Latest news with #householdhacks
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
This homemade 45p bathroom cleaning hack blew my mind (the experts were right)
What's the weirdest thing you have cleaned your bathroom with? Maybe it was a bizarre TikTok shop product, or you decided to polish your taps with baby oil. But have you tried making your bathroom sink, bath and tiles sparkle like new, using a piece of fruit? I have, and it blew my mind. I'm the first to admit that I get sucked into these ridiculous trends on social media when it comes to household hacks – the cheaper (and weirder), the better, in my honest opinion. Because let's be honest, cleaning your house with the same old anti-bacterial spray, such as Flash or Zoflora, can get pretty boring, and that's coming from someone who cleans for a hobby. So, when I came across a cleaning expert who recommended giving your bathroom suite a rub-down with a grapefruit and some salt, I quite literally jumped (up from the sofa) at the chance. My first thoughts were, is my bathroom going to turn into a giant bucket of Pimms-like sticky syrup, and will it attract every flying insect (I'm looking at you, wasps nest across the road) surrounding my house? I just had to find out, because there was no way a humongous 45p grapefruit from Tesco could replace my trusty method army – I was adamant this was even too weird for me. But do you know what, Nigel Bearman at Daily Poppins was right, it does clean your bathroom surfaces and it does one hell of a job without any harsh chemicals in sight. I actually ate the other half of grapefruit which wasn't used to clean my bathroom - don't judge (Image: Molly Court/Newsquest) What stood out to me the most was how much it made the likes of my bathroom taps shine like they were straight out of a Wickes showroom. It even managed to get rid of a small build-up of limescale. Plus, I can't tell you how refreshing it was to have a natural, zesty scent take over my bathroom, a difference from the usual pungent anti-bacterial sprays. Although it looked a bit of a mess at first (I found it quite satisfying squeezing the inner grapefruit flesh over my sink and bath), it all washed away within seconds of pouring warm water on top. Best of all, after letting the grapefruit juice and salt soak, there wasn't a speckle of sticky residue, which was my ultimate fear. All that was left was a gleaming sink, taps and bath without any dust, grime or stains, and it only took 10 minutes to achieve. What do you usually clean your bathroom with? (Image: Molly Court/Newsquest) When cleaning my bathroom with grapefruit and salt, this is the method I followed, thanks to Nigel's instructions: Cut the grapefruit in half and sprinkle it with coarse salt (like Epsom or sea salt) - I used normal cooking salt and it worked just fine Take one half of the grapefruit and lightly scrub it over the surface of your bath and shower Let it sit for a few minutes to help the citric acid work even harder on the stains (optional) Rinse the area with warm water and wipe clean if necessary So, what's the science behind grapefruit and salt being an excellent bathroom cleaner? Nigel explained: 'Grapefruit contains citric acid which helps to quickly break down soap scum and grime found in baths and showers. It acts as a natural cleaning agent and dissolves through tough stains while eliminating germs and bacteria. An unbelievable transformation if I do say so myself (Image: Molly Court/Newsquest) 'The salt works as an abrasive to help scrub the grime away while you use it, while the grapefruit uses its natural acids and antibacterial properties to break down the buildup and leave your bathroom sparkling clean. It's a simple, eco-friendly solution that gives you a fresh, citrus-scented finish.' Recommended reading: Method's new cleaning spray transformed my home into a Jo Malone-scented paradise I banished the world's worst washing machine smell with 30p hack (and toothpaste) How to remove tough yellow toilet seat stains - 65p hack leaves them 'spotless' Additionally, you can also make an all-purpose grapefruit spray – just squeeze the juice from the grapefruit into a spray bottle, add 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar, top it up with warm water, and give it a good shake. You can also use the leftover grapefruit peel to deodorise your bathroom bin or pop it in a pot of boiling water to naturally scent the whole room. If you fancy giving your bathroom a clean using this cheap grapefruit hack, let us know how you get on in the comments below. What a zest-tastic idea from Nigel, I owe you one.
The Sun
21-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
I'm TV's Queen of Clean & swear by 1p Tesco bargain to stop your bins from smelling in hot weather
The QUEEN of Clean has revealed the 1p Tesco hack she swears by to stop your bin from stinking during hot weather. Britain has been baking in blistering heat this week, with the Met Office predicting sunny days to be twice as likely as usual this summer. 3 And whilst the hot weather is a welcome treat for tan-happy Brits, it also comes with its fair share of downsides. Balmy temperatures can often lead to household bins smelling, as leftover foods decompose quicker, leading to unpleasant odours. Thankfully, Lynsey Crombie, known for her appearances on ITV 's This Morning has revealed that you can banish unwanted stenches from your bin simply by using a 1p hack. The Queen of Clean revealed that she relies on Cif Infinite All in One Cleaner Spray to carry out the essential household task. "A spray under the lid and around the rim helps tackle bad smells, fast", the cleaning whizz revealed. The Cif product is currently on sale at Tesco, Sainsbury's and Waitrose for £4 for a 280 ml bottle. According to Cif, each bottle contains 2800 sprays, meaning that each spray costs just 1p. And it's not only bins that can be cleaned with the budget-friendly cleaning spray. Lynsey also relies on the spray to clean her toilet lid, seat and base. "It's easy to forget the bits you don't see - like the base of your loo", she said. Lynsey Queen of Clean shares her tips on how to get rid of ants "A quick spray around the seat, lid and base gives a hygienic clean that keeps working long after you flush." The spray is also perfect for giving your smelly car a quick refresh. "Car smelling a bit… lived in?", Lynsey said. "Lightly mist the seats or floor mats to cut through odours (always spot-test first!). 