Latest news with #cleaningTips
Forbes
23-05-2025
- General
- Forbes
How To Clean Diamond Earrings, According To An Expert
Diamond earrings add instant sparkle and shine to any outfit, but like any other piece of jewelry, they can become cloudy or dull with wear and buildup. If you're wondering if you can clean diamond earrings at home, Britta Nolan, senior design consultant at Lauren B Jewelry, says it's easy to do with a few simple products. 'Cleaning diamonds with dish soap, warm water and a soft toothbrush is a safe and effective way to keep them in good condition,' says Nolan. You can safely and effectively clean diamond earrings at home using dish soap, warm water and a soft ... More toothbrush. Another expert tip? Avoid harsh chemicals and store your diamond earrings in a soft-lined jewelry box or a small pouch after cleaning. For more on diamonds and where to purchase them, check out our stories on the best places to buy engagement rings, the best place to buy diamonds, the best online jewelry stores and the best lab-grown diamonds. The best way to make diamond earrings sparkle again is to clean them at home using warm water, a mild dish soap like Palmolive and a soft toothbrush . 'Fill a small bowl or coffee mug with hot water—still comfortable to the touch—and add just a few drops of Palmolive dish soap,' says Nolan. 'Let the earrings soak for about 15 to 20 minutes, and then gently scrub around the setting and diamond to remove any buildup using a soft-bristled toothbrush.' After you're done scrubbing, rinse the earrings well under warm water. Nolan recommends using a tiny strainer to rinse them so you don't accidentally drop them down the drain. The last step is to dry your earrings carefully with a lint-free cloth to avoid residue or little fibers sticking to the stones. Diamonds are hard and durable, so they don't scratch easily, but it's a good idea to store them in a soft-lined jewelry box or a small pouch. This way, they won't scratch other pieces or get scratched themselves. If you're packing them for travel, Nolan suggests using a case with separate compartments to keep them safe. It's also advisable to keep them out of the bathroom, as humidity can wear down the shine over time, and to ensure the backs are on tightly so they don't go missing. The Forbes Vetted team has researched, written and published dozens of jewelry stories, including guides on how to clean a diamond ring. To make diamond earrings sparkle again, periodically clean them at home using warm water and a little dish soap. Let the earrings soak for 15 to 20 minutes, and then gently scrub around the setting to remove loosened dirt and debris. Rinse well under warm water and dry them with a lint-free cloth. It's best to clean diamonds with warm water and dish soap, such as Palmolive. Avoid using formulas with harsh chemicals like Windex, Clorox wipes or hydrogen peroxide. It's normal for jewelry to look cloudy due to buildup from lotion, soap or oils. When your earrings look dull or cloudy, you can clean them at home and store them in a soft-lined jewelry box or a small pouch to prevent them from getting scratched.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Mum goes viral after revealing the agonising way she washes her sofa & people can't believe how ‘bad' her decision was
A MUM has gone viral after revealing her agonising way of washing her sofa, and some people can't believe how 'bad' her decision-making is. Isabel, who is currently pregnant, decided to take on the mammoth task of cleaning the material on her sofa – but it is how she is doing it that has got people confused. Sharing a video on her TikTok page ' ', she filmed herself taking apart two of her sofas in her living room. Isabel said: 'Your sign to wash your couch covers ' whilst also adding that it was the 'hardest task' she's had to do since being pregnant. The video, which has received 6.6 million views since being shared on 9 May, shows Isabel taking all the padding out of her cushions and piling it onto the sofa. And because it wasn't a whole cushion inside the zipped fabric - it was green, fluffed-up padding that was in bits - people were left concerned if that was what she was supposed to be doing. After unzipping all the fabric and removing the cushioning, Isabel then went to put it all into the washing machine. She later shared another video showing herself putting all the padding back into the material, and it didn't look easy as she had to use her legs to push it in. She received over 188k likes, with 2,653 people rushing to the comments section to share their thoughts. One wrote: 'You're definitely not supposed to do this.' A second added: 'Wonder at what point she realised this was a bad decision.' And a third commented: 'You're not supposed to wash covers that have stuffing like that.' Professional cleaner shows the easiest but best way to clean your sofa without an upholstery steamer and the results are impressive but gross Then a fourth said: 'Your couch never looks the same after taking the stuffing out.' The following video showing Isabel putting it back together has gained 992.1k views, with 499 people rushing to the comments section. They wanted to share their thoughts after she managed to put her sofa back together. 2 One wrote: 'She proved y'all wrong.' And a second said: 'To be fair…why would there be zippers if you aren't supposed to clean it?' Someone else added: 'I just know u will never do that again.' IF you want to ensure your home is squeaky clean, you'll need to listen up. Below are the household items you're forgetting to clean, and how to get them sparkling... Remote Controls: Wipe with a disinfectant cloth. Use a cotton bud for crevices. Light Switches: Wipe with a disinfectant wipe. Use a mild soap solution for tough stains. Door Handles: Clean with an antibacterial spray. Wipe down regularly. Underneath and Behind Appliances: Vacuum or sweep regularly. Mop with a suitable cleaner. Shower Curtains and Liners: Wash in the washing machine. Use a bleach solution for stubborn mildew. Kitchen Sponges and Dishcloths: Microwave damp sponges for one minute. Wash dishcloths in the washing machine. Computer Keyboards and Mice: Use compressed air to remove debris. Wipe with a disinfectant wipe.
