
Kim Woodburn's top five cleaning tips including the one thing you should do 'every day'
Kim Woodburn, the formidable cleaning expert from Channel 4's popular show 'How Clean is Your House? sadly passed away at the age of 83 after a brief illness.
Alongside her trusty sidekick Aggie MacKenzie, Kim was renowned for her forthright manner and sharp tongue as she tackled the UK's most cluttered and grimy homes.
Her signature braided bun and no-nonsense attitude made her a household name, while her handy cleaning tips and tricks proved invaluable to maintaining spotless homes.
During their time on the show, which aired from 2003 to 2009, Kim and Aggie would visit the most unsanitary of homes, scrub them clean, and impart their advice along the way.
Aggie paid tribute to Kim after her passing, saying: "Kim was a tormented soul, but now she's finally at peace. We clashed often. Behind the fierce persona was deep pain and incredible strength. She survived because she had to. I hope she's resting now. She was an unforgettable woman."
The Channel 4 series catapulted Kim to fame, earning her book deals, endorsements, and subsequent appearances on reality TV shows.
Notably, she took part in Celebrity Big Brother in 2017 and participated in E4's Celebrity Cooking School in 2022.
Her manager issued a statement confirming her passing: "It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved Kim Woodburn passed away yesterday following a short illness.
"Kim was an incredibly kind, caring, charismatic and strong person."
Here are a few of her best tips:
Prefer natural methods to harsh chemicals
She championed natural cleaning methods, eschewing harsh chemicals in favour of staples like baking soda and white vinegar. These items became synonymous with her advice over the years, thanks to their skin-friendly properties and less abrasive nature for domestic cleaning.
Just 10 minutes each day
Set aside 10 minutes each day for tidying and maintenance. Kim recommended adopting a 'little and often' approach to cleaning, suggesting people spend just ten minutes daily or to "clean as you go".
Prioritise the kitchen
Woodburn stated that instant attention to messes and regular wiping of appliances is crucial in the kitchen. She particularly stressed wiping down the inside of your fridge every two months using a rag moistened with warm water and bicarb soda.
"When you start going over that timeframe, by God, you're asking for trouble," she warned.
Use a damp duster
This technique captures dust effectively and prevents it from scattering throughout your dwelling. Once finished, let it air dry and then give it a good shake outside or toss any collected debris into the rubbish bin.
Establish clear guidelines for gatherings
In regards to throwing a house party, Woodburn's advice was succinct: simply don't have one. To her, a gathering signified nothing but dirty troublemakers causing chaos in her cleansed space.
Nonetheless, if you chose to overlook her cautionary words and proceeded with your plans, her directive remained straightforward.
Before the festivities commence, declare: "This is what's going to happen. I love you, but if you're not willing to adhere to these rules, mate, you can't come."
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Michael Barrymore reveals epilepsy journey diagnosed after a series of mini strokes
Michael Barrymore reached out to fans for support in a heartbreaking TikTok video in which the comedian and TV presenter told of his mini strokes and "uncontrollable seizures" Veteran TV presenter Michael Barrymore has been diagnosed with epilepsy at 73 - after experiencing a mini stroke. The host, known for his work on game shows and light entertainment programmes, told fans on TikTok about his "uncontrollable seizures" which have happened as a result of his epilepsy. Epilepsy, a tendency to have repeated seizures which start in the brain, is often diagnosed in younger years but Michael said he has developed it in his 70s. And the star, who headlined the Royal Variety Performance in 1993, thanked fans for their support. In his emotional TikTok, Michael said: "A mini stroke caused me to develop epilepsy where I have uncontrollable seizures... I suffer from cluster seizures, which affects a quarter of people with epilepsy. It means I have more than one, usually three individual seizures in a short period of time." Carer dodges jail after performing sex act on disabled man at tourist attraction Now Michael, who grew up in Bermondsey, southeast London, must take emergency medication if he goes into a seizure. He continued: "It's scary because there's a 40% chance of going into epilepticus which causes brain damage and death without prompt medical attention. "I've had several attacks this year and have emergency medication at home if I go into a seizure. It doesn't really affect my life otherwise, but it would be nice to talk with other sufferers on here about it." The entertainer, an unlikely icon for Gen Z with his TikToks and vlogs, shared a series of photographs of himself in hospital. His video has been watched widely across TikTok and may users have left Michael messages of support. Michael's stint on Celebrity Big Brother in 2006 - during which he came runner-up to model Chantelle Houghton - was his first major TV gig since his dismissal from ITV in 2003. This came following the death of Stuart Lubbock in 2001 following a party at Michael's home in Essex. But since the controversy, Michael has become extremely popular with Gen Z, particularly through his use of TikTok. He used it last year to poke fun at himself and he reflect on his past while celebrating his birthday. Yet the host, who also presented Kids Say the Funniest Things, has said in recent interviews the 2001 tragedy still affects him. In fact, last year, Michael left the UK for Spain to "change his life for the better". This is despite Michael never being charged in connection with 31-year-old Mr Lubbock's death, and there is no suggestion of wrongdoing on Michael's part.


