This year's summer Amazon Prime Day event (running from the 23rd to 26th of June) is in full swing, and if you want to shop in the savviest way possible, there's a new price-checking tool you need to know about.

For years, one of my top tips as Ideal Home's Kitchen Appliances Editor, who has been working Prime Days as a deal hunter for over five years now, was to use a price checking tool such as CamelCamelCamel to check that you're not being hoodwinked over a 'deal'. Often brands will artificially inflate the price of a product prior to a sales event to then bring it down to its normal RRP to create the illusion of a great deal.

Here's how using this new in-built price checking tool can prevent you from getting a bad deal on one of the best air fryers or coffee machines and help you find a worthwhile one instead.

You can find this new price-checking tool, which was officially rolled out in the UK in May 2026, next to where you see the price of the item you're looking for on Amazon. When you click onto it to see the price history, a pop-up window opens with Rufus, the platform's in-built AI tool.

Within the Rufus pop-up you can see a range of information on the product's price, as well as how it relates to the given RRP. Though this is useful information, I would also suggest going one step further and check Amazon's given RRP against what's listed on the brand page.

When shopping one of the best Ninja air fryers, for example, I would always suggest cross referencing with the brand's own site for a better understanding of prices.

While the tool defaults to a one-month view, it has 6-month and 12-month scope available too which will ultimately be even more useful for assessing how good the discount really is. If the price of the item currently is nowhere near what the lowest price over the last year has been, it's likely that there's been price-inflating taking place.

I check prices on products that I've reviewed every day to see if there's a deal worth writing about, so I have quite a good sense of the general price of different bestsellers, like Ninja's Foodi Max Dual Zone air fryer.

As I write this, the day before Prime Day begins, it's currently sitting at £129.99 via Amazon, which gives you £20 off the usual RRP. But if you click into the year view of the price history, you'll see that in November (during Black Friday), there was a much bigger price drop with the air fryer for sale for under £100. That means that it may well be worth waiting on this one rather than pouncing right now.

In all likelihood, the best deals of this summer will drop during Prime Day itself and during counter-sales run by the likes of AO, Currys and John Lewis. Below you can find the kitchen appliances I think you should bookmark if you're in the market to upgrade your hosting and entertaining game.

Whatever you end up perusing this Prime Day, remember that doing your due diligence will help no end to help you bag an actually good deal. Happy bargain hunting!

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll probably know that it’s Amazon Prime Day this week. But as a Floorcare Editor who has covered these sales events for the past five years, I can tell you that Amazon isn’t the be-all and end-all of discounts. In fact, if you were looking to buy a Shark robot vacuum this week, I’d recommend shopping at Argos instead.

And right now, Argos is having a huge sale across its appliances, including the robot vacuum I’ve been using in my own home for the past few months - the Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop (was £999.99, now £549.99 at Argos). Yes, that really is a £450 discount!

The beauty of the best robot vacuum cleaners (aside from their incredible ability to clean your house for you) is that they’re available at countless retailers across the UK - both online and in-store. And while Amazon and Shark are typically among the most obvious places to buy Shark robot vacuums, alternative retailers also slash prices year-round, including Argos and John Lewis.

While I don’t claim to know everything (if only), it is quite literally my job to review robot vacuum cleaners. So, I’d like to think I know my hands-free appliances. And Shark's PowerDetect UV Reveal Robot Vacuum impressed me so much during testing that I had to give it an almost-perfect 4.5-star review.

One of the things I didn’t like, however, was the price tag, so the fact that it’s now on sale at Argos for almost half price is a major win in my book. Especially as the black colourway I have at home isn’t on sale for the Amazon Prime event, and it’s not on sale at Shark, either, as it’s completely sold out due to high demand.

However, it’s worth noting that the white colourway is on sale at Amazon for £489.99 if you’re looking for an even bigger discount. But as someone who has tested white robot vacuum cleaners before, I would always willingly lean towards black to try and hide the inevitable scuffs and marks that appear during cleaning. Both colourways are identical in perks and features, though.

The Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal has a runtime of 180 minutes, will also mop your floors while vacuuming, and comes with an auto-empty dock that can hold up to 1.51L of debris - making maintenance as minimal as possible.

As with all the best Shark vacuum cleaners, it’s also ridiculously easy to use and perfect for beginners who are buying their first robot vacuum. The pièce de résistance of this model, though, has to be the UV reveal technology, which uncovered so many hidden stains on my hard flooring (and left me feeling rather embarrassed).

But I wouldn’t be telling you to ditch Amazon and Shark for Argos on the basis of one robot vacuum cleaner deal, though.

That’s because Argos has also slashed the prices of other Shark robot vacuum cleaners, including the bargain Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Cordless Robot Vacuum Cleaner & Mop (was £285.70, now £199.99 at Argos).

Alternatively, you could opt for the Shark ThermaCharged PowerDetect Robot Vacuum Cleaner (was £900, now £499.99 at Argos).

I haven’t tested either of them as there are simply too many robot vacuums and only one of me, so I would advise you to do your own research and read independent reviews.

Alternatively, you could snap up some Amazon Prime Day deals for other robot vacuum cleaners I have tested, which I’ve added below.

Will you be snapping up a robot vacuum this year? Now is the time to do it!

Eufy has built a solid reputation for making reliable robot vacuum cleaners at a range of price points - from budget-friendly entry-level cleaners to more high-tech, premium machines. And the brand's Omni E25 model is currently crowned Ideal Home's best robot vacuum. The eufy Robot Vacuum C10 with Self Empty Station sits at the opposite end of the range, promising a more compact and affordable alternative.

As a mum-of-three, I've come to rely on a robot vacuum cleaner to keep on top of everyday mess, so I was curious to see whether a more back-to-basics model would compromise on performance. After testing it in my busy family home for two weeks, I found it's a capable maintenance cleaner - providing your floors are relatively clutter-free.

In a nutshell

The most notable difference between the Eufy Robot Vacuum C10 with Self-Empty Station (which I'll refer to as the Eufy C10 throughout this review) and other robot vacuum models I've previously tested is that it's a compact vacuum-only robot that's designed with simplicity in mind. So while it wouldn't be fair to compare it to more premium models, there are a few areas where it does fall short.

Its 4,000Pa suction performance falls within the typical range for a robot vacuum, but I found it better suited to light maintenance rather than deep cleans. It generally picks up messes in its path, but its obstacle avoidance isn't particularly reliable, which becomes especially noticeable if you live in a busy household. During testing, it frequently bumped into objects and struggled to navigate around them, making it less effective in cluttered environments.

That said, it's incredibly straightforward to use, while still offering plenty of functionality through the detailed app - such as multi-floor mapping and scheduling cleaning sessions. Its compact size is, in my opinion, its biggest selling point, allowing it to reach under furniture that many other robot vacuum cleaners can't access. The small self-empty station doesn't take up much floor space, and it also helps to keep maintenance to a minimum.

The price is a sticking point for me. At its £399 RRP, there are robot vacuum cleaners that offer stronger cleaning performance and more advanced navigation features for a similar price. However, the Eufy C10 is frequently discounted, which makes it a much more competitive option.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 42.5L x 33.5W x 19.2H cm
• What's included: C10 robot with dustbin, auto-empty station, quick start guide, safety document
• Weight: 5.56kg
• Suction power: 4,000Pa
• Run time: 120 minutes
• Mop function: No 
• Multi-floor mapping? Yes, up to 5 maps
• Disposable Dust Bag Capacity: 2.5 litres
• RRP: £399.00

How I tested

Unboxing the product, setting up and first impressions

The first thing that struck me was how light and compact the packaging for the Eufy C10 was. It was clear even before opening that this model was much smaller than any other robot vacuum cleaner I'd previously tested.

Inside, I found an illustrated quick-start guide resting on top of the contents. I find this quite reassuring when I'm unboxing a product as it gives you an immediate sense of what to expect. I was pleased to see the set-up looked relatively straightforward, and while there was no printed manual, the quick-start guide featured a QR code linking to the full instructions, app download and support videos.

The actual box contents were minimal, consisting of the C10 robot, dustbin, auto-empty station, the quick-start guide and safety document. Everything was neatly packed and easy to identify, which made a refreshing change.

Each component was wrapped in plastic packaging, labelled LDPE 4. While this type of plastic can be recycled at specialist collection points (such as larger supermarkets), it can't generally be recycled through household collections, so would need to be disposed of with general waste.

There were also a couple of small foam inserts securing the robot vacuum in place, which weren't recyclable. While I'd have preferred to see more eco-friendly packaging used throughout, the compact size of the vacuum meant I wasn't left with a huge amount of packaging to dispose of once everything was unpacked.

Although the quick-start guide included a series of illustrations, I tend to find videos and written instructions easier, so I used the QR code to access the full user manual and set up videos. I appreciated having both options available.

The auto-empty station doesn't have a mop function, so there are no water tanks to accommodate, making it noticeably more compact than other robot vacuum cleaners I've tested. The dust bag needs to be inserted into the station, which slotted easily into place using the cardboard tag.

I then popped the lid on top of the station, before positioning it next to a plug socket in my kitchen. The instruction manual advises placing it against a wall and avoiding high-pile carpet, which wasn't an issue in my home - my biggest challenge was keeping it away from curious little hands!

The last step was to insert the dustbin, which sits underneath the robot. After turning it upside down, it clicked into place easily. Generally, I wouldn't describe the set up and assembly process for robot vacuums as particularly quick, but the Eufy C10 felt really straightforward. Before I'd even moved on to the app set-up, it already felt like a beginner-friendly model.

I then docked the robot onto the station, at which point a voice prompt confirmed it was charging. There's also a small indicator light at the top of the station which illuminates during charge, so there's not really any second-guessing.

With the robot docked, I could fully appreciate the overall look and feel of the Eufy C10. And I was pretty impressed. The white colourway gives it a clean, modern appearance (although it is also available in black), and its build and quality feel more premium than I'd expected at this price point. As someone who doesn't have bags of floor space, I also appreciated its compact size, although I did wonder whether such a small robot would be capable of tackling obstacles and everyday mess in my busy family home.

I then moved on to connecting the Eufy C10 to the app. As I've previously tested a Eufy robot vacuum, I had the app already downloaded and an account already set up. If you are new to the brand, however, you simply need to download the app from your App Store and follow the instructions.

Within the app, I tapped the '+' symbol in the top-right corner, selected the model from the 'Robot Vacuum-C Series', and then connected it to my WiFi. Once paired, the robot appeared on the app's homepage as 'online', allowing me to start cleaning, adjust settings, check progress and create maps of my home.

Ease of use

Although the Eufy C10 robot vacuum is very straightforward in design, it is controlled through the very detailed Eufy app. It's definitely worth taking some time to explore the options, but it means you can really customise the robot's cleaning routine.

While there aren't as many settings to tailor as the more advanced Eufy robot vacuums, you can still modify the suction strength by choosing between quiet, standard, turbo and max.

I especially appreciated the child-lock feature, which can be activated to prevent curious little hands from pressing anything, as well as the 'Do Not Disturb' mode, which keeps the robot silent and prevents it from performing auto-return cleaning during set hours. The app even has an 'Accessory Services' section, where you can easily check the remaining lifespan of components like the side brushes and sensors, as well as when you need to manually clean the filter or water tanks.

You create a floor plan from the base station, so the first thing I did was let the robot vacuum loose around my downstairs rooms, letting it map out the kitchen, conservatory and living room. It initially registered the entire area as one room, but the app lets you customise the floor plan by splitting, renaming and organising rooms. You can also set no-go zones, which I found useful. It took about 20 minutes to explore the floor and create a map of the space.

You can also set up a cleaning schedule, which I found really handy. I programmed it to run each morning once the kids were at school, and again in the evening once they were in bed. After each session, the app generates a cleaning report, complete with a map of the areas covered and the total cleaning time.

You can also create up to five different maps with the multi-mapping feature. Mapping my upstairs wasn't as thorough as the initial downstairs run. The robot missed one room entirely on its first pass, and the resulting map wasn't as detailed, although in fairness there were more obstacles to contend with. You can merge and edit rooms, though, once the mapping is complete.

Performance

The Eufy C10 has a 4,000Pa suction power - which is fairly typical for a robot vacuum - but if I'm honest, I was expecting to see more noticeable results. I usually rely on my Samsung Jet Bot Combo AI, which has a 6,000Pa suction but delivers visible carpet lines after cleaning.

One thing that became immediately obvious was that its obstacle avoidance wasn't great. I live in a busy household so there's often the odd toy left on my floors, but the robot didn't seem to recognise objects in its path most of the time. It either pushed them further along the room or tried to climb over them.

It also crashed into the chair legs at my kitchen table whenever it cleaned that area, and took at least 30 seconds to navigate away, which slowed down the cleaning session.

