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Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
Three things to do in your home before going on vacation
Summer is officially underway, which means many families are leaving their homes for relaxing summer vacations. But before you fly out the door with suitcases in tow, cleaning expert and internet personality Kyshawn Lane recommends you tick a few things off of a simple list to protect your home and save you thousands. Lane is known for his weekly home checks, which teach viewers how to save time, money, and energy while keeping their houses in the best possible condition. His latest video addresses the best way to leave your home prior to a vacation to ensure that you can soak up every second of relaxation while you're away. Daily Mail caught up with Lane, who explained why each tip is so important and provided some bonus advice. The first recommendation is to set your water heater to pilot or vacation mode. That saves energy by limiting unneeded water usage while you're out of town. 'The water heater is something that you know we're unconscious about, that we use it every day and how much energy it uses,' he told Daily Mail. 'So if there's no one home and there's no need for hot water, you might as well give it a break and put some money back in your pocket.' But he warned against turning the water heater all the way off, because getting it restarted can be a hassle. 'You'll have to relight the pilot and sometimes that can put a little stress on its parts,' he said. Second, he said to adjust your thermostat to 78 degrees in the summer, which will keep you from coming back to a musty home, which can even impact your health. 'It's the perfect temperature,' he said. Especially if you have plants or even electronics that can be affected by the heat. Turning your thermostat to a perfect 78 degrees can prevent damage to those items while saving energy and money. 'If you have pets or even electronics and plants, it can be crucial,' he said. Lane warned, however, not to turn your thermostat all the way off. 'It's going to use more energy, trying to get the climate back to where it was or where it needs to be,' he explained. He said it's also crucial at the end of each summer to perform routine maintenance on any over-worked appliances. 'Get your AC checked or tuned,' he said. 'It should be done like every one to three years depending on how you use it so that it's good for next summer. You don't wanna be in a predicament where it's blazing hot outside and suddenly that AC cranks out on you so definitely always be up-to-date with the health of your AC.' Having frozen pipes is also a costly consequence of not taking care of your home before leaving on a vacation in the winter time. 'There are damages that we don't see... when your pipes freeze or they burst,' he said. 'Then you have water in the walls and you have to worry about fighting mold and bacteria growing in the walls.' To prevent costly, often invisible damage, turning the heat to just 55 degrees is crucial. For money and energy saving in any season, Lane said it's a good idea to make sure none of your air is escaping through cracks in windows or door frames. Homeowners often unknowingly crank up their energy bills because regulated air isn't circulating properly in their home. The hack he said is the most important? Turning off the main water valve in your home to prevent leaking. Lane learned this lesson the hard way after forgetting to complete the step and coming home to a water leak that cost him thousands of dollars. 'I returned from vacation. It was around 10 pm at night. I'm thinking I'm just gonna come home and have a chill night and go to bed,' Lane recalled. 'I come home to a leaking ceiling that started from my top bathroom floor and penetrated all the way down to my basement.' He said something as simple as turning off his water valve could have prevented the inconvenience and thousands of dollars he had to spend to have it fixed. 'Just something as simple as turning off the main water valve when you're gonna be away for a few days will give you peace of mind that you won't be returning to a tsunami once you come back home,' Lane said. If you live in an apartment and don't have to worry about water valve leaks and water heater costs, Lane said there are still a few things you can do to save yourself some money and make sure you're coming home to a relaxing space. He said to place electronics like your refrigerator on energy saver or vacation mode before heading out of town and unplug toasters, lamps, and electronics that won't be used while you're away. 'When we go out we always say "I'm unplugging," do the same for the home,' he said. When you return from a trip, Lane said to make sure to turn your water valve back on, switch on the water heater, and set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature once again. But he noted there are a couple of extra steps he likes to take to make sure everything in the home is in order. 'I'm flushing the toilets to make sure that everything is still working. I'm running the faucet,' he added. He said it's good to make sure your space is 'in good shape to move forward since you know it hasn't been used.' Lane frequently shares tips and tricks for homeowners on his Instagram and TikTok page. In any season it's important to make sure you're not wasting your money or energy on unnecessary home repairs and expenses. 'We're about saving money here,' he said.
