Latest news with #Vikal
West Australian
5 days ago
- West Australian
Kolkata banyan tree is the world's biggest
There is just one moment of weakness when I wonder if it's worth the heat. We have climbed down from our air-conditioned bus, with its endless water bottles and sanitiser, and melted into Kolkata's summer, pre-monsoon heat. I haven't even bothered to look at the official temperature, as I just have to tell you that it is very hot and humid. I just have to tell you that I have chosen a shirt that doesn't look much different when wet (unlike those light blue shirts that quickly look like you've just fallen into a swimming pool). I just have to tell you that I did my old trick (taught to me by Aboriginal bushmen) of loading up on tea at breakfast, and will now only sip on room temperature water. And so, our little group walks with local guide Vikal to the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden's big attraction, a Ficus benghalensis tree. This banyan tree is a living heritage site. It is huge. In fact, it is so big that there is no longer a central trunk — this living tree is a conglomerate of more than 1000 aerial roots. And, according to its 1989 entry in the Guinness Book Of World Records, it is the biggest tree specimen in the world, as judged by canopy coverage. The tree, which is more than 250 years old, is a forest in itself. The paved path around it, outside the wall and metal fence protecting it, is a 330m circle. Inside this, a man is working on supporting thin, new aerial roots, with bamboo props tied with jute string. It strikes me it is like a giant bonsai. In 1925, the main trunk was removed to keep the remainder of the tree healthy. It had become infected with a nasty and potentially fatal fungi, after being damaged by two cyclones. In October 2024, the high winds and torrential rain of cyclonic storm Dana hit the botanical garden, in Shibpur, which is one of the biggest and oldest in South Asia, uprooting more than 2000 trees. It left two empty patches in the giant banyan — but nature, of course, abhors a void, and aerial roots will continue to fill these. The banyan continues to draw visitors — perhaps more than the rest of the collection of exotic plants from five continents. There are more than 14,000 plants representing 1300 species. It is no secret that it suffers from a lack of money — it is reported that there is no specific funding for the garden; it is in a pool with many others. But the 110ha gardens also give insight into a different, less manicured, more natural way of presenting a botanical garden. The botanical garden isn't actually in Kolkata — it is in its twin city, Howrah, the other side of the River Ganges. It was originally called The Royal Botanic Garden, and founded in 1786 by the East India Company, on the advice of Colonel Kyd, who became its first superintendent. It was renamed the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden in 2009. Bose was a son of Kolkata, and one of whom Bengalis are very proud. Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose, who died in 1937, was a polymath scientist who was a pioneer in the investigation of microwave optics and, more relevantly, made significant contributions to botany. He is also considered to be the father of Bengali science fiction. The banyan tree in Kolkata's botanical gardens is an old friend. I have visited it before and watched the protective wall and fence around it grow into a bigger and bigger circle. I hope I will visit it again one day. It is always worth any amount of heat. Of course.
Scottish Sun
29-04-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Cleaner's cheap hack gets rid of thick, crusty limescale on bathroom taps without scrubbing & leaves them sparkling
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. Plus, some more bathroom cleaning tips TAP OUT Cleaner's cheap hack gets rid of thick, crusty limescale on bathroom taps without scrubbing & leaves them sparkling Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IF you've ever looked at your lime-scaled, dull taps and thought they were beyond saving, think again. Cleaning fan Chelsi Pattinson Que has shared her simple, step-by-step method for restoring taps to their sparkling best - and it's been a hit on TikTok. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 A professional cleaner has show an easy guide to remove limescale Credit: Getty Posting to her TikTok page 'ccscleaningandlife,' Chelsi demonstrated exactly how she transformed her taps with a bit of TLC and some budget-friendly products. She kicked off the video by recommending a two-step process: first, using a glass scraper to remove thick lime scale, followed by a generous application of lime scale remover. Chelsi revealed her current go-to product is Tesco lime scale remover, priced at just £1.50. Praising its effectiveness and mild scent, she said it's a great alternative to stronger-smelling options like Vikal, which she finds overwhelming. After applying the remover, she works it in with a non-abrasive pad, rinsing thoroughly to reveal any spots that need extra attention. But Chelsi doesn't stop there. Spotting some mould behind a tile, she seized the opportunity to deep-clean the entire bath area. Armed with bleach, cream cleaner, and plenty of elbow grease, she went over her work two or three times to ensure everything was spotless. To finish, Chelsi buffed the taps with a dry microfibre cloth and added a final touch of Astonish window cleaner, available for £1 on Amazon, to achieve a crystal-clear shine. While she admitted some pre-existing damage to the taps couldn't be reversed, she proudly showcased her results, saying: 'All lovely, shiny. Job done.' I'm a cleaning whizz, using a 15p household item will make your tap shine in minutes The video quickly gained traction, racking up 44.2K views, 820 likes, and 32 comments within a day of being posted. Fans of Chelsi's cleaning tips were quick to agree with her product recommendations, with one commenter saying: 'Yesss Tesco limescale remover is the s***.' Another added: 'Tesco and Sainsbury's lime scale remover I'm sure are both great! M&S one is also great!' Meanwhile, a third simply remarked: 'Looks so much better.' 4 Tesco Limescale Remover is currently on sale for £1.50 Credit: Supplied 4 She also used a scraper to get the tough parts of the limescale off Credit: 4 Chelsi showed off her sparkling clean tap Credit:
