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Daily Record
29-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Record
Householders urged to leave bowls of vinegar out in homes overnight
Experts believe the easy hack is surprisingly effective in tackling one common issue Homeowners with lingering food smells can tackle the issue with various methods. However, according to an expert, one low-cost hack will quickly do the trick. Joyce French, cleaning expert at said simply leaving a bowl of vinegar out overnight will be sure to banish any bad odours in your home without having to use harsh chemicals. The white vinegar solution is great for eliminating alkaline odours and making them less noticeable. Vinegar also has antibacterial properties that can help stop odour-causing bacteria in their tracks. To get rid of persistent cooking odours, Joyce suggests leaving small bowls of vinegar in a room overnight. She also suggests simmering them with water on the stove. For those worried that the smell of vinegar may take over, Joyce said it will quickly disappear along with the offending smells it's tackling. The cleaning pro also said apple cider vinegar is a trusty tool to have at home to help solve offensive odours. The solution, which has slightly sweeter undertones, can be used on curtains or upholstery by misting them with a solution of apple cider vinegar and water. This will combat odours without damaging the colour of delicate fabrics or leaving a chemical residue. If you want to avoid liquids, fresh herb bundles of rosemary, thyme, and mint can help improve the smell around the home and help with closures when small bundles are hung in wardrobes or placed in drawers to keep clothes smelling fresh, reports the Express. Simmering the peels of fruits like oranges and lemons in a pot on the stove is another great way to get your home smelling its best. It also leaves a lovely fresh aroma. You can even combine them with white white vinegar to make your own natural cleaning solution with degreasing and antibacterial properties. You need only put the peels in a large glass jar, submerge them in the vinegar, and let the mixture sit for about two weeks. This will allow the peels to infuse with the vinegar to produce an effective natural cleaning solution. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Meanwhile, simmering a handful of herbs in water is said to be "ideal" for getting a fresher scent straight away. A few drops of vanilla extract on cotton wool can also work wonders if you stash them in areas where bad smells accumulate or hide them in the corners of rooms where odours may accumulate. You may also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to an oven-safe dish and warm it at a low temperature for half an hour to make your home smell fragrant and fresh. Joyce recommends various other methods for tackling stenches and improving the smell, including essential oils like lemon, lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, and cedarwood. These oils can be used to refresh carpets and fabrics by adding five to ten drops to water in a spray bottle. Baking soda can also be a great tool for seeing off smells as chemicals in the powder counteract the acids that cause bad odors and produce a compound that's less odourous, the expert says. It can be used in different ways, but on carpets, rugs, and mattresses, for example, all you need to do is sprinkle some on and leave it for an hour before vacuuming the power up. In enclosed spaces like a fridge, you can also simply leave the powder in a vented jar until the smells have reduced or cleared. Coffee grounds can also be used to soak up unpleasant pongs in the fridge by putting some in a bowl and leaving it inside for a few days. The expert says you can also use them on carpets and upholstered furniture by sprinkling some on and vacuuming them off after 15 minutes. Joyce says houseplants are another thing to consider with particular types like peace lilies, spider plants, and snake plants known to be particularly effective at removing airborne toxins and improving air quality in room lots of people use.
Daily Mirror
24-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Flies will stay away from your houseplants if you make two changes watering routine
Fungus gnats are a common pest that can be found in the soil of houseplants, and they can be a real nuisance. Luckily, there are a couple of simple changes you can make to your watering routine to keep them at bay. Flies buzzing around your houseplants are more than just an irritation - they're often a sign of deeper issues. Spotting fungus gnats on your plants is usually straightforward, and if you don't tackle the issue, these flies could escalate into a larger problem at home. These tiny, sluggish insects are commonly found near the soil surface, where they lay eggs that can hatch into larvae in favourable conditions. Warm, damp environments are ideal for these pests, transforming your plants into their perfect breeding site. I rid my house plants of fungus gnats in one week with these cheap Amazon buys Brits urged to take house plants into the garden and do one simple thing When the larvae hatch, they munch on organic material in the soil, and sometimes, they might even harm the roots of young plants. This is why a specialist has offered some watering advice that's crucial for those aiming to eliminate them or reduce their numbers if they've already taken over, reports the Express. Gardening and plants guru Calum Maddock from suggests one of the top methods to disrupt their habitat is to "keep the top couple of inches of your plant's soil dry." Fungus gnats thrive in constantly wet conditions, so letting the topsoil layer dry out can deter them significantly. Nonetheless, before trying this tactic, it's vital to check that your plant can handle this level of dryness in the soil. The second alteration addresses the issue directly at its origin. Rather than hydrating from above, "set your plant in a container or saucer of water when it looks like it needs a drink." This technique guarantees that the moisture gets to the roots without drenching the topsoil, thus deterring gnats from laying eggs. After roughly 20-30 minutes, it's crucial to "discard any water from the container that has not been absorbed by the plant." It's vital when employing this method to ensure you don't leave the pot in stagnant water for too long, as this could lead to further problems.