What impressed me about the Eufy C10, though, is its slim design. At only 2.85 inches tall, it's the only robot vacuum that has been able to fit under my sofas. In fact, every time it cleaned the living room, it completely disappeared underneath them, much to the amusement of my one-year-old!

It didn't always find its way back out from under the sofas, so I did need to pull it out and reposition it.

Despite its compact size, the C10 handled changes in flooring well. It glided effortlessly from the hard floor in my kitchen to the low-pile rug in my conservatory.

As part of how we test at Ideal Home, we put appliances through a series of controlled tests. As I'd already seen how it handled obstacles, I jumped to the vacuuming test. I scattered some chocolate crumbs on my carpet and placed the robot nearby to see how it would respond.

Rather than detecting the mess immediately, it rotated around in a circle and moved straight past, only picking up a small fraction of the crumbs before disappearing under my sofa. I did have to manually return it to the area, but this time the cleaning performance improved hugely. Within a couple of passes it had collected the majority of the mess.

One thing that became clear after the first few cleaning sessions was that I didn't feel confident enough to leave the Eufy C10 running when I wasn't around. It would often get stuck, and I'd regularly hear the voice prompts alerting me that the robot was no longer touching the ground. More often than not, this meant I had to track it down and manually reposition it before it could continue cleaning.

Cleaning and maintenance

While it doesn't have a full-sized docking station, the Eufy c10 does include a self-empty station, which is designed to reduce the level of hands-on maintenance. During my initial testing, I expected the station to empty after each run, so it's worth noting that the auto-empty frequency can be adjusted in the app.

By default, it's set to empty every 30 minutes, so I changed this to 20 minutes, but if you want it to empty after each run, you'll have to activate the 'Empty Dust' function each time in the app.

When the machine does empty the dust, it is loud - but most self-emptying docks are very obvious when they activate.

Overall maintenance is relatively straightforward. The filter and dustbin need to be removed and cleaned regularly, and the self-empty station reduces how often you'll need to empty the dust bag.

It's worth checking this on a regular basis - particularly if you're using the robot every day. It was less than half full when I checked after a week, but I noticed a build-up of debris around the opening where the bag connects to the station, which needs clearing by hand.

You can track the lifespan of various components within the app, with most of the maintenance intervals ranging between 30 and 180 hours of use. The dust bag has by far the longest lifespan - when I checked, it had 1438 hours remaining, making it incredibly low-maintenance.

The other parts to keep on top of are the roller brush and side brush. The roller brush is really easy to remove thanks to two release tabs that unlock the brush guard. When I took it apart, I found a stray cardboard tag that had got caught between the brush and the robot, which could have slowed down performance. I haven't needed to clean the side brush yet, but any clogged hair or debris can be removed by unscrewing it.

Thankfully, Eufy provides an online step-by-step video, and the process looks straightforward.

How does it rate online?

The Eufy C10 has a 4.5-star rating on the brand's website, out of a total of 56 reviews. Customers praise its overall compact design, ease of use, and in-app features including mapping abilities.

On Amazon, there are over 13,000 reviews, and it has a 4.4-star rating overall, where many customers describe it as a good-value option.

Interestingly, a recurring theme among reviewers was the importance of buying at a discount, with several users commenting it reflected a better deal when bought on sale. That largely mirrors my own experience - while I found it mostly capable of handling daily upkeep, its performance felt more in line with a lower price tag.

How does it compare to similar models and its predecessors?

The Eufy C10 launched in late 2025 and is positioned as a more affordable vacuum-only model within the brand's robot vacuum cleaner lineup.

I've previously tested the Omni 28, which sits further up Eufy's range. The Omni 28's 15,000 Pa suction power delivers noticeably stronger cleaning performance, and it also offers mop functionality. Both offer the same detailed app controls, including multi-floor mapping, but I found obstacle avoidance to be a weak point for both.

It's also worth mentioning another Eufy model, the Omni E25, which is currently crowned Ideal Home's best robot vacuum cleaner overall. Its 20,000Pa suction power makes it a clear step up from the C10, but it does come at a significantly higher price.

I've also previously tested the Samsung Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI, which sits at the premium end of the scale - its obstacle avoidance is the best I've seen, but it takes up much more space and comes with a considerably higher price tag.

If you are considering similarly priced alternatives, the Hoover HG2 is another entry-level option worth looking at. It includes mop functionality for a similar price, but its navigation and obstacle avoidance are also inconsistent.

Verdict: Should you buy the eufy Robot Vacuum C10 with Self Empty Station?

The Eufy C10 is best suited for anyone looking for a straightforward robot vacuum cleaner that can take care of day-to-day maintenance with minimal fuss. Its slim design means it can reach under furniture that many robot vacuum cleaners can't access, while the compact self-empty station makes it a good option for small homes or households who are tight on storage space.

However, I think its appeal depends heavily on the price. It retails at £399 at full price, but at that price I would expect stronger performance and reliable obstacle avoidance. During testing, the robot regularly bumped into furniture and stray toys on the floor, which makes it less suited to households where it would need to navigate around clutter.

I've seen it discounted to £159, which, if I'm honest, feels a far more reflective price point. If you can pick it up on sale and use it primarily for light maintenance cleaning in a relatively tidy home, it's a solid choice. For busier households, I'd be inclined to invest in a model with more advanced navigation and obstacle avoidance.

As a small-home dweller, I’m used to making sacrifices due to limited storage. And while I’m willing to second-guess some items that catch my eye when shopping, I’ve always been reluctant to get rid of clothes that I genuinely still wear and love. And before I invested in these DIMJ 12 Pack Drawer Organisers (£18.99 at Amazon), my clothes were constantly spilling out of my drawers.

Yes, as I’m always trying to be one of those people with constantly tidy clothes, the clothing clutter and my complete inability to shut my drawers really started to get to me. It made me feel anxious in what should be a relaxing sleeping space, made me less inclined to fold and care for my clothes, and even made it harder to get dressed in the morning.

However, I didn’t have space for a whole new chest of drawers or an extra hanging rail for my clothes, so I needed to find a solution that would work with what I already had. And introducing these drawer organisers has not only restored order but also freed up space I didn’t even know was there.

I’ve recently been talking about how I store clothes without a wardrobe, but, for me, a chest of drawers is non-negotiable, as I need the folded storage space - particularly for smaller items such as underwear, shorts and even pyjamas. But this folded space is often much bigger than the clothes inside, which means they can quickly become a jumbled mess that seems impossible to tame.

And while they may not be the most aesthetically pleasing clothes storage solution, the DIMJ Drawer Organisers are an organisational game-changer. The ones I bought came in a pack of 12, split into three sizes: four large square organisers, four smaller rectangular organisers, and four small square organisers.

It’s worth noting that the smaller option is very small, but the beauty of these organisers and the different sizes is that they can be used for anything. And I found this perfect for my underwear drawer, as I used the smallest size for my delicates, the middle rectangular size for my socks, and the largest size for bras.

I then continued to use the larger sizes to separate and organise my T-shirts in a drawer that had previously been impossible to close. This is mostly because I’d given up trying to fold them and simply shoved them in there to avoid dealing with them - as shown by the white T-shirt that definitely needs a good steam now.

And while I didn’t have the skills to perfect Marie Kondo’s impressive folding method when putting them into the new organisers, the difference was still really impressive. Not only could I finally close the drawers properly, but it also proved to me that my drawers weren’t as full as I thought (and that there was even space for more clothes).

My only regret is that I only bought a pack of 12, so I've since bought another set to organise my husband's chest of drawers, too - and his socks have never looked tidier. But there are also options on Amazon to buy them in a variety of quantities - including an 18-pack for £32.99 or a 28-pack for £38.99. Even if you don’t need them all, they’re flat-pack and won’t take up too much space in your house when not in use.

There are also many different colourways to choose from, so you don’t have to opt for the slate grey that I went for. And you can use these all around the house to organise a junk drawer or even tidy up your cosmetics, so the opportunities really are endless.

Don’t just take my word for it, though. The DIMJ Drawer Organisers are a bestseller on Amazon, with an overall star rating of 4.4 out of 5 across over 8,500 reviews. One customer even wrote, ‘The quality is good, and my drawers have never been so organised! Should have bought them years ago!’

Another wrote, ‘These organisers are brilliant - just what I had hoped for. Ingenious design (zips) and sizes. Great value for money.’

But even if you don’t opt for these specific drawer organisers, I can’t recommend adding some storage to your clothes drawers enough. They really do help maximise the available space while minimising clutter, as they allow you to grab what you need without messing up the entire drawer.

In fact, since adding these to my drawers a few weeks ago, I've been able to maintain the organisation with ease - no overflowing underwear in sight. Sure, I’ve had to re-fold a few things here and there, but I’ve been able to keep my drawers so much tidier with very little fuss.

If you want to continue organising your clothes, I’d also suggest checking out my roundup of Dunelm’s impressive clothes organisers, too.

I've become an expert when it comes to bagging a deal in the Amazon Prime Day sales after writing about it for the past six years. As a homes journalist, my job involves tracking sales prices and the stock levels of home appliances all year round, so I know exactly what products to buy in the sale and what to hold off on.

The Amazon Prime Day sale kicks off next week, one of Amazon's biggest sales events of the year. I would typically recommend waiting until then to invest in a high-ticket home appliance, but the last two years of covering the event have taught me there is one appliance you absolutely should not wait until Amazon Prime Day to buy: a portable air conditioner.

The best portable air conditioners have shot up in popularity over the last few years, thanks to a series of exceptionally warm summers. But stock levels aren't quite matching the demand, especially during a heatwave.

This means two things if you're in the market for a portable air conditioner:

1. It is incredibly unlikely you'll find a major deal on a portable air conditioner in a summer sale like Amazon Prime Day.

2. They sell out exceptionally fast.

Over the last two years, I've seen firsthand how fast they can sell out. I've had to launch 'stock watch' feature on portable AC's during the last two Amazon summer sales events to track down any remaining units online.

This year, thanks to the heatwave at the end of May, stock levels on portable ACs are already depleted, and if you want to get your hands on one for the summer, I wouldn't wait even a week, let alone for a sale, to click buy.

‘Thanks to an unseasonably toasty end to May, the demand for portable air conditioners has already seen some models sell out before summer even hits,' explains Sarah Handley, Ideal Home's Renovation Editor and portable AC expert who has been monitoring this years stock levels.

'While I’ve spotted that brands like Meaco are due to replenish their stock at the beginning of July, others may not be restocked at all this summer. All is not lost though and there’s still a decent number of options available. But all it takes is another heatwave and they could sell out quick, so if you want one, definitely snap it up when you see it in stock.'

‘I’ve been testing the Dreo 318s portable air conditioner, which is still in stock on Amazon, which I would recommend,' adds Sarah. 'I’ve also spotted options from household names like Morphy Richards and Bosch also in stock on Amazon. Appliances Direct is another option that seems to have a steady stock supply of portable air conditioners, even when a heatwave hits.’

If you want to beat the heat this summer and invest in a portable AC over the best fan, then I'd buy now, or regret later, especially with another heatwave on the way.

Portable air conditioners in stock

If there's one cleaning and laundry recommendation Stacey Solomon's Instagram followers always pay attention to, it's the products she uses herself. And according to Stacey, there's one appliance that's become so indispensable she has practically ditched her iron altogether.

Sharing the Sundu Portable 2-in-2 travel steamer iron from Amazon, on her Instagram, Stacey described it as 'THE best steamer ever,' adding that: 'I never use my iron anymore and take it EVERYWHERE with me.' So, if you've been searching for the best steam iron alternative for tackling quick creases, this compact gadget could be it.

Even better, the celebrity organiser spotted the handheld steamer with a hefty 40% discount on Amazon, making it a bargain at £29.98. 'I just went to find the link for all of you asking, and it's 40% off. I don't know how long it'll last as it sells out EVERY time I share it, but OMG 40% off is INSANE,' she told followers.

Stacey Solomon is no stranger to handy home gadgets and hacks, including her genius wardrobe storage ideas and laundry room essentials. But yesterday was the first time she shared her latest steamer obsession.

And it's easy to see why the compact gadget has become a staple in Stacey's household. As a busy parent juggling school runs and busy morning routines, I'm always looking for products that tackle inevitable last-minute clothing emergencies.

Whether it's smoothing out last-minute uniform creases without having to wrestle a full-sized ironing board out of storage, or tackling lightweight summer fabrics like linen, cotton and silks now firmly back in rotation, a quick blast can help freshen up crumpled outfits in seconds.

The Sundu combines both a clothes steamer and a travel iron in one compact appliance, allowing you to steam garments vertically or use it horizontally for more stubborn creases. It heats up in 15 seconds and offers four different modes, including a dry ironing setting and three steam levels. And the ceramic soleplate is designed to be suitable for a wide range of fabrics, including silk, cotton, linen and wool.