The Sun
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Cleaner's cheap hack gets rid of thick, crusty limescale on bathroom taps without scrubbing & leaves them sparkling
IF you've ever looked at your lime-scaled, dull taps and thought they were beyond saving, think again. Cleaning fan Chelsi Pattinson Que has shared her simple, step-by-step method for restoring taps to their sparkling best - and it's been a hit on TikTok. Posting to her TikTok page ' ccscleaningandlife,' Chelsi demonstrated exactly how she transformed her taps with a bit of TLC and some budget-friendly products. She kicked off the video by recommending a two-step process: first, using a glass scraper to remove thick lime scale, followed by a generous application of lime scale remover. Chelsi revealed her current go-to product is Tesco lime scale remover, priced at just £1.50. Praising its effectiveness and mild scent, she said it's a great alternative to stronger-smelling options like Vikal, which she finds overwhelming. After applying the remover, she works it in with a non-abrasive pad, rinsing thoroughly to reveal any spots that need extra attention. But Chelsi doesn't stop there. Spotting some mould behind a tile, she seized the opportunity to deep-clean the entire bath area. Armed with bleach, cream cleaner, and plenty of elbow grease, she went over her work two or three times to ensure everything was spotless. To finish, Chelsi buffed the taps with a dry microfibre cloth and added a final touch of Astonish window cleaner, available for £1 on Amazon, to achieve a crystal-clear shine. While she admitted some pre-existing damage to the taps couldn't be reversed, she proudly showcased her results, saying: 'All lovely, shiny. Job done.' The video quickly gained traction, racking up 44.2K views, 820 likes, and 32 comments within a day of being posted. Fans of Chelsi's cleaning tips were quick to agree with her product recommendations, with one commenter saying: 'Yesss Tesco limescale remover is the s***.' Another added: 'Tesco and Sainsbury's lime scale remover I'm sure are both great! M&S one is also great!' Meanwhile, a third simply remarked: 'Looks so much better.' 4 More bathroom cleaning tips Keeping a bathroom clean and fresh can sometimes feel like a daunting task, but with a few practical tips and a regular cleaning schedule, it can be much more manageable. 1. Regular Maintenance Daily Wipe-Down: A quick daily wipe-down of surfaces, such as the sink, countertops, and taps, can prevent the build-up of grime and soap scum. Keep a microfibre cloth handy for this purpose. Ventilation: Ensure that your bathroom is well-ventilated to prevent mould and mildew. Open windows or use an extractor fan during and after showers. 2. Tackling Limescale and Hard Water Stains Vinegar Solution: Hard water can cause limescale build-up on taps and showerheads. Soak a cloth in white vinegar and wrap it around the affected areas for a few hours, then scrub with a brush. Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is another effective natural cleaner for limescale. Apply it directly to the affected areas, let it sit for a while, and then rinse off. 3. Cleaning the Toilet Toilet Cleaner: Use a specialised toilet cleaner to scrub the bowl. Apply the cleaner under the rim and allow it to sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a toilet brush. Bicarbonate of Soda and Vinegar: For a natural alternative, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda into the bowl, then add vinegar. The fizzing action helps to lift stains and disinfect. 4. Shower and Bath Showerhead: Remove mineral deposits by soaking the showerhead in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. You can do this by filling a plastic bag with the solution and securing it around the showerhead with a rubber band. Bathtub: Use a non-abrasive cleaner to scrub the bathtub. For stubborn stains, make a paste with bicarbonate of soda and water, apply it to the stains, and let it sit before scrubbing. 5. Tiles and Grout Grout Cleaner: Grout can harbour mould and mildew. Use a grout cleaner or a mixture of bicarbonate of soda and water to scrub the grout lines. An old toothbrush can be particularly effective for this task. Tile Cleaner: Regularly clean tiles with a mild detergent or a vinegar solution to keep them shiny and free of soap scum. 6. Mirrors and Glass Glass Cleaner: Use a glass cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water to clean mirrors and glass surfaces. Wipe with a microfibre cloth to avoid streaks. Shower Doors: Prevent soap scum build-up on glass shower doors by using a squeegee to remove water after each use. 7. Floors Sweep and Mop: Sweep the bathroom floor regularly to remove hair and dust. Mop with a mild detergent or a suitable floor cleaner to maintain cleanliness. 8. Trash and Laundry Empty Bins: Empty bathroom bins regularly to prevent nasty smelling odours. Laundry: Keep a small laundry basket in the bathroom for used towels and bathmats, and wash them regularly. 9. Finishing Touches Air Fresheners: Utilise air fresheners or essential oil diffusers to maintain a pleasant fragrance in the bathroom. Organisation: Ensure toiletries and cleaning supplies are neatly organised and stored to minimise clutter and facilitate easier cleaning.
