Latest news with #homehacks
The Sun
12 hours ago
- General
- The Sun
B&M's £1 pantry staple will banish flying ants from home – as ‘tens of millions' of insects to swarm UK in just DAYS
THE B&M pantry staple that will keep pests out of your home, as experts warn this year's Flying Ant Day could be one of the biggest in recent years. This handy hack offers a low-cost, toxin free way of keeping the pesky insects away ahead of pest control experts' warnings. 2 Ground pepper can be used to deter ants from your home and is available for £1 at B&M. A study from Vanderbilt University says that ants have 400 smell receptors which allow them not only to smell their immediate surroundings, but also play a role in their communication and navigation. That is why putting down strong scents like pepper can help to deter them, as it will overload their receptors. Cheap trick to keep your home pest free There are a couple of different ways that you can use the pepper deterrent. The easiest is to simply sprinkle it in areas where you typically see ants in your home. However, you can also use it to mix up a makeshift bug spray, offering a cheaper alternative to forking out on insect repellent. By mixing one measure of pepper to ten measures of water you will create a spray which can then be used throughout your home. A Texas A&M University showed that water with pepper is more likely to kill ants than water alone. Where to spray the ingredient in your home However, be careful not to spray it near where your pets might be, as it could cause irritation to their respiratory system or cause an upset stomach. Pest control experts are anti a significant surge in flying ant activity this year, as a result of the ideal combination of altering wet and warm weather. Biggest flying ant day in recent memory This summer's particularly high humidity is perfect for swarming. Experts have suggested that year's Flying Ant Day - the annual mating flight where millions fill the skies in synchronised displays - could be one of the biggest in recent years. Paul Blackhurst, Head of the Technical Academy at Rentokil Pest Control, told Manchester Evening News: 'While flying ants may disrupt your picnic, barbeque, or pub garden pint, they play a vital role in the ecosystem.' He added: "This natural event, when vast numbers of winged ants, known as alates, take to the skies at once in search of mates from other colonies, could be one of the most prolific for years." 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.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
The Easiest Way To Unclog A Drain Is Already In Your Bathroom Cabinet
If your sink is gurgling, draining slower than usual, or giving off that suspicious musty smell, it's probably clogged. But before you reach for a pricey drain cleaner or call a plumber, there's a simple trick you might not have considered. Better still, it's probably already in your bathroom cabinet. Alka-Seltzer, the fizzy antacid you'd normally take for an upset stomach, can actually help clear out minor drain clogs with the help of one other household staple: vinegar. It works thanks to a classic chemical reaction. Alka-Seltzer contains sodium bicarbonate (aka baking soda) and citric acid. When you drop it down the drain and follow it up with a cup of vinegar, the mixture creates a powerful fizzing reaction that releases carbon dioxide. That bubbling action can help break up grease, gunk, and buildup, loosening it so it can be flushed away. Unlike commercial drain cleaners, this method is gentle on your pipes and doesn't rely on harsh or corrosive chemicals that could cause damage over time. It's cheap, non-toxic, and surprisingly effective for slow drains in the bathroom or kitchen. It's perfect for when you need a quick fix without a trip to the store. Plus, your drain will smell better after, too! Read more: 15 Genius Hacks That Will Keep Your Shower Squeaky Clean Before you begin, don't forget to empty out any standing water in your sink. Once you've gathered your ingredients, just two or three Alka-Seltzer tablets and a cup of white vinegar, you'll want to move quickly. Start by removing the sink stopper so the tablets can drop directly into the drain. Pop both Alka-Seltzer tablets in, and then immediately pour the vinegar over them. You'll hear fizzing right away, and that's exactly what you want. The bubbling reaction is breaking up grime and sludge inside the pipes. Let the mixture sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. This gives the reaction time to work its way through the blockage. While you wait, bring a kettle or pot of water to a boil. After the 10 minutes is up, carefully pour the boiling water down the drain. The heat helps to flush out any loosened debris and clears the pipe of any leftover residue. Finally, turn on your faucet, and let the water run for a bit. If everything is draining smoothly, you're good to go. If you're still seeing signs of a clog, feel free to repeat the process. For best results, aim to use this method on slow drains or light clogs rather than severe backups or standing water. Pipes can be super sensitive, so make sure to avoid making these mistakes when cleaning your drain. While the Alka-Seltzer and vinegar method is a handy solution for light clogs, it's not a magic fix for everything. If your drain is completely backed up or has standing water that won't budge, this method likely won't cut it. You can try to unclog your drain with other unexpected items around your house, such as a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. In more extreme cases, you'll probably need to try a plunger or a drain snake or call in a professional. Still, this fizzy DIY trick can be a solid first step, especially if you catch the clog early. To keep your drains in better shape long-term, try incorporating this method as a monthly maintenance step. You can also use Coca-Cola instead of Alka-Seltzer and vinegar for a similar effect, since this soda is corrosive and can help to dissolve a clog. Avoid dumping grease, coffee grounds, or hair down the drain to begin with; those are some of the biggest culprits behind stubborn clogs. For an extra boost, try adding a few drops of essential oil (like lemon or eucalyptus) with the vinegar. It'll help freshen the sink and make your bathroom smell great, too. Small habits like these can help prevent build-up and keep things running smoothly without relying on heavy-duty chemicals. If you're interested in trying other methods, here is another common household ingredient that can unclog slow-draining sinks and tubs. Enjoyed this article? Get expert home tips, DIY guides, and design inspiration by signing up to the House Digest newsletter! Read the original article on House Digest.