Daily Mirror
05-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Birds will keep returning to gardens if you plant one certain type of colour
It can be hard to predict exactly where birds will decide to put themselves next - luckily an expert has shared exactly which flowers will make them more likely to come back If you enjoy having birds around, experts have shared the exact type of flowers you need to plant to keep these feathery friends flitting about in your garden. Many garden-owners enjoy observing birds. Their large personalities and quirky behaviours provide endless entertainment when you're sitting out on a garden chair. What's more, they also play a pivotal role in your garden's eco-system, as they contribute to natural life cycles like pollination and seed dispersal. Plus, given that bird populations are diminishing in Britain, this is more important than ever. According to government data, bird species across the UK have declined by 2% between 2018 and 2023. One of the biggest causes of this are modern farmland practices, according to the Royal Society for the Protection of Bird's (RSPB) State of Nature report 2023. This is largely due to the use of fertilisers and pesticides, which negatively impact birds' food supply. Fortunately there are some simple ways that gardeners can encourage birds to keep flocking back. According, garden design expert Calum Maddock at birds care about the kinds of flowers you plant. This is partly due to a unique aspect of their genetics. He said: 'Birds are one of the few animals that can see in colour, and they rely on it in a variety of different ways, from attracting a mate to hiding from predators. He continued: 'They are naturally attracted to bright colours, so gain their interest by offering a variety of different colours around your garden.' Luckily, adding colour can be very simple. He explained: 'Adding colour can be done in a variety of ways, from artificial instalments such as bird feeders and decorative items to planting naturally vibrant varieties of flowers and shrubs.' If you're not sure what colour flowers to plant, there's a massive clue. Calum revealed: 'Birds will always be most attracted to the colours associated with the foods they eat, so when choosing colours, think of the delicious berries you have observed them feasting on!' Equally, it's also a good idea to add plants which provide them with food and nesting materials. These include sunflowers, ivy and honeysuckle. Another important note is that it's crucial to provide birds with water, particularly in warmer summer temperatures. Birds can become easily overheated as they don't have sweat glands to cool them down. If birds become too hot, they can suffer from heat stress. This manifests in symptoms such as disorientation and panting. In extreme cases, it can even be fatal.
Daily Mirror
30-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners urged to plant 6 flowers that feed birds all summer long
Bird-lovers will be delighted to discover that these flowering plants will keep birds coming back to your garden as they provide them with nourishment and shelter If you're a fan of these feathery creatures, experts have shared the top flowers you need to plant to keep birds flitting about in your garden. Birds are delightful creatures, filled with personality and unique behaviours that make them fascinating to observe. What's more, they also play a pivotal role in your garden's eco-system, as they contribute to key processes like pollination and seed dispersal. One of the best ways to encourage them to your home is by growing plants that provide them with food and nesting materials. Plus, given that bird numbers are dwindling in the UK, this is more important than ever. According to government data, bird species across the UK have declined by 2% between 2018 and 2023. One of the biggest causes of this are modern farmland practices according to the Royal Society for the Protection of Bird's (RSPB) State of Nature report 2023, which is largely due to the use of fertilisers and pesticides, which impact bird's food supply. Luckily, garden design expert Calum Maddock at has shared the six flowers you need to plant to make your home extra appealing for birds. Sunflowers Sunflowers are a summer favourite, as they instantly brighten up any space with their broad yellow leaves. The good news is that they also attract birds. According to Calum: 'The many seeds packed at the centre of the flower heads provide nourishment that is rich in oil throughout the autumn for seed-eating birds such as finches and nuthatches.' Honeysuckle As well as providing berries, honeysuckles are a great source of shelter for small birds like thrushes, warblers, and finches. They will also attract insects during the summer months, providing a further food source for birds. Rowan Rowans are known to produce masses of creamy white flowers that entice birds. Calum advised: 'Depending on the species, you can expect your rowan tree to bear berries from late July through to November.' Hawthorn Hawthorn is a flowering shrub which produces berries that attract birds such as blackbirds, redwings, fieldfares and starlings. Plus, Calum adds that the leaves will also attract caterpillars, which are 'an excellent food source' for baby birds during spring. Ivy Calum shared: 'Ivy is another plant which doubles up as a fantastic source of both food and shelter. The blackberries which appear in winter provide much-needed food for a range of birds, such as thrushes, starlings, jays, finches, and blackbirds.' Holly Holly berries will keep birds satisfied during winter, as they are enjoyed by birds such as song thrushes, blackbirds, and redwings. Calum added: 'Just make sure that you plant a female plant and a male plant close together, as only the female produces berries, but the male is needed for pollination.'
Daily Mirror
12-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Households issued 30cm warning over installing an outdoor socket
If you're looking to install an outdoor socket in your home make sure you're up to date with the latest regulations - only trained electricians can set them up for this major reason Be careful the next time you try to set up an outdoor socket – there are strict rules around where they can be placed. Otherwise, you risk creating a major fire hazard in your home. The rule is in accordance with the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations, which is designed to make electricity safer in the UK. It also brings existing electrical installations in the UK up to EU standards. The guide states that for safety reasons, sockets outdoors can only be installed by trained electricians. Electrician Stephen Jones from explained that it is more than just a DIY task. He wrote: 'There are too many safety issues to consider doing this work yourself, both for you as a homeowner and for anyone who may use the socket. Therefore, it's important to hire an electrician to do this work for you.' Common dangers that arise from working with electricity include electric shock, which can be fatal. You also risk creating a fire hazard if the job isn't completed properly. Another problem that may occur is damaging the existing electrical wiring in your home. This can lead to further damage and potentially expensive repairs. Particularly when it comes to outdoor sockets, there are specific rules that must be followed. One of the most important is making sure that your socket is placed high enough from the ground. External sockets must be placed at least 30 cm off the ground. One of the major reasons for this is to protect the socket from overexposure to water during heavy rain. It also shortens the amount of cabling needed to connect the socket to the main power supply. This helps account for issues like voltage drop and potential failure points. Aside from height, it's also important to consider where in your outdoor space you want the socket fixed. Ideally, it should be placed somewhere sheltered from the elements. For this reason, outdoor sockets should have a high IP (Ingress Protection rating). An IP44 or higher is usually a safe bet, as it indicates a resistance to both water and dust. If large amounts of water seep into a water socket, it can cause the electrical current to increase. This is because it is a natural conductor of electricity. Once a enough water is in the socket, it can lead to short circuits, in turn causing wires to heat up. In a worst case scenario, it can even start an electrical fire.