While full-sized steam irons certainly have their place, it's the portability of this handheld model that caught my attention. Weighing less than a kilogram and designed to fit neatly into luggage, it's a grab-and-go appliance that is great for taking on holiday, for tackling creases in your summer wardrobe, whether it's a crinkled dress straight from a packing cube or refreshing a shirt.

The 100 ml water tank offers up to 20 minutes of continuous steaming, which should be plenty for holiday outfits and quick touch-ups. And unlike other travel steamers that arrive with little more than the appliance itself, this one comes with a handy anti-scald glove, an insulated base if you're using it as a travel iron, measuring cup and storage bag, making it a really practical option for home and away.

One of the things I think everyone should know before buying a clothes steamer is that it's not designed to replace a full-size iron if you're tackling an entire family's laundry pile. But for quick outfit fixes, school uniforms, holiday packing and refreshing summer clothes in a hurry, Stacey's go-to steamer looks like a really useful addition to your utility cupboard.

At 40% off, it's also a deal that feels too good to miss. But do hurry, as Stacey has already said that some of the colourways have sold out already!

Of course, if your budget stretches a little further, I've tested several brilliant clothes steamers in my own home that are worth considering too, especially if you steam clothes regularly. Cue my top three.

Alternative clothes steamers I rate

If you haven't bought a clothes steamer for your home yet, I'd seriously recommend one. And maybe Stacey Solomon's favourite could be yours too!

The exceptionally popular ice-cream and soft serve maker the Ninja Swirl has just hit its lowest price ever on Amazon, dropping to £262 from £349.99 in the Prime Day sales.

As per my first try a couple of months ago, I've been testing the Swirl out for a few months now, from summer into these colder autumnal months, and I've been surprised by how much more I've used it despite the weather turning. Turns out sweet treats aren't just reserved for summer!

Here's the full low down on how you can catch the Swirl on sale, as well as the details on why I've been using it far more than I did before.

First up, if you're unsure whether this is really a worthwhile deal, allow me to direct you to the Amazon price checker CamelCamelCamel page (which is always worth looking at before you buy anything on sale on there) for the Swirl. The records shows that this is the lowest price thus far for this product since it was first sold earlier this year.

It's also the cheapest place to shop the Swirl compared to competing retailers at the minute too – including at Ninja (where it's £299.99) and John Lewis (where it's £289.97).

But maybe you're wondering why you need a soft serve maker at all, especially with colder weather fast approaching. I too thought that my use of this ice-cream maker would decline as autumn began, but if anything I've found more evenings in watching TV mean that I'm reaching for my Swirl even more.

That's especially true since I've discovered that it's a great buy for making the most of leftover yoghurt, cream and milk. Pretty much anything sweet combined with those three ingredients can be creamified – trust me, I've tried it!

Another thing I was worried about with testing the Swirl was my skyrocketing consumption of sugar. Luckily, after I tried out the CreamiFit mode, I found a way of securing my soft serve for the day that didn't feel quite as indulgent. This mode is specifically made for making 'protein-packed treats under 150 calories'.

For weekend treats, I've loved using the original serve setting, but the addition of the CreamiFit mode is a real highlight for me for using this machine more often – even into the winter!

Are you tempted by the Ninja Swirl going on sale? Let me know what you'd make with it if you were to buy it!

If you’re after a Christmas tree that’s a little more understated and minimalist than the traditional style then you’ll love the trending twig trees. Most retailers are jumping on the now popular tree style but Amazon is my go-to for budget-friendly twig trees, including this Netta 6ft Birch Pre-lit Twig Tree. And thanks to Amazon Prime Day deals, it’s now available for less than £50.

Some of the best artificial Christmas trees I've seen this year have in fact been twig trees, from the John Lewis Christmas shop opening where I got to see the retailer's indoor/outdoor pre-lit twig tree IRL to perusing Next's website and stumbling across the brand's twig Christmas tree which comes in a black, more traditionally shaped version or a gold one as well.

But while those two twig trees in particular are beautiful and stylish, Amazon’s take on the Christmas tree trend is chic while also being budget-friendly. And it’s popular with customers as over 50 have been sold in the space of a month and boasting over 400 five-star reviews already.

One existing customer wrote, 'This gorgeous tree is replacing a traditional Christmas tree this year and it’s fitted the bill perfectly now it’s got its baubles on. Spent 30 minutes fiddling with the branches to make it look full but it was worth it.'

Last year, the twig Christmas tree trend was already rising in popularity, especially thanks to the incredibly well priced Aldi twig tree. But I predict that this year, this Scandinavian look will be more sought after as I’ve already been seeing it popping up all over.

Why should you invest in the Amazon twig tree?

Apart from the aesthetic benefits, twig trees in general are also perfect for small rooms due to their space-saving design.

But when it comes to this particular twig tree, many customers praise it because it can be used as year-long decor due to the birch tree style.

It’s also a pre-lit tree, equipped with 160 LED lights and eight different light settings. And it features a smart feature of staying on for eight hours a day and then automatically switching itself off for the next 16 hours to make your life easier.

And I think we can all use a little bit of that, especially during the festive season.

As Ideal Home’s resident vacuum expert, I’ve tested a wide range of vacuum cleaners - from affordable models to pricier alternatives. And it’s fair to say that Dyson vacuum cleaners are always on the more expensive end of the spectrum. But right now, you can bag a bestselling Dyson vacuum cleaner for just £249.99 on Amazon.

Yep, the best Dyson vacuum cleaners are famous for their high quality, high performance, and high price tags. But in one of the best Amazon Prime Day deals I’ve seen so far, the Dyson V8 Absolute has been slashed to a fraction of its RRP. And if I didn’t already own one myself, I’d be snapping it up immediately.

Generally, you should expect to pay around £500-£800 for a good-quality Dyson vacuum cleaner. In fact, the newest model - the Dyson V16 Piston Animal - comes in at around £750. And while I’ve long been a fan of the brand, I’m also someone who likes to get more bang for my buck. That’s why I’ve always got my nose to the ground, sniffing out the best deals. Just like this one.

And despite being one of Dyson’s oldest cordless vacuum cleaners, the Dyson V8 has long been one of the brand’s bestsellers. In fact, it’s been so popular that it’s recently been given an upgrade in the form of the Dyson V8 Cyclone.

But while there’s a new-and-improved model on the scene, the Dyson V8 Absolute is still one of my favourite vacuum cleaners I’ve ever tested - boasting up to 40 minutes of fade-free power, a 0.54L dust bin, and the ability to transform into a practical handheld. Plus, it comes complete with a few tools to clean every nook and cranny of your home.

Of course, it’s not as powerful as most of the other Dyson vacuum cleaners out there, and it’s definitely on the more basic side of vacuum technology. But for everyday cleaning in the average UK home, I really do think it offers everything you’ll need.

I even tested it in the home I share with my shedding cocker spaniel, and found that it picked up way more embedded dust and hair than I anticipated!

The only thing that might irritate customers is that it has a trigger power button, rather than a straight on/off switch. This can quickly tire out your fingers if you have a big house to clean, but there is a hack to fix this using this AIEVE Trigger Lock for Dyson Vacuum Cleaner, which is just £4.24 at Amazon.

Alternative Amazon Prime Day vacuum deals

Will you be snapping up this Dyson vacuum deal?

Ninja's ever-popular espresso machine is available in a brand new colour, Gun Metal Grey. Available as an Amazon exclusive for the time being for £532.35, this new version is great for those looking for a more understated colour as opposed to stainless steel. Or, if you're looking for the Luxe Café on sale, you can pick it up for the bargain price of £449.00 in Black.

I awarded this machine an easy five stars in my Ninja Luxe Café review, as well as crowning it the best coffee machine for most people thanks to its user friendly features and value for money (considering the much higher price of rivals like the Sage Barista Express Impress). One of my only gripes was with the stainless steel finish, which is a magnet for fingerprint marks. If you'd like to avoid that conundrum, this new understated colour might just be the one for you.

Ninja has already released a host of other colours for the Luxe Café this year, including Navy and Black, but this looks like the first Amazon exclusive of the year for this product though I'm sure there will be more to come on Black Friday.

One of the things I wish I knew before I got my hands on this machine was just how easy it is to use – if you do decide to spend the cash, you'll be making barista-worthy brews in no time. Or if the Luxe Café is still too pricey for you, I've included some cosy at-home café alternatives below.

You don't have to take just my word for it either – this machine has an impressive 4.4 out of five star rating from 224 reviews at present on Amazon itself. Have you been mulling over buying the Luxe Café?

As Ideal Home’s vacuum expert, I know first-hand just how pricey a good vacuum cleaner can be. That’s why Amazon Prime Day (or Amazon’s Big Deal Days, as it’s been coined) is my favourite time of the year, as bagging an impressive vacuum cleaner deal is always a sure thing. My must-have deal this year? It’s got to be the Shark Stratos Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner Pet Pro, which has been reduced from £479.99 to £279.

Taking one of the top spots in my best vacuum cleaner guide, the Shark Stratos is a bestseller for a reason. However, Amazon’s Big Deal Days event end at 23:59 on 8 October, and I have no doubts that this particular deal is going to be very popular. So, you’ll have to act fast if you want to snap it up.

The Shark Stratos really is the vacuum that does it all and arguably one of the best Shark vacuums you can buy today. Not only has it been crowned the ‘best for everyday’ vacuum cleaner that I and the Ideal Home team have ever tested, but I’ve officially named it the number one cordless vacuum cleaner in our guide.

And while it may be one of Shark’s oldest cordless stick vacuums, it’s the kind of model that doesn’t need any upgrades or changes, as it’s that good. In fact, this particular model has two batteries, which means you can enjoy up to 120 minutes of fade-free suction, and it offers Shark’s best-ever hair pick-up thanks to its anti-hair wrap technology.

We gave it a glowing 5-star review for those exact reasons, as well as its impressive suction power that seriously won over our expert tester, Molly.

She raved, ‘Though it's slim and lightweight, as soon as you hit the power button on the handle, you feel this vacuum roar into life. Using it in stick mode on carpet initially, I was impressed by the visible lines this left, where it had really gotten into the depths of the fabric and pulled up dirt.’

And while this particular model - coupled with the impressive Amazon Prime Day discount - will undoubtedly suit any home, there’s no denying that it’s an absolute steal for pet parents.

That’s because the Shark Stratos IZ420UKT is designed to be a pet model, coming complete with a motorised pet tool, anti-allergen brush, crevice tool and multi-surface tool to help you vacuum pet hair and clean those smaller nooks and crannies in your home. Plus, it comes with a handy bag to keep the extra tools safe.

It also features impressive anti-odour cartridges that can protect against dust bin odours and leave your home smelling extra fresh while you’re cleaning. The Clean Sense IQ technology also senses the dirt in your home and automatically adjusts its cleaning power to leave both your carpets and hard floors spotless.

All in all, it’s a solid vacuum that I believe is well worth the investment at full price. So, the fact that it’s discounted by almost 40% right now is a huge perk on top of an already great deal.

However, it's worth noting that while many deals over the next couple of days will be available to non-Prime customers, you’ll need to be an Amazon Prime member to snap up the best of the best Big Deal Days deals.

You can sign up here if you’re not already a member, and you can even sign up for a free 30-day trial, so you don’t technically need to continue being a member once the deals event is over (as long as you haven’t previously used the free trial). Just don’t tell Amazon I said that…

And if this Shark vacuum deal isn’t quite what you’re after, there are so many other discounted vacuums on Amazon right now. Below are some of my favourites.

Alternative Amazon Prime Big Deal Days vacuum deals

Remember, Amazon Prime's Big Deals Day ends on the 8th October, so you'll need to be quick if you want to snap up one of these deals!

Breville's brand-new slimline espresso machine is currently on sale, taking it from £239.99 down to £169.99 on Amazon. With that 25% discount on this already relatively affordable coffee machine, this is without a doubt the Amazon Prime Day deal I'm recommending to those looking to hone their home barista skills.

I previewed this machine along with the other two released in the same collection in my first look piece earlier this month, but the Slimline model was a real standout for those with cosier kitchens. Taking up just 35cm across on a worktop, this is the perfect machine for a corner kitchen space. Here's a full look at this limited-time deal.

While the best bean to cup coffee machines are probably the most popular type of product out there right now, getting hold of an espresso machine remains a much cheaper option. So if you're not sure if you want to invest in something as expensive as the Ninja Luxe Café yet, this Breville machine is a great place to find your feet.

You'll either need to buy ground coffee or pair this Slimline model with a grinder if you want to use beans. A big selling point with this machine is the built-in manual milk frother which you can use (with a bit of practice) to serve up lattes and cappuccinos at home in your own kitchen café.

