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How to clean an iron

by Cleaning Tips

This is question I am asked a lot but every model is different so it is sometimes hard for me to answer, if you ironing isn’t gliding effortless across your garments or if your plate has got oily or sticky then grab your owners guide and just check to see if they have a how to clean section, if you have misplaced the guide most are online so just do a search on your iron brand and model number.

But I do also have a few tips which may help you or maybe you need so simple ironing tips, after all it ones of those household chores many of us try to avoid.

Simple ironing tips

How to Clean an Iron Plate with Mineral Buildup

Mineral deposit buildup in the vents and on the face of the iron which can cause issues with the steaming function of your iron plus cause white chalk like marks when you are ironing, which will result in you having to wash that garment again.

The best thing you can do to prevent the mineral build up in your iron is to ensure you empty the water tank and steam reservoir after every single use.

  1. Start by making a homemade iron cleaner. Mix together bicarbonate of soda and water until you have a thick paste.
  2. Apply the paste to the iron’s soleplate, coating the areas with heavy mineral deposits and wipe off straight away with a wet cloth
  3. Dip a cotton bud is some neat white vinegar and gently insert into the steam vents and around that areas.
  4. Empty any water from the reservoir tank, this is applicable if you have a steam generator iron and add in 50/50 water to white vinegar. Run the iron on full steam over the sink and keep pressing the steam shot until all the liquid has gone, this will be flushing out any minerals.

How to Clean a Sticky Iron

Believe it or not, newspaper makes a great iron cleaner, especially when the soleplate is sticky. Turn your iron up to the highest setting and turn steam off completely. Now run the hot dry iron across newspaper or some kitchen roll until it’s clean. If it is till sticky just simply sprinkle a tablespoon of salt on the newspaper or kitchen roll.

How to Clean an Iron with Oily Residue

Simple solutions work surprisingly well for irons suffering from some oily residue on the soleplate. Make sure the iron is unplugged and completely cool. Wipe the soleplate with a clean rag dipped in vinegar. Then rinse with a soft rag dipped in water. If vinegar didn’t do the trick, repeat the process starting with a rag dipped in ammonia. Dry with soft cloth or kitchen roll and you are done!

But there is a fantastic product I do highly recommend, called faultless hot iron cleaner. which can be used to remove melted webs, fusible, iron-on interfacings, trims, burned-on synthetics & coatings caused by excess starch & detergent build-up makes iron glide easier so ironing seems faster. Plus it is the sort of product that will last you ages as you only need a tiny amount.

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Save time cleaning with these savvy hacks

by Cleaning Tips

When life is so busy with work, childcare, socialising, home admin, self care it can be so hard to find the time to squeeze in the housework! When I was on my own with the twins I devised my 15 minute clean method which has never failed me, I still every single day implement this method but this is not all you can do to simplify your housework.

I can get your house spotless in no time at all with these simple go faster tips.

Set your timer

Aim to get your housework done in short, 5-minute chunks, so you don’t burn out. This doesn’t sound like a lot of time but when you turn of distractions trust me it is. Set a timer for 5 minutes in each room and aim to do 3 rooms at a time. Just 15 minutes of housework do one chunk in the morning and one in the evening and you will find this will really keep you on top.

Saves your bigger, deeper cleans for your days off and involve the rest of the household to ensure it is done as quickly as possible.

Just remember when cleaning to always start at the top and work your way down and dust before vacuuming.

Keep your bedding organised

Changing over the beds can be a time consuming task so make your life easier by keeping sets together, keep pillow cases folded into the matching duvet covers. Keeping them like this will also take up less room in your linen cupboard, stack them well and just grab and go when you next need to make up one of your beds.

Window cleaning

Save yourself time and do not even bother to clean your windows on a sunny day as it will just double up your work, cleaning your windows on a sunny day causes streaks. The product dries quickly allowing the streaks to appear.

Use warm soapy water to clean the glass and a window vac to finish off.

For the inside mix 20ml of white vinegar into a spray bottle with the rest filled with water, use a good lint free glass cleaning cloth and away you go. Use the S shape so you clean the whole area well.

You will get the perfect shine.