Daily Mail
6 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Elizabeth Hurley reveals boyfriend Billy Ray Cyrus is teaching her how to play the guitar - as country singer pens 'sexy songs' inspired by her
She has been busy promoting her new show, Channel 4 's The Inheritance, whilst simultaneously pushing her capsule collection for her beachwear range. So it would be easy to think Elizabeth Hurley is too busy to take on anymore projects, yet it seems when it comes to her new boyfriend Billy Ray Cyrus, she will always find the time. The pair who went public with their relationship at Easter seem to be getting closer and closer as the weeks go by. The actress and model, 60, revealed on Friday that musician Billy, 63, has been teaching her how to play the guitar. Dressed in a white gown, adorned with lace, Elizabeth shared some sweet shots of her sat on a swing by a tree, clutching onto an acoustic guitar. With her brunette hair blowing in the wind, the TV star couldn't hide the smile from her face, as she held onto the instrument confidently, with her fingers and thumbs expertly placed as if about to break out into a melody. In another image, she could be seen sat barefooted on the grassy floor, flashing some thigh as she posed with it across her body. Alongside the post, Elizabeth penned: 'My patient boyfriend is attempting to teach me the guitar ❤️❤️❤️ (and yes, he's going to replace the missing string) ❤️❤️❤️' In a sweet gesture of encouragement, Billy posted in comments and on his own stories writing: 'My girl is getting good on that guitar. ❤️ Definitely doing my June. We be going to Jackson this fall!!!!' He then added: '@elizabethhurley is Hotter than a pepper sprout!' Famous friends flocked to Elizabeth's comment section, including her 23-year-old son Damian from a previous relationship, Lizzie Cundy and others writing: 'Aww love this ❤️❤️❤️' ... 'Love this ❤️' and 'It suits you so well' It comes after the country music singer has been writing 'sexy' love songs abouthis new lover. A source told the Daily Mail: 'His next album will include songs that are about Elizabeth for sure, he is definitely smitten with his new love and she has become his muse.' In her caption Elizabeth described Billy as 'patient' with her, whereas in a sweet gesture of encouragement, Billy said she was 'getting good' before adding that she was hotter than a pepper sprout 'Billy is always working on new music, but lately he has been doing even more love songs and it's clear why. He is very happy with Elizabeth, she is motivating him in a very big way. The songs are all about how she "heals" him and how sexy she is.' And the father of Miley Cyrus has also been teaching the Austin Powers actress how to sing like a Country Western songbird. The source added: 'He feels she can sing, that singing is in her future, and maybe even a duet with him.' The brunette beauty has sung in a movie before: with pal Patsy Kensit in the 1990 film Kill Cruise, where they performed the song You're Leaving Me. Hurley has appeared in music videos too. They were for Bryan Adams' song Never Let You Go and Adele's Send My Love (To Your New Lover).' Cyrus and Hurley have become serious ever since they went public on Easter after many years of friendship. Billy has already praised Elizabeth as a 'great human being'. They met while filming 2022's Christmas In Paradise. In a clip from The Ty Bentli Show, Cyrus said: 'We did very few scenes together but the couple times we were in the same scene there was a chemistry there. We just laughed, and it was at a time I wasn't laughing a lot. 'The oddest part was first, how much we laughed. Second, I figured we were so different but in some very strange way we had way more in common than we had different. 'If all we ever were [is] the friends that we are, I would take that. She's so impressively brilliant. She reminds me a lot of Dolly Parton. She's a very smart businesswoman. 'If you can laugh together, you can make it through everything.' While the pair met on the movie set, they didn't speak to each other for two years after shooting the film. But Elizabeth re-entered the crooner's life when he needed a friend, following his split from wife Firerose. He shared: 'I felt like, "Wow, can life get any harder? Can it get any tougher?" For me, at a certain point it was like, you can't get knocked down any flatter than laying on your back when life is kicking you. And in this moment... a friend reached out.' Billy didn't recognise the number at first, so he texted Elizabeth back. He recalled: 'I text back, I go, "Who is this?" And it's like, "Elizabeth Hurley." Of all the people to reach out to me in that second that maybe I needed most... this friend who made me laugh.' The Bedazzled star - - shocked fans when she announced she was dating the Achy Breaky Heart hitmaker.