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
How Often You Really Need to Wash Your Car (Inside and Out), According to a Cleaning Expert
You can typically tell how dirty your car is just by looking at it. There's usually caked-on mud on the exterior and maybe some sandy grit on the interior's carpet. While cleaning your car only when it becomes noticeably messy is technically fine, that doesn't mean it's ideal. We spoke to a cleaning expert to learn how often we should actually be cleaning our cars and the impacts it can have when we don't do it Maker, cleaning expert and founder of Clean My SpaceMelissa Maker, cleaning expert and founder of Clean My Space, says cleaning your car regularly is very important. 'It's best to try to clean the exterior of the car once a month,' she says, or on an as-needed basis depending on the time of year or how often you use the car. 'In the winter, you typically want to clean your car more regularly,' she explains. 'There's dirt building up on the vehicle's exterior,' which can be very transferable to your jacket or pants. The same thought process goes for when you take a road trip during the summer. 'The sides of your car get really dusty or covered in bugs,' says Maker. 'That's when you should increase the frequency of washing.' How often you should clean the car's interior will also depend on how often you drive. Maker states you can clean it seasonally with detailing products—or even twice a year if you aren't driving too much or going on any long trips. She adds vacuuming the interior regularly is a good idea while also doing a quick garbage check to keep things tidy. 'Whenever we leave the car, we take everything inside with us,' Maker states. 'Whether it's garbage or whatever the case may be, nothing stays in the car.' Related: 7 Things You Shouldn't Store in Your Car If you don't wash your car often, there can be some issues down the road. 'The downside of not washing your car regularly is that salt, dirt, acid, and dead bugs can wear down the paint,' says Maker, causing the exterior to dull. 'If you really care about your car and you want it to sparkle, make sure that you wash your car to get rid of that buildup.' Maintaining a clean car also cuts down the risk of rust build-up and corrosion, which may affect your car's performance and overall "health." 'Whenever you're washing your car, whether it's by hand or at a car washing service, you don't want to do it on a sunny day,' says Maker. That's because soap or any other cleaning products you use can dry quickly outside in the sunlight and leave behind a filming residue. The most ideal time of day to wash your car is 'either first thing in the morning or at dusk,' says Maker, or on a cloudy day. But washing a car indoors in a clean garage will also do and you won't need to worry about the time of day. Read the original article on Real Simple
The Sun
04-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
The easy way to stop flies coming into your home and dying on your windowsill this summer using a £1 seasoning buy
FLIES are a common pest in the summer. And although they are harmless, they are annoying to deal with when all you want to do is sit down and relax in the summer heat. While we often open the windows or doors in the summer to keep us cool, flies also have the same idea. The reason we see an influx in the heat is because they too are trying to get out of the sun's rays. This can often lead to flies buzzing around the home before eventually falling dead and creating a mess on your windowsill. Thankfully, an expert has shared a simple way to keep them away for good. While commercial fly sprays are convenient, they contain toxic chemicals that can pollute your home and be poisonous to breathe in. This might lead you to try a more natural method to keep them away. Andre Kazimierski, a cleaning expert from Sophia's Cleaning, and has shared how you can easily keep flies away without spraying chemicals using a kitchen staple. He revealed some cayenne pepper, which many will already have in their seasoning drawer is all you need. He said: 'Mix cayenne pepper with a cup of water to make a simple spray that repels common fruit flies. "To be exact, mix one tablespoon of cayenne pepper in two cups of hot water.' 'These miracle bags should be in every home,' says mum who created a cheap hack to prevent flies from entering your home It may sound odd, but flies rely on their sense of smell to find food and to navigate their surroundings. However, cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which has an incredibly strong smell and is also spicy so will really irritate flies senses. Not only do flies find cayenne pepper uncomfortable, but it makes them less interested in lingering about as it will mask the smell of food that attracts them to homes. To keep flies away with the DIY solution, you will need to boil 475ml of water in a kettle, then pour the water into a bowl. Keep pests out all summer IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know. Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay. Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent. Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents. Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass. Add one or two tablespoons of cayenne pepper to the bowl and give it a good stir. Wait for the water to cool down before placing it into an empty spray bottle. You can usually buy spray bottles in the cleaning section of most supermarkets but pound shops, garden centres and hardware stores will also sell them. Spray the solution around windows, doorways, kitchen and anywhere else flies are known buzz about. Flies will naturally stay far away from the spicy scent so your home is more likely to stay insect free throughout the summer. Cayenne pepper can travel in the air after spraying and get into pets eyes so generally should not be used if you have a cat or dog. You can purchase a container of the seasoning for as little as £1 in Tesco.