Get a head-start on the bathroom

When cleaning the bathroom, spray the bath and the sink with a bathroom cleaning specific product and leave the product to work for 10 minutes whilst you get on with some other jobs, remember to open the window when cleaning the bathroom. Those 10 minutes will make a real difference when it comes to rinsing off, the germs will be gone and the bathroom will be shinning. I tend to spray the product and use the time to get dressed or tidy up the bedroom.

Clean up blinds with ease

Recycle and use a dry sock to clean dusty blinds in no time or a dusting glove. Simply run your hand over each slat. When you’re done, pop the sock or dusting glove in the the washing machine. Try to never apply water as it can cause unsightly water marks.

Keep your bin smelling fresh

There is nothing worse than a house that smells. A smelly house will make your home feel unclean, so as well as chucking open those windows deal with your bins. Use Bin Buddy to keep the odours at bay or add some essential oils to some bicarbonate of soda and sprinkle in daily.

Ensure you empty regularly.

Use fridge trays

Fridge trays make light work of cleaning the fridge, when you are busy you can simply whip out one tray, tidy and clean and put back. This will only take a few minutes saving you so much time in the long run. Don’t forget to line your fruit and vegetable trays with good quality kitchen roll as this will soak up any juices.

Stop those creases

Slow down the spin speed of your washing machine to at least 800 rpm to reduce creases and help you cut down on ironing time. Once the cycle has finished, shake the clothes out and hang straight away what does not need ironing.

Use the quick wash on your washing machine

As tempting as it is to pop your wash on a 40C cotton wash, you may actually be doing more damage than good. Washing machines are pretty advanced nowadays so you can be very specific about what you’re washing. The quick-wash is perfect for lightly soiled items and gets the laundry done faster.

Want to learn more about to clean up your home and save time then grab a copy of one of my books and I will show you how to clean your house and tidy up your life using the 15 minute clean.

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Cleaning safety tips

by Cleaning Tips

When you are working with chemicals when cleaning your home and reaching into the nooks and crannies of your house, you have to be careful. I was a professional cleaner for many years so I have put together some helpful safety tips that will ensure you enjoy the benefits of a clean home safely.

If in doubt

If you are every feeling unsure when you reach for a product then listen to yourself. You will be feeling unsure for a reason.

Before using a product always read the label.

When you are playing scientist with your cleaning caddy be extra careful when mixing cleaning ingredients. If you aren’t 100 percent positive that you can do it, DON’T!

NEVER ever mix bleach and vinegar, if you do you will be at risk of burning eyes and possibly lung damage.

NEVER ever mix bleach and ammonia, these can possibly burn your lungs, some washing up liquids contain ammonia so be careful and read those labels.

Label your homemade cleaning products

I absolutely love to make my own cleaning products, but when I do I always make sure I label the bottles. Liquids can looks the same but when cleaning you need to know what you are working with. You may think that you will remember which bottle is which, but two bottles with cloudy mixture are going to look very similar the next time you pull them out. 

Make sure you also pop on the label that date you made the product as some will only have cleaning power for A few hours/days whilst others will last months.

Don’t mix products

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do NOT listen to advise on TIK TOK unless you are following a reputable person, boiling zoflora on your hob to make your kitchen smell nice is a big NO NO! If you want to boil anything on the hob simply boil water with some slices of lemon for a fresh kitchen smell.

There is so much bad advice it scare me but simply follow this general rule of thumb, just assume that two chemicals can NOT be mixed. Always do your research and be mindful of which sources you trust your safety with. 

Protect your family

Ensure you keep your cleaning products in a safe space with the lids firmly fastened. Kids often go exploring when they are young and you need to keep them safe. Place products up high if you can in secure cupboards. Install child-proof latches on under-sink cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom.

When you are done cleaning, properly dispose of paper towels and rags that touched the cleaning chemicals, your pet could easily grab and chew away.

Use the right tools

Always ensure you have the right tools. For example, if you have high ceilings, don’t attempt to climb a ladder to dust the lights fixtures or remove cobwebs. Instead use extendable dusting wand that allows you to effortlessly reach these hard-to-reach areas. Buy the right tools so that you’re able to clean safely and efficiently. Improvising isn’t recommended

My favourite natural cleaning products

White vinegar – the hero of natural cleaning products this should be the staple for any cleaning caddy. Use it watered down to clean windows and taps . Add a small amount to the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine. It sounds bizarre but it will actually leave you with super soft clothes. It’s also great to help preserve the life of your washing machine and your clothes won’t smell of chips trust me, the vinegar disperses very quickly!  Another great use for white vinegar is to use it in the garden as a weed killer, mix a litre of vinegar with 3 large spoons of salt and washing up liquid for a child and pet friendly way of keeping the weeds under control.

