ironingimage789789

How to clean an iron

by with No Comment 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.

Beautiful,Rose,Flowers,In,Vase,On,Table,In,Kitchen

How to keep your flowers lasting longer

by with No Comment Lifestyle

No doubt you will receive a beautiful bunch of flowers on special days throughout the year and the longer they last the better.

Here are a few of my clever tips to keep them looking fresher for longer.

Make sure you use a clean vase, many washing up liquids can leave behind a residue, so I suggest cleaning your vase with white vinegar or lemon juice and rinse well.

Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle using sharpen scissors.

Fill your vase with water and add flower food, most bouquets come with a sachet.

Remove any leaves that sit beneath the water line.

Don’t put your flowers in direct sunlight or near a heated radiator.

Keep away from your fruit bowl some fruits can produce high levels of ethylene that can promote ethylene production in cut flowers.

There are also a few additional things you add to the water to keep them lasting longer.

A copper coin such as a 2p piece, these contain antimicrobial properties which will prevent bacteria growing.  

Bleach, a splash of bleach into the water will keep them thriving for longer, the bleach will also prevent the water from becoming cloudy and inhibits bacterial growth.

Hairspray, spritzing hairspray over an arranged vase of flowers will keep them looking pristine for longer without wilting.

Aspirin, crush up an aspirin into your vase of flowers, the aspirin is said to lower the PH level of the water which allows it to travel through the flower faster, again preventing wilting.

White vinegar also lowers the PH level.

Don’t forget to change the water every few days.

For more tips then grab a copy of one of my books and I will show you how to clean your house and tidy up your life

Vegan,Pearl,Barley,Soup,With,Seasonal,Vegetables,In,Rural,Mugs

Chorizo and pearl barley soup

by with No Comment RecipesSoups

This is the perfect soup to warm you up, fill you with goodness and is so easy to make, as it is so filling you can have this for a winter tea with warm crusty bread.

I used ASDA pearl barley which is 65p for a 500g bag, chorizo sausage which was £2.50 and the chopped tomatoes at 65p a tin. An inexpensive family meal under £5 or a weeks worth of lunches for 1 person.

This recipe will make up 6 generous bowls.

Ingredients

75g of diced chorizo

1 large white onion finely chopped

2 large carrots

2 celery stalks

2 cloves of garlic crushed

150g of pearl barley

1 tin of chopped tomatoes

1 tbsp harissa paste

1 tbsp turmeric

1 litre of vegetable stock

Method

Heat up some olive oil in a large pan and fry off the chorizo until it starts to look crispy. Add in the diced onion, celery and carrot and soften.

Add in the harissa paste and the turmeric, stir and fry for a few more minutes. Add in the 1 litre of stock, the pearl barley and tin of tomatoes. simmer for 30 minutes as this soup gets quite thick add in more boiled water if needed.

Part blend when you are happy with the consistency and serve.

I love soup especially in the cooler months so I have plenty more tasty recipes for you to make, just click here.

Kids,Frame,&,Poster,Mockup.,Scandinavian,Interior.,3d,Rendering,,3d

Keep your bedroom clutter free

by with No Comment Bedroom TipsHome Organising

Put away your laundry after drying. 

A very easy way for clutter to start building up is after a load of laundry. Instead of shoving your cleaned laundry into your room and plonking it on the side put it away immediately. When you fold your clothes fresh out of the wash, you decrease the chance of wrinkles too so it is a win win.

Just follow this simple process.

Fold, sort, and put away your clean clothes right after the wash.

If you are finding that you don’t have enough room for your clothes in your wardrobe and drawers then maybe this is a sign you need to get rid of some.

Adapt a seasonal wardrobe and clothes that you are not currently wearing store in vacuum pack bags or use under the bed storage bags to create more room. If you don’t have under the bed storage you can store in the garage shed, garage or loft.


Clean your room regularly. 

Little and often is always the key to keeping a tidy organised space, so Instead of waiting a couple of weeks to do your bedroom clean, do small bursts a few times a week an include a little decluttering and organising. Don’t forget to change your sheets weekly if time allows.

If you have a small amount of clutter on your desk or in the corner of your room, go take care of it. Don’t let the mess build up. You can save yourself a hassle in the future by tackling those clutter zones.

Vacuum your room at least once a week and if you have a pet that likes to sit in your bedroom do this more often as pet hair can add to allergies and encourage more dust-mites.

Air your bedroom every day, even when it is freezing outside letting a burst of cold fresh air into your bedroom can make it feel so much better and fresher and combat any nasty odours.

Avoid over-buying. 

Many people have problems with hoarding materials or purchasing impulse buys. If you are one of these people, attempt to limit the number of belongings you purchase. If you are going to treat yourself to something new, ask yourself : Will this fit into my wardrobe ? Do I really need it and are you buying this item for the right reason?

If you upgrading an item for example treating yourself to a new coat decide if you are willing to purge the original.

