Latest news with #Plumbworld
The Sun
a day ago
- General
- The Sun
I'm a home expert, my £1 trick will keep rats out of your house & garages – you probably have it in your kitchen
IT'S fair to say that rats are among the most unwanted household pests and if you've got them they can be hard to get rid of. Traps and pest control can be expensive options but according to experts a simple and inexpensive kitchen item will do the trick when it comes to repelling rodents. 1 According to Plumbworld, bathroom and kitchen expert, white vinegar can help protect homes, garages and sheds from rodent intrusions—without the need for harsh chemicals or professional intervention. Rats rely heavily on their sense of smell to find food and navigate their environment. The pungent, acidic scent of white vinegar overwhelms their senses and disrupts scent trails they use to revisit specific locations. 'When applied to common entry points and nesting spots, vinegar makes the area far less attractive to rodents,' explains a Plumbworld spokesperson. 'It's a natural deterrent that many households already have in the cupboard.' This approach is not only safe but also sustainable, offering a practical alternative to toxic sprays and poisons. Experts recommend soaking cotton wool in undiluted white vinegar and placing it in key problem areas. These include under kitchen appliances, behind bins, along skirting boards and inside garage corners. The strong smell is enough to make rats think twice before entering. 'You can also mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle,' the spokesperson adds. 'Use it to clean surfaces and mop floors in utility areas or garages. Not only does it repel rodents, but it leaves everything fresh and clean.' This dual-purpose solution means households can manage cleanliness and pest prevention in one step. One of the main advantages of white vinegar is its accessibility. Found in nearly every UK kitchen and available for under £1 in most supermarkets, it's a cost-effective option that doesn't sacrifice safety. Watch moment Birmingham binmen sprint for their lives after huge RAT falls out of rubbish and scurries around their feet 'Unlike chemical deterrents, vinegar is non-toxic and safe to use around children and pets when applied correctly,' says the spokesperson. 'It's also biodegradable, so it won't harm the environment.' This makes it ideal for families seeking low-risk, everyday methods to manage their home environment responsibly. In recent months, homeowners are reporting noticeable reductions in rodent activity when used regularly, especially in colder seasons when rats seek indoor warmth. Though not a complete solution on its own, vinegar works best alongside other prevention methods, such as sealing gaps and removing food sources. 'It's not a miracle product, but it's a great first line of defence,' the spokesperson says. 'It's affordable, easy to use, and widely recommended by people who've seen results firsthand.' A Plumbworld expert concludes, 'For under £1, white vinegar is one of the smartest, safest deterrents you can use. It's simple, cost-effective, and it works.' IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know. Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay. Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent. Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents. Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass.
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Wales Online
King Charles 'bans' household essential from Buckingham Palace
King Charles 'bans' household essential from Buckingham Palace King Charles has reportedly outlawed the use of a particular household essential in certain royal residences, including Buckingham Palace, due to environmental concerns The King has been decribed as a pioneer for his long standing interest in the environment (Image: PA ) King Charles has brought an end to the use of a household item in some royal residences, notably Buckingham Palace. As a devoted environmental advocate, the 76 year-old monarch has broadened his eco-friendly endeavours by banning wet wipes from properties including Buckingham Palace and Clarence House, owing to their adverse environmental impact. Before this ban Anne Simmons, a former cleaner at Buckingham Palace, has previously spoken about the turmoil wreaked by wet wipes on the palace's plumbing, subsequently resulting in astronomical repair bills. Speaking with Plumbworld, she said: "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." Anne went on to explain that "reusable cleaning cloths" now represent the go-to solution - cost-effective in the long run and capable of saving on plumbing maintenance. . The use of wet wipes poses a further environmental worry due to the plastic used in their production, in turn aggravating already critical pollution levels, reports OK!. As an added environmental consideration, the King has made an additional decision about the royal car fleet. This includes the overhaul of his Royal Bentleys and buying an electric Lotus Eletre SUV. A source told The Sun: "The King has always liked eco-friendly vehicles but seems conscious that royal claret is the right look even when off-duty. It will look far more professional for the King's personal car to match the state vehicles. "The Palace has hinted that if Bentley can't make limousines for official use run on electric, then they would look at other manufacturers. The fact Lotus can produce an electric SUV in royal claret really puts them in the driving seat." The King's drive towards a more environmentally friendly monarchy is reflected in the sovereign grant annual report, which assesses the health and status of the Royal Family. Article continues below Speaking about the monarchy's environmental impact, Tony Juniper, chair of Natural England, told The Guardian: "There is no doubt that our monarch, our head of state, is a very committed and very effective environmentalist. "[Charles] was a real pioneer for many years when mainstream figures wouldn't acknowledge the scale of the threat, and had to put up with a lot of pushback from different people. And in the end, of course, he was ahead of the consensus. "His interests have spanned agriculture, the food system, pollution, waste, biodiversity, rainforests, security and global heating. And he's engaged with all of it from end to end."