Bicarbonate of soda – another household essential, bicarb is a great natural deodoriser and abrasive. Mix equal parts with water for a sink or bath scrub. Remove oil/grease stains from carpets and clothing by sprinkling bicarb on, leaving for 15 mins then hoovering or washing away.

Juicy lemons are one of the most powerful non-toxic cleaning products that is probably hiding away in your fridge right now. The humble lemon can be used instead of bleach, add a cup of lemon juice to your washing for bright whites with a refreshing scent. Cut a lemon in half and rub it over shower doors to remove mildew and water stains. Use the other half of the lemon to rub on your taps to make them bright and shiny.

Want to learn more about to clean safely then grab a copy of one of my books and I will show you how to clean your house and tidy up your life

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News Years party clean up

by Christmas

New Years embrace new beginnings – a chance for everyone to begin fresh and fun and in most cases It is bound to start with a celebration of some sort which will probably get a little messy.

If you have hosted here is a little round up of how to clean up that mess quickly.

Before going to bed.

Get ahead start by having a little tidy up before locking up and going to bed, trust me you will appreciate this in the morning.

  • Put any uneaten food in plastic containers and place it back in the fridge. If you leave it lying there all night, it could quickly rot and start to smell. By doing so, it will stay fresh longer, and you might not have to cook the next day.
  • Seal or re-cork bottles of wine that haven’t been entirely emptied yet. You can use some cling wrap to cover the top if you can’t get the cork back in. 
  • Act on any urgent matters such as stains and spills. They are easiest to remove when treated immediately. for any clothing stains soak pre treat using a stain remover and then soak over nights. In the morning you can add to the wash. For any carpet stains spot treat these using a solution of warm soapy water and a splash of white vinegar, gently dab and then blot to dry using a clean white cloth.
  • Clear out any clutter you see. The last thing you’d want is to navigate a maze full of empty cans and bottles in the middle of the night during those times when you are in desperate need of the loo or get up in the morning to a sea of mess. Grab a heavy duty bin liner and get filling. But remember too recycle.

In the morning

You may be feeling a little hung over so before you start with your big clean up give you some a little TLC, drink plenty of water and have a good breakfast. If you are running on empty you will tire quickly and have to come back to it another day, start the new year fresh and get on with the job at hand. The end result will be worth it.

  • Start by clearing surfaces and dealing with any sticky patches from spilt drinks or dips.
  • Run the vacuum around so you are not treading food crumbs throughout the rest of your home.
  • Throw open those windows and let some fresh air in to get rid of any horrible smells.
  • Start doing the dishes. Fill the dishwasher with bowls, plates, and glasses and hand wash items that won’t fit in.
  • Gather your fabric tablecloths and napkins and give them a quick cycle in your washing machine. Use a good quality detergent and add in a stain remover to pick up any stains. You can also start washing items you have applied stain removers to the night before.
  • Wash or steam the floors
  • Refresh the sofa by giving it a good vacuum and spritz with a homemade fabric refresher.
  • Do not forget to inspect the toilet premises. Everyone tries their best to be hygienic, but once alcohol is flowing and actions are impaired, there can be a few misses. Wear rubber gloves and start wiping the areas with disinfectant, remember to spray and leave the product to work to get the full benefit and kill those germs. Change over the hand towel and wipe over the sink area.

Congratulations you are now a step closer to bringing your home back to normal state.

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How to remove candle wax stains

by ChristmasCleaning Tips

Beautiful candles set the mood for a dinner party and give you that cosy feeling on a cosy night in, but there’s nothing charming about spilled wax. But do not despair, though; candle wax is relatively easy to remove and doesn’t take long.

Tabletops

To remove it from table tops and surfaces, cover the wax with kitchen roll or brown paper and then heat the wax with a hairdryer for several seconds, then scrape it off using a credit card, plastic spatula, or flexible dough scraper. You should be able to buff the excess away with a soft cloth and a drop of washing up liquid.