When it comes to bedroom accessories, it is great to have some personal touches and a pop of colour but too many can over clutter so choose wisely.

Modern,Natural,Ash,Tree,Wooden,Stairs,In,New,House,Interior

Under stairs storage ideas

by with No Comment Home Organising

If you haven’t kicked off your January spring clean yet, the cupboard under the stairs is a great place to start.

Whether you use this space to store your ironing board, vacuum, coats or shoes this cupboard can get messy quickly. It is definitely one of those out of sight out of mind spaces!

But when creating an effective storage solution, the often awkward sloping ceilings in these cupboards means that you need to be savvy about how you use the space as there’s often not much to work with. Luckily, there are plenty of products out there that can help. I rounded up some of our favourite under-stairs storage ideas so you can turn this clutter hot-spot into a functional, stress-free zone.

Slim storage cart

Space can be tight under the stairs, but a slim storage cart is ideal for fitting into any awkward gaps. It can be wheeled in and out for easy access to your stuff, like cleaning supplies, shopping bags, art and crafts etc. Also great to use in other areas of your home such as your bathroom, garage, laundry room, office space or in-between your washer and dryer. 

Expandable shelves

If you find your cupboard narrows as it goes right under the stairs you may find this expandable shelves useful as they can fit into this small gap and give you some really good storage. Easy to install – No need to drill holes, using the principle of friction and tension they go tight against the wall, with no damage to your walls.

Over the door organisers

Over-the-door organisers are a great way to ensure you’re utilising every inch of space but sometimes the doors to under-stairs cupboards are slanted, so you can’t use them. so instead, use magic hooks as these are great for keeping your broom, mop and dustpan and brush neatly off the floor or for hanging coats and fold flat laundry baskets. Just remember that once you have position magic hooks they can’t be removed easily, and avoid sticking too walls.

Storage boxes with lids

Stack these storage boxes on top of each other to utilise space effectively. label them clearly this way you know exactly what is in each one.

Strip lights

Dread going in your dingy, dark under stairs cupboard? Then ensure you use some battery-powered strip lights these will keep everything illuminated so you can see exactly what you have to hand at all times.

change_bedding_image12

How often should we wash our bed sheets

by with No Comment Bedroom TipsCleaning Tips

This is a question I get asked all of the time and to me the very simple answer is every single week. But this can vary on the type of person you are and how much time you have.

The average time we spend in our beds a week is between 40 and 60 hours. Which is a lot of time for our beds to get dirty and sweaty! Bodily fluids, sweat, hair, dust, dead skin are all factors that make our bedding dirty.

If we don’t wash our bedding on a regular basis, our dirty sheets can result in itchy skin, allergies, acne breakouts, asthma and more. To keep in good health sleep is vital so you need a have a laundry routine that keeps your bedding clean and smelling fresh.

I make a point of doing sheets on a Sunday mainly because I have time this day and it sets me up well for the week ahead. And if you follow along on my socials you will know all about – CLEAN SHEETS SUNDAY!

How Often Should You Wash Your Sheets

Sheets should be washed at least once a week. If you don’t sleep in your bed everyday because you work away a lot or stay with a partner then this could be extended to once every other week. But even when you are not sleeping in your bed a layer of dust will appear on top.

Sheets should be washed more frequently than once every week for some people. Washing every 3-4 days is suggested if you have pets and allow them to sleep on your bed or you suffer with bad allergies.

Also if you have been suffering with a sickness bug, cold or flu as soon as you are feeling well enough it is good to change the sheets and give the bedroom a really good clean and air.

During the summer months when the temperatures are much higher and our bedrooms are hot and sticky we are naturally going to sweat more so on those restless hot nights you may want to wash your sheets a little more regularly or use less sheets to keep you cooler.

Plus, if you suffer seasonal allergies throughout the spring or summer, cleaning sheets more often could help relieve symptoms.

Why Is Washing bed Sheets so Important?

Because it will stop a build up of……………

  • Dust mites
  • Body fluids
  • Natural Oils
  • Dead Skin
  • Sweat
  • Dirt and grime

Which can contribute towards bad health, lack of sleep and even cause your bedding to smell stale!

Most homes have dust mites, which are tiny little critters that we can’t see. They love beds and carpets because they are warm, humid spaces and a shelter from other allergens. This is why NOT only should we change our sheets but vacuum the mattress and headboard too.

These little critters aren’t dangerous but they can cause skin reactions like rashes and itching, and in some cases aggravate allergies. Dust mites can grow at crazy rates and live purely off of dead skin cells. Dust mites in your mattress and bedding can amount to the tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands at any given time.

Frequent washing of bed sheets can help reduce dust mites and keep your bed fresh and clean.

How To Wash Bed Sheets

Always just check the label to see if there are any specific instructions for the type of bedding you have.