Compared to rival machines, like the Sage Bambino (£399 at Amazon), this Breville model is a bargain price for £169.99 and already has a host of excellent reviews from users. With a 4.4-star rating out of five earned from 102 reviews so far, one user describing it as 'sturdy and robust' while being 'sleek and beautiful to look at'.

While we haven't tested this particular machine yet here at Ideal Home, we have tested a more expensive model in the same series – the Breville Barista Signature, which earned 4.5 stars in our review. Saying it was easy to use and boasted great customisable settings, it's fair to say that Breville bring quality with their at-home espresso machines.

Could this Slimline version take your fancy this Prime Day?

Although Amazon Prime Day (or 'Prime Big Deals Day' as it’s being called this year) doesn’t officially kick off until the 7th of October, I wouldn’t be doing my job properly if I wasn’t keeping my eyes peeled for early Amazon Prime Day deals. And thanks to my super sleuthing, I’ve found that my favourite condensation-busting appliance is currently on sale for a bargain price.

Yep, as the colder weather has brought a whole load of condensation into my home, I’ve started relying on my Kärcher window vacuum more than ever. And while its regular £109.99 price point could be a bitter pill to swallow for some people, I’ve spotted the Kärcher Window Vac WV 6 Plus on sale for just £69.99 in the Amazon Prime Day sale. But it's not the only model that's had its price slashed, so if you have a smaller budget and need to get rid of condensation on your windows, keep reading.

Condensation has always been a huge problem in my house. It’s old, the ventilation could be a lot better, and we definitely need to upgrade our insulation. And while there are so many ways to prevent condensation on windows, it’s virtually impossible to stop the build-up completely. So, I prevent damp in my Victorian home by wiping my windows every single day - and I use the Kärcher Window Vac WV 6 Plus to do just that.

Offering 100 minutes of run time, this game-changing appliance also comes with a wide nozzle that sucks up the condensation on windows in seconds. Plus, it’ll suck up any loosened dirt to prevent the build-up of mould or grime.

As I’m short and have double-hung windows that I can’t reach, I also love using the Kärcher Window Vacuum Extension Set (was £44.99, now £35.95 at Amazon) to make sure I can wipe the condensation off every inch of my windows.

But what makes the Kärcher window vacuum my favourite appliance is that it’s not just an autumn or winter appliance. I use mine all year round as it’s also one of the best window cleaning tools out there - especially the model I have.

That’s because it also comes with a window cleaner concentrate solution, a spray bottle with an indoor cleaning pad and a small suction nozzle for those smaller areas. In fact, there’s nothing it doesn’t have, and I even use it to clean my shower screen and de-mist my bathroom mirror.

I’m not the only one who loves a window vacuum, though. Almost every member of the Ideal Home has one that they use every single year without fail, with most of us opting for a Kärcher model as they’re generally considered the best in the business. The reviews don’t lie, either.

At the time of writing, the Kärcher Window Vac WV 6 Plus has over 4,300 reviews with an average star rating of 4.4 out of 5. In fact, 66% of those customers have given it a perfect score. And as someone who uses this game-changing appliance every single day, I don’t blame them.

However, if the 6 Plus model is still a little pricey for you, despite the early Amazon Prime Day discount, many of the older models have also had their prices slashed. You can find them below.

So, will you be picking up this early Amazon Prime Day deal? If you struggle with condensation on windows, you really won’t regret it!

Summer is prime time to be hot and stuffy - and I’m not just talking about the heat, either. But if you’re struggling with the impending heatwave and seasonal allergies, you’ll be happy to know that one of our top-rated solutions has been slashed by a whopping £200 in the Amazon Prime Day sale. Yep, say hello to your new summer saviour, the BLUEAIR ComfortPure T10i, now just £199 at Amazon.

Coupling one of the best fans with the best air purifiers, this 3-in-1 appliance is normally £399, which is admittedly a significant investment. But until midnight tonight, it’s cheaper than I’ve ever seen it, so you’ll have to act quickly if you want to snap it up.

As a growing trend in the cooling and home environment realm, air purifier fans are everywhere right now. We’ve also had the pleasure of testing the Blueair ComfortPure T10i, and can confidently say that - even at full price - it’s well worth the money. There’s no harm in getting a 50% discount, though, right?

After all, this appliance really does have it all. As the ‘most powerful triple function air purifier in the market,’ it’s primarily an air purifier, but the cooling function will also be a lifesaver during the heatwave as the ‘Cooling’ mode uses a dual jet stream to offer cold, purified air flow throughout the house.

Thanks to its sleek, compact design, it’s a whole lot smaller than even the best desk fans (and certainly the best portable air conditioners), which means it won’t take up too much space in your home either.

Plus, ranging from just 24-52dB, it’s also whisper-quiet, and our reviewer found that it mostly stayed within the 35.5dB mark in her house, which is about the same level as rustling noise. This means that you can keep a bedroom cool without it compromising on your sleep - which anyone who runs hot and struggles with hay fever will know is normally impossible in a heatwave.

Of course, I understand that this air purifier fan is still somewhat of an investment when you may have already bagged some Amazon Prime Day deals. But the fact that this air purifier can also double-up as one of the best heaters during the colder months is what makes this price even more enticing.

Instead of buying a fan that will take up storage space during the winter when it's not in use, you can continue using this appliance all year round. What a bargain.

You’ll need to be quick, though, as the Amazon Prime Day sale ends at midnight on the 11th July. And there’s no telling when it will be this cheap again.

This weekend is going to be HOT, so make sure you take advantage of these Amazon Prime Day deals before it's too late!

I've been on the hunt to find the perfect iced coffee cup this summer, because there's no way you'll catch me having my morning latte hot in this heat. In this search, I've pinned down a couple of personal non negotiable criteria.

The first is my pick of the best coffee machines on hand to make the coffee (obviously), but the second is a cup that's insulated properly, so that I don't end with a watery mess. A straw is also a feature I'm looking for, so I can sip along as I sit at my desk.

That's why this bottlebottle iced coffee cup (currently on sale on Amazon for £7.59 down from £9.99) is ticking all of my boxes. Plus, it's a dead ringer for a frank green cup (£34.99 on Amazon) that I've been hovering over clicking 'checkout' on for weeks now. Here's how the two measure up.

You can pick up the bottle bottle cup in two different sizes: 500 and 800ml, while the frank green version is smaller at 425ml. Both feature metal straws, which you can use time and time again, but the Amazon alternative here can also be used as a water bottle thanks to its size.

One of the iced coffee mistakes I've been trying to avoid is investing in cups without dual-wall insulation. As much as I love my on-trend pistachio cooler from Nespresso, the plastic does sweat a fair bit in the heat.

Both of these cups have double walls, so the iced cubes inside won't be melting in a hurry. The frank green version is also ceramic lined, which should help with heat distribution too.

I haven't made any Amazon Prime Day purchases yet, but this coffee cup is the thing I'm going to invest in before deals end at midnight. Given how many iced coffees I'm getting through a day in this heatwave, it seems like an investment that will quickly pay for itself. Are you looking to shop any deals to improve your coffee set-up?

As Ideal Home’s resident vacuum expert, you’d think I’d be all over robot vacuums. And I am. However, I’ve always struggled with the high price tags attached to these hands-free appliances. So, imagine my surprise when I spotted that the price of the already-pretty-affordable Eufy G50 Robot Vacuum Cleaner has been slashed from £199.99 to just £99 on Amazon.

I’ve tested some of the best vacuum cleaners on the market, and while there are some amazing Amazon Prime Day deals to be had on my top-rated models right now, this robot vacuum cleaner deal has got me the most excited. In fact, the bargain price coupled with the fact that this model is Amazon’s #1 bestseller has finally convinced me to invest in my first robot vacuum cleaner.

Featuring 4,000 Pa of strong suction (for reference, 2,000-3,000 Pa is usually sufficient for general, everyday cleaning), 120-minute run time, a large 600ml dust bin, active detangling roller brush (which is perfect if you regularly need to vacuum pet hair), and bluetooth connection, this bargain robot vacuum offers a lot for a very affordable price.

It also runs at just 55dB, so you can even have it running at night without it compromising your sleep. And what could be better than waking up to squeaky, crumb-free floors?!

But it’s the price of the Eufy G50 Robot Vacuum that has really won me over. For a big-name robot vacuum brand like Eufy or Roomba, you’d typically expect to spend upwards of £500 (and sometimes over £1,000) to welcome one into your home - and that’s not something I’ve previously been willing to spend. And while the G50 is relatively affordable at full price anyway, the current £99 price tag for Amazon Prime Day is hard to ignore.

The reviews speak for themselves, too. At the time of writing, the Eufy G50 Robot Vacuum is the #1 bestseller in the robot vacuum category and has racked up an impressive 4.4-star rating with almost 10,000 reviews. One happy customer even calls it an ‘efficient workhorse’ while another who has already purchased one during the Amazon Prime Day event said, ‘For £99 I think it's a bargain. Will probably get another one for upstairs.’

On that note, however, it’s important to note that this £99 robot vacuum won’t stay this price forever. With the Amazon Prime Day deals set to end at midnight on the 11th July, you don’t have long to snap up this deal. So, grab it while you can!

Alternatively, if this isn’t quite the right robot vacuum for you, these are a few alternatives in the Amazon Prime Day sale I’d suggest instead.

If you've been waiting to bag the best Amazon Prime Day deals, stop looking! I've found it... and I'll definitely be adding this robot vacuum to my basket.

This week it’s been almost impossible to avoid the Amazon Prime Day Sale, but I’m here to tell you I’ve found better deals for cult brands such as Ninja, Nespresso and Le Crueset in the QVC sale.

While it’s true the Amazon Prime Day Sale has some incredible deals (and you should definitely check it out), QVC is an underrated brand that you’d be foolish to ignore.

Now until 11 July, QVC is having a huge sale that rivals Amazon, even beating the retail giant on price in many cases. These are my top picks from the QVC sale, featuring some Ideal Home’s best-rated brands - and guess what, they’re even cheaper than on Amazon!

We all love a bargain but this sale won't last forever. So, If something has caught your eye in the QVC sale snap it up now before it goes.

Four years ago in the midst of another heatwave, I took the plunge and decided to go all in on a Duux Whisper fan, and it was the best decision I ever made. So when I spotted that the updated version - the Duux Whisper Flex Ultimate Smart Portable Fan - had been dropped down to £174 on Amazon, I knew I had to shout about it.

Amazon Prime Day is one of the best times to pick up a deal on electronic appliances, but this deal in the midst of a summer heatwave is quite rare. There were almost no fans on sale during last summer's Prime Day event, so I was surprised to find the upgraded version of one of the best fans I've ever used reduced.

Like most people, four years ago I dreamed of owning a Dyson fan to replace my cheap and noisy one that rattled away on my bedside table. However, unable to afford even the cheapest Dyson fan, I settled for one that was half the price but equally well recommended: the Duux Whisper Flex.

The Duux fan, while a budget alternative to the Dyson, was still an investment for me, but the girl math added up (and paid off). I've used it every summer and been so impressed by it that I've never been tempted to invest in a Dyson again.

The biggest plus point of the Duux fan is that it's almost silent. It is one of the quietest fans we've tested at Ideal Home, only topped by the latest model that is currently on sale, the Duux Whisper Flex Ultimate Fan.

It's so quiet at the lowest settings that I've accidentally left it on a couple of times without realising it. It has an impressive 26 speed settings, but even at the higher settings, it's still almost impossible to hear.

One of my favourite features is the natural breeze mode, which varies the speed to mimic a cool breeze. It's the perfect relief on a hot evening. There is even a night setting to dim the screen, and a timer to automatically switch the fan off, so you can drift off easily if you're using it to cool a bedroom.

While the fan comes with a remote control, it can also be used via the app on your phone. I did have some difficulty setting this up, which is my only gripe with this fan. However, once it was up and working, I could turn it on and off with voice control via my Google Assistant.

While I do love the sleek design of the Whisper Flex, if it's a bladed fan, it does pick up alot of dust. It is also a faff to clean compared to a bladeless fan, so if you have allergies, you'll need to consider whether a bladed or bladeless fan is right for you.

If you're in the market for a new and quiet fan, I wouldn't pass this opportunity up.

As a friend recently said to me, 'summer is great, until you have kids'... Personally, I feel she was forgetting about the fact that, as a parent, you're perfectly entitled to blow up a paddling pool on a hot day and lounge in it to your heart's content without any judgment. But I see her point.

Become a parent, and those long, hot summer days suddenly mean overheated children waking up at 4 am when the dawn light first enters their bedrooms, and then trying to convince your child it really *is* bedtime despite the fact it's still bright daylight at 8pm.

That's exactly why I've been recommending the Tommee Tippee blackout blind to every parent I know ever since I first tested it. And right now, the Tommee Tippee blackout blind is on sale at Amazon for just £16.95.