Or

To harden soft wax (from a fresh drip), place ice cubes in a plastic bag and rest the bag against the wax. The hardened wax can then be scraped away easily using your finger nail or a credit card.

Table Linens

Allow wax to harden before you attempt to remove it. When wax is frozen, it becomes even more brittle and is easier to remove, use ice to freeze the wax or place the item if it fits in the freezer. Once the wax is hard, gently flake it off with a dull butter knife. (Do not scrape since this may damage the fibers.) The dyes used in coloured candles may leave behind a stain so treat this use a stain remover.

Upholstery

First, let the wax cool on its own or speed up the process by placing an ice cube wrapped in plastic on top of it. Once firm, carefully scrape off as much wax as you can using your fingernail or the dull edge of a butter knife. If the wax is on a cushion cover that can be removed, take it off and cover the wax area with kitchen roll or brown paper and then apply heat using your iron or iron. The wax will be absorbed by the kitchen roll/paper. If you do have any lingering residue use an upholstery cleaner and then blot with clean paper towels.

As always, light candles only when the wick is a safe distance from flammable materials such as curtains or other loose fabrics. And before going to bed make sure you blow your candles out.

Rugs and Carpets

Candle wax on the carpet looks a lot worse than it is. The best thing to do it let it harden, then scrape up as much as possible with a blunt knife. Place a white cloth or paper towels on top, and run a warm iron over it but make sure the iron is on its lowest setting and work very gently. If any wax remains, try a carpet cleaning solution and spot clean using a white cloth.

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Post christmas clean up

by Christmas

After the celebrations, it’s always necessary to have a festivities clean up in your home. Here are some of my top tips for returning your home to its former ordered and ready to start a fresh new year.

Start by taking down the decorations

Get some empty boxes to put all your decorations in and start stripping away the Christmas tree. Depending on the types of ornaments, you may want to use different boxes, one for the heavy ones and one for the more delicate ones. Remember to wrap the delicate ones to avoid breakage.

Wrap your Christmas lights around a cardboard tube or wire coat hanger, to avoid a tangled mess. You’ll be grateful for this trick next year when you are not spending ages unwrapping cords. Most of the time they never fit back in the boxes.

If you had a real Christmas tree, then you could be battling the inevitable onslaught of pine needles for months to come. It’s easy to think you’ve done the job when you’ve removed the tree from your home and cleaned up the immediate aftermath. HOWEVER it’s an ideal opportunity for a deep clean of that room which includes underneath sofas, rugs, chairs etc and even underneath sofa cushions – you’ll be amazed where those little needles end up!

Don’t forget to recycle your real tree many local councils will arrange free Christmas tree collections in January. It is worth having a look at your local council’s website to see what they offer in your area.

Start with the kitchen

The kitchen probably took the biggest battering over Christmas so start here. Begin by clearing clutter and deep cleaning all the surfaces and cupboard doors, they may be sticky from over cooking, food spillages and messy hands. You are also going to need to set aside some time and focus on the dishwasher, that has worked over time cleaning all those dirty dishes. Hand scrub the edges and then use a good dishwasher cleaner that will leave it squeaky clean. Next the hob and don’t forget to run a cocktail stick under the edging where food particles get stuck, I always find it amazing what comes out and next the dreaded oven. The biggest cleaning job in the kitchen that will take time, but ensure you have some good products to hand along with some rubber gloves. If you want some oven cleaning tips take a look here.

Tackle any floor stains and deep clean the floor, if you have a steam cleaner this is defiantly the time to get it out as it will give your floor that extra clean feeling, break down any food odours and lift dirt. Remember you do not need to use any products with your steam cleaner the power of steam is enough to kill germs and bacteria.

Clean your fridge

Like your kitchen, the fridge is probably also a mess. Start going through the content of your fridge and remove any expired foods and things you will not eat. You don’t want to leave anything to rot away in there. Get everything out and give it a deep clean, I always find warm soapy water and a splash of white vinegar works well and the vinegar will help to banish any food smells.