Daily Mail
9 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Michael Barrymore, 73, reveals shock health diagnosis that led to mini strokes as he reaches out to fans for support in heartbreaking post
Michael Barrymore has revealed a shock health diagnosis that led to mini strokes as he reached out to fans for support in a heartbreaking TikTok video on Thursday. The comedian, 73, was previously one of the UK's top stars but his decades long career ended after the death of Stuart Lubbock in 2001 following a party at his Essex home. The star lost his job at ITV shortly afterwards in 2003, and he was rarely seen again until he appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in January 2006 - managing to finish in second place. Yet he was plagued by another scandal five years when he later admitted possessing cocaine that was found in his pocket after police approached his car. A charge of being drunk and disorderly was withdrawn at the hearing. Despite the incidents, Michael has become an unlikely icon for Gen Z and is now a well-loved TikToker and YouTube vlogger. But in a recent video posted online, the star revealed he had been diagnosed with epilepsy which was caused by a mini stroke. Sharing a series of photos of him in a hospital, he penned: 'I developed epilepsy at 73... 'A mini stroke caused me to develop epilepsy where I have uncontrollable seizures. 'I suffer from cluster seizures, which affects a quarter of people with epilepsy. It means I have more than one, usually three individual seizures in a short period of time. 'It's scary because there's a 40% chance of going into epilepticus which causes brain damage and death without prompt medical attention. 'I've had several attacks this year and have emergency medication at home if I go into a seizure. It doesn't really affect my life otherwise, but it would be nice to talk with other sufferers on here about it.' DailyMail has contacted Michael's representative for comment. It comes after it was revealed that Michael 'could be earning £250k a year' after becoming unlikely social media star in shock comeback. PR expert Lynn Carratt has estimated he could be making more than £250,000 a year, thanks to his clips and collaboration with Sports Direct that could have made him £1,500 alone. A friend of Michael's told The Sun: 'Michael is having a great time. He lives to entertain people, and while he may not be getting the TV offers he once did, this way he gets to create his own content on his own terms. He finished the series of snaps off by asking any of his fans who are experiencing the same thing to talk with him about it WHAT IS EPILEPSY? Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain and leaves patients at risk of seizures. Around one in 100 people in the UK have epilepsy, Epilepsy Action statistics reveal. And in the US, 1.2 per cent of the population have the condition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Anyone can have a seizure, which does not automatically mean they have epilepsy. Usually more than one episode is required before a diagnosis. Seizures occur when there is a sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain, which causes a disruption to the way it works. Some seizures cause people to remain alert and aware of their surroundings, while others make people lose consciousness. Some also make patients experience unusual sensations, feelings or movement, or go stiff and fall to the floor where they jerk. Epilepsy can be brought on at any age by a stroke, brain infection, head injury or problems at birth that lead to lack of oxygen. But in more than half of cases, a cause is never found. Anti-epileptic drugs do not cure the condition but help to stop or reduce seizures. If these do not work, brain surgery can be effective. 'What started as a bit of a hobby online has now become a way of connecting with his fans again, flexing his funny bone and getting back to doing what he loves without the pressure and scrutiny that comes with being on the nation's TV screens every week.' In 2001, Stuart Lubbock lost his life in suspicious circumstances following a party at Barrymore's home. The 31-year-old father of two had met Barrymore in a club that evening, and returned to his house with eight others. He was found unresponsive in the pool, and pronounced dead later in hospital. A post-mortem examination showed he had suffered severe internal injuries, suggesting sexual assault. Police continue to believe he was raped and murdered. Despite years of investigation, no one has ever been charged, and his family are no closer to knowing what happened. Michael has always denied any knowledge of what happened. Stuart's father Terry, who campaigned tirelessly for justice and was a thorn in Michael's side, died in 2021 from cancer. He always believed that even if Barrymore, who fled the scene before police arrived, wasn't involved, he could have done more to bring closure to the family. Terry's dying wish was that the truth would one day emerge. For many years it was assumed Barrymore's career had died along with Stuart Lubbock. Dropped by ITV because his 'brand' had become so toxic (it had been plagued by drug and alcohol issues even before the pool night). There were a few attempts to regain the limelight, including an appearance on 2006's Big Brother and Dancing On Ice. The quiet building of his TikTok brand began in 2022, when he started posting videos from his TV heyday, including clips from Kids Say The Funniest Things. His content has since evolved, making him hugely 'relevant'. His fans see him as not just Uncle Michael (or even Grandpa Michael), but as one of their own. Michael has amassed a whopping 3.8million followers and a gargantuan 261 million likes on TikTok. Even Sabrina Carpenter is a fan - she reposted one of his videos, which led to him exclaiming: 'Gang I just woke up to find that Sabrina Carpenter knows I exist. I am fangirling so hard right now!!' His followers are treated to daily videos about what he eats in a day, his outfits, mini vlogs and Labubu unboxings. He says posting content on TikTok – which his fans see as 'wholesome' – is pretty much a full-time job. There were rumours of a new partner (he was photographed in Barcelona with a handsome younger man), his new life in Spain didn't work out. Michael announced last year he was quitting Britain and moving to Spain, but just six weeks later, he was almost weeping in his car, and declaring himself homesick. Fans flocked to put a metaphorical arm around him, posting that he should just 'come home'. One offered him her spare room, as one might to any stranger finding themselves suddenly homeless (kind but possibly not needed since the car he was in was his £75,000 Porsche Macan).