This portable blackout blind is one of the only blackout blinds I've tested that truly blocks out majority of the light, requires no tools to install, leaves no marks or residue when you take it down, and you can easily fold it up and move it to any room, or take it on holiday with you.

It's a game-changer if you want to create a darker bedroom in the summer, and it can help you to keep a bedroom cooler – which is exactly what we all want with another heatwave touching down.

As someone who doesn't have children and still swears by suctioning this blind to my bedroom window from May to September, I also recommend it to everyone I know who *doesn't* have kids, too.

Admittedly, it's a shame there's only one design, and that features a not-entirely-grown-up moon, star, and owl print (more plain colourways please, Tommee Tippee!). But, as someone with an east-facing bedroom that gets the full sun as soon as it rises in the summer, this has been the only blackout blind I've found that properly blocks out light in my bedroom.

I've tried normal roller blackout blinds and light still seeps around the edges, the same with blackout curtains. In fact, I currently have *two* blinds up in my bedroom window. Dunelm's Blackout Roller Blind and then a fabric Roman blind that snuggly fits the window recess in front. But, as you can see, light still creeps in.

The Tommee Tippee blind is different because it uses suction cups to stick directly to the glass window. That means it fits snugly against the window, and very little light gets around the edges. I use it under my roller blind, as a first line of defence against the light, and it's made a huge difference to the darkness levels from the instant I put it up.

I was also surprised by just how much cooler it makes my hot dormer bedroom. If you want to keep a room as cool as possible, keeping blinds and curtains closed during the day is the best approach, but being able to truly block out that light and heat has made a big difference in keeping the top floor of my house cooler in the summer.

Below is the same window with the Tommee Tippee blind stuck to the glass window behind.

This portable blind comes in two sizes. I opted for the larger version, which turned out to be WAY too big for my window, but you can adjust the size of the blind thanks to velcro strips that allow you to concertina the blind and make it smaller.

That means I can move it around the house to different-sized windows, and it makes it ideal if you want a blackout solution you can take on holiday to help your kids (or you) sleep better at night.

It folds down very small, and there's also a handy storage bag included, which is great for travelling. Plus, its robust PVC design doesn't mind being scrunched up or bunged in the car – and speaking of cars, it's also useful for attaching to the inside of a car window to block out the sun so your kids don't get too hot in the backseat. (As long as it doesn't block your vision, of course).

Unlike something like Dunelm's £5 temporary blackout blind – which is ingenious and *super* affordable – but can leave behind a residue that isn't ideal if you're Airbnbing it, the suction cups on the Tommee Tippee blind are super easy to de-suction in the morning, and leave no residue a quick wipe down of the window can't remove.

It also makes this blind a great solution for those of us who rent, or novice DIYers who don't have the drilling skills to install something like an encased blackout blind.

And it seems I'm not alone in thinking this blind is a discovery *well* worth its affordable price tag. The number of five-star reviews this blind has amassed speak for themselves.

'A must-have for the summer!', says one 5-star reviewer on Amazon. 'As much as we enjoy waking up to sunshine, we found that our son was waking up very early, due to the sunlight coming through the blinds. Thanks to these, our sleep has massively improved, and they are super easy to stick to the windows and then remove in the morning! Great purchase!'

'I’ve now ordered 2 of these due to how well they work and how easy they are to use around the house,' shares another 5-star reviewer. 'Have recommended these to so many people as such good quality for money.'

And I'm not the only one who is embracing this blind without children. 'Excellent if you need a dark room for sleep,' says a third 5-star reviewer. 'I don't have a baby or a small child, but I do have sleep issues, so I need a dark room. This suction cup blackout blind is brilliant.'

All in all, I think the Tommee Tippee blackout blind is one Amazon Prime Day purchase *everyone* should make.

If you haven’t noticed, it’s hot outside. And inside, for most of us. And that means that all things cooling-related are selling out faster than you can eat a Mr Whippy ice cream.

Yep, if the heatwave has driven you to search for one of the best portable air conditioners or the best cooling fans recently, you may have discovered that stock is *very* hard to come by. In fact, in the case of air con, it’s virtually impossible to find in-stock models this summer.

However, in the process of scouring Amazon for the best Amazon Prime Day deals, I’ve just found a ‘hidden’ stash of cooling products, and even better, many of the options are currently on sale.

Yes, I stumbled across BLACK+DECKER's Amazon storefront, and lo and behold, there is a virtual treasure trove of fans, air coolers, and even – cue jaw drop – in-stock portable air conditioners on sale.

If you’re looking to bag yourself some cool, fresh air, then I recommend shopping before these too sell out. (Especially now I’ve spilled the beans to the world). At Ideal Home, we’ve been tracking in-stock air conditioners all this week, and you better believe they’re a rare sighting.

Plus, if customer reviews are anything to go by, these cooling devices deliver. Average reviews are around the 4-star mark, which seems in keeping with the fact that these perhaps aren't top-of-the-range machines, like the MeacoCool MC Series Air Conditioners, but instead mid-range products that offer decent overall performance.

'Very impressed,' says one reviewer of the BLACK+DECKER 12,000 BTU Portable 3-in-1 Air Conditioner. 'This unit is not quiet, but very few portable ACs are unless you’re buying into the expensive price range. Within 20 minutes, the room went from 25°C to 21°C, which is a noticeable difference. After no more than an hour, we were down to 17°C.'

'A bit loud, but for the power it’s completely fine,' says a reviewer of the BLACK+DECKER 2-in-1 High Velocity Circulator Fan. 'Remote works well too. Glad that I’ll be cool in my room all summer.' 'Brilliantly powerful floor fan,' shares another reviewer. 'After 20 mins of having it on, my entire room was cool. Brilliant size for a brilliant price. Doesn’t look cheap and easy to pick up and move about if needed.'

Stock levels do keep fluctuating, so check the main BLACK+DECKER Amazon storefront to see what’s still in stock when you come to shop, but these are three of my top picks.

Best BLACK+DECKER cooling deals

If you're struggling with the heat and looking for ways to cool down a bedroom or living room, fast. These in-stock products could just help you to beat the heat.

If your kids wake up drenched in sweat on summer nights, you’ll know how hard it is to keep them cool and sleeping.

As a mum of three, I know that getting kids to sleep in a heatwave is no mean feat. It’s not just roastingly hot in their bedrooms (unless you have one of the best fans on the market or are lucky enough to have an air conditioning unit), but it’s also so bright at bedtime. Those long summer days can feel brutal when you’re a parent – trust me, I’ve been there.

However, after testing dozens of duvets as both a mum and a sleep reviewer, I’ve finally found one that actually keeps my kids cool – and the good news is the Slumberdown Climate Control Duvet is currently on sale for under £17 at Amazon.

Why are kids more liable to overheat while they sleep? Because young children haven’t yet fully developed their thermoregulating systems, which means their core temperature is less stable than that of an adult’s.

Kids also spend longer in deep sleep (aka slow-wave sleep) – the lucky things. This deep sleep is crucial for physical recovery and growth, but during slow-wave sleep the body is less able to regulate temperature. And voila – a heady cocktail of ingredients that produce sweaty children.

Enter Slumberdown’s Climate Control duvet. I wasn’t expecting a synthetic duvet to be a sweaty-night saviour – I usually favour natural fibres like wool or silk as the best duvet for hot sleepers – but this one surprised me.

It's filled with Dacron hollowfibre, which has a hollow structure that provides airflow and insulation. This makes it feel warm without overheating the sleeper.

It comes in a range of togs, but I went for the coolest 4.5 tog version for summer. My kids liked that it felt light and breathable, without that clingy, sweaty feeling you get from some synthetic duvets, and it kept them cool through even the hottest nights.

The fact it's so easy to care for is another huge bonus for parents and allergy sufferers. One of my children suffers from various allergies, and bedding can exacerbate their allergy symptoms. So I was happy to note that this duvet can be washed at 40ºC to blitz allergens, and it can even be chucked in the tumble dryer.

This might also be a relief to those parents who are still in the trenches with kids who have nighttime accidents.

For those of us who are concerned with beds looking inviting, thin duvets can often fall a little flat; many low-tog duvets just don’t look inviting. So I was also impressed with how much this Slumberdown Climate Control duvet fluffed up and held its shape – even when my sons decided to pummel this duvet during a particularly active session of den building.

Plus, the Slumberdown Climate Control Duvet isn’t just a great kids’ duvet – it’s also ideal for guest rooms, uni halls, even camping – and with sizes from single to superking, you can kit out the whole family without spending a fortune.

For under £20, I think this is a small price to pay for cooler, calmer nights – and fewer complaints about bedtime when it feels like a sauna in their bedroom.

If you're fed up with waiting for your oven to preheat for family dinners, or maybe you're really starting to get annoyed with playing Tetris with your oven trays to fit everything into your single oven, then I've found the best air fryer for you.

Yep, I've been testing Salter's newest air fryer, which is currently on sale for £99.99 down from £119.99 on Amazon, which is a unique design in more ways than one. It's a dual air fryer, which means it has two cooking zones, but these cooking baskets are stacked atop one another, using otherwise empty vertical space instead of extra countertop space.

This slim design makes this air fryer perfect for smaller, busier kitchens. Plus, each basket is fitted with a rack to double the cooking area it can offer, meaning you can cook four different types of foods at any one time. Game. Changer.

In a nutshell

A great air fryer for families, thanks to its four tiers and 9L of usable cooking space, this air fryer even has 12 pre-programmed settings to make cooking simple.

Featured among these programs is everything from a chips mode to pork, fish, pizza, and even baking for cakes and cookies. You can match the drawers to cook at the same time and temperature, or you can sync them for when you're cooking different foods but want them to be ready at the same time.

As far as design goes, it's perfect for smaller kitchens with minimal worktop space to offer an air fryer. Its baskets sit atop one another so as not to be too wide, while each basket also has a window and a built-in light so that you can check on your food with ease. It's super easy to use with a touchscreen to the right of the baskets, and at the top of the machine, you'll find a sticker which explains all of the programmes.

For the price tag, it's a total bargain. You get so much extra cooking space thanks to its steel racks, and it's fully dishwasher-safe for convenience. In comparison with other air fryers that are similar to this one in design and cooking space, its price tag is very reasonable. While cooking, I loved that it didn't need preheating, but did notice that foods placed towards the back of each basket didn't crisp up as well.

So, you need to ensure that you are flipping or shaking your food while they are cooking. And no, there isn't an alert to tell you to turn your food, unfortunately.

Product specs

• Type: Dual zone
• Dimensions: L32cm x D42cm x H38cm 
• Cooking area: 20cm x 20cm (x4 as there are 4 levels)
• Weight: 8kg
• Maximum temperature: 220°C
• Cooking modes: 12
• Power: 2400W
• Size: 9L
• Colour: Black, White
• Material: Plastic

Who tested this air fryer?

Unboxing

This air fryer arrived in a large box, which was admittedly heavy. I managed to lift it onto my countertop alone, but getting it out of the box proved difficult. I could have done with an extra hand — one person to hold the box and the other to yank the air fryer out, as it's quite sizeable and packaged rather tightly.

The air fryer was well-protected thanks to cardboard inserts. The one thing I disliked: everything was wrapped in plastic. The main unit itself and even then, its screen and the top of the air fryer had sticky plastic over them. Its cord was wrapped in plastic and both of the air fryer trays. A little bit excessive, IMO. This plastic wrap is recyclable, depending on your local council, that is.

The only thing that was eco-consciously protected was the plug itself — instead of a plastic cover over the prongs, it was cardboard. Inside the baskets also sat cardboard inserts, and the tape was paper, too.

Once I'd unwrapped everything, I had a quick glance over the manual. To my surprise, it didn't have any instructions on preparing the air fryer for cooking. And it had a very chemical odour to it. So, I took things into my own hands and decided to wash all of its parts — both baskets, both trays and both racks.

While testing other air fryers, it's usually in the manual to preheat them ahead of cooking, to burn the chemical odours away. This one didn't mention anything in the instructions, but I decided to do it as I couldn't get over the smell. I set it on the chip setting — 220°C— but it kept setting the fire alarm off in my hallway, so I had to stop it.

I let the air fryer cool down and then popped it on at a lower temperature, 180°C, for 10 mins, and afterwards the smell had pretty much gone.

Testing

This air fryer might look difficult to use, but really, it's anything but. It has stickers on the top of it which explain all of its programs. To turn it on, you need only press the power button on the screen to the right of the unit.

Once turned on, the screen flashes with a number 1 and 2. These correlate to the basket, 1 being the top basket and 2 being the bottom. Whatever one you press, you're turning on that basket. If you press both numbers, they turn blue and both baskets will turn on.

The light in the basket(s) you want to use will turn on, and then you need to use the dial to scroll through the settings. Press the dial when you're at the setting you want. You'll be able to see the temperature and minutes, and when you're ready, you can press the pause/play button. You'll hear the air fryer turn on, so you know it's cooking.