Remove stains

Check all carpeted areas for any stains and clean immediately, mix together warm soapy water and white vinegar as this will remove most stains, scrub in using a bristle brush and then pat dry using a white cloth, white will show you if you are removing the stains. if you have a carpet cleaner it is a good time of year to get this out and not only clean but refresh your carpets. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing that dirt being pulled out.

Also check your table cloth and table linen for stains and get them washed and ironed ready for when you next have guests.

Think about next Christmas

Whilst you’re going through all of the Christmas decorations and cards, ask yourself if you can reuse them next year. You can turn old cards into gift tags for your presents, just cut out the part that you want from the front and recycle the rest. If you have any leftover wrapping paper put it in a safe place like a wrapping paper organising bag then you won’t end up buying more when it’s time to wrap the presents.

Don’t forget my January declutter this will help you get clutter out and get super organised for the year ahead, print a copy of and tick as you go and just focus on 10 minutes a day.

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Ways to stop condensation on your windows

by Cleaning Tips

When the colder weather hits many of us are faced with our window panes being covered in condensation in the mornings. Wiping them dry every morning is just another task to add to your already busy day so if we can it is best to try and and prevent window condensation.

Condensation is very common but in time condensation will cause damp, mould and mildew to your window frames causing damage and in some cases unsightly. Wall paper can peel, a musty smell appear and a dampness to your walls.

The reason we get condensation is due to the inside air temperature, when the inside air is warmer than the surface temperature of the window it starts to build up and this is even more so at night.

How to prevent

A good starting point, is to take measures to create less moisture. For example use lids on pans when cooking, add cold water before hot water when running a bath.

Dry clothes outdoors or in a room with good ventilation, open a window slightly, turn off the radiator and place your drying rack in front of a bright window to help dry faster. Close the door off to this room whilst the window is open.

Alternatively look at heated clothes dryers. This have become more common due to the cost in using tumble dryers.

Use a dehumidifier, you can get disposable dehumidifiers or invest in one long term . In case you were wondering, dehumidifiers use very little energy to run, so you won’t see a big hike in your energy bills and many have an auto shut off feature which helps if you are using over night.

Avoid drying damp clothes on warm radiators, this is one of the worse causes.

Regulate your heating so that is constantly on at a lower heat. By preventing rapid changes in the temperature, you will help reduce condensation. 

Even on cooler days open windows to allow cross ventilation.

Wipe the windows

If it is too late you are going to need to remove that layer of water from your windows.

Use a window vacuum – These will remove and suck on the water quickly and efficiently. Window vacuums can be pricey but if you are looking for a budget friendly one I can highly recommend this one by Beldray which is light weight and compact and does the job well.

Super absorbent cloth – These sph2onge cloths are designed to hold up to x10 its weight in water so perfect for running around the house with. They are also drip free and durable. The unique material also creates a streak free finish. Sph2onge cloths have been a favourite of mine for years.

Use washing up liquid – pop a tiny amount onto a dry microfibre cloth and rub all over the glass pane, you won’t get smears as you are using the tiniest amount. This creates a barrier and prevents condensation. This is such a brilliant old school tip that works so well.

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Places people forget to clean

by Cleaning Tips

Here is a list of all the places that you should be cleaning but may be missing in your home. These are not everyday cleaning tasks but the ones to add into your monthly cleaning calendar

Lounge

The living room is the place where we relax, unwind, watch television, and snack which can lead to crumbs getting between the cushions and under furniture. Here are some places you may be missing in the living room.

TV Remote Controls– the best way to clean these is to dip a microfibre cloth in rubbing alcohol and wipe over the entire remote. You can also grab a toothpick to get into any small crevices.

Behind and under furniture- My pink cordless vacuum cleaner is so easy to manoeuvre around my furniture because it’s so lightweight and has such great suction and lays flat to get right under my sofas.

Cushion covers – Try and pop these in the wash at least once a month

Lampshades – use a lint roller to remove any dust and dust the light bulb using a recycled make up/paint brush.

Throws – Over the winter months when you are getting cosy watching TV try and pop these in the wash every other week.

Kitchen

The kitchen is the hub of the home. It’s where we seem to spend the most time in, gathering, talking, and eating. It is also a huge clutter zone.

