Latest news with #cleaninghacks
Forbes
01-08-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Avoid These TikTok Cleaning Hacks If You Value Your Health
Experts are warning of the dangers of several 'cleaning hacks' circulating on TikTok that could lead to anything from chemical burns to explosions. While common household chemicals can often be used to get a home sparkling clean, using them in combination can be highly risky. Despite this, many videos fail to mention the dangers, instead promoting them as 'safe, budget-friendly' solutions. Most people are aware that mixing bleach and vinegar creates chlorine gas, which can lead to breathing difficulties, chest pain, lung damage and - in high concentrations - even death. However, some cleaning influencers still recommend a combination of bleach and lemon juice in posts such as this one, which has received around 750 likes. "Lemon and bleach go together hand in hand," said the poster. However, this is just as dangerous as mixing bleach and vinegar, as lemon juice is an acid too, and will trigger a similar chemical reaction. And other combinations of household chemicals can be dangerous too. A mixture of baking soda and vinegar, for example, is often recommended as a method of cleaning drains - as in this TikTok video that gained 32,200 likes. However, if the mixture is stored in a closed container, it can build up pressure and explode. And even pouring the two ingredients down a drain separately can create pressure that damages, rather than cleans, the pipes. Several TikTok videos, meanwhile, recommend combining hydrogen peroxide and vinegar – this one, for instance, which has received nearly 2,000 likes. However, doing this creates peracetic acid, which can cause skin burns, eye damage and respiratory problems. "Some of these so-called 'cleaning hacks' are nothing short of chemical warfare in your own home. Mixing the wrong products can create lethal gases or even trigger explosions," warned Derek Bruce, a health and safety expert at safety training provider SMSTS Course. "Just because something has a million views doesn't mean it's safe. If you're unsure, always check with official health and safety guidance before trying any chemical mix." Other 'cleaning hacks' represent a fire risk, according to Electrical Safety First. One, for example, which has been viewed more than 43,000 times, shows a user cleaning an air fryer by putting a dishwasher tablet in the drawer and running the appliance. 'Running an air fryer with water in it can damage the appliance and potentially cause a fire due to the shorting of electrical components and risk electric shock,' said Giuseppe Capanna, product safety engineer at Electrical Safety First. 'Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best way to clean your appliance.'
UAE Moments
16-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- UAE Moments
Beachside Mess? Check How to Clean Up Salt & Sand Like a Pro
Living near the coast? Lucky you! Beach days, sea breeze, and stunning sunsets come with the territory. But so does something less dreamy: the never-ending battle with salty air and sand build-up. If your windows look foggy, your car feels gritty, and your floors constantly crunch underfoot—you're not alone. In coastal regions like the Gulf, this is a common cleaning struggle. Salty air corrodes, sand invades every crevice, and humidity doesn't make things any easier. But don't worry—we've got cleaning hacks that'll have your space sparkling (and salt-free) in no time. 1. Rinse Before You Wipe Salt is sneaky—it sticks to surfaces and attracts moisture. Before wiping anything down (especially glass), rinse with clean water first. This avoids scratching and spreads the salt evenly for easy removal. Think of it as a pre-wash for your home. 2. Windows Need Extra TLC Foggy or streaky windows? Thank salty sea air. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and wipe with a microfiber cloth for crystal-clear views. Do this at least once a week to prevent long-term damage. 💡 Pro tip: Rinse window sills too—salt loves to settle there and can cause rust if ignored. 3. Beach-Proof Your Floors Sand. Gets. Everywhere. Even when you didn't go to the beach. Use doormats inside and outside every entryway and get into the habit of shaking out rugs weekly. If your floors are always gritty, vacuum daily using a machine with a HEPA filter. Got tiles or marble? Mop with warm water and a splash of vinegar or floor-safe soap to break down salt film and keep things fresh. 4. Keep Your Car Clean (Yes, Even If It's Parked) Salty air clings to your car's paint and undercarriage, accelerating rust. If you're near the coast, aim to rinse your car weekly—even if you haven't driven. Don't forget the wheels and underside! Apply a protective wax every few months to shield the paint job from corrosion. If your windows start looking hazy, a diluted vinegar spray works wonders here too. 5. Shake Out Sand (Before It Hits the Floor) Create a "shake zone" just outside your front door. Whether it's a welcome mat, a mini brush station, or even a spot to stash sandy flip-flops and toys—this small habit cuts down on indoor mess. Bonus: keep a handheld vacuum nearby for quick cleanups. 