Latest news with #cleaninghacks
The Sun
17 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
I was a royal cleaner at Buckingham Palace -my 5p hack gets rid of nasty smells immediately – it's discreet & lasts ages
A FORMER royal cleaner has shared a simple 5p trick she used to keep Buckingham Palace smelling fresh. If you've ever visited the famed London palace, and marvelled at its cleanliness, you may be forgiven for thinking that cleaners polish and scrub using pricey products. 2 2 However, Anne Simmons, 57, who worked as a cleaner at Buckingham Palace for over a decade, has revealed that budget hacks are fit for the King. Anne, from Berkshire, shared that in order to keep royal cars fresh, she swapped pricey air fresheners for an every day essential that will cost you less than a Freddo. During her time working in the palace, Anne often had to face last minute inspections, which caused her to think on her feet and come up with inventive solutions. 'One day, I was asked to get a car ready for a senior royal's outing" Anne told Plates Express. "Everything looked spotless, but the inside just smelled… stale. 'We didn't have fancy sprays or scented gels to hand, so I reached into my bag and pulled out a dry tea bag. "I tucked it under the seat and let it sit. "By the time they stepped in, the smell was gone—and in its place was a gentle, comforting scent.' Tea bags are incredibly cheap, with each individual bag costing as little as 5p. Anne now swears by the hack. "It's something I've used ever since. It's discreet, cheap, and lasts much longer than people think," she said. "Black tea is my go-to, but you can use herbal ones like lavender or mint if you want a fresher smell.' Tea bags work as they are natural odour absorbers, and pull moisture and bad smells from the air as they dry. 'Tea bags work quietly in the background,' Anne explained. 'They don't overpower, and they don't make people sneeze. "I just pop one in the glove box, under a seat, or inside the cup holder.' And this isn't the only handy hack the royal cleaner has up her sleeve. Anne previously revealed how she used an old tube of toothpaste to get palace mirrors gleaming. And the royal cleaner even swears by a kids toy to keep homes dust free. She revealed that slime is also perfect for dusting. 'It's safe, easy to use, and doesn't leave any marks,' she said.
The Sun
27-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
The 5p hack that scrubbed thick soap scum and limescale off my glass shower door in seconds – it's gleaming
SPENDING the day cleaning the bathroom isn't a task any of us wants to do. And there's one job in particular that drives all of us berserk - cleaning shower doors. 3 The shower door often looks messy, and there's not a lot you can do to prevent it. The water we use often leaves hard limescale stains on the glass while soap scum from scrubbing our bodies sticks on too. Fortunately, one cleaning whiz has shared the cheap hack that will get your shower doors squeaky clean in seconds. Taking to social media, they shared a clip of their shower door which was covered in stubborn water stains. But instead of spending hours scrubbing at it, they shared the hack to get it off in seconds. The best part is that you definitely already have the product in your bathroom. The cleaning pro took a tube of toothpaste and applied a pea-size amount to the shower door. They then took a regular washing up sponge that was damp and began to rub the toothpaste on the glass. Once done, they turned the shower on and rinsed off the toothpaste. In just a few seconds, the glass had become squeaky clean once again. I'm a cleaning whizz, using a 15p household item will make your tap shine in minutes You can buy a tube of toothpaste for 75p from Waitrose making the hack cost just 5p a time. The clip posted to their TikTok account @ heyyy.j7 went viral with over 10 million views and 118k likes. People were quick to try it themselves while others shared their own cleaning hacks. Cleaning hacks and tips Here are some tips to help you clean your home like a pro: How to clean your washing machine in a few easy steps Keep on top of cleaning your oven regularly Clean your shower to ensure it's always sparkling How to clean your microwave using cheap household items Here's how to get rid of that nasty limescale in your kettle You're cleaning your carpet all wrong - here's how to get it spotless again in no time Unblock a toilet without a plunger Clean your fabric or leather sofa in a few easy steps If you haven't cleaned your mattress in ages, here's how Steps to cleaning your dishwasher to leave it looking brand new This is how to clean mirrors and windows without streaking Keep your toilet clean in four easy steps Give your TV screen a once-over Did you know your Venetian, Roman, vertical, or roller blinds also need cleaning? Deep-clean your fridge in five simple steps Another commented: 'That's crazy clear." "Does that really work" penned a third. Meanwhile a fourth said: "Fabric softener is better - cheaper and smells nice." "Shaving cream will make it so it doesn't fog for like a week,' claimed a fifth.
