Latest news with #AnneSimmons
Edinburgh Live
4 days ago
- General
- Edinburgh Live
Royal cleaning expert shares 10-minute trick for sparkling taps using a 90p item
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A seasoned cleaner with a decade-long background at Buckingham Palace has revealed a top tip for polishing taps without resorting to harsh chemicals or expensive sprays. Chatting with bathroom and kitchen gurus at Plumbworld, Berkshire's own Anne Simmons, aged 57, shared her trust in an easily obtainable, economical kitchen staple that won't break the bank, often costing under £1. Anne recounted the Palace's cleaning mantra: "We never had anything fancy. It was just always about working with what we had," shedding light on their simple yet tried-and-tested approach. READ MORE - Martin Clunes' ITV drama Out There axed after just one series for sad reason READ MORE - Gary Lineker's 'weird' set-up with ex wife and bold romance claim that shocked mates The ex-royal staffer's secret is as straightforward as it gets: "White vinegar was our go-to. You just soak a cloth in it, wrap it around the tap, and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes." Following this method, Anne says, effectively "cuts through" limescale, leaving taps looking wonderfully shiny, reports the Mirror. She emphasised the importance of a light touch, advocating a final buff with a microfibre cloth for that regal sheen. Highlighting white vinegar's natural properties, Anne noted, "White vinegar is naturally acidic, which helps dissolve mineral deposits without damaging the finish." Anne praised this pantry staple as a thrifty substitute for proprietary cleaners, positing: "Because it's something many people already have in their cupboards, it's a cost-effective alternative to specialist cleaners." This budget-friendly hack works wonders on various finishes, including chrome, stainless steel, and brushed metals, she observed, although cautioning to consult the manufacturer's recommendations first for any coloured or custom coatings. Wrapping up her insights, Anne demystified the palace's cleaning habits: "People often assume the royal household relies on luxury products for everything, but we relied on practical methods that delivered results, and that anyone can use." To combat limescale in your home, soak a clean cloth in white vinegar, wrap it tightly around the tap, and leave it for 10 minutes to do its job. "Wipe away residue with a damp cloth, and then dry and polish for extra shine."
The Sun
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Cleaning expert who once worked for Royal Family reveals 5p trick that keeps your car smelling fresh for WEEKS
A FORMER cleaner to the Royal Family has revealed an ingenious car cleaning hack that can leave a motor smelling fresh for weeks. Even better, it's a simple, everyday kitchen cupboard item that costs just pennies. 4 4 4 When it comes to in-car odours, most drivers opt for chemical-based air fresheners or pricey gadgets to keep their interior smelling sweet. But a former cleaner for the Royals, who has spoken to motoring experts at Plates Express, recently revealed her own practical hack for keeping car interiors fresh without spending a fortune. Anne Simmons, 57, from Berkshire, worked in the royal household for nearly ten years and was occasionally asked to prepare official vehicles for last-minute inspections or events. Naturally, she picked up a few clever tricks during her time. One of those is an inexpensive way to get rid of that pesky stale smell that can linger inside your motor. She said: 'One day, I was asked to get a car ready for a senior royal's outing. 'Everything looked spotless, but the inside just smelled… stale. 'We didn't have fancy sprays or scented gels to hand, so I reached into my bag and pulled out a dry tea bag. 'I tucked it under the seat and let it sit. 'By the time they stepped in, the smell was gone - and in its place was a gentle, comforting scent.' I was gutted when scrubbing didn't get my 'stained' blender clean, then remembered a £3.25 spray I had in the cupboard Anne swears by her tea bag hack, adding: 'It's something I've used ever since. 'It's discreet, cheap, and lasts much longer than people think. 'Black tea is my go-to, but you can use herbal ones like lavender or mint if you want a fresher smell.' According to Plates Express, a car's interior attracts lingering smells - even for those who don't smoke or eat inside their vehicle. Wet shoes, coats, or even condensation can create the perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew. Food, such as crumbs and takeaway wrappers, can make a car smell foul in just a matter of hours. Furthermore, pet hair and dander are another main culprit - especially if you regularly drive around with your dog or cat in tow. Lastly, cars that don't get enough fresh air build-up can smell over time, so making sure a motor is ventilated can certainly help. WHAT'S THE TEA? So, why does a tea bag work so effectively? Simply, tea leaves are natural odour absorbers which, as they dry, pull moisture and bad smells from the air. This makes them ideal for small, enclosed spaces such as car cabins. Better yet, they don't just cover up bad smells with strong perfumes; they neutralise the odour at its source. Anne added: 'Tea bags work quietly in the background. 'They don't overpower, and they don't make people sneeze. 'I just pop one in the glove box, under a seat, or inside the cup holder.' A spokesperson from Plates Express said: 'Using dry tea bags is a clever and cost-effective way to keep your car smelling fresh. 'It's a natural solution that's safe for all car interiors, including leather and fabric. 'But it's important to stay consistent - regular small steps like this make a big difference over time. 'We always encourage drivers to look after their interiors with the same care they give the outside of their car. 'From wiping surfaces to using subtle deodorisers like tea bags, it all helps in keeping your vehicle pleasant and welcoming.'