Kitchen utensil drawers

Splash back

Inside cupboards

Under cupboards – you will be surprised at how sticky these can get

Oven racks – you can leave these to soak in warm soapy water with a splash of white vinegar over night

Extractor fan covers

Extractor fan hoods – if stainless steel after cleaning buff up with a tiny drop of baby oil

Around and under the fridge – use this amazing flat headed duster

Fridge shelves – most can be removed so just soak in warm soapy water.

Kitchen table and chair legs – We often do the tops but how often do we turn over our chairs and do the legs and the same for the table legs.

Kitchen Chairs – If fabric use the Dr Beckmann upholstery cleaner if leather use the Astonish leather cleaner

Microwave – to clean the inside off the microwave, fill a bowl with a ½ cup of vinegar and a ½ cup of water and place it into the microwave on high for 5 minutes you can also use an angry mama. Then just wipes away the loosened grease and grim.

Bedrooms

The bedroom is often just used for sleeping and dressing so shouldn’t get too dirty but can get very cluttered. Take a minute to look in your wardrobes, go through your clothes and take out what you are no longer wearing. Check under the bed and add these tasks to your cleaning calendar.

Mattress – Often over looked but ensure you use a thick good quality mattress protector and check out my tips on mattress cleaning.

Pillows– Again ensure you are using good quality pillow protectors and to refresh them either pop in the tumble dryer for 10 mins on a high heat to kill germs and refresh, spot clean using hydogren perxiode or steam clean them, some can be cleaned in the washing machine but follow my guide.

Under the bed – Pull out if you can as dust really does build up under the bed, if it is too heavy use my cordless vacuum as it goes nice and flat.

Bedroom Drawers – Empty and clean out.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms

So, you are probably cleaning all the obvious spots in the bathroom such as the sinks, mirrors, toilet, and bath and shower. But, there may be some spots that you have completely forgotten about. The worst places in your bathroom are the flush button and light switch/cord.

Light pull cord – Can often be discoloured where hands touch you can brighten this up using white toothpaste.

Shower Curtains – Must of these can be washed in the washing machine, if they have any mould patches treat with white vinegar

Shower Door – If built up with soap scum and limescale treat using my magic shower spray. or half a lemon dipped in bicarbonate of soda.

Shower Drain – Treat weekly by simply adding down a big scoop of bicarb, if blocked use a drain weasel

Shower head– if you have build-up on your shower head the best way to clean it is to fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and place it over the shower head. Make sure the shower head is immersed and secure with a rubber band and let it soak for a few hours or overnight if it’s really bad. If a bag won’t fix use a tea towel drenched in white vinegar.

Bathroom bin

Under and around the Sink base

Behind the toilet – dust can really build up here and it is hard to reach so blast with a steamer.

Toilet brush – Remember that silicone ones are the most hygienic.

Medicine cabinet– the medicine cabinet can not only get cluttered with stuff but it can get really dusty and dirty. The best thing to do is to pull everything out and declutter. Throw out anything out that has expired and then wipe out the inside before replacing the items.

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The Do’s and Don’t’s of fabric conditioner

by Laundry

Fabric conditioner isn’t just about making your clothes smell good and keeping them looking fantastic it has its place and sadly can’t be used on all fabrics. When you do use fabric conditioner it is truly amazing and will help to keep your clothes lasting longer, help to retain their shape and protect against colour fading.

It will also help to speed up the drying and that dreaded ironing.

When NOT to use

Cashmere and Wool

Don’t lose the luxury of a cashmere sweater or a soft woollen jumper. Expensive and high quality fabrics like these can be damaged by softeners which can cause bobbling, wear down the fibres and pilling. Fabric softener can also make them feel stiffer.

An easy rule of thumb is to not use fabric softener on an expensive item of clothing.

To keep your jumpers in tip top condition always ready the care label, wash inside out, wash on a low temperature with a low spin and use a gentle detergent designed for delicates. Avoid using enzyme based detergents as this can destroy the protein in the wool.

Towels

Fabric conditioner makes your towels less absorbent, wears down the fibres, makes them slippery and gives them a greasy feel. If you want to keep your towels feeling like new, soft and fluffy then add in 20ml of white vinegar to the wash, you can either add this directly to your drum or add to the fabric conditioner compartment of your washing machine.