The Sun
26-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
I'm building my dream kitchen on a budget & bagged an £830 fridge freezer FREE – the stench was vile but it was worth it
SHE'S creating her dream kitchen, but is having to do so on a tight budget. So when she saw an £830 fridge freezer on Facebook Marketplace for FREE, Kelly knew she had to nab it. 9 9 9 9 But getting it in, clean and fitting it was anything but easy, and she documented the process on her TikTok page. "It truly is amazing what people get rid of!" she said. She picked the fridge up from a "building site" and was told it was all in working order but just needed a clean. "I'm pretty sure that this hasn't been opened in a long, long time," Kelly admitted. "The stench was unreal and, to top it off, I found fish in there! "I am NOT a fish lover and that expensive salmon is five years old." Once she'd managed to "dispose of" the offending fish, she got to work cleaning the fridge - taking every shelf and drawer out from inside, so that she could give it a deep clean. It needed a lot of "elbow grease", Kelly said, and she got stuck in with sponges, sprays and cleaning brushes. "I used lots of bleach on this thing," she laughed. "It was so strong I'm pretty sure I burnt the nostril hairs off. Stacey Solomon reveals 99p transformation of grubby kitchen unit she picked up on Facebook Marketplace so it looks brand new "It was the only thing that I really felt was going to kill that bacteria because God knows how long that's been growing in there." Once the bottom half - the freezer - was done, Kelly moved onto the fridge, removing each part one at a time, cleaning and putting it back. "This felt like a never-ending job," she sighed. "I love to clean but this was a lot, although very satisfying." Once the "cleaning marathon" was done, Kelly changed the hinges to match the rest of her kitchen, and enlisted the help of her stepdad to rewire the plug, which had been cut off. "We rewired the plug in seconds, attached the doors together and it was done," Kelly said, as she showed herself pushing the fridge freezer into its allocated slot. What are the biggest kitchen trends of 2025? The kitchen is the heart of every home and this year it's taking centre stage, Tracy Coleman, Product Director at High Street TV told Fabulous. Hardworking appliances Space-saving essentials are needed in every room of the house, and the kitchen is no exception, meaning appliances are often doing double (or triple) the job. Expect to see air fryer ovens that roast, bake, and fry or blenders with attachments for everything from chopping to grinding. Health and wellness With people becoming more mindful of what they eat and how it impacts their well-being, kitchen appliances are stepping up to meet the demand for healthier, more balanced lifestyles. Air fryers remain hugely popular, along with blenders and juicers that retain nutrients. Energy-bill conscious Finally, with rising energy bills and an increased focus on sustainability, people are turning to appliances that help reduce power consumption and keep costs down. More people are finding joy in cooking at home as a cost-effective way to enjoy delicious, nutritious meals. Cooking at home doesn't just save money—it's also a fun way to bring the family together or experiment with new recipes. With the right tools, such as multi-functional appliances and smart kitchen gadgets, creating meals at home becomes easier, faster, and more satisfying. "A fully working integrated fridge completely free!" "My best and worst Facebook marketplace find in one!" she captioned the video. "I've been looking for a integrated fridge freezer ever since I bought this unit. "I wasn't prepared to buy new, so will some patience (somehow) but mainly will power I found this baby! "And what a gem it turned out to be!" 9 9 9 9 9
The Sun
23-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
I've tried 6 viral popular stain remover hacks that claim to be ‘the best ever' – most effective was a bargain