CNET
29-05-2025
- General
- CNET
15 Filthy Spots That Survived Your Spring Cleaning Rampage, According to an Expert
CNET Look outside and you'll see that flowers are blooming and pollen is flying. That means it's time to start spring cleaning -- or finish, according to a professional we spoke with. The professional in question is Angie Olive, owner of Alliance Building Services in St. Louis and she just happens to be my mom. She's been in the cleaning business for 25 years and says there are more than a dozen spots in the home that almost everyone misses. "Most things are out of sight and out of mind," said Olive, owner of . "If your outside surfaces are clean, you think everything is clean. It's no fault of your own that the stuff that slides down the side of your stove goes unnoticed until you move out." "If you maintain cleaning your house throughout the year, you should still consider hiring a professional cleaning company to come in at least twice a year for a deep clean," she added. So, if deep cleaning your home is part of your spring routine, here are 15 places in your home that you shouldn't forget. 1. Shutters Built-in shutters can accumulate a lot of dust over the years. Although it seems the only solution is regular dusting, I have found a tool that makes it slightly easier: a blind cleaner duster brush. Built-in shutters can often hide dust. Corin Cesaric/CNET (Tip: I also use this tool to clean my window AC unit, and you can also use it on blinds, too.) 2. Door frames The top of door frames is another area known for almost always being dusty. You can use a duster, microfiber cloth or vacuum to clean that area, then with warm, soapy water for the rest of the frame. 3. Baseboards Cleaning baseboards is typically on the list of least desirable chores. On Reddit, many users ask for tips on how to make this one easier on themselves -- and their backs and knees. One user suggested knee pads, while another advocates for using a vacuum with a brush attachment. If you have pets or there's a lot of foot traffic in your home, you'll want to clean your baseboards at least twice a month. FotoDuets/Getty Images Olive suggests that after deep cleaning your baseboards once, you can maintain them by using a damp mop on them when cleaning your floors. "As long as you're not using harsh chemicals, it won't damage your paint," she said. 4. Under the couch and bed For this chore, a robot vacuum may be the best -- and easiest -- option for regular upkeep. (CNET chose the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo and the iRobot Combo J7 Plus as the best robot vacuums for 2025.) 5. Ceiling fans It's good to occasionally clean the entire ceiling fan, including the bulbs, but the blades typically need the most attention. If your blades are heavily covered in dust, use a vacuum cleaner with the wand attachment on them first to minimize the amount that falls onto the ground -- or worse, in your face -- before dusting them clean with a duster or microfiber cloth. You can also clean the pull strings and bulbs with a microfiber cloth, but make sure the light switch is turned off and the bulbs have completely cooled before touching them. If you're deep cleaning your home, don't forget to look up to find the areas you may have missed. BackyardProduction/Getty Images 6. Grout When I moved into my apartment a few years ago, I could never get the tiny bathroom to feel clean — until I scrubbed the grout and unveiled its true color. I used Zep Grout Cleaner and a grout brush and was amazed at the difference, as were many on TikTok who used the same product. When I was halfway done with cleaning the grout, I was already extremely satisfied with the results. Corin Cesaric/CNET I poured the solution on the grout and let it sit for two to three minutes before using the brush to scrub the grout, then wiped the area clean. I now deep clean the grout about every six months and regularly mop. 7. Remote controls Although most people touch their TV remotes every day, it's often forgotten that we need to clean them, too. "They might not look dirty, but they're usually full of germs," Olive said. You should aim to clean and disinfect the remotes in your home about once a month.A quick way to clean your remote is to use a disinfectant wipe and then let it air dry. 8. Tops of cabinets When you cook on your stovetop, the smoke, steam and food particles travel up and often settle on top of your cabinets. This leaves a thick, sticky residue if you forget to clean the area. "Regularly clean with a degreaser on top of the cabinets," Olive said. "Once you get the build-up gone, you can maintain it." Another way to protect the top of your cabinets from the buildup is to line them with parchment or wax paper. 9. Doorknobs Doorknobs may not look dirty but most are teeming with germs. Fotosearch/Getty Images Doorknobs are another high-touch area that can be forgotten about. Use a disinfectant wipe or Lysol to clean them, especially during cold and flu season. (Tip: Clean your light switches at the same time you clean your door knobs since they're typically near each other.) 10. Stove knobs Stove knobs can get the same greasy residue buildup so it's important to deep clean them as well. Take the knobs off and soak them in warm, soapy water and scrub them if needed, then rinse, dry and replace. 11. Side of the stove As your stove knobs are soaking, you can deep clean the side of your stove, too. Pull out the appliance and use a cleaner of your choice to get rid of any food buildup that may have accumulated. "As you're cooking, you don't realize what you're spilling between the appliance and the countertop," Olive said. "Once you pull out your appliances, you'll find a lot of places that you need to clean." If you'd prefer to prevent spillage rather than clean it, you may want to invest in a stove gap cover. 12. Oven After you tackle the outside of your stove, it's time to clean the inside of the oven. You can try this chemical-free cleaning method to get your oven to look brand-new. Read more: Your Oven's Bottom Drawer Has a Secret Purpose -- Here's What It Actually Does Plan to clean your oven about four times a year. Jevtic/Getty Images 13. Walls You don't have to clean your walls every day, but they're not immune to getting dirty, especially the ones in your kitchen and bathroom, and for me, the one behind my dog's food and water bowls. You can start by dusting your walls, then using a Magic Eraser on them to get any marks, scuffs or splatters off. 14. Behind the refrigerator This area can be easily forgotten about, because most people don't routinely pull out their refrigerator. But when you do, you're almost certain to find dust and build up. You can clean the floor underneath your fridge and the wall behind it, then focus on the back of the fridge itself. First, unplug the fridge, then use a microfiber cloth or vacuum to dust the coils. Dust and hair can even find its way to the back of your fridge.15. Houseplants It may seem odd at first, but yes, you should be cleaning your houseplants, too -- even fake ones. The leaves on houseplants can collect a lot of dust. You can use a microfiber cloth or a duster to keep them dust-free. Plants with large leaves are especially likely to get dust buildup. Polina Sergeyeva/iStock/Getty Images Expert advice: Create a routine that works for you While it may seem overwhelming to keep every part of your home clean and free from dust, grease and buildup, don't overwork yourself. "Work out your own routine and do a little each time," Olive said. "Don't try to tackle everything at once."