6. Wipe Down Outdoor Furniture Often Salt build-up isn't just annoying—it can damage your patio furniture. Clean surfaces weekly with mild dish soap and warm water, then rinse well. For metal pieces, finish with a light coat of car wax or a rust-prevention spray. Cushions? Shake, vacuum, and sun-dry to keep mold and mildew at bay. 7. Air-Purifying Plants to the Rescue Yes, houseplants! Certain plants like peace lilies, spider plants, and snake plants help purify indoor air and trap airborne salt and dust particles. Plus, they bring in those good Gulf vibes. 8. Rotate and Refresh Salt and sand love to hide in overlooked areas—under the couch, behind curtains, and in sliding door tracks. Make it a monthly habit to do a deep refresh: Vacuum furniture cushions and under rugs Clean window and door tracks Wash curtains or wipe blinds with a damp cloth 9. Protective Coatings for the Win If you're living close to the shore full-time, consider anti-corrosion treatments for metal fixtures, door handles, appliances, and even plumbing. A little prevention goes a long way in Gulf humidity. 10. Don't Fight It Alone—Go Digital Apps like Tody or Sweepy help you create a custom cleaning schedule. Track salt-prone zones and set reminders for tasks like 'rinse outdoor windows' or 'vacuum beach sand off car mats.' Cleaning can be satisfying… even fun? Beach Vibes Without the Grit You shouldn't have to choose between sea views and a clean home. With just a few smart habits, salty air and sandy floors don't stand a chance. Whether you're living in a Gulf-front apartment or a beach villa, staying ahead of build-up will make your space feel breezy, fresh, and Instagram-worthy all year long.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
This homemade 45p bathroom cleaning hack blew my mind (the experts were right)
What's the weirdest thing you have cleaned your bathroom with? Maybe it was a bizarre TikTok shop product, or you decided to polish your taps with baby oil. But have you tried making your bathroom sink, bath and tiles sparkle like new, using a piece of fruit? I have, and it blew my mind. I'm the first to admit that I get sucked into these ridiculous trends on social media when it comes to household hacks – the cheaper (and weirder), the better, in my honest opinion. Because let's be honest, cleaning your house with the same old anti-bacterial spray, such as Flash or Zoflora, can get pretty boring, and that's coming from someone who cleans for a hobby. So, when I came across a cleaning expert who recommended giving your bathroom suite a rub-down with a grapefruit and some salt, I quite literally jumped (up from the sofa) at the chance. My first thoughts were, is my bathroom going to turn into a giant bucket of Pimms-like sticky syrup, and will it attract every flying insect (I'm looking at you, wasps nest across the road) surrounding my house? I just had to find out, because there was no way a humongous 45p grapefruit from Tesco could replace my trusty method army – I was adamant this was even too weird for me. But do you know what, Nigel Bearman at Daily Poppins was right, it does clean your bathroom surfaces and it does one hell of a job without any harsh chemicals in sight. I actually ate the other half of grapefruit which wasn't used to clean my bathroom - don't judge (Image: Molly Court/Newsquest) What stood out to me the most was how much it made the likes of my bathroom taps shine like they were straight out of a Wickes showroom. It even managed to get rid of a small build-up of limescale. Plus, I can't tell you how refreshing it was to have a natural, zesty scent take over my bathroom, a difference from the usual pungent anti-bacterial sprays. Although it looked a bit of a mess at first (I found it quite satisfying squeezing the inner grapefruit flesh over my sink and bath), it all washed away within seconds of pouring warm water on top. Best of all, after letting the grapefruit juice and salt soak, there wasn't a speckle of sticky residue, which was my ultimate fear. All that was left was a gleaming sink, taps and bath without any dust, grime or stains, and it only took 10 minutes to achieve. What do you usually clean your bathroom with? (Image: Molly Court/Newsquest) When cleaning my bathroom with grapefruit and salt, this is the method I followed, thanks to Nigel's instructions: Cut the grapefruit in half and sprinkle it with coarse salt (like Epsom or sea salt) - I used normal cooking salt and it worked just fine Take one half of the grapefruit and lightly scrub it over the surface of your bath and shower Let it sit for a few minutes to help the citric acid work even harder on the stains (optional) Rinse the area with warm water and wipe clean if necessary So, what's the science behind grapefruit and salt being an excellent bathroom cleaner? Nigel explained: 'Grapefruit contains citric acid which helps to quickly break down soap scum and grime found in baths and showers. It acts as a natural cleaning agent and dissolves through tough stains while eliminating germs and bacteria. An unbelievable transformation if I do say so myself (Image: Molly Court/Newsquest) 'The salt works as an abrasive to help scrub the grime away while you use it, while the grapefruit uses its natural acids and antibacterial properties to break down the buildup and leave your bathroom sparkling clean. It's a simple, eco-friendly solution that gives you a fresh, citrus-scented finish.' Recommended reading: Method's new cleaning spray transformed my home into a Jo Malone-scented paradise I banished the world's worst washing machine smell with 30p hack (and toothpaste) How to remove tough yellow toilet seat stains - 65p hack leaves them 'spotless' Additionally, you can also make an all-purpose grapefruit spray – just squeeze the juice from the grapefruit into a spray bottle, add 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar, top it up with warm water, and give it a good shake. You can also use the leftover grapefruit peel to deodorise your bathroom bin or pop it in a pot of boiling water to naturally scent the whole room. If you fancy giving your bathroom a clean using this cheap grapefruit hack, let us know how you get on in the comments below. What a zest-tastic idea from Nigel, I owe you one.
