waiting to make up the bed when you get home. Alternatively, if you're returning home super late from holiday and will just want to go straight to sleep, make up your bed with clean bedlinen before you go and tuck a couple of scented tumble dryer sheets between the sheet and mattress protector to maintain a fresh scent for when you return. FLOWER POWER Change out old flower water for fresh in any vases of cut blooms you plan to leave behind while you're away. Make sure you trim away any leaves and other foliage below the water line to prevent bacterial growth. This will not only shorten the life of your flowers, but also make the water smell foul, rather than floral. KEEP FRUIT FRESH Store leftover fruit from a fruit bowl in the fridge or freezer. If you leave fruit out in the open at room temperature, it can quickly ripen and become mouldy. Ripe, fermenting fruit attracts pests such as fruit flies that feed on the fruit and lay their eggs on it. If you do decide to leave the fruit in a bowl, add some basil leaves - they act as a natural fruit fly deterrent. Five ways to save on household bills Unplug appliances You can save £35 a year by regularly remembering to turn your appliances off standby mode, says the Energy Savings Trust. 'Before you leave the house, unplug everything you can - toasters, kettles, chargers, any electricals,' says award-winning financial influencer Megan Micklewright, aka The Savvy Spender (@thesavvyspenderofficial). 'Appliances still drain energy and cost you money in standby mode. Don't forget your WiFi router! Most people leave this on but it's not needed, unless you have something like a smart doorbell,' she says. 'Consider a standby saver plug which lets you turn off multiple appliances at once.' Unplugging also reduces the risk of an electrical fire breaking out when you're away. Close taps tight 'Check for dripping taps before you leave, especially if you're on a water meter or it's money down the drain,' says Megan. 'You could even turn off the water at the stopcock for peace of mind, to ensure nothing leaks and leads to a flood while you're away.' Set your thermostat low 'If it's winter, keep the thermostat at a low setting (around 12°C),' says Megan. 'This can prevent frozen pipes and also keeps your home at a stable temperature so you won't need to blast up the heating and use extra energy to warm the house up when you get back. In summer, you could just switch it off completely.' Make your house look occupied Leave lights on a timer to create the illusion that someone's at home. Ideally, have the timers come on at different times each evening. Cancel deliveries that are typically left on your doorstep, such as milk. See if neighbours or friends are willing to: Park one of their cars in your driveway. Put out and return your bins on rubbish collection day. Pick up the mail to avoid it building up. Open and close your curtains to help your home look lived in. Deter intruders Check all doors and windows are securely locked before you leave - do a complete tour of the house. Lock away ladders and tools from your garden - a burglar will use whatever's at hand to help them gain entry. Don't leave any tempting valuables or tech in view of windows.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
I'm a cleaning expert and wrapping one item over your toilet is a gamechanger
Who wants to return from holiday just to be assaulted by a nasty niff? Here, the experts reveal the insider tricks for keeping your home fresh even when you're away If you've ever returned from a holiday to find an army of ants transporting cake crumbs across your kitchen worktops, the whiff of stinky bins, pongy plug-holes or just a general sense of mustiness and mess, you'll know it's not the best welcome home. The good news? All it takes is a small amount of easy pre-departure prep to ensure you open the door to a house that feels fresh, tidy and inviting - so you feel happy to be home. TREAT THE TOILET 'For fresh toilets, clean as usual with toilet cleaner, including under the rim and around the seat and cistern,' says Kerry Hale, cleaning expert at Mira Showers. 'Drop in a toilet cleaning tablet before you leave. If you're away for a long break, seal the toilet bowl with clingfilm and close the lid.' This can prevent water in the plumbing trap of your toilet from evaporating, which can allow sewer gases and unpleasant smells to escape into the home. CLEAN UP CRUMBS Cleaning influencer Anna Louisa (@anna_louisa_at_home), who has 1.2 million followers on TikTok and 4.2 million followers on Instagram, says it's vital you clear away crumbs and food debris from floors and surfaces before heading off on your hols. 'Give the house a quick vacuum or sweep, especially around the kitchen and dining areas to remove any food remnants, or you risk returning to a trail of ants,' says Anna, author of new book, The 5 Minute Clean Routine. 