The Irish Sun
29-04-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
Cleaner's cheap hack gets rid of thick, crusty limescale on bathroom taps without scrubbing & leaves them sparkling
IF you've ever looked at your lime-scaled, dull taps and thought they were beyond saving, think again. Cleaning fan Chelsi Pattinson Que has shared her simple, step-by-step method for Advertisement 4 A professional cleaner has show an easy guide to remove limescale Credit: Getty Posting to her TikTok page ' She kicked off the video by recommending a two-step process: first, using a glass scraper to remove thick lime scale, followed by a generous application of lime scale remover. Chelsi revealed her current go-to product is Praising its effectiveness and mild scent, she said it's a great alternative to stronger-smelling options like Vikal, which she finds overwhelming. Advertisement READ MORE ON CLEANING HACKS After applying the remover, she works it in with a non-abrasive pad, rinsing thoroughly to reveal any spots that need extra attention. But Chelsi doesn't stop there. Spotting some mould behind a tile, she seized the opportunity to deep-clean the entire bath area. Armed with bleach, cream cleaner, and plenty of elbow grease, she went over her work two or three times to ensure everything was spotless. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous To finish, Chelsi buffed the taps with a dry microfibre cloth and added a final touch of While she admitted some pre-existing damage to the taps couldn't be reversed, she proudly showcased her results, saying: 'All lovely, shiny. Job done.' I'm a cleaning whizz, using a 15p household item will make your tap shine in minutes The video quickly gained traction, racking up 44.2K views, 820 likes, and 32 comments within a day of being posted. Fans of Chelsi's cleaning tips were quick to agree with her product recommendations, with one commenter saying: 'Yesss Tesco limescale remover is the s***.' Advertisement Another added: 'Tesco and Sainsbury's lime scale remover I'm sure are both great! M&S one is also great!' Meanwhile, a third simply remarked: 'Looks so much better.' 4 Tesco Limescale Remover is currently on sale for £1.50 Credit: Supplied 4 She also used a scraper to get the tough parts of the limescale off Credit: Advertisement 4 Chelsi showed off her sparkling clean tap Credit: More bathroom cleaning tips Keeping a bathroom clean and fresh can sometimes feel like a daunting task, but with a few practical tips and a regular cleaning schedule, it can be much more manageable. 1. Regular Maintenance Daily Wipe-Down: A quick daily wipe-down of surfaces, such as the sink, countertops, and taps, can prevent the build-up of grime and soap scum. Keep a microfibre cloth handy for this purpose. Ventilation: Ensure that your bathroom is well-ventilated to prevent mould and mildew. Open windows or use an extractor fan during and after showers. 2. Tackling Limescale and Hard Water Stains Vinegar Solution: Hard water can cause limescale build-up on taps and showerheads. Soak a cloth in white vinegar and wrap it around the affected areas for a few hours, then scrub with a brush. Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is another effective natural cleaner for limescale. Apply it directly to the affected areas, let it sit for a while, and then rinse off. 3. Cleaning the Toilet Toilet Cleaner: Use a specialised toilet cleaner to scrub the bowl. Apply the cleaner under the rim and allow it to sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a toilet brush. Bicarbonate of Soda and Vinegar: For a natural alternative, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda into the bowl, then add vinegar. The fizzing action helps to lift stains and disinfect. 4. Shower and Bath Showerhead: Remove mineral deposits by soaking the showerhead in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. You can do this by filling a plastic bag with the solution and securing it around the showerhead with a rubber band. Bathtub: Use a non-abrasive cleaner to scrub the bathtub. For stubborn stains, make a paste with bicarbonate of soda and water, apply it to the stains, and let it sit before scrubbing. 5. Tiles and Grout Grout Cleaner: Grout can harbour mould and mildew. Use a grout cleaner or a mixture of bicarbonate of soda and water to scrub the grout lines. An old toothbrush can be particularly effective for this task. Tile Cleaner: Regularly clean tiles with a mild detergent or a vinegar solution to keep them shiny and free of soap scum. 6. Mirrors and Glass Glass Cleaner: Use a glass cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water to clean mirrors and glass surfaces. Wipe with a microfibre cloth to avoid streaks. Shower Doors: Prevent soap scum build-up on glass shower doors by using a squeegee to remove water after each use. 7. Floors Sweep and Mop: Sweep the bathroom floor regularly to remove hair and dust. Mop with a mild detergent or a suitable floor cleaner to maintain cleanliness. 8. Trash and Laundry Empty Bins: Empty bathroom bins regularly to prevent nasty smelling odours. Laundry: Keep a small laundry basket in the bathroom for used towels and bathmats, and wash them regularly. 9. Finishing Touches Air Fresheners: Utilise air fresheners or essential oil diffusers to maintain a pleasant fragrance in the bathroom. Organisation: Ensure toiletries and cleaning supplies are neatly organised and stored to minimise clutter and facilitate easier cleaning.
