Let’s sort out those everyday mishaps around the home
Whether the kids have been a little too creative around the home (lovely artwork straight on the wall anyone?) or you’ve suffered the dreaded colour run in the wash, we’ve got all the answers for some of life’s common everyday mishaps.
How to get tea and coffee out of the carpet
We all know what it’s like in a busy home. Accidents happen from time to time, and spillages are pretty much inevitable. Spilling a drink, especially something like tea or coffee, over your carpet can feel like a big deal, but it doesn’t need to be. Follow our top tips and you can deal with it no problem.
Step 1: Get mixing
Get to work on that stain without even having to reach for a stain remover with a solution you can make yourself.
Mix equal amounts of white vinegar and washing-up liquid together. For every tablespoon you’ve added, mix in two mugs’ worth of cold water to create your solution.
Step 2: Get dipping
Dip a cloth into the solution and gently press this into the carpet, working it across the stain until the entire area is covered.
Step 3: Get blotting
Then you can get to work on lifting the stain. Blot it with a dry cloth to soak up any moisture. If the stain is still hanging around, repeat steps 2 and 3 until it clears.
Step 4: Get vacuuming
All that’s left to do is get rid of any leftover vinegar smells. All you need to do is rinse the area with some cold water and then blot dry again.
Finish off with a good old whizz around with the vacuum cleaner and enjoy your stain-free carpet! No carpet washer needed!
How to avoid the dreaded colour run
We all hate that feeling when we take our washing out of the machine and see that nothing is quite the colour it should be. But don’t worry! We’ve got what you need to stop yourself running into any colour-run problems.
Step 1: Don’t overload
This might seem an obvious one, but top of the list in avoiding a colour run in the wash is not to overload the machine!
Separate your washing first, putting the whites aside for a separate wash and turning inside out anything that might be at risk from running.
Keep the washing pile reasonable and don’t overload the drum.
Step 2: Cool it down
A cool wash not only helps the environment, but it can also help stop dye running, so this is a great way of avoiding a run in your wash.
For added peace of mind, you can also pop in a colour catcher sheet or colour and dirt collector for extra protection, and wash on a delicate wash.
Choose a colour protect washing powder, and you’ll be doing everything you can to keep those colours happy.
Step 3: Get rinsing
Help your colours last longer by adding 250ml of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. This will help your clothes keep their brightness for longer, plus it leaves them feeling nice and soft – that’s a little win!
How to get the outside of your toilet gleaming
It’s an easy one to miss, but the outside of the toilet builds up dirt and grime all the time, whether it’s from careless feet or just a mixture of general moisture and dust. They can also be frustrating to clean, but not to worry, our simple tips will help you keep it gleaming.
Step 1: Get disinfecting
Before you do anything, tackle the germs first.
Spritz disinfectant over the top, bottom, tank and lid of the toilet. Don’t forget the flush handle or button either!
Allow the disinfectant to sit on the surface for five to ten minutes (always follow individual pack instructions), giving it time to soak through any grease or grime.
Give it a good wipe over with a cloth and some warm water to rinse it off.
Step 2: Get scrubbing
Spray bathroom cleaner over the outside of your toilet and scrub with a microfibre cloth. If you’re struggling to get to some hard-to-reach areas, a toothbrush will come in handy, just make sure it’s not one you plan on using later!
Once you've finished scrubbing, use some more warm water to wash off the cleaner and give it a sparkling finish.
How to get pen off the coffee table!
We love it when our little ones get creative around the house, but less so when they do it on the furniture! It doesn’t have to be a big deal, though. With a little bit of elbow grease, you can get your coffee table looking great again.
Step 1: Get scrubbing
Rubbing alcohol is just the thing you need for banishing permanent inks. All you need to do is blot the alcohol onto the stain using a clean cloth and let it sit for a few minutes, then dab with a damp cloth to remove the stain.
Step 2: Get fresh
Alternatively, make your own furniture cleaner by mixing together one part bicarb of soda with one part white toothpaste. Cover the stain with your mix, then give it a few minutes to rest. Finally, give it a good rub with a slightly damp, clean cloth, and as if by magic the stain should be gone!
Step 3: Nuts about cleaning!
If neither of the previous methods work, get ready to go nuts! Believe it or not, peanut butter is surprisingly good at removing marker and ink stains. Simply slather some peanut butter onto the stain and use a soft-bristled brush to scrub at the spot until the stain lifts away.
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