Pick a calming laundry detergent and fabric conditioner, if it always lovely to have a fresh smelling bed and I find using lavender a real calming scent to use which will also help aid sleep.

It always a good idea to also add in some laundry cleanser as this will give you sheets that hygienically clean feeling

To save money and energy it is always best to try and wash at lower temperatures but when it comes to bedding, towels and underwear try and wash at 60 degrees plus.

Other Ways To Help Keep Your Bed Fresh

Before making your bed in the morning let it air ideally with the windows open.

Use pillow and mattress protectors and wash this every other week

Vacuum your mattress a few times a month and allow it to air. a UV one is a great option.

Turn or flip your mattress

Wash your duvet a few times a year

Wash your pillows a few times a year.

Did you know that your pillow will double in weight over a 6 month period due to sweat and fluids!

Creamy,Tomato,Soup.,Selective,Focus,,Copy,Spce.

Really simple tomato soup

by with No Comment Recipes

When you are really short for time and literally don’t have much time even for chopping vegetables then you are going to love this simple quick healthy filling soup.

This will make up 6 good size bowls and costs under £2 to make.

Ingredients

Two tins of chopped tomatos

1 large red onion

2 large carrots

2 garlic gloves

1 tbsp of oregano

500ml of vegetable stock

250g of orzo

Method

Fry off the onions and the garlic for a few minutes until they have softened

Then add in the tins of tomatoes, sliced carrots, veg stock and oregano and simmer for 30 mins

Cook the orzo according to the packet instructions

Once the orzo is cooked, blitz up the soup and then add in the orzo

Garnish with a little Parmesan or basil

I find this was really filling so not only makes a quick lunch but a great evening meal with some added warm crusty bread.

diffuersimage1

DIY Room Diffusers

by with No Comment Money Saving

Diffusers are a fabulous way to enhance your mood, freshen the air and invigorate your senses. They are so easy to make at home yourself, DIY diffusers will save you money and make a great little gift for friends and family. 

Essential oils provide a boost to the limbic system to enhance relaxation and anti-anxiety benefits, along with respiratory, disinfection, clearing toxins in the air and more. 

I love exploring essential oil blends.

I have popped some of my favourite blends below. 

To Make

Recycle your old diffuser jars and remove any stickers using the heat from your hair dryer. Gently heat and then the sticker will easily lift off. 

3/4 of the way fill with sweet almond oil, the reason I choose this carrier is because it is a light oil that easily soaks into the reeds.

If you have a nut allergy use safflower 

Add in 30 drops in total of your favourite essential oil blends

Give it a stir and pop in your reeds

You can top up with a few drops of oil every week to keep the fragrance fresh but remake or choose a new blend every month to keep the strong fragrance. 

All year round blends

This are all very fresh blends that give your home a clean feeling, the relaxing blend works well in the bedroom.

Fresh clean blend – Lemon, peppermint, and eucalyptus

Relaxing blend – Lemon, lavender, and rosemary

Energising blend – Peppermint, grapefruit and spearmint

Christmas blends

These diffuser blends will create the perfect Christmas atmosphere.

Orange, cinnamon, and clove

Pine, spruce, juniper and cedar-wood

Orange, peppermint and frankincense

Douglas fir, cedar-wood and juniper berry

Homemade,Butternut,Squash,And,Chilli,Soup.,Served,With,A,Dollop

Slow cooker chilli soup

by with No Comment RecipesSoups

If you are a fan of using your slow cooker and chucking everything in then you are going to love this super quick chilli soup. This will make up 6 tasty bowls perfect for mid week lunches when you are busy or makes a quick evening meal served with warm crusty bread.

Ingredients

3 large potatoes

7 carrots

170g chopped chorizo

3 garlic cloves

1 litre of vegetable stock

30g of frozen or fresh coriander

1 tsp chilli powder

1 tsp curry powder

Method

Literally chuck it all into your slow cooker and cook on high for 2.5 hours, save some of the chorizo for the topping. You can also add a dollop of cream if you want to cook it down a little.

Enjoy

IMG_1108

Baked Feta

by with No Comment Recipes

This is such a perfect recipe for Saturday lunch time especially on colder days as it so warming and delicious. Serve with warm slightly toasted sour dough bread.

This will serve 2/3 people and will cost you just under £5 to make

Ingredients

1 block of Feta cheese – I always go for the reduced fat option

10 cherry tomatoes, chopped in half.

Tin of tomatoes

Garlic 2 cloves crushed.

Balsamic vinegar

Dried oregano

To make

Cut the feta cheese into small cubes, your block should give you 8 cubes.

Into an oven baked dish pour in the tin of tomatoes, chopped cherry tomatoes, garlic and 2 tsp of oregano and give it a stir.

Sit the cubed feta on top and pop in a preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the feta starts to turn slightly brown and soften.

Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and a little more oregano

Pop on the table with the warm bread and dive in.

Enjoy