'Wipe down worktops, too, to ensure there are no food remnants left behind. Even small crumbs or sticky spots can attract pests or start to smell if left for several days.' LOCATE DIRTY DISHES 'Collect any dirty mugs, glasses or plates from around the house and wash them - don't forget to check in bedrooms and living areas where you might have snacked,' she says. 'Leaving dishes unwashed can lead to mould and unpleasant smells which can attract insects.' BLITZ BINS 'Empty all household bins, particularly the kitchen bin,' says Anna. 'It's a good idea to rinse that out with hot soapy water and leave the lid open to air out. A sprinkle of bicarbonate of soda at the bottom can help absorb lingering smells.' RAID THE FRIDGE 'Check the fridge for any perishables that might go off while you're away such as things like soft fruit, dairy, and leftovers,' says Anna. Eat, bin or donate anything that won't be good by the time you get back. 'Wipe down the shelves with a mild cleaner like diluted washing up liquid. Leaving a small bowl of bicarbonate of soda inside can help keep odours at bay too.' DON'T LEAVE A DIRTY DISHWASHER 'Run a hot dishwasher cycle to make sure there's no trapped food in your appliance,' advises Anna. 'Leave the door slightly open to prevent a stale smell from developing. For a deeper clean, use a dishwasher tablet or place a mug of white vinegar on the top rack during an empty cycle.' AIR THE WASHING MACHINE Try to do as much laundry as you can before you leave, especially if you have gym gear waiting to be washed. Leave sweaty clothes crammed in the laundry basket and they'll retain moisture, which provides a breeding ground for mildew, mould and smelly bacteria. 'After doing a wash, leave your washing machine door slightly open to allow air to circulate, and water to evaporate,' says Anna. 'It helps prevent mould, bacteria and musty smells from developing. If there's time, wipe the rubber seal and detergent drawer clean.' SHINE THE SHOWER 'Rinse and wipe down your shower before your holiday to prevent soap scum from building up and hardening when you're on holiday,' says Kerry. 'Chemicals can harm your shower and fittings, so to protect against limescale while you're away, simply spray warm soapy water on the showerhead, leave for 10 minutes and rinse clean. Leave the shower door slightly ajar to keep air flowing through and prevent musty smells.' PURIFY YOUR PLUGHOLE Any leftover food scraps that accumulate in the kitchen sink or plughole can cause a stink as they decompose. The same goes for grease, hair and soap scum in your bathroom sink, so make sure you clear away all debris from sinks and plugholes, says Anna. 'Pouring some bicarbonate of soda followed by white vinegar down the drain can freshen things up while you're away,' she says. Kerry also advises pouring a few drops of essential oil down the drain before you leave. LET YOUR BED BREATHE House dust mites, known to worsen asthma, eczema and various allergies, thrive in the warm, humid environment of our beds. They feed off our shed skin cells and absorb moisture from our perspiration. By stripping the bed and exposing the mattress to light and air while you're away, you can help remove moisture, meaning that any dust mites present will dehydrate and eventually die. Just make sure you have freshly-washed, clean sheets ready and waiting to make up the bed when you get home. Alternatively, if you're returning home super late from holiday and will just want to go straight to sleep, make up your bed with clean bedlinen before you go and tuck a couple of scented tumble dryer sheets between the sheet and mattress protector to maintain a fresh scent for when you return. FLOWER POWER Change out old flower water for fresh in any vases of cut blooms you plan to leave behind while you're away. Make sure you trim away any leaves and other foliage below the water line to prevent bacterial growth. This will not only shorten the life of your flowers, but also make the water smell foul, rather than floral. KEEP FRUIT FRESH Store leftover fruit from a fruit bowl in the fridge or freezer. If you leave fruit out in the open at room temperature, it can quickly ripen and become mouldy. Ripe, fermenting fruit attracts pests such as fruit flies that feed on the fruit and lay their eggs on it. If you do decide to leave the fruit in a bowl, add some basil leaves - they act as a natural fruit fly deterrent. Five ways to save on household bills Unplug appliances You can save £35 a year by regularly remembering to turn your appliances off standby mode, says the Energy Savings Trust. 'Before you leave the house, unplug everything you can - toasters, kettles, chargers, any electricals,' says award-winning financial influencer Megan Micklewright, aka The Savvy Spender (@thesavvyspenderofficial). 'Appliances still drain energy and cost you money in standby mode. Don't forget your WiFi router! Most people leave this on but it's not needed, unless you have something like a smart doorbell,' she says. 