A POWERFUL stain remover is a household essential – especially with kids in the mix. From tomato sauce to mystery smudges of make-up, keeping your whites crisp can feel like a constant battle. 7 Stain removers have come a long way in recent years, with some not even needing a washing machine any more. And they are going viral on TikTok. But which ones actually work – and which are just hype? Yasmin Harisha sees if the most popular online picks have what it takes. Here, she puts them to the test versus grass stains, foundation, red wine, coffee, oil, sunscreen, tomato sauce and even marker pen. Tide To Go stain pen, £12.49 for three, Amazon PERFECT for your handbag or toiletry kit, this stain remover pen is a lifesaver for quick clean-ups before stains set. Just shake, uncap, press on to the mark and rub back and forth — and the stain disappears fast. It worked brilliantly on every stain I tested, but it is definitely best for smaller spots. Larger stains are trickier, you will either spend a lot of time scrubbing or end up using multiple pens, which is not exactly budget-friendly. Still, for everyday mishaps such as make-up smudges or food splashes, it is a handy, travel-friendly option that delivers quick results when you need them. Best at banishing: Coffee. As long as it is a small amount. I've tried 6 viral TikTok stain remover hacks that claim to be 'the best ever' Worst at tackling: Foundation. It ended up smudging the stain into the fabric. Rating: 2.5/5 Bicarbonate soda, fairy liquid & hydrogen peroxide, £1, any supermarket WHEN it comes to viral DIY hacks, this one is a classic — and it actually works. Bicarbonate of soda has been a cleaning staple for years. If you are on a budget and don't mind a little DIY, it is just as effective as shop-bought options. I mixed 1 tbsp of bicarb, 1 tbsp of washing-up liquid and 2 tbsp of hydrogen peroxide into a smooth paste. I applied to the stain then let it sit for 15 minutes (longer for tougher stains), then gently scrubbed with a soft brush, rinsed, and washed. It works but I prefer something ready-made and less labour intensive. Best at banishing: Sunscreen. You could see it working instantly. Worst at tackling: Marker pen. It needed to be soaked still. Rating: 3.5/5 Stain-removing wipes, £1.25, Marks & Spencer IF you need a quick, on-the-go fix, this stain remover is a game-changer. The wipes come in a compact, sleek packet that slips easily into your handbag, perfect for tackling fresh stains in a pinch. From tomato sauce and oil to a splash of red wine or a smudge of blusher, it is your go-to solution. Parents who usually reach for baby wipes might find this a serious upgrade — and it is affordable, too. However, there is one caveat. For larger or older stains that have set in, you will likely need something a bit more heavy duty. Best at banishing: Oil but you need to act quickly. Worst at tackling: Grass stains. This took some elbow grease. Napisan non bio stain remover powder, £4.50, Morrisons A LONG-TIME parenting staple, this germ-killing powder (99.9 per cent of germs, to be exact) has recently become a hit for stains on socks and trainers. It works best when you soak laundry in warm water mixed with the powder before tossing it in the washing machine. Personally, I wasn't impressed. It didn't do much for foundation stains while other marks left behind faint traces. Grass stains were barely touched. It has a lovely, fresh scent but its stain-fighting power felt average. Great for general freshness, just don't expect miracles on tougher stains. Best at banishing: Oil, but be sure to soak it. Worst at tackling: Grass stains. WINNER: Wipe Out stain remover spray £5.50, Homecare Essentials THIS spray is the gold standard of stain removers. It doesn't just lift stains from clothes, it doubles as a powerful multi-surface cleaner. While it didn't completely erase an extra-dark foundation mark, it made serious progress and I'm sure a second go would do the trick. The best part? It is super affordable. Just a few spritzes, wait 30 seconds and you are set. It tackles everything from grease and grime to biro, coffee and even blood. Plus, it works on almost anything — fabric, wood, metal, glass, stone, vinyl, ceramics, you name it. Worst at tackling: Wine. It needed to be put in the washing machine for it to vanish completely. Scrubology stain remover soap, £7.99, I HAD high hopes for this stain remover after TikTok kept serving it up, with cleaning fans calling it the 'best ever'. You are meant to wet the stain, wet the bar, scrub until it foams, then soak the item by hand or pop it in the wash. But for me, it wasn't that simple. Despite plenty of elbow grease, it barely foamed. It felt like nothing was really happening. Honestly, I think a regular bar of soap might have done a better job. This one just did not live up to the hype. Best at banishing: Tomato sauce but only if it was a tiny splatter. Worst at tackling: Foundation. It was the toughest stain across the board, but this soap didn't even make a dent. Rating: 1/5 Can a mini washing machine save you cash? OFTEN spotted on social media, the intriguing Taylor & Brown portable washing machine (£29.99, Amazon/B&Q) was a bit of a puzzle to figure out. Mums online are praising it as the perfect solution for family holidays and the convenience of quickly cleaning the kids' clothes without needing to run a full load. It uses just one-twentieth of the water required by a standard washing machine and, according to Precision Appliance Leasing, a portable washing machine typically uses between 0.2 to 1 kWh per load, whereas traditional machines can consume 1 to 2 kWh or more. With energy costs soaring, this machine sounds a smart, choice. That said, the instructions left a lot to be desired as they were poorly translated and missing key details. You fill it with water, though there's no clear fill line so it is a bit of guessing game, then add detergent and clothes. It doesn't heat the water, so best to add warm water from the tap. Its compact size limits it to one or two tops or smaller items such as underwear – I found overfilling causes spillage and bouncing. It has a touch screen and offers a ten-minute cycle, a two-minute cycle, or just a spin option. But clothes come out soaking wet and could take days to dry. Plus I found it frustrating that the clothes don't come out properly washed and I often put them into a regular washing machine afterwards, which defeats the purpose entirely. It could be handy for washing underwear while camping. But, for me, it wasn't worth the money saved.
The Sun
08-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
How I got my mould-spotted grubby, white vertical blinds spotless for 49p – don't waste your money on new ones
A THRIFTY cleaning fan has revealed how she got her dirty blinds looking brand new for just 49p. With the cost-of-living crisis soaring, many cash-strapped households are on the lookout for affordable cleaning hacks - and if your blinds could do with some TLC, you've come to the right place. 2 2 Donna Blossom Hill took to Facebook to share an easy hack that totally transformed her mould-spotted vertical blinds with no faff. According to the woman, although the white blinds were grubby and had certainly seen better days, she couldn't afford a new set. Although some cleaning fans swear by using white vinegar, Donna, unfortunately, discovered that this viral 79p hack didn't do anything. Luckily, she soon found a solution - and not only did it work a treat but was also a cheaper alternative, costing less than 50p. She shared the magic remedy on the popular DIY On A Budget Official - and turns out, all you need in a common cleaning product that's most likely already sitting in your home. Sharing a before and after of the jaw-dropping results, the savvy woman wrote: ''No money for new blinds so I bleached them, I did try white vinegar but didn't work. ''I got a bucket (98p B&Q) filled it with hottish water with 49p bleach (Farmfoods) put half bottle in, carefully unclipped from the top leaving weights in bottom and 1 by 1 put them in bucket leaving for 5 minutes.'' She went on in the post: ''Then from the bucket hanging them up 1 by 1 and putting a towel underneath them for 15 mins & they're done. ''I'm amazed as they're in my conservatory so i have a lot of blinds to do.'' 'Good ol' bleach' Since being shared on the popular page, the post has already taken the internet by storm, winning Donna more than 500 likes in just a few hours. More than 120 people flooded to comments to share their thoughts at the epic transformation, as others revealed their go-to remedies. One cleaning fan recommended: ''Try baking soda with vinegar.'' Someone else chimed in: ''Fab! I soaked mine in the bath with washing powder and they came out well. Just make sure hang to dry.'' The household items you're not cleaning often enough 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. A third wrote: ''I used to use mildew spray worked a treat.'' ''Be careful if that's mould it can cause lung problems. If it comes back better to change them,'' a fourth said. However, there were also plenty of those who strongly advised against using the 49p solution. ''Bleach does not kill mould, it will get rid of it but next time it comes back worse,'' a cleaning fan warned.