The Sun
13-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
The miracle £1.40 hack cleaning experts swear by to help give you streak-free windows this spring
A CLEANING expert has revealed a £1.40 hack to make your windows squeaky clean and streak free this spring. As temperatures continue to soar this week, you may have noticed that the sun has highlighted how grubby your windows are. 2 When scrubbing your windows, it can seem impossible to figure out a method that leaves them streak free. However, Nigel Bearman, expert cleaner at Daily Poppins has shared a simple solution, perfect for those keen to pinch pennies. The expert revealed that apple cider vinegar is guaranteed to leave your windows sparkling, and will set you back by just £1.40 a bottle. He said: "It has a much milder scent compared to regular vinegar, making it far more pleasant to use. " Its also incredibly effective at cutting through grime and leaving your windows streak free, without the harsh chemicals in commercial cleaners." To use this hack, Nigel recommends making a 50/50 solution of apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution lightly on your windows, and then using a circular motion, rub your windows with a micro fibre cloth. Then go over the glass in a vertical or horizontal motion, to remove streaks. "For stubborn spots, apply a bit more vinegar to break down the grime more effectively," Nigel advised. The expert explains that apple cider vinegar works as an effective cleaner, as its acidity breaks down dirt and grime, without the harshness of commercial products. The €60 buy that will 'clear condensation in seconds' and it will leave your windows and tiles sparkling clean too Nigel added, that if your windows are extra grubby, you can add white vinegar to the solution, to cut through the grime more effectively. Raving about the benefits of apple cider vinegar, the expert added: "You can even use it around the house to clean other glass surfaces, mirrors, and even kitchen appliances. "It's also a great natural option for polishing stainless steel or removing hard water stains from shower doors." Mrs Hinch fans previously raved about another simple trick to clean windows - and it costs nothing. 5 cleaning hacks Say goodbye to ironing Don't have time to smooth out the wrinkles of a shirt with an iron? Lenor 's Crease Releaser makes wrinkles vanish - simply hang up creased items, give them a quick spritz and smooth against a hard surface. Teabags for trainers When trainers smell a little squiffy, pop a used (and still moist) tea bag inside and leave for about an hour. The tannins will seep into the sole of the shoe to fight nasty-smelling odours. Remove limescale without scrubbing When bathroom taps start looking a little grimy with limescale, slice a lemon in half and sprinkle on baking soda. Rub the fruit over the taps and with a gentle clean they will come up sparkling. Use a toothbrush to get in all the nooks and crannies. Streak-free mirrors and windows White vinegar is a handy secret weapon when it comes to keeping mirrors and windows streak-free. Mix one part white vinegar with four parts water in a spray bottle. Squirt then wipe with a microfibre cloth and voilà, clean glass in an instant. Make your home smell amazing For dust-free skirting boards, pour some fabric softener onto a cloth and give them a quick wipe. It will stop dirt collecting so quickly and, as an added bonus, make your home smell amazing. Posting in the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook group, one person asked: "Tips for cleaning windows please. "Mine always end up streaky and dirty looking." The post was flooded with helpful replies from Facebook users, and many people said the same thing. One person said: "If you have tumble dryer water use that, it's brilliant". Another person said: "If you have a condenser tumble dryer try the water out of it it's amazing." This hack only works if you have a condenser tumble dryer that collects water, but it's a great way to save water, instead of just throwing it away.