To switch between the settings for the baskets, just press each number. There are two more buttons, one of which is called 'Sync Finish', which means that the air fryer will cook both baskets, so that even if they need to cook for a different amount of time, they will be ready together. The 'Match Cook' button will match the baskets so they will both cook at the same time and temperature.

If you don't want to cook using one of the pre-set programmes, you can change the temperature and time by touching the corresponding words on the screen and using the dial.

This air fryer doesn't need preheating, which is also a game-changer. So, you need to put your food in before you press the go button.

It's definitely not as quiet as the air fryer I tested before this one (the Instant Vortex Compact) and but it still isn't loud. On my dB monitor, I measured a reading of 58-59dB while one basket was in use. While two baskets were used, I recorded the same reading.

Do note that this air fryer doesn't have an alert to tell you when to turn foods. Other air fryers I've tested do have this, which I have found handy.

Cooking chips
I used this air fryer to cook homemade chips and oven chips. First up: homemade. I chopped potatoes, tossed them in a little oil and selected the fries setting on the machine, which cooks at 220°C for 20 minutes.

I noticed quite quickly that the back of the air fryer seems to be a little colder than the front of the basket, near the handle. You can see this in the photo below of the chips, as the ones placed at the back are cooked, but aren't as crispy as the ones sitting towards the front.

This just shows how important it is to shake and turn your foods while cooking to ensure they are cooked evenly. And especially when using this air fryer.

Homemade chips cooked well within the 20-minute time frame. I cooked two batches, and they were both ready between 15-18 minutes. This will hugely depend on how many chips you're cooking at a time, as well as how thick you've cut your chips.

After the first batch of chips was ready, I needed to keep them warm while waiting for the rest of my food to cook. So, I tested the 'Keep Warm' setting. This sets the air fryer to 50°C for 30 minutes max. I left them for 6 minutes and they were still warm. I took a before-and-after photo to check if they had cooked any more, and they definitely hadn't, so I was impressed.

With my oven chips, I used the same setting. I checked on them before the 20-minute mark, at about 14 minutes, and they were ready! So speedy.

Although not strictly chips, we also used this air fryer for homemade potato rostis. Grated potato, an egg and a load of seasoning moulded into patties, we cooked these on the chips setting and they came out great. A little crispy on top, but perfect in the middle and so easy!

Cooking bacon
The pre-set program for pork says to cook it at 200°C for 18 minutes. However, the packet of my bacon said 200°C for 6 minutes. I managed to fit 6 rashers in one basket — three on the bottom, lying on the tray, and 3 more above, sitting on the rack.

I cooked according to my packet instructions, and at 6 minutes, they did need a little more time (as you can see in the photo below). So, I popped them back on at 200°C for another 3 minutes and they were perfect.

Cooking frozen foods
As well as the frozen chips, I cooked fish fingers and fish cakes in this air fryer. My fish fingers didn't have air fryer instructions, but the fish cakes did, handily enough.

I cooked the fish fingers at 200°C for 8 minutes, checked them and flipped them and then cooked them for 4 more minutes, and they were nice and crispy. You could fit plenty of fish fingers in one basket, I'd say 10 or more, if need be.

I managed to cook all 4 fish cakes at one time, using both drawers. I really could have fit them all in one, to be honest. I just didn't want to because two were salmon and the other two were cod. These had air fryer instructions of 200°C for 18 minutes. They were perfectly cooked after this time.

I also cooked some lamb steaks in this air fryer, which, handily enough, had air fryer cooking instructions on the back of the packet. These instructions said 200°C for 5-10 minutes. We did flip them after 5 minutes, and after around 3 minutes, we felt confident that they were fully cooked. They tasted great, and the cleanup was so simple, as both steaks fit in one basket with one sitting on the rack.

Cleaning

This air fryer is very easy to clean, thanks to the fact that both of its baskets and trays are dishwasher-safe. It also has a non-stick coating that's PFAS-free.

Just one thing to note is that the racks and trays stay hot for a good while after cooking, so to speed up cooling time, you might want to crack open each basket.

I washed the baskets by hand and in the dishwasher. They washed up well by hand, but the trays were a little more difficult to scrub clean of grease and oil.

They also cleaned well in my dishwasher, but they are large and my dishwasher is slimline, so I couldn't fit both baskets in there at the same time. I just about managed to squeeze one and a tray. I didn't put the racks in there as I didn't have the space.

Going forward, I'll wash the baskets and racks by hand but pop the trays in my dishwasher as these take up less space but are the hardest to clean, in my opinion.

How does it compare to similar models and its predecessors?

Salter sells a huge range of air fryers, big and small. The VertiCook is among the newest released air fryers in their range, and it retails for £119.99 on their website.

Among the largest of the air fryers you can buy from Salter is the Salter XL Air Fryer Oven, which is only £129.99 and is a whopping 15L. We've tested it in our review, but the TLDR is it also offers multi-level cooking, but instead of drawers, it has doors. This makes it slightly trickier to clean, but its accessories are dishwasher-safe. It has fewer pre-set programmes (6) and it offers Match Cook and Sync Finish.

Alternatively, the Salter Dual Sector Air Fryer is 9L and £132.99. Each drawer is a different size, one larger 5.5L and the other 3.5L. It has 8 preset programmes as well as Match Cook and Sync Finish. It isn't dishwasher safe.

Then there's the Salter Fuzion Dual Air Fryer, which is 8L and £139.99. It has Match Cook and Sync Finish. It offers one drawer with two handles but two cooking zones. This air fryer is not dishwasher safe.

The Salter XXL Hot Air Fryer is the same price as the VertiCook, but it's a little smaller at 8L. It has 8 pre-set programmes, but since it's not a dual air fryer, it doesn't have Match Cook and Sync Finish. It's not dishwasher safe.

In comparison with our top-rated air fryer, as per our Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer Air Fryer review, there's a huge price difference. The Salter VertiCook is a lot cheaper at £119 vs £269, but the VertiCook is smaller as this Ninja model is 10.4L in total.

Both have two drawers, while the Ninja offers 7 programmes and the Salter, 12. Both offer buttons to match the drawers for time and temp, and to sync them for cooking times so that all food is ready at the same time. To be honest, there's not much difference between these two air fryers other than their size, as the Ninja is larger in width and shorter in height, while the VertiCook is tall yet slim in width, so is perfect for smaller kitchens.

Should you buy the Salter VertiCook View Air Fryer?

I think the Salter VertiCook View is the air fryer for families and busy households who rely on their oven a lot more than they'd like to, and who also have minimal countertop space to offer an air fryer. Its stacked design means you can cook so much food without taking up lots of precious worktop space, while this clever design works to help crisp foods, as the removable racks mean you can cook protein sitting above things like homemade chips, meaning the fat drippings will add some natural crispiness.

Other than its size, this air fryer is also great because of its pre-set programmes that are so easy to use, and they take the guesswork out of cooking foods that don't have air fryer instructions. Better yet, you can even dehydrate foods and keep them warm, and there's a clever Sync Finish programme so that you can put your entire dinner in the two baskets and it will cook it all at different temperatures for different times, while ensuring it's done at the same time. If it's important that your air fryer has an alert to tell you to turn/flip your foods, then this might not be the choice for you, as it doesn't have this feature.

I'd probably avoid this air fryer if you're only cooking for one, as 9L of cooking space would be too much, unless you often use your air fryer to cook for several guests. It's very handy that you can put the baskets in a dishwasher, although they are sizable, so they might not fit in the same load (especially if yours is a slimline dishwasher).

Price-wise, it's a bargain considering it offers a lot of cooking space and programmes, plus it has windows and a built-in light in each cooking drawer so you can constantly see how your food is cooking, without having to let any heat out. Just note that each basket has a slight weak spot towards the back, meaning foods will still cook here, but they won't go as crispy. So be sure to flip and shake your foods while they are cooking.

A bean-to-cup coffee machine is the dream kitchen appliance for many. Understandably, given how capable a manual espresso machine is for brewing delectable coffee at home.

But if the dream of a bean-to-cup machine has always been unachievable because of very high prices, then I've found a hidden gem deal that might have you changing your mind. The Philips Barista Brew bean-to-cup machine, which is now £299.90, down from £529.99 at Amazon.

It's a machine I've recently tested too, so I can attest to its quality, both in terms of quality, design and the calibre of the coffee. Here's why it's one of the best bean-to-cup coffee machines to invest in for your kitchen while it's on offer for Amazon Prime Day.

The first thing to know about this machine is that it's manual, so you'll be grinding, tamping and pulling your espresso shot yourself. That's pretty different from automatic offerings on the market, including other machines from Philips like the LatteGo, which we've also reviewed.

Manual machines are great for allowing you to hone your coffee skills though, especially this one which has very helpful features built-in to guide you through the process, including an in-depth control panel and a very extensive manual.

This machine also boasts a fantastic integrated milk frothers, so once you've mastered your espresso you can get to work on picking up those essential latte art skills at home.

After testing it myself, I think this machine is the perfect entry level buy into the world of coffee. The grinder is really easy to use as a beginner and it has real countertop appeal too. Though I tried it in stainless steel, it's also available in Metal Black.

Another great thing about this machine is that it holds a really good amount of beans, so you don't have to refill the hopper every other time you go to use it. Cleaning is also really easy – all you need to do is pull out and clean the bottom tray in terms of daily maintenance.

I can safely say that this is the standout coffee machine deal I've seen this Amazon Prime Day - for under £300, it's a total steal given the overall quality. If you've been on the hunt for a bean-to-cup machine to get you into coffee at home, there's no better chance than this right now.

Amazon Prime Day is officially here which means the Ideal Home team has their heads down searching for the best deals for you to snap up, and this one is too good not to share. It’s always exciting when a cult product drops in price, but this time one of the hottest new floorcare appliances is already on sale - the Shark VacMop Cordless 2-in-1 Vacuum Mop is currently £59.99 and has gone straight in my shopping basket.

What makes this Amazon Prime Day deal so exciting is that these babies haven’t been on the market for long. In fact, our Floorcare Expert Lauren Bradbury only got a first look at this game-changing appliance last month, so for the Shark VacMop to already be on sale (down from £99 at 40% off) is very exciting.

Now, I’ve already added this VacMop to my basket, and I think you should too. Emerging as a key floorcare trend this year, vacuum mops combine the power of a vacuum cleaner with the precision of a mop to complete two cleaning jobs for the squeakiest, cleanest floors.

The Shark VacMop is ideal for small spaces, especially if you don’t have the storage space for both the best vacuums and the best mops. However, unlike a classic mop that can often push debris around your floor (if you’ve made the mopping mistake of not vacuuming first), this VacMop uses strong suction to lock away dry debris in a separate compartment. You can then use the spray mop function for wet messes and to mop every type of floor. It’s important to note you can’t mop and vacuum at the same time.

The Shark VacMop has no cords, just a charging cable for when it runs out of battery. It takes three and a half hours to fully charge and will last 13 minutes if you’re continuously vacuuming. When you’ve finished, simply take off the disposable pad and pop it in the bin. It may not sound like this VacMop lasts for long, but it’s been designed with small spaces and quick cleaning sessions in mind.

The Shark VacMop is available in three sleek colourways, lavender, charcoal grey and lime green. However, it is only the charcoal grey that is currently on sale. Alongside the appliance, you’ll also receive Shark’s floor cleaner and six disposable VacMop pads, which for £59.99 is a great deal.

When Ideal Home’s Floorcare Expert Lauren Bradbury tested the Shark VacMop, she was left thoroughly impressed. It’s hundreds of pounds cheaper than other vacuum mops (made even cheaper by the sale), lightweight, easy to use and store. Lauren even went on to say Shark were 'onto a winner’, stating it was a great device for a small home dweller.

However, if you don't manage to get your hands on the Shark VacMop, here a few more highly-rated Amazon buys.

I plan to join her by investing in this VacMop to keep my one-bed flat in top shape. It’s compact, lightweight and does the job well. What more could you want?

Let me tell you, there has never been a better summer to be testing out a frozen drinks maker at home. I've been able to turn any occasion into something a little sweeter with the Ninja Slushi, which is plenty expensive for £349.99 via Ninja, but also a very fun addition to my kitchen, as per my first try of it.

If you love the concept of a frozen drinks maker but would rather opt for something a little cheaper, then I've been testing a more affordable alternative to see how it measures up. The INOVIVIA 2.6L Slush Machine is currently on sale for £284.99 on Amazon and currently has a 4.7 star rating out of five from the existing user reviews. Plus, the smaller version is even cheaper, with the INOVIVA Slushie Machine for Home, 2.0L version now £265.99 down from £329.99 on Amazon.

Here's how I thought it measured up when I put it side by side with the Slushi.

My first impressions of the Inoviva machine were positive – though it has a larger capacity to the Ninja, it's about the same size on my kitchen worktop.