'Consider a standby saver plug which lets you turn off multiple appliances at once.' Unplugging also reduces the risk of an electrical fire breaking out when you're away. Close taps tight 'Check for dripping taps before you leave, especially if you're on a water meter or it's money down the drain,' says Megan. 'You could even turn off the water at the stopcock for peace of mind, to ensure nothing leaks and leads to a flood while you're away.' Set your thermostat low 'If it's winter, keep the thermostat at a low setting (around 12°C),' says Megan. 'This can prevent frozen pipes and also keeps your home at a stable temperature so you won't need to blast up the heating and use extra energy to warm the house up when you get back. In summer, you could just switch it off completely.' Make your house look occupied Leave lights on a timer to create the illusion that someone's at home. Ideally, have the timers come on at different times each evening. Cancel deliveries that are typically left on your doorstep, such as milk. See if neighbours or friends are willing to: Park one of their cars in your driveway. Put out and return your bins on rubbish collection day. Pick up the mail to avoid it building up. Open and close your curtains to help your home look lived in. Deter intruders Check all doors and windows are securely locked before you leave - do a complete tour of the house. Lock away ladders and tools from your garden - a burglar will use whatever's at hand to help them gain entry. Don't leave any tempting valuables or tech in view of windows.
Telegraph
21-03-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
The 10 germ hotspots you're forgetting to clean around the house
When it comes to cleaning, you likely give your toilet a regular scrub and wipe down the kitchen surfaces each day, but are you paying attention to other germ-ridden areas in your home? Even if you're often armed with anti-bac spray and a cloth, there are certain spots that usually get overlooked, allowing bacteria to build up, potentially causing skin, gut and even breathing problems. So, next time you're tackling household dust and grime, here are the danger zones to add to your radar. Remote control No matter what you've been doing – whether it's eating, gardening or nail-biting – bacteria, crumbs and day-to-day dirt can accumulate around the TV remote buttons and in the seams of its battery compartment. 'As a frequently touched, shared surface, the remote control poses a risk of transmission for gastrointestinal (GI) pathogens, such as norovirus, and respiratory tract pathogens, such as Covid-19, rhinovirus (common cold) and influenza,' says immunologist, Yasmin Mohseni. To stop grime building up, aim for a weekly wipe down. 'Gently clean the remote with an alcohol wipe or microfibre cloth dampened with a mix of water and a little surgical spirit; use a cotton swab for crevices around the buttons,' says Anna Louisa, author of The 5 Minute Clean Routine (£18.99, Century Books). The stair bannister Sweaty, unwashed hands make your stair's handrail and bannister a magnet for germs. ' Cough, cold, flu and other viruses can be passed onto the stair bannister, then picked up by another hand,' says Dr Amos Ogunkoya, GP at Charing Cross Hospital in London. So, as well as staying on top of handwashing, give your stair rails and bannister a weekly clean. 'Use a disinfecting wipe or a damp microfibre cloth with a mild cleaning solution such as soapy water,' suggests Louisa. Sofa cushions All sorts of grime can end up on your sofa cushions. Pets and outdoor clothes can transmit dirt and bacteria, while crumbs and scraps of food can fester if left for too long. 'Food on sofa cushions can cause a build-up of bacteria like E. coli and staphylococcus aureus,' says Dr Amos. 'If these enter your body, you might face gut issues or itchy skin and skin conditions could flare up.' Tackle the area by vacuuming cushions fortnightly with an upholstery attachment. 'If possible, remove cushion covers and follow the washing instructions. For non-removable covers, a fabric-safe spray works best,' says Louisa. 'Be extra gentle with delicate fabrics like velvet or suede though as these might need a specialist cleaner or dry-cleaning.' Pet bed Just as you would wash your own sheets, it's wise to give your furry friend's bed a regular wash too. ' Pet beds can build up fur, urine, saliva, dander and faeces,' says Mohseni. This can worsen allergies and even asthma. 'Pets can also carry bacteria and parasites such as salmonella, campylobacter and E. coli, which can spread to humans and cause gastrointestinal (GI) issues,' explains Mohseni. 'Deep-clean your pet's bed once a month, with spot cleaning as needed, especially if your pet has any accidents,' Louisa says. 