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."
Business Mayor
24-05-2025
- Health
- Business Mayor
Doctor reveals 'often overlooked' body part that you MUST clean everyday, or risk serious health issue
Published: 15:00 BST, 23 May 2025 | Updated: 01:01 BST, 24 May 2025 A skin doctor has warned that forgetting to wash behind the ears could lead to eczema, nasty infections and even life-threatening sepsis. According to Dr Roger Kapoor, a dermatologist at Beloit Health System in Wisconsin, this part of the body is rife for trapped dirt, oil and dead skin—yet people rarely think to clean it. Bacteria 'stuck' in the crease can migrate to open wounds, such as ear piercings or scratches inside the ear, and trigger dangerous infections, he added. 'I always recommend people wash the skin behind their ears intentionally and specifically to get into the creases of where the ear meets your skin,' he told Parade. 'It can always trap grime.' In severe cases, these infections could spread to other parts of the body and enter the bloodstream. While rare, this could lead to life-threatening sepsis—when the body attacks its own tissues, causing organs to gradually shut down. Dr Kapoor also flagged the risk of eczema, an inflammatory condition that causes sufferers to develop flaky, scaly patches which are often itchy and look red. Dirt, dry skin and oil can easily get trapped behind the ear and build up quickly and is likely to worsen in the hotter summer months with the combination of sunscreen and sweat The build up of oil, dirt and sweat can create a moist environment for bacteria and fungus to thrive, which can cause or worsen eczema as well as general skin irritation. Over time, the oil build-up can block pores, causing unsightly spots or acne breakouts. The combination of dirts trapped behind your ear is also likely to leave you with a foul smell. Dr Kapoor said while shampoo contains ingredients to help break down oil and bacteria, they are not the best option as it washes away when rinsing. This means the cleansing substances don't have contact with the skin for long. He advised using a gentle soap and scrubbing behind the ears with fingers to clean the area thoroughly. The dermatologist also recommended washing the arms of glasses regularly as they rest behind the ears and can easily transfer bacteria to the skin. It comes as a significant portion of Britons say they miss certain body parts during showers, like washing their feet (49 per cent) or toes (60 per cent), a 2020 survey by Plumbworld revealed. One survey, conducted by YouGov in 2019, found only half of people in the UK shower every day, with one in four only opting for one every two days. Nearly one in 20 Britons reported only shower once a week, and one in 100 once per month.
Scottish Sun
23-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Here's why you're cleaning the kitchen sink wrong – it could be dirtier than your toilet
You could fall ill because of simple cleaning oversights. SCRUB UP Here's why you're cleaning the kitchen sink wrong – it could be dirtier than your toilet A CLEANING expert has warned that people are probably cleaning their kitchen sink wrong. Despite being an area of the home associated with cleaning, it is often one of the most germ-ridden spots. 1 The kitchen sink is a magnet for germs. Credit: Getty Plumbworld, bathroom and kitchen experts, warn that improper cleaning techniques can put folk at risk of illness if not properly addressed. While toilets are regularly disinfected using strong cleaners, kitchen sinks often receive just a quick rinse. This is far from sufficient. Between raw meat, dairy, dirty dishes and even pet bowls, your sink is exposed to high levels of bacteria every day. A spokesman from Plumbworld explains: 'Many people assume the bathroom is dirtier than the kitchen, but studies have shown that sinks can contain more E. coli and other harmful bacteria than the average toilet bowl. "The moist, food-rich environment allows germs to thrive, especially when cleaning is neglected. "Just because a sink looks clean doesn't mean it's germ-free. "Proper daily cleaning habits are essential to keep your kitchen safe and hygienic. "By understanding where germs collect and adjusting your cleaning routine, you can dramatically improve your household's health and hygiene. " Small daily actions make a big difference when it comes to avoiding bacteria build-up in the kitchen." Common cleaning mistakes for the kitchen sink include using only warm water without soap or disinfectant and ignoring the plughole and overflow area, which collect grime. I was gutted when scrubbing didn't get my 'stained' blender clean, then remembered a £3.25 spray I had in the cupboard While people often leave sponges or cloths in the sink, allowing bacteria to spread, and fail to clean after rinsing raw meat or fish, which can introduce pathogens. The best tips are daily cleaning – wash the sink basin with hot water and washing-up liquid every day - and disinfecting it with an antibacterial spray, or a mix of vinegar and bicarbonate of soda to break down grease and sanitise. Flushing the drain by poring boiling water down the plughole daily to help clear build-up and reduce odours can also help. While regularly washing your sponges, brushes, and cloths and replacing items when they begin to smell or break down is key.