It also comes with the same helpful materials as the Slushi including a recipe booklet packed with recipes for frozen drinks. Like the Slushi it also comes covered in easy-to-peel off stickers which direct you how to set it up and first use it. Helpful for getting your first slush just right.

Side-by-side, you can see there's not much in it when it comes to the design of these machines. Apart from the square details of the Inoviva rather than the curves of the Slushi, they're practically identical.

Things that mark this machine as different from the Slushi include the child lock button and the touch screen over simple buttons on the Ninja. There were also more servings available from one mix, which is thanks to the increased capacity.

I began trying the Inoviva using a recipe from the guidebook, a raspberry lemonade. All it takes to operate one of these machines is to place the liquids inside and select your program - this time a 'Slushie' for me.

In just half an hour, my first frozen drink was ready with the machine beeping to let me know it was ready to dispense. The recipe was a winner and the result was perfect for a baking summer's day.

As far as capacity is concerned, I definitely got more out of the Inoviva than the Slushi and kept the machine running through the day, returning for top ups for my household.

I'm not really a fan of the childlock feature, which means you have to unlock the machine every time you want to use it, but for certain households this will likely be a benefit instead.

I also prefer the look of the Slushi, as well as the controls. Overall, though the difference between these products feels negligible and it's unlikely that either would live on a kitchen worktop full-time – most likely it'll be relegated to storage until you need to use it.

My biggest takeaway from testing both slushie machines is how much use I've actually got out of it. At first I was convinced an at-home frozen drinks maker was a gimmick that would never make it out of storage, but I've used it at least once a week for a good few months now. It's great value when hosting too.

Whether you opt for the Ninja Slushi or the Inoviva Slushie (!), I think this is (surprisingly) an appliance that has a lot of use in it. Could you be tempted to pick one up for your kitchen?

We all want to feel confident in what we eat and drink. But while we’re busy buying organic veg or investing in a new air fryer, one everyday essential often goes overlooked: the water flowing from our kitchen taps. It may look clear, but what’s really in your water? From chlorine and heavy metals to microplastics and emerging contaminants, today’s tap water can come with more than you bargained for – especially in older UK homes.

The good news? There’s now a smarter way to stay hydrated, and it looks right at home in your kitchen. Designed for busy, health-conscious households, Waterdrop Filter’s advanced Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems bring professional-level water purification into your own home. Think faster flow, cleaner water, better taste, and cutting-edge technology that fits seamlessly into your kitchen.

Whether you want better-tasting water for your morning cuppa or peace of mind when filling your child’s bottle, Waterdrop Filter's smart, under-sink and countertop filters remove the substances you don’t want, and even add back the healthy minerals you do.

With Prime Day discounts of up to £400, now’s the ideal time to invest in a water system that’s not only smarter – but healthier, greener and genuinely life-enhancing.

Meet the range

Let’s explore the three stand-out models, each designed for different lifestyles and home setups

From now until July 13, Waterdrop Filter is offering major discounts across its bestselling filtration systems. With up to £400 off, there’s never been a better moment to invest in your family’s health – and in cleaner, better-tasting water for years to come.

Explore the full Waterdrop Filter range now at waterdropfilter.com – and find your perfect match before the Prime Day offers end.

Making your own ice-cream at home is a dangerous game – especially when it's as easy as it is with this new innovation from Cuisinart, the Freeze Wand Ice Cream Maker (£84.99 down from £99 currently at Amazon). Because while it's great having sorbet on tap, my frozen treat consumption has skyrocketed in the time I've been trying out this incredibly handy gadget.

Set to rival the best ice cream makers with its forward-thinking design, this product is a great alternative to the sell-out Ninja Creami (which we gave five stars in our review) in a couple of ways.

Firstly, if you're on a budget, it's a winner with an RRP of £99 compared to double that for the Creami (£199 from Ninja). Plus, it's compact – the wand and attaching tubs can be easily stashed away in a small kitchen. This might be the most affordable way to make gelato out there.

Here's the other things I've enjoyed about it so far during testing.

I've recently moved house which has meant the sad demotion of my Ninja Creami (which takes up a fair heft on a worktop) into temporary storage. That left the perfect space for me to test this much smaller alternative out at home.

So far, I've found that the wand is much more manageable space-wise in my kitchen – you can wrap the power cord around it to pack it away in seconds, which is great. However, the included tubs are much smaller than the Creami tubs I'm used to. While this is a win for storage, it is less fitting for those who want to use this for family-sized portions. Handily though, the Cuisinart tubs stack neatly on top of one another.

Each tub has a capacity of 240ml, which is half of the size of standard Creami tubs. The Ninja Creami Deluxe tubs, as mentioned in our review, are even bigger at 709ml – something to bear in mind if you're looking for a family ice-cream maker.

This wand has five settings in total: Ice Cream, Slushie, Milkshake, Sorbet, and Mix-ins. So far, I've tried the sorbet function to make a delicious frozen lime treat and I'm looking forward to see how the drink function measures up too.

This wand works like the Creami in the sense that you have to pre-freeze your ingredients 24 hours beforehand and then all it takes is attaching the wand onto the top and lightly pressing down to apply the blade that will whip your mix together and give it the right texture.

For the price-point, I've been super impressed with the features of this ice cream wand so far and I'm looking forward to testing out all five functions in my upcoming review.

Could you be persuaded for under £100 to add one to your kitchen? If you're an ice-cream fan, I think you'd definitely get your money's worth!

You probably already know that Amazon Prime Day doesn’t officially kick off until the 8th of July, but eagle-eyed shoppers amongst you may have already spotted that the prices of many home appliances have already been slashed. Including the now very affordable Shark PowerPro Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner.

As a huge fan of the best Shark vacuum cleaners, I always get excited when one of these babies goes on sale. And as I use the PowerPro in my house - and encouraged my mum to buy the same model - I can tell you that this early Amazon Prime Day deal is something you don’t want to miss.

After all, how often can you snap up a Shark vacuum for under £200?!

In my opinion, Amazon Prime Day is the perfect time to pick up a new vacuum. And while the best vacuum cleaners come in so many shapes and forms, the Shark PowerPro is a particular favourite of mine and won me over when I recently tested it.

It’s worth noting that I did test the PowerPro Pet (which is also reduced from £279.99 to £224 on Amazon right now), which comes in a slightly different colourway and offers an extra motorised pet tool, but is exactly the same in terms of specs and other features.

And as one of Shark’s newest models, it offers a clean and tidy design, Flexology wand for effective and efficient cleaning (in every nook and cranny), FloorDetect Technology that automatically adjusts suction depending on your cleaning requirements, and a surprisingly cheap RRP of just £249.99.

In fact, I’d go as far as to say that the Shark PowerPro is one of the most affordable cordless vacuum cleaners on the market - and the fact that you can now buy it for even cheaper is a treat I didn’t expect to see coming from Amazon.

In true Shark fashion, this model also comes with the brand’s famous Anti-Hair Wrap Technology, which removes hair from the brush-roll as you clean. And if you’re worried about your vacuum cleaner spreading dust or making your allergies worse, you’ll be happy to know that it comes with a HEPA filter and an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal to capture and trap dust.

During testing, I found the 0.7L dust bin to be the perfect size for whole-home cleaning, and I managed to vacuum the entire downstairs and upstairs of my three-bedroom house before needing to empty it - and the fact that it can then fold down for compact storage is something I really, really appreciated in a house with limited cupboards.

Of course, it’s hard to know which way the pricing structure will sway during Amazon Prime Day sales, but I’d say it’s highly unlikely (but not entirely impossible) that the Shark PowerPro will get any cheaper the closer we get to the big event.

And I’ve already seen the discounted Shark Stratos Cordless Vacuum run out of stock before my very eyes during this early Amazon Prime Day deal - so I would recommend anyone looking to snap up a cheap Shark vacuum to do so as soon as possible.

Even if you just use it as your spare vacuum or as a dedicated handheld. After all, it’s cheaper than many of the best handheld vacuum cleaners at this price!

Alternative Shark Amazon Prime Day deals

So, will you be bagging this early Amazon Prime Day deal?

Ninja products are always notably innovative, with features to help you cook at home with less stress and in a quicker time.

Of course, the best Ninja air fryers are the first example that springs to mind, but did you know that the brand also has a knife range?

Inevitably, the Ninja Foodi StaySharp Knife Block, which is currently on sale down from £169.99 to £104.99 on Amazon, thanks to Black Friday, is no ordinary set either. As it's a Ninja product, it has the quirk of also doubling as a knife sharpener, with an integrated section that allows you to refine your blade any time it needs a refresh. Intrigued? Here's the lowdown on why this Ninja product is a true fan favourite, with a phenomenally high rating from customers.

The Ninja Foodi StaySharp Knife Block on sale for Black Friday

If you're here because you were intrigued by another Ninja product you might not have heard of yet but are a little apprehensive about spending £100+ on a knife block, then I'd say that's pretty reasonable.

In my time as Ideal Home's Kitchen Appliances Editor, I've tested my fair share of the best chef's knives and learnt that if you want a quality knife, you're going to have to pay a little more for it. Plus, then you have the headache of learning how to sharpen your knives, and the tools you need to do that.

Once you start factoring in the price of paying for a singular quality chef's knife along with a sharpening block, the price of Ninja's offering starts to seem pretty reasonable, especially as you recieve 5 different knives in this set. It includes a chef's knife, bread knife, slicing knife, utility knife and paring knife. Now it's on sale, there's an argument that this is the best time to shop if you want to get your kitchen in order before Christmas.

Between myself and our resident home economist and product tester Helen McCue, we've pretty much tested every Ninja product out there. This is one of the only ones that we haven't managed to get our hands on just yet, but I did see this knife block up close on a recent trip to Ninja's HQ in Frankfurt, and was impressed by the demo I saw.

Add in the fact that this knife block has one of the highest Amazon customer ratings I've ever seen (4.8 stars from over 1000 ratings) and you can see why this is one of the most sought-after products right now.

Will you be snapping this one up?

Stop what you are doing - storage saviours Joseph Joseph have had their prices slashed on Amazon as part of their Prime Big Deals Day. If you've been looking for a chance to get your hands on the cult space-saving buys, now is the time to do so. And I recommend you run, not walk.

When it comes to storage ideas, the team Joseph Joseph over the years - and that’s for good reason. The brand is renowned for its style, sleek design and practical storage solutions.

From its kitchenware whose design is perfect for kitchens short on storage space to Joseph Joseph’s famous laundry basket, Joseph Joseph is dedicated to making life easier. Unfortunately, the brand's products do come with a bit of a price tag. However, for two days you can snap up some of the best Joseph Joseph space-saving buys at a discounted price on Amazon.

Here are my top picks that you don't want to miss.

Joseph Joseph Amazon October Prime Day Deals

You can't go far wrong with a Joseph Joseph buy, they are well-designed and built to last. So listen to us when we say if you buy anything in the Amazon sales today and tomorrow make it ones of these cult buys.

For the past year or so, my Instagram feed has been inundated with people and DIY influencers taking up air dry clay and making lovely home decor pieces with it, as well as a fun activity with friends, family or their partners. So when the DAS air hardening modelling clay came up on Amazon as one of the top-selling and trending products, I took it as a sign to finally give it a go myself.

Who doesn’t love a little arts and crafts session or an easy DIY project? I sure do. Especially since I’ve been coming across some excellent (and viral) air dry clay craft ideas – whether it’s the ghost-shaped tea light covers from @sibster (and other craft influencers) or the flower frog by @woodlark. So I decided to try and recreate them myselfy, along with a few other ideas.

The clay comes in a 500g pack, selling for £4.75 but it’s also available in a 1kg pack if you have larger group crafting. But the 500g was plenty for the two of us and each of us managed to make multiple items – so a little goes a long way. I opted for the white finish but if you want to replicate the more traditional ceramics look, you can go for the terracotta or the ‘stone’ colourway which is more grey.

What you’ll need

• DAS air hardening modelling clay at Amazon
• Modelling tools – you don’t necessarily need pottery tools, I just happened to have them. You just need a knife and something to make holes with, a straw is ideal.
• A piece of string for cutting off big chunks of the clay (but you can also use a knife)
• A little pot of water to dip your fingers in
• A rolling pin
• Tin foil
• Fine sandpaper – I used 60 grit
• Acrylic paints and a small paint brush – this is optional and applies only if you want to paint your pieces
• Varnish like the Sculpd Varnish for Air Dry Clay Pottery at Amazon – this is also optional but a varnish will protect your pieces from dirt and water. I used clear nail polish on one of my pieces which worked ok but a varnish would have created a more even finish.

What you need to know

The clay makes for an extremely easy craft project, you don’t need to have any artistic skills to have fun with this. I think it would make for a great activity or friends or for a hen do. Even children can get involved but the brand recommends this only for children that are 12 years old or older.