'Vacuum thoroughly to remove pet hair and debris, too. If [the pet bed] is machine-washable, follow the care-label instructions [and wash] with a pet-friendly detergent. For non-washable beds, a steam clean or a pet-safe disinfectant wipe,' she adds. Spice rack Let's be honest, you might not always wash your hands before flicking open a spice jar halfway through cooking a meal. But it's wise to be vigilant with your spice rack to avoid potential food-borne illnesses. A study published in the Journal of Food Protection, found that 48 per cent of the spice jars that were sampled after participants cooked turkey burgers with contaminated meat also became contaminated. In fact, the spice jars featured the highest concentrations of bacteria, beating even the kitchen surfaces. As a result, Louisa recommends giving your spice rack a monthly deep clean.'Take all your jars out, dust off any loose particles and wipe the shelves and jars with a damp cloth and an all-purpose cleaner. Dry thoroughly before putting everything back.' Lampshades Ceiling lampshades, in particular, often get neglected during the weekly clean, allowing a thick blanket of dust to settle. Dr Amos explains: 'Dust mites, pollen and bacteria can travel in dust, which can cause sneezing, itchy eyes, itchy nose and hay fever symptoms. Dust worsens asthma and, in young children, dust and small particles can really impact lung development too.' A weekly wipe over lamp shades with a lint roller will help to keep them dust free. 'For a deeper clean, gently wipe with a damp cloth and a tiny bit of mild detergent but check fabric care instructions first,' explains Louisa. 'Delicate fabrics may need gentle treatment; if in doubt, spot clean and avoid soaking them.' Bedroom pillows Your pillowcase won't be enough to stop skin cells, oils and sweat from seeping through and turning your pillows a murky shade of yellow. Indeed, unclean pillows can also lead to a build-up of dust mites and their faeces, which can worsen allergies, according to Mohseni: 'Bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus and fungi, including candida albicans, can build up too. These microbes are normally part of our healthy microbiome, but they can cause problems if they enter the bloodstream or deeper tissues,' she says. 'In more extreme cases they can cause toxic shock syndrome or even sepsis. Those that are immunocompromised should pay extra attention to good hygiene practice.' The upshot? Wash your pillows once every six months – and replace them every two years if you can. 'Most pillows can be machine-washed, but check care labels and follow instructions for washing and drying,' says Louisa. 'To prevent ripping, wash them in a pillowcase or pillow protector on a gentle cycle. Use a small amount of detergent and add vinegar to neutralise odours. You can also speed up the drying process by adding an extra spin (although check the care label first). Allow the pillows to dry fully to avoid any bacteria or mould.' The duvet Over time, your duvet absorbs a lot of sweat, dead skin cells, dust mites and bacteria. 'Duvets often go over people's face and nose, so the dust build-up can cause a lot of respiratory problems. Skin conditions like dermatitis are really common, and caused by the bacteria staphylococcus aureus,' says Dr Amos. 'Wash duvets every six months, or more frequently if you have allergies or pets,' says Louisa. 'Most synthetic and some down or feather duvets can be machine-washed at home or at a launderette. If you're using a tumble dryer, add a dryer ball or hang the duvet outside on a sunny day, shaking and fluffing it periodically. 'In between washes, air duvets and pillows outside in the sun to kill dust mites and keep them fresh,' she adds. The top shelf of your larder If you can't reach it without recruiting the help of a stool or dining chair, you probably don't take regular trips to the top shelf of your pantry or larder – which means dust, grease and stray food particles can collect there. 'There are the issues that can arise from too much dust, plus food can attract pests such as rodents,' warns Dr Amos, while Louisa advises giving 'the shelf a wipe-down at least once a month'. Waste-paper bin If you also use your bedroom bin as a snack graveyard, throwing away bits of food and empty packets, you're entering germ territory. 'Bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli [if food is already contaminated] can multiply as food rots. If these get in contact with your hands and mouth they can cause GI infections, with symptoms like diarrhoea, nausea and fever,' says Mohseni. 'Even if foods aren't contaminated, other bacteria like clostridium and listeria can thrive in rotting food, boosting foodborne illness risk.' Louisa recommends daily emptying of your bin, plus a weekly deep clean. 'Give the bin a scrub with disinfectant wipes or a cloth dipped in soapy water. Give your outdoor bins a clean, too, including the lid and handles.'