The Sun
18-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
The 65p hack that stops your bin from smelling bad – it keeps pests out the garden, too
THERE'S nothing more off-putting in the summer than the smell of bins when you want to sit in your garden. Not only is it hard to ignore, but the smell can linger for days, especially in the sunshine and warm weather. 4 4 And with at least four huge outdoor bins at most homes, sometimes there's not a lot of space where you can put them to get them out of the way. Luckily, experts have shared their fool-proof top tips to stop your outdoor bins from smelling this summer. And one handy trick only costs 65p - and you might even already have it in your kitchen cupboard. Graham Matthews, waste management expert at says homeowners should keep on top of their rubbish every few months. Not only can this get rid of smells, but it also keeps pests and insects away. He said: "Keeping your wheelie bin clean reduces bad smells, germs, and stops pests. "While it might not be the most glamorous job, spending time cleaning your bins every couple of months is a great way to stop insects like flies and maggots from taking over. 'There are some simple storage and disposal hacks that will prevent smells and pests at the source. "Correct food waste disposal helps keep your bin clean. "And it also means you'll be doing your bit for the environment.' We've decked out our house for FREE using brand new furniture we found in bins 1. Add bicarbonate of soda to the bottom of your bin Bicarbonate of soda can be picked up for as little as 65p in supermarkets including Tesco. And it can be a lifesaver for getting rid of unwanted smells, which in turn stops pests from being attracted to your garden. Graham suggests sprinkling some at the bottom of the bin as it can help get rid of 'bin juice'. He explains: "Doing this helps neutralise many bad smells. "Bad bin odours are often caused by acidic substances released as food waste breaks down. "Bicarbonate of soda is an alkali, which helps counteract this, creating a chemical reaction that neutralises the odour. "Bicarbonate of soda can also absorb 'bin juice' and other moisture that creates a less hospitable environment for bacteria that may contribute to bad smells." 2. Store it in a cool, dry place As mentioned before, you might not have a lot of options for places to store your bins, especially if your garden is on the smaller side. But trying to put it somewhere that's cool, dry or shaded can make a big difference when it comes to the smell. Graham advises: "Moving your wheelie bin out of direct sunlight when you can will slow down the decomposition of waste, which reduces the chance of bad odours developing. "A bin store can be a great solution. "If this isn't an option, look for a shaded spot on your property, preferably under shelter or in a garage." 4 3. Always keep the lid closed This may seem like an obvious one, but the experts say it can be an easy mistake than many homeowners make. Graham has urged everyone to make sure they shut the lids after putting something inside their bin. He warned: "If your bin lid remains open for long periods of time, it can contribute to bad smells. "Keeping the lid closed reduces the amount of oxygen reaching your waste, which will slow down the aerobic bacteria responsible for breaking down waste and producing strong smells. "Alongside this, keeping the lid closed prevents pests like insects and rats from getting inside. "These can contribute to bad smells by laying eggs and disturbing your waste." Expert's tips for giving your bin a good, deep scrub While most of the time we can use washing-up liquid to clean our bins, sometimes it's just not enough. So Graham has shared his top pieces of advice on how to properly clean your bin if it's been left untouched during the cold, winter months. Base – "Scrape out any thick bits of grime, dirt, or rubbish stuck to the sides or bottom of the bin with a trowel or shovel. Lie the wheelie bin on its side and use a hose or pressure washer to blast away the dirt, pouring it out into a drain. Put the bin upright and add the antibacterial spray, bleach, or eco-friendly alternative and swill it around the bottom. Leave to destroy the germs, then pour it out and rinse with clean water." Sides – "As you spray water into the base, make sure you get the sides as well to remove any bits of dirt. Cover the four sides with the antibacterial spray too and leave for as long as necessary to kill any germs. Scrub the sides clean with a mop or hard brush before pouring out the cleaning solution in the base. After the bin is emptied of all liquids, leave it to dry, either on its side or upside down (you can also use a towel to speed up the process)." Lid – "After washing the sides and base inside the bin, move onto the lid. Simply wipe the underside clean with a cloth and warm water, then apply the antibacterial spray and leave for a few minutes. Rinse it off with a sponge or cloth and some fresh water and leave it to dry." He adds: "Antibacterial or bleach sprays are necessary to destroy germs, but there are eco-conscious options to stay green when you clean. A homemade recipe of water, white vinegar, and lemon juice works just as well." 4. Dispose of food waste correctly We're all guilty of just chucking our food waste in outdoor bins - especially in the summer when you're having a BBQ. But Graham says that doing this can not only cause the bin to smell, but it can also attract pests like rats and foxes. The expert said: "Ideally, waste food should be composted or put in a separate food waste bin. "If that's not possible, make sure all food scraps are sealed in biodegradable bags or wrapped tightly before being placed in the bin. "Keep food waste in a smaller, sealed container when you can and only transfer it to the larger bin closer to collection day." 5. Clean your bin regularly and effectively It's not a pleasant job, but it's the easiest way to keep it clean and get rid of smells. And Graham says all you need is some washing-up liquid for the job. He explained: "You should keep on top of cleaning your bin regularly. "A bucket of warm water, a cloth, and some washing-up liquid should do the job." 4
CNET
07-05-2025
- General
- CNET
Keep the Gap Between Your Stove and Countertop Clean With This Quick Hack
Cleaning the kitchen is a regular part of keeping your home tidy, but there is a section that tends to hide its dirt, and crumbs from easy wiping. The narrow gap between your stove and counter seems to attract every stray crumb and spatter of grease. It's not easy to reach without pulling your stove away from the way, but it can quickly accumulate a serious mess. Instead of struggling to yank your stove out and clean it properly, we have an easy hack to keep that hidden pocket clean like the rest of your kitchen. The counter and stovetop are where you do most of your cooking, which also means that it's where crumbs and other residue tend to congregate. Keeping this area clean isn't just about appearances -- it's also about preventing a buildup of food debris that can attract rodents or other pests. Most people hate cleaning this space because accessing it usually requires moving the stove, which is a huge pain and can be dangerous. The good news is that you can skip the heavy lifting and awkward cleaning attempts. There's a foolproof hack -- all you need is aluminum foil, and you'll never need to clean the floor between your stove and wall again. Want a massive kitchen upgrade? Explore the best dishwashers, best washing machines and best refrigerators of the year. How aluminum foil keeps the area between the stove and counter clean 1. Measure the length of the crack and add 4 inches to the length. 2. Tear off a sheet of aluminum foil that is as long as your measurement. 3. Fold the strip of foil in half, lengthwise. 4. Fold over the edges of the foil to make a foil boat-like shape. There's no science to this step. Just crinkle the edges over to form sides. A fresh boat ready for floor-protecting duty. Alina Bradford/CNET 5. Slide your aluminum boat into the crack between the counter and the stove so that it's sitting on the floor and pushed back into the shadows so that casual observers can't see it. It's kind of like a drip pan for that little crack. The aluminum boat will catch all the crumbs and drips. All you need to do is toss it in the trash when it gets dirty and replace it with a new boat. For more cleaning tips, explore how to wash your bedding the right way and how to clean your kitchen in less than 15 minutes.