The Sun
17-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
I was a royal cleaner at Buckingham Palace – little-known cheap cleaning hack will keep your home dust-free all summer
A FORMER royal cleaner has revealed a simple trick to make sure your home is dust free all summer long. Anne Simmons, 57, from Berkshire, worked as a cleaner at Buckingham Palace for almost a decade, and throughout her career has picked up countless nifty tricks to keep your home spotless. 2 2 The cleaner is constantly coming up with inventive ways to make sure her work is efficient, and has now revealed a little-known hack for getting dust off hard to reach places. "There was one time I was asked to tidy up a car before an afternoon outing,' she told Plates Express. 'The vacuum wasn't available, and I needed something quick to lift dust from awkward spots like cup holders and vents. "That's when I remembered the slime my grandson had left at my house. It worked like magic.' Slime, is a popular toy with young children, and is used for squeezing and squishing into shapes. However, Anne revealed that it is also perfect for dusting. 'It was safe, easy to use, and didn't leave any marks,' Anne said. 'From that point on, I always kept a small tub in my kit just in case.' Unlike cleaning cloths, which push dust around and miss spots, slime moulds itself to any surface, so is perfect for hard to reach spots. Simply press it into the dusty area, and then pull away. I tried Zoflora's new carpet cleaner - it works in just 30 seconds and leaves your home smelling super fresh (1) The dust will stick to the slime, leaving the surface squeaky clean. However, Anne warned that not all slime is suitable for using as a duster. 'Avoid slimes that contain glitter or too much colouring", she said. "I prefer plain, soft cleaning slimes made for electronics or car detailing — those are best for interiors." Anne previously revealed a 35p hack for keeping your towels light and fluffy. Many people believe that by loading their towels with fabric softener they will become fluffy and fresh. However, this is not the approach taken in the royal household. She said: "People assume adding more fabric softener makes towels softer, but in reality, it ruins the absorbency. In the palace, we never use it on towels." Anne revealed that royal household cleaners instead place half a cup of white vinegar in with a load, which removes odours and banishes detergent buildup. White vinegar can be purchased for just 35p from the supermarket, and also softens towels, and keeps them fresher for longer.
