Latest news with #JohnCutts
Daily Mirror
03-08-2025
- Daily Mirror
British tourists urged to check hotel mirrors to avoid a holiday from hell
There's a sinister feature that some holidaymakers have claimed they have found in their hotel rooms - and an expert has shared some vital ways to check for yourself British holidaymakers staying in hotels have been advised to check the mirrors for one ominous reason. Many travellers prioritise a brief search of the hotel room when checking into their pad to ensure there are no unusual-looking stains or unexpected items lurking. But the hotel mirror is one part of the room we should all be adding to our list, and it's not for the reason you might think. Over on social media, many holidaymakers have recounted tales of discovering two-way mirrors in their hotel, B&B, or holiday rental. For those unfortunate travellers, their holiday, which was meant to be a relaxing breakaway, turned into a holiday from hell. Boozy holidaymaker warning as police start breathalyzing at UK airport Sunbed wars see Brits forced to queue for 'over an hour' just to get to the pool In a bid to avoid the discomfort of knowing your privacy has been ripped away, John Cutts, founder of and a mirror expert, has offered advice on how to determine if your hotel mirror is two-way. He shared: "The thought of someone using a mirror to spy on guests is disturbing, to say the least. The good news is there are multiple ways you can check for a two-way mirror when staying in a hotel, motel or B&B." John divulged his top five tips for determining whether a mirror is functioning both ways, reports the Express. Here's everything you need to know. Fingernail test Try placing your fingernail onto the mirror, if there's no gap between your finger and its reflection, it could suggest a two-way mirror. With a standard mirror, there will be a gap between your fingernail and its reflection. Tap test Sound can be a significant clue in determining if a mirror is two-way. Tap the glass around all four corners and in the middle. If it emits a hollow sound, there's a high chance there's something on the other side. Use phone torch Stand facing the mirror and shine a torch on the glass to see if the light reflects back at you. If it doesn't bounce back, then the light will shine through on a two-way mirror, revealing what's behind the glass. Examine installation If the mirror is hanging, it's unlikely to be a two-way mirror. Two-way mirrors tend to be integrated into the wall rather than simply hanging on it. Inspect reflection closely Press your face against the mirror with your hands beside your head, blocking out any light. If the mirror is two-way, you might be able to see straight through.
Daily Record
14-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Householders warned over damage to glass hobs while cleaning them
Using some products and too much water is leading to permanent scratches and more Cleaning your hob is a daily, sometimes several times daily, task after cooking meals. For some it might involve a quick wipe with a damp cloth and others will use a product to remove food debris and leave it looking shiny once again. But did you know you could be causing damage to your appliance simply by the way you clean it? And, in some cases, the method you use could permanently ruin it which would mean a costly replacement would have to be made. While most people will be aware not to use anything abrasive on their glass hob, some may not realise that using too much water can cause damage that could completely ruin it. While utilising a handy glass cleaner might seem an obvious product to use for cleaning, the experts say not to. Glass cleaners can have harsh chemicals such as ammonia in them which can damage the surface. And your hob should always be prepped before cleaning by wiping away dust and crumbs with a dry cloth first. If you have food burnt on to your glass hob do not try and tackle it with an abrasive sponge or scourer. Doing this could cause permanent marks and scratches. John Cutts, founder of said: "There are several common mistakes many of us are making when it comes to cleaning glass hobs and surfaces. "It might seem like an obvious and quick solution to use a glass cleaner, but the harsh chemicals inside this product can actually do more harm than good to the surface. 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. "Abrasive sponges should also be avoided, and instead you should use a microfibre cloth to clean in gentle circular motions. "It's important to clean up any big spillages when cooking as soon as possible to prevent food substances sticking to the glass and liquids, making a semi-permanent mark on the hob." Here's how you've been cleaning your glass hob wrong, according to the experts. 1. Abrasive sponges It may seem a good idea to use an abrasive sponge or scourer but the material can actually leave scratch marks on the glass hob. It's best to use the softer side of the sponge instead. 2. Glass cleaners Glass cleaning products aren't always the best solution to get a sparkling hob. The products can be expensive and actually damage the surface due to the harsh chemicals, especially ammonia-based cleaners. Instead, opt for some white vinegar. 3. Not removing dust first The glass should be prepped before being cleaned, so wipe away any food bits, dust or grime first with a dry microfiber cloth. 4. Using blades It might seem like stuck-on debris or hard stains will be impossible to remove without scraping them off with a razor blade or knife. This can actually damage the glass, so it's best to spend time gently scrubbing a solution of hot water and dish soap into the area. 5. The wrong motion To ensure a streak-free finish on the glass hob, when cleaning with a gentle solution and cloth, wipe in circular motions to avoid any build up. Scrubbing with an abrasive sponge can cause permanent marks and scratches. 6. Not wiping up spills As soon as there is a big spill of liquid or food onto the hob it's important to wipe it up as soon as possible to stop any substances sticking to the glass, making it more difficult to clean afterwards. Be mindful when the hob is on to avoid any nasty burns. 7. Using too much water Splashing the hob with a lot of water could cause problems to the function of the appliance and seep into the electrical components. It's best practice to dampen a cloth with water and wring it out before cleaning.