10 Grossest Areas People Forget to Clean By Danielle Mason, who has 20 years of experience Under and Behind the Fridge Crumbs, dust, and spills accumulate over time, attracting pests and creating bad odours. Shower Curtain & Liner These collect mildew and soap scum but are often overlooked. Wash or replace them regularly to keep your bathroom fresh. Toothbrush Holder One of the germiest places in the bathroom, filled with bacteria and toothpaste residue. Rinse and disinfect it weekly. Dishwasher Filter Food particles and grease build up, leading to unpleasant smells and reduced efficiency. Remove and clean the filter every few weeks. Washing Machine Seal The rubber gasket traps mould, mildew, and detergent buildup. Wipe it down with white vinegar and leave the door open to air dry. Light Switches and Remote Controls Touched daily but rarely cleaned, making them germ hotspots. Wipe them down with disinfectant regularly. Under the Sofa Cushions Crumbs, dust, and even lost items hide in the cracks. Remove the cushions and vacuum thoroughly. Kitchen Sink & Plughole Food residue builds up, causing bad odours. Pour boiling water, bicarbonate of soda, and vinegar down the drain to freshen it. Ceiling Fans Dust piles up on the blades and gets redistributed into the air when turned on. Use a microfibre cloth or pillowcase to clean them easily. Doormats They trap dirt and bacteria from shoes but are rarely washed or vacuumed. Shake them out weekly and deep clean them every month. Head to her Instagram pages for more cleaning information @ missmasoncleaning @ daniellemasonuk "It leaves a fresh, clean scent without any scrubbing." And Lynsey also swears by the cleaning spray for keeping bathroom taps and chrome fixtures sparkling. "This spray brings back the shine to taps, shower heads and metal handles. "Say goodbye to water spots and fingerprints!" Finally, the cleaning pro explained that the spray is her secret weapon for the family sofa. "Fabric sofas take a lot of daily wear", she said. "Between deep cleans, you can mist over cushions to keep things fresh and inviting."
The Sun
11-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
I'm a cleaning expert – everyday £1.15 kitchen cupboard filler is perfect for tackling grime
WITH bills continuing to skyrocket and the cost of living crisis still taking a toll, saving money in small ways can make a huge difference. And we all know that filling your cupboards with professional cleaning products can cost a fortune. 4 4 So to help, experts have revealed that there is a cheap household item that is perfect for tackling grime, so you can save some well-earned cash. And you might be surprised to hear that the item in question is coffee, which can be picked up for as little as £1.15 in supermarkets like Tesco. Not only can the popular drink save you a few pounds, but it can actually be used for a variety of cleaning tasks in your home. Experts at Housekeep have revealed that used coffee grounds are great for tackling grime, especially burnt bits on the bottom of your pan that you just can't get rid of. It can even give your sink a new lease of life and get rid of any horrible, lingering smells. So before you chuck out your used grounds or the dregs of your brew, cleaning pro Georgina Shepherd recommends using them to their full potential. She said: "Used coffee grounds are surprisingly versatile. "Thanks to their coarse texture, used coffee grounds can come in handy for tackling stubborn grime. "They're great for scrubbing pans, trays with burnt-on bits, or even giving your stainless steel sink a good refresh. "It's a great reason to hang on to the grounds from your morning brew instead of tossing them. I was gutted when scrubbing didn't get my 'stained' blender clean, then remembered a £3.25 spray I had in the cupboard 'Take your leftover ground coffee and mix it with a few squirts of washing-up liquid to form a paste. "Then, using a soft sponge, apply it to the surface you're cleaning. Scrub in circular motions, and this should help cut through grease and lift off any grime. "Avoid using coffee to clean porous surfaces, though, as it can stain!' As well as tackling grime in the kitchen, it also works well on wooden surfaces. Georgina adds: "That same coffee paste can work surprisingly well as a natural stain for wooden surfaces or furniture, too. "If you've got a small mark or scuff on a wooden surface, just apply the paste, let it sit for around 10-15 minutes, then wipe it away.' Another surprising use of coffee is to soak up any bad smells - especially food and bin odours. Georgia recommends sprinkling a handful of coffee during the summer to keep your bins fresh. And it's good news for anyone with a wooden chopping board. EXPERTS have revealed that a thorough clean doesn't have to break the bank. Katy Phillips, a product expert at price comparison website idealo, has said there are five clever, cost-effective ways to spruce up your home while keeping costs low. DIY cleaning solutions - Skip over the expensive cleaning products and make your own using household staples. White vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice can tackle everything from limescale to greasy surfaces." Declutter and sell unwanted items - "Cleaning isn't just about tidying - it's an opportunity to declutter and make some extra cash! Repurpose and upcycle - "Instead of buying new storage solutions, get creative with what you already own." Target high-impact areas -"Focusing on key areas like carpets, sofas, and curtains. Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and upholstery to absorb odours before vacuuming, effectively removing dust and allergens. Energy-efficient refresh - "Dust and debris can make appliances work harder, so clean behind your fridge and other large appliances to improve their efficiency and reduce energy consumption." She explains: 'Coffee grounds are actually fantastic deodorisers. "Try placing a small bowl or an open container of them in your fridge. They soak up bad smells and leave everything smelling much fresher. "During the summer, when kitchen bins can get a bit whiffy, try sprinkling a handful of coffee grounds into the bottom of a fresh bin bag after changing it. "They'll help absorb unpleasant odours between changes. 'Chopping boards, especially wooden ones, can hang on to strong smells and stains from things like garlic and onion. "To freshen them up, use the same coffee and washing-up liquid paste and scrub gently with a sponge. "The abrasiveness helps lift off food particles and stains, while the coffee neutralises any odours."