The Sun
11-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
I tried 3 hacks to stop my bins from smelling – a £1.50 trick made a total mess but a 55p buy was a total game changer
IF your bins are kicking up a nasty smell, fear not, you've come to the right place. With summer right around the corner, the warm weather can cause your bins to emit ghastly, unwanted odours. 8 8 8 8 But to stop your dirty recycling from marinating in the heat and causing your neighbours to squirm, experts have revealed a variety of simple tips and tricks to keep your bins fresh all summer long. According to Michael Bogoyavlenskiy, CEO of Cleaning Express, keeping your bins out of direct sunlight can help prevent foul smells. And while it's important to empty your bin every couple of days and make sure to dispose of anything "particularly pungent", there's also a variety of cleaning hacks that can banish grim smells. On a mission to ensure my recycling bin smells fresh this season, I, Abby Wilson, tested three simple hacks. You probably already have at least two of these buys in your cupboards already, but don't worry if your purse is feeling tighter than ever before, as all three are super affordable. While the cheapest hack will cost you just 49p, your bin will be so clean you'll be able to see your reflection thanks to a 55p trick. Wash this According to those at Busy Bins, a simple mixture of washing-up liquid and warm water will do the trick to banish seriously bad stenches from your bin. So, I got my Marigolds on and dived headfirst into the bin - and yes, it was as grim as you could imagine. In between holding back gags and wiping my watering eyes, I scrubbed the interior of the recycling bin with the purse-friendly two-ingredient solution. I then gave the bin a quick rinse with a hose and I have to say, it looked pretty good. Top 6 spring cleaning hacks Whilst it wasn't great at getting rid of the tough stains and did require quite a bit of elbow grease (far more than I'd have hoped), it definitely cut through the strong smells. It looked pretty good too and thanks to this cheap trick, your bins are sure to shine in no time. While I used proper Fairy Liquid, if you're on a budget and are looking to pocket pennies where possible, you'll be thrilled to know that you can nab cheaper dish soap from just 49p from Savers. Rating: 3/5 Powerful paste After a couple of weeks, it appeared that my bin had gone back to its old ways and was still looking a bit grim. So I searched for something a bit stronger and bought myself a tub of The Pink Stuff, which you'll find for only £1.50 from Poundland, Sainsbury's and Dunelm. While this isn't something I've heard many experts talk about when it comes to bin cleaning, I figured the multi-purpose paste which has been hailed as a 'miracle' product that is said to be 'tough on stains', could do the trick. But after literally five seconds of scrubbing, I was already starting to regret my decision. Yes, this thick paste is super versatile, but it made a total mess on my bin. The household items you're not cleaning often enough IF you want to ensure your home is squeaky clean, you'll need to listen up. Below are the household items you're forgetting to clean, and how to get them sparkling... Remote Controls: Wipe with a disinfectant cloth. Use a cotton bud for crevices. Light Switches: Wipe with a disinfectant wipe. Use a mild soap solution for tough stains. Door Handles: Clean with an antibacterial spray. Wipe down regularly. Underneath and Behind Appliances: Vacuum or sweep regularly. Mop with a suitable cleaner. Shower Curtains and Liners: Wash in the washing machine. Use a bleach solution for stubborn mildew. Kitchen Sponges and Dishcloths: Microwave damp sponges for one minute. Wash dishcloths in the washing machine. Computer Keyboards and Mice: Use compressed air to remove debris. Wipe with a disinfectant wipe. It was much more hassle than it was worth and there was far too much faff involved with getting rid of the white residue from my bin. While I love using this product throughout my home, on my grubby oven and kitchen sink, I'm definitely not sold on using it to clean my bin. Also, the scent is very faint, so it didn't work as well as I'd hoped to keep my bin smelling fresh. Rating: 2/5 Seriously strong Disappointed with the mess The Pink Stuff made, not only on my bin but all over me too, I reached for a household hero I knew wouldn't let me down. 8 Not only do I use bleach on my loos, but I imagined it would work well on my bin too. According to the Wheelie Bin Cleaning Service, using bleach, which you can buy for just 55p from Tesco, is a great way to effectively disinfect a bin. The pros explained that bleach is a 'strong cleaner' that 'kills many bacteria, viruses, and fungi', whilst working to 'keep bins clean and fresh.' Not only this, but the experts also recognised that it will 'break down tough stains, grease and grime in bins', whilst also 'making bins look new and clean again.' Eager to let the powerful product do its work, I diluted some bleach with water and threw the solution over the inside and outside of my recycling bin. I then grabbed a long brush to spread the solution and left it to work for a few minutes. Moments later, I thoroughly rinsed the bin to get rid of any residue, which is highly important when using bleach as it can be harmful to the environment and wildlife. As someone who would buy a bleach scented candle if it was available, I was overjoyed with the