The vinegar softens towels and helps removes bacteria, a much better option than coating the towels with synthetic chemicals. If you want fragrance, you can add a drop or two of pure essential towards the end of the cycle.

Follow this advise too for microfibre cloths.

Sensitive skin

Although fabric softener is gentle on fabrics, it can be harsh on your skin. If you notice a skin reaction such as irritation or a rash, it could be your fabric softener. If a reaction occurs, stop using your softener immediately and see if you notice an improvement.

If you have sensitive skin, it is worth checking the label before you buy your softener to see if it is suitable. Some fabric softeners are formulated to be kinder to sensitive skin.

Flame resistant

Fabric softener can also reduce the effectiveness of flame-resistant clothing as it covers the fabric with a waxy coating. This can actually make them more flammable, so stay away from softener when washing items such as baby clothing, children’s pyjamas, dressing-up costumes, and anything else with a flame-resistant label.

When to use

Bedding

There is nothing better than snuggling down in freshly changed bed sheets that smell amazing and fabric conditioner makes this all the more luxurious by keeping the fibres soft and reducing static. If you only use fabric softener on one thing, let that be your bedding! 

Top tip – using a lavender-scented fabric softener on your bedding can improve your quality of sleep, as lavender has been proven to aid sleep

Synthetic fibres

Clothing made of synthetic fibres like acrylic and polyester.

When in doubt leave it out.

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How to clean your mattress

by Cleaning Tips

I make a point of giving my mattress a deep clean every season, in-between I give it a regular vacuum when changing the sheets on clean sheets Sunday.

Your mattress needs a little TLC because it can harbour dust mites, dead skin, dirt, bodily fluids, and other debris, it is important to give your mattress a regularly clean, particularly if you suffer from allergies or allow your pet onto the bed.

Once a month I will give it a quick steam clean. Steam cleaning breaks down odours, remove allergies and removes surface dirt and will give your mattress a fresh clean feeling.

If you have a mattress that you can flip over, do this every time you change your bedding but if your mattress is non flip, rotate instead and this will help keep the comfort fillings evenly distributed, which will improve the lifespan of your mattress.

A good quality thick mattress protector will also help prolong the life of your mattress, these can be removed and washed easily giving your mattress the best protection from bodily odours and allergens.

Cleaning your mattress may come across as a big cleaning job but it is far easier than you may think.

Start by vacuuming your mattress, use the upholstery attachment and go over the entire surface, including the sides, make sure you pay attention to the seams as this is were hidden dirt may hide and dust will settle.

Next spot clean any stains, make up your own a mattress stain cleaning solution using hydrogen peroxide, washing up liquid and water.  ¾ fill the spray bottle with water, add in 20 ml or hydrogen peroxide and a drop of washing up liquid.  Shake really well and then liberally spray the stained area.  If the stains are bad, leave the product on for a while to work.  Use a damp microfibre to gently scrub into the mattress and then using a separate white cloth blot dry.  I always suggest using white cloths because this way you can see the stain being lifted out.   Try not to use too much water if you have a memory foam mattress as they aren’t supposed to get too wet.

If you have a carpet cleaner with an upholstery tool, and your mattress is not memory foam then use this to penetrate the mattress and pull out all the dust, dirt, and debris.  

If you don’t have a carpet cleaner or your mattress is memory foam, then use some bicarbonate of soda.  This acts to dry clean your mattress.  Sprinkle a layer over the top of the entire mattress and then leave for several hours, the bicarbonate of soda will break down acid and absorb any remaining moisture and odour.  The longer you can leave the bicarbonate of soda the better.  Keep the room well aired during this process, open the windows, and let the sunlight and fresh air through.  The sun’s UV rays will act as a natural disinfectant.

Vacuum away the bicarbonate of soda and then spray with a fabric refresher spray, choose your favourite, or make up your own.  I make mine using bicarbonate of soda and lavender essential oil.  ¾ fill a spray bottle with water, add in a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda and 10 drops of essential oils, shake well and spray all over.  I choose lavender as it helps to aid sleep and is a relaxing essential oil.

Cleaning the mattress will extend its life but all good things do come to an end, after 8 years it is time to consider investing in new, body impressions and sagging will indicate that it no longer providing the support you require.  Waking up uncomfortable or sleeping badly are signs to move on.