News.com.au
14-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
The two surprising items King Charles and Queen Camilla have banned from the Palace
King Charles and Queen Camilla have strict rules regarding what is and isn't allowed in the royal palace. Cleaner Anne Simmons, who previously worked as a royal cleaner for over a decade, has shed light on how tightly the royals run their households. According to the cleaner, one item in particular has been included on the banned list for years; so-called disposable wet wipes. 'Despite being advertised as 'flushable', they don't break down in the system like toilet paper does,' Simmons told Plumbworld. It turns out they have been causing issues with the aging plumbing for years. 'This led to repeated blockages and costly plumbing repairs. It became clear that they simply weren't worth the trouble.' 'Not only did this prevent plumbing issues, but it also saved money in the long term by reducing the need for frequent repairs,' Simmons explained. It turns out disposable wipes aren't the only household item Charles has banned from any of his royal homes. Scented candles are also banished due to the 'toxins' they release into the air. 'Many people don't realise that scented candles release toxins into the air,' Simmons shared previously. 'In a place like Buckingham Palace, where air quality is strictly controlled, they are completely off-limits.' Meanwhile, it comes after it emerged that the UK's royal family had received a staggeringly large raise despite the cost of living crisis impacting many around the world. From April, the amount they receive via the Sovereign Grant – funded by the UK's public purse – will jump by a whopping £45 million (AU$88 million), to £132 million (AU$260 million). 'This is public money, all of this money comes from the government, at a time when the government is not able to properly fund schools, hospitals police … It is scandalous,' CEO of Republic Graham Smith told Town & Country. 'Not only should it not be going up at all, it should be going down.' However, when the increase was first announced last year, Buckingham Palace officials made it clear that a huge chunk of that extra cash will be put towards the £369 million (AU$728 million) bill for long-planned, necessary Palace renovations. The exact amount that is being allocated from this year's Grant for the work has not been made public.
Daily Mail
11-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Former royal maid reveals the cleaning item banned in Buckingham Palace bathrooms by King Charles
King Charles banned a popular cleaning item from royal residences, according to a former maid. For more than a decade, 57-year-old Anne Simmons worked as a royal cleaner across Buckingham Palace 's 775 rooms. While the royal household is stocked with multiple cleaning products, there is one item that will never be found among the supplies. Anne, from Berkshire, told UK bathroom and kitchen expert Plumbworld that the item banned by Charles, 76, is disposable wet wipes. The reasons for the items being banished are two fold according to Anne, who revealed that they have caused damage to Palace bathrooms - and this has been expensive to fix in the past. In addition, the wipes are thought to be bad for the environment, and the king is known for his concern about the planet. Anne explained: 'At the palace, wet wipes caused significant plumbing issues. Despite being advertised as 'flushable,' they don't break down in the system like toilet paper does. 'This led to repeated blockages and costly plumbing repairs. It became clear that they simply weren't worth the trouble.' She added that instead of the disposable wipes, they opted for reusable cleaning cloths. In addition to preventing the issues the wipes caused with plumbing, the switch saved money, as the need for frequent repairs was reduced. Anne has previously revealed which item was banned when it comes to cleaning palace kitchens. Speaking again to Plumbworld, she claimed that steel wool cleaning pads were not allowed on the premises to prevent any scratches on their pristine marble surfaces. 'We were strictly trained to avoid steel wool and scouring pads at all costs,' she explained. 'While they can scrub grime away, they're too harsh for kitchen surfaces, especially in royal estates where quality materials like marble and granite are used.' Steel wool dishcloths have become extremely popular as their hard material helps remove stubborn grime and dirt that otherwise wouldn't come off. But according to Anne, palace officials didn't want to risk them scuffing up their lavish kitchen. 'High-end kitchen surfaces such as granite, marble, and stainless steel are prone to scratching,' added Anne. 'Even small scratches can affect the surface's appearance and make it harder to clean. The royal kitchens couldn't afford to damage their materials.' Instead, she said they used 'microfiber cloths,' as they are 'soft and non-abrasive.' 'Steel wool and scouring pads might make your kitchen look clean immediately, but over time they can dull the finish,' dished the former royal maid. 'Once surfaces are scratched, they're harder to maintain, and bacteria can get trapped in those grooves. 'A beautiful kitchen doesn't require harsh tools - just the right cleaning habits. Use gentle products, and your surfaces will stay pristine.' Anne also opened up about the one hack that she used regularly at the palace to ensure it was in tip-top shape. She explained that all the royal maids used a 'natural' and 'gentle' cleaner that they created themselves using ingredients found in everyone's kitchens. 'Every evening, we'd spray down all the kitchen surfaces using a homemade mix of vinegar, lemon juice, and warm water,' she revealed. 'It cuts through grease effortlessly and leaves everything looking polished without any sticky residue. 'PH-balanced cleaners like vinegar and mild dish soap work wonders for everyday cleaning.'