The Sun
28-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
I'm the Queen of Clean & swear by 69p Superdrug buy to get rid of greasy suncream stains – it's probably in your handbag
FROM barbeques to days at the beach, summertime can be a lot of fun but one essential may be damaging your favourite clothes. While essential for your health and well-being, suncream can be fatal to your wardrobe. 3 3 The summer staple can be a real nuisance to remove from clothes if it comes into contact with them. And you'll want to act quick as the longer you leave it, the worse it'll become. So if you're out and about when the stain happens, a cleaning expert has shared a handy hack. You probably already have the holy grail item somewhere in your handbag. To begin, This Morning's Lynsey Crombie recommended gently blotting the stain to absorb as much of the cream as possible. This will help to prevent the product from spreading further across the material. Hand sanitiser And the best way to stop this from happening is to cover the stain with hand sanitiser. With a high alcohol content, this product acts as an on-the-go solvent when you can't throw the stained item into the wash. Hand sanitiser can help loosen and lift sunscreen stains, especially those containing oils and certain chemicals, as it breaks down these substances. The alcohol helps to emulsify the oils in the suncream, making them easier to wash away. Doctor shares why you must never wash clothes at 90 or 40 degrees & the right temperature for 'everything but gym gear' And you can pick up a bottle of hand sanitiser for just 69p from Superdrug. Other DIY hacks And if you find yourself trying to save your clothes from suncream stains while you're away at the beach, your saving grace is literally all around you. "Cover the stain with sand to dry it out," the cleaning expert advised. "As soon as you can, rinse the stain from the reverse under a cold water tap, to help push it out of the fabric." And if a spillage mishap happens at a barbecue, begin by scraping any excess product with a blunt knife. Laundry tips Catherine Green, sustainable cleaning expert at smol shared her laundry tips. How often should you be remaking your bed? When it comes to your bed, maintaining a hygienic sleep setup can actually improve your sleep quality, helping you start every day better. Most people shed 500 million skin cells per day and a lot of that ends up in bed for dust mites to feed on. And those with asthma or allergies might see symptoms worsen by sleeping on dirty sheets! You want to be washing your sheets once a week - or every 10 days if you don't suffer from allergies and wear nightclothes. Bedding builds up with sweat, skin cells and oils quickly, even if it doesn't look dirty. Using an effective detergent like smol's will still give you a great clean on a 20°C cycle - that's better for the planet and your energy bills! What temperature do smol recommend then? For your regular weekly washes I recommend washing most loads at 20°C for 30 minutes. It's gentler on fabrics, slashes energy use, and still delivers excellent stain removal with the right detergent. A colder wash can actually be more effective if you opt for a bio detergent as its enzymes need cooler water; too hot and they lose their ability to digest stains. A wash at 60°c (unless you have silk sheets) every now and again can help kill off dust mites and other nasties. What's the difference between bio and non-bio detergent? Bio detergents contain enzymes, which are especially good at breaking down tough stains like food, grass, or sweat. It's best used in mid to low temperature washes (ideally between 20-40°C) as anything hotter can cause them not to work effectively. Non-bio skips the enzymes, which in turn makes it more suitable for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Although non-bio doesn't contain enzymes, it's still great at removing stains and keeping your clothes clean, you just may need to use a slightly higher temperature setting to aid with the cleaning process. This helps to prevent it from seeping further into the fabric. "You should then flip the item inside out and rinse under cold running water to push the sauce out from the back, as this helps lift the stain rather than spread it," Lynsey said. "Cold water also prevents the stain from setting." Summer cleaning hacks Plus, hacks for removing stubborn sweat stains from your clothes this summer. A three-ingredient paste will leave any yellowed item looking whiter and brighter than ever. But you may want to rethink drying your clothes on your line this summer. However, if you do hang out your clothes a simple hack can speed up the process.