squeaky clean scent it left behind. Not only was it a cheap cleaning solution, but it definitely smelt the best out of the bunch too. But that wasn't all - my bin was left so clean (definitely the cleanest it has EVER looked), I could even see my reflection in it - yes, you heard that correctly. I highly doubt I'll be popping outside and peering at my bin to check that my make-up and hair look decent, but if you really want your bins to shine, bleach may just be the thing for you. Although it left me very impressed, the experts recommend that bleach should not be used for routine cleaning of bins due to environmental concerns and the damage it can do to plastic over time. I'll definitely do this trick again, but for those eager to give it a try, make sure you switch up your cleaning methods, dilute it properly before us and always wear gloves. Rating: 4/5 Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club 8
The Sun
11-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
Keep ants out of your house with 5p kitchen staple that's a super effective deterrent
THIS handy hack offers a low-cost, toxin-free way of keeping pesky ants out of your house. Summer is approaching, bringing glorious weather along with it. 3 But the arrival of the warmer months also often means more pests and creepy crawlies around and about. Everyone has been there with finding an unwelcome party of ants scurrying around your floors. While there are many insect repellents available from shops, people looking to save a bit of cash might look to budget-friendly solutions. One kitchen staple offers a low-cost hack to keep ants out of your living room. Common kitchen pepper can be used to deter ants from entering your home - and providing a much cheaper option to insect spray. A study from Vanderbilt University says that ants 400 smell receptors - far more than many other small insets. These don't just help ants sense their immediate surroundings, but also play a role in their communication and navigation. That's why putting down strong scents like pepper can help deter them - as it will overload their receptors. There are a couple of ways you can use pepper to keep the ants away, according to Yahoo News. One is to simple sprinkle it in the areas where you typically see ants in the home, whether that's on your floorboards or window ledges. You can also use it to mix a makeshift bug spray, with one measure of pepper to ten measures of water. This can be sprayed anywhere you seen ants in your home. The spray can even kill the ants, with a Texas A&M University study showing that water with pepper is more likely to take them out than water alone. However, be careful not to spray it near where your pets might be, as it could irritate their respiratory system or cause stomach upset. 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. But pepper isn't the only low cost way of keeping ants away from you house. Regular cleaning and wiping of surfaces is always a helpful means of reducing your chance of finding pests indoors. Cleaning up crumbs and spills - especially for sugary drinks - will also help. Make sure rotten food is thrown away and that any containers are properly sealed.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Why You Should Use a Toilet Paper Holder in Your Kitchen (It's So Cute!)
As a lifestyle editor, I'm constantly amazed by the brilliant hacks people discover for ordinary items — especially when they relate to some stylish organization. Whether it's using book bins as bathroom storage, lid organizers to store belts and hats, or lazy Susans to make stunning wall art, if there's a secret use for an item, someone on the internet is going to find it. And the latest trick I'm obsessed with can be used all over the home. This Instagram Reel from couple Crystal and Scott Ransons, shows the most ingenious use for a toilet paper holder: as a cabinet vase! This antique-style gold holder would typically be used in the bathroom to hold toilet paper, but its open nature makes it the perfect vessel for a glass vase to hold flowers or other greenery. Plus, it's a superchic touch that'll match any kitchen style. This design hack is just as easy to implement as it looks. Simply decide where you want it, screw your toilet paper holder into your wall or cabinet, and you've got a sleek storage addition in an instant. Aside from flowers, depending on how much weight it can hold, you might also use it to store a utensil crock, cooking oil, a small plant, or even a decorative faux candle. Amazon $32 Buy Now If you want to get the look in your kitchen, this ornate brass toilet paper holder would make a gorgeous receptacle for the project. At about 4×5 inches, this gem is large enough to fit most narrow glass or ceramic vases, and its slats are close enough together to keep everything in place. While the side of your kitchen cabinets is probably my favorite spot for this storage trick, it can really be used on any flat vertical surface. Put them on your living room wall, in your bedroom for plants or extra storage, or along your staircase to hold motion-sensor lights. Buy: , $32.49This post originally appeared on Apartment Therapy. See it there: Why You Should Use a Toilet Paper Holder in Your Kitchen (It's So Cute!) Why People Are Ditching Their Seltzer After a Disturbing Study The One Cookware Brand That Gordon Ramsay Can't Stop Talking About Le Creuset Launched a Pan That's Perfect for Everything from Stews to Stir-Fry — and It's Already on Sale
