Latest news with #homeCleaning
The Sun
23-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
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 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. 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.
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.