The Sun
23-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
I tried jet washing my patio slabs & they still looked dirty – a 69p Aldi buy got them looking brand new
WE'VE all been there - standing in the garden with a jet washer in hand, full of optimism, ready to blast away months of grime from the patio. But sometimes, no matter how determined you are, those stubborn stains just won't budge. 3 That's exactly what happened to Evie, a council house mum who regularly shares her cleaning tips and tricks on TikTok via her page ' evie_brooks '. In her latest video, Evie revealed her struggle with her patio slabs, admitting that despite her best efforts with a jet washer, it 'hardly did anything.' Frustrated but determined, Evie stumbled upon a life-changing tip during a casual scroll through the comments section on cleaning TikToks. A recommendation buried within the comments caught her attention - someone suggested using a 69p bottle of Aldi bleach as a simple yet effective solution for sparkling patios. Intrigued, Evie decided to give it a go. She poured the bleach over the slabs, letting it soak in for around five minutes without scrubbing or extra effort. Then, she fired up her jet washer again - and the results were nothing short of incredible. In her video, Evie showed off her transformed patio slabs, which looked as good as new. The dull, dirty orange tint had vanished, replaced by a fresh, clean surface that instantly brightened her garden - and all for less than a pound. Evie's discovery is proof that sometimes the simplest hacks can make the biggest difference. I transformed my garden patio into summer haven for less than £100 with cheap B&M buys including gadget to keep bugs out So, if your patio is looking worse for wear, maybe it's time to head to Aldi, grab that 69p bleach, and give it a go. And who knows - your cleaning success story might just inspire someone else. Evie's video quickly gained traction, racking up an impressive 117.7k views and 21 comments in just one day. Viewers were quick to share their own advice and experiences: One commented: 'Might work even better when you brush in the bleach before you powerwash. Spread it evenly and let it sit for a few minutes.' 3 3 Another added: 'My gardener recommended this too and I haven't tried it but seeing this I'm definitely going to!' A third chimed in: 'Mould and mildew spray by Astonish can get in Poundland. I've tried both, mold spray is way better!' June gardening jobs The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you should take this month. Stake out leggy perennials With all the dramatic weather we've been having, it's definitely time to stake out your leggy perennials (the ones that come back every year). Heavy rain and growth spurts, can make them collapse and flop. Picking out the slugs and snails Hopefully as we move into summer they will do less damage as the plants get bigger. The best way is still to go out at night with a head torch to find them. Pick elderflower heads You can use them to make your own cordial, or add to cakes, champagne or even fry them in batter. Get on top of weeds It's around now that weeds really ramp up in the garden, so keep on top of them with hoe-ing - or just the traditional 'on your knees with a hand fork'. Try and avoid chemicals - remember weeds are just plants in the wrong place. Up the mowing You'll need to mow your lawn weekly now - if you've got time, weed it beforehand as once you mow you chop off the leaves and its harder to see them. Check on your tomatoes Your tomato plants will need attention - water, feed and regularly and pinch out the sideshoots. Chelsea Chop There's still time for the Chelsea Chop - plants like Rudbeckia's, Asters, Penstemons, Sedums and other perennials can be cut back by a third to help them get a bit more bushy, and prolong the flowering period. Sort out your tulips If you can be bothered and have space - lift and story your tulip bulbs to ensure colour next Spring. Deadheading your roses Take them down to the first set of healthy leaves - which will ensure more flowers for longer. Enjoy your space Take some time to sit and enjoy your garden or outside space - it's great for your mental health. Even just a few minutes a day can make a big difference.