You will need a little pot filled with water by your side at all times so that you can dip your fingers or potentially even a brush to help you mould your pieces. Water will help you keep the clay easy to work with without drying out and/or cracking. You don’t want that.

The only downside of the product is the drying time. While the product states that it should take between 12 and 24 hours for the pieces to completely dry, 24 hours later, our pieces were still slightly wet and soft in certain areas. So even though this is meant to be a non-bake formula, I ended up having to put the pieces in the oven for 10 minutes or so on the lowest heat to speed up the drying process.

This drying delay could also be down to the fact that it’s quite a wet and humid time of the year, even though I have my best dehumidifier going for a large portion of the day in an effort to combat the humid conditions.

Needless to say, this is an activity that will take up the majority of a weekend. I recommend starting as early as possible on Saturday and finishing with painting and varnishing on Sunday evening so that the clay has enough time to dry.

What I made

Ghost tea light cover

Since Halloween is just around the corner, I wanted to attempt the ghost tea light cover I’ve been seeing everywhere, similar to the DIY ghost candles. And it was, in fact, one of the easiest pieces I made.

All you need to do is roll out a piece of the clay, lay a small bowl on top and cut around its diameter. Then drape the cut-out circle on top of something like a shot glass (or something similarly sized) and a ball of tin foil on top. Then cut out the eyes – a straw is perfect for this. And once it dried, I sanded it down for a perfectly smooth finish. In the name of safety, it’s best to only use electric tea lights or fairy lights with this cover.

Flower frog

A flower frog at the bottom of a vase or really any vessel is the secret hack of every florist’s perfect arrangements. But lately, there’s been a new iteration of the hack going around made with air dry clay, one that you put on top of the vase opening, rather than on the bottom. But just like the traditional flower frog, it ensures that your flower stems don’t fall to the side, but instead, stay in place exactly where you put them.

To make it, I again rolled out a piece of the clay and placed my vase upside down on top of it to cut around the diameter. Then I used five little balls of tin foil to place underneath and create a slightly ruffled effect – but this step is completely optional and decorative more than anything, you can also just keep your flower frog flat.

Then I made a few holes for the stems to go through for which you can again use a straw. Once dry, I again sanded down the surface and also applied clear nail polish to create a glaze-like finish. But a specialised varnish would have been better, in my opinion. But it does the job either way.

Incense holder

For my incense holder, I was inspired by this Etsy clay incense holder which looks similar to a ribbon with a natural little wave to it. So I decided to recreate it. I started by modelling a piece of the clay into a ‘noodle’-like shape before rolling it out. Then I cut out a long rectangular shape which I then shaped into that wavy silhouette with my fingers, supporting each of the peaks with a little ball of tin foil. I made a little hole for the incense to go and let it dry.

Once dry, I sanded any ‘imperfect’ areas and painted the edges like in my inspiration image.

If you are going to attempt this one, I definitely recommend varnishing the holder. I learned this the hard way as the fallout from the incense stick actually ended up staining the naturally white colour of the clay. Oh well.

I made more than these three things since we had plenty of clay to go around. But these are the standout pieces in my mind. What are you excited to make?

I'm embarrassed tosed to admit that until a week ago I had no idea what the right temperature for a fridge was. That was until I started testing out a dedicated fridge purifier that confirmed that I'd been getting it wrong for the last 10 years.

Over the last couple of weeks, I've been putting the Shelfy from Vitesy, available on Amazon, to the test. Vitesy specialises in air purifiers, but the Shelfy is a little unusual in that is designed to go in the fridge to keep food fresher for longer and minimise fridge odours and food contamination. It also comes connected to an app that tracks your fridge temperature, and door openings and counts down to your next big fridge clean.

Usually priced at £149, but currently discounted to £99 on Amazon, after testing I can say this little gadget is worth snapping up while it's on offer for Amazon Prime Big Deals Day. After two weeks of testing the benefits have been so significant I've made it a permanent feature in my tiny under-counter fridge.

Let's start with my fridge temperature epiphany. In less than an hour of putting the Shelfy in the fridge, it had already changed my habits, flagging that my fridge was too cold. The app fucntion of the purifier essentially turned my fridge into a smart fridge tracking the average temperature which should sit between 4 and 5 degrees. Immediately, I was sent a prompt notification to adjust the temperature.

Up until that point, I'd been keeping my fridge at a chilly 0 to 2 degrees. While this isn't wrong exactly, according to the FSA anywhere between 0 to 5 degrees is safe for a fridge, Shelfy has worked out the average range to minimise the cost to run a fridge whilst preserving food. I shudder to think of the energy I've been wasting all these years.

However, I wouldn't suggest that you shelled out over £100 on a glorified thermometer, the Shelfy can do so much more. Its main purpose is to purify the air inside the fridge and make my fresh products last longer. I'm happy to report that I've had it in my fridge for about two weeks now and my kale, apples and plums have all outlasted their usual shelf life.

However, the biggest difference I've noticed in my fridge is the smell. There is none! Nothing, not even a whiff of cheese. It took me a while to realise I was no longer holding my breath every time I opened the fridge. It is the most effective odour neutraliser I've ever used, with the bonus that the filter never needs replacing, just cleaning now and again.

The Shelfy is battery-powered and will need recharging every month which it flags on the app along with when you'll need to clean the filter. I only have the one Shelfy in my tiny fridge set to eco to optimise the battery life, however, if you have a particularly pongy fridge, or want to keep your salad drawer extra crispy you can opt for the Crisper or Performance setting.

Should you buy the Shelfy?

When I first clocked the Shelfy I did think it was an unnecessary indulgence to have an air purifier in a fridge. However, I'm a complete convert. Yes, there is the upfront cost, but it's already helping me to save on energy bills and food bills, so I have a feeling I'll be making that money back pretty fast.

There is the option to buy the much cheaper, and much smaller, Vitesy Deo though. So, there's something for everyone!

Forget hats; I’m a woman of many coats. From going-out coats to waterproof dog walking coats and throw-on shackets, I’ve got them all. And while I tend to keep them in the loft for most of the year due to limited storage in my small home, this isn’t an option when I need to use them in the winter. So, I was intrigued when I came across the best-selling extra-strong adhesive coat hooks from Amazon.

In the past, I’ve tried to calm the chaos of my winter coat storage by using over-the-door hooks, an ugly coat stand (who even uses those anymore?!) and simply stuffing them into my already-bulging bedroom wardrobes. But none of these options have stuck as 1) they’re very impractical, and 2) they’re just such a… faff.

As I prefer not to get the power tools out for the sake of my winter coats, sticking some self-adhesive hooks to the back of my internal doors sounded like a good compromise. And after searching Amazon for a few options, I came across some with over 2,000 5-star reviews - but I was curious to learn whether they could handle my hefty winter coat collection. So, I tried them to find out.

What you need to know

The first thing you need to know about these hooks is that you can buy them in packs of four, six, or 12 - starting at just £6.99 for four. Considering Matte Black Double Command Hooks from Amazon cost £15.68 for two, I’d say that these smaller-branded hooks are a bargain.

For the sake of testing, I opted for a pack of six and intended to use four and have two as spares… just in case. Upon arrival, they were packaged simply with a rather basic set of instructions, but I was instantly impressed with the quality of the premium aluminium material. In fact, the brand claims that they are rust-proof, waterproof, and durable - which is ideal if you’re looking for more bathroom storage.

It's worth noting that (technically) a pack of six had 12 hanging spaces, as each hook is a double, and they feature super sticky double-sided strips on the back. There were also two spare self-adhesive strips in the pack, and supposedly, they can hold a hefty amount of weight.

Now, while the Amazon description told me that these hooks can hold 6kg, that didn’t mean a lot to me. How many coats is that? How much does the average coat weigh? I just don’t know - and I assume most people don't know that, either.

The only measure of weight I had to go on is that my dog weighs 12kg - so, I lifted him up and imagined what half of him would feel like so I knew roughly how much weight I could hang on each hook.

How to apply the self-adhesive hooks

To test these hooks, I wanted to try them on two different surfaces - the wooden door of my under-the-stairs cupboard and the glass panel in my back door. This would allow me to grab a coat on the way to our driveway at the end of the garden. So, pretty handy.

However, the Amazon write-up wasn’t very specific in terms of desired sticking surfaces. I couldn’t find anything that outright said you could or couldn’t apply to glass - so I decided to give it a go and see what happened.

I followed the instructions provided, cleaned both surfaces with a multi-purpose cleaner, and allowed them to dry before sticking the hooks on. To do this, you just peel the top layer off the adhesive strips and press down firmly. Then, I left them for 24 hours before loading them up with my coats (although you do have to leave them for 48 hours if you plan on using them in the bathroom).

Because I was unsure of how much weight they could really hold, I mixed and matched the coats I hung on the hooks. I loaded half of the hooks up with lighter winter coats and the other half with thick, woollen coats that are surprisingly weighty. In my head, the heavy wool coats wouldn’t stand a chance - but oh, how wrong I was!

Final verdict: Did they work?

As I write this, the hooks on the back of the under-the-stairs cupboard door are still standing (or hanging) strong. Yes, even the ones with the two very heavy coats on them!

In that regard, I’m incredibly impressed as they’ve done exactly what they said on the tin. In fact, they feel so sturdy that I’m not actually sure how I’ll be able to remove them when the time comes to move house.

But sometimes risks pay off… and sometimes they don’t. And while I had high hopes that these hooks would stick to the glass panel on my door, they didn’t last very long at all. One of the hooks fell down just 15 minutes after I hung the coat up, and the second hook fell down 24 hours later.

Nevertheless, as the Amazon description didn’t outright say that they could be stuck to glass, I guess I’ll let it off. So, while I’d definitely recommend these hooks and will definitely be buying more (especially with Amazon Prime Day around the corner), it’s worth noting that these hooks don’t work on glass doors or windows.

But no matter whether you want to store coats, keys, bags, or even umbrellas on these hooks, I have no doubts that they’ll add value to your storage and organisation efforts.

So, would you give them a whirl?

The most well-functioning kitchens are those where storage and organisation come first, so ensuring you have the right tools to make this happen is top of the agenda. One person who has this tricky task nailed is TV presenter Ruth Langsford, who showcased her coordinating Joseph Joseph sink caddy and washing up bowl to keep her kitchen sink tidy.

While a kitchen sink is a practical (and not very pretty) spot, it will still be on show to you and your guests, so more aesthetically pleasing accessories will help to keep your kitchen looking stylish.

Ruth's kitchen is certainly that, and all she needed was a couple of affordable kitchen storage ideas you can snap up on Amazon.

Ruth Langsford's kitchen sink organisation

Ruth Langsford's Instagram post shows her mum dancing at the sink chopping red onions, with a plethora of Joseph Joseph sink organisers next to her.

Joseph Joseph is a huge favourite on the Ideal Home desk and features in many of our own kitchens. The simple designs have become instantly recognisable and luckily they're just as practical as they are pretty. Our top pick is the Joseph Joseph sink caddy which is available on Amazon for £18 .

We spotted some of Joseph Joseph's bestsellers in Ruth's kitchen including the sink caddy, washing up bowl, washing up brush and chopping board.

'The Wash&Drain™ Washing-up bowl from Joseph Joseph revolutionises dishwashing with its innovative design. Featuring a built-in strainer plug, it simplifies draining without the need to lift the bowl, effectively preventing sink blockages caused by food particles,' explains Antony Joseph, CEO & Co-founder of Joseph Joseph. 

Ruth also has the super chic sink caddy which creates a go-to place to store washing-up liquid, hand soap and sponges so they don't clutter the edge of your sink.

'The Caddy™ features a wide rail for hanging damp dishcloths and a double sponge plate for storing sponges and scourers and its integrated draining plate means wet brushes and sponges dry hygienically, while the ventilated design promotes airflow to prevent moisture buildup,' Antony adds.

'A concealed reservoir collects drained water, preventing countertop messes, and the caddy is easily dismantled for cleaning. Together, these products not only enhance the functionality of Ruth's kitchen but also add a touch of contemporary style to the space.'

The Ideal Home team are big fans of Joseph Joseph products around the home, from the laundry basket that makes wash-day simpler to space-saving pots and pans designed for small living, it's safe to say our homes are better off for it.

'I've started collecting Joseph Joseph products for my house because they always have the best designs for problem-solving,' explains our Ecommerce Editor, Molly Cleary.

'This Duo Expanding Dish Drainer is no different and means that my small sink area never feels cluttered, as there's so much space when you need it, but also the chance to collapse it down when you've put everything away. It's also really easy to keep clean with a bit of The Pink Stuff!' she adds.

Shop Ruth's kitchen organisation

Nothing beats a tidy sink, so don't sleep on these clever buys.

My bean-to-cup coffee machine might be my favourite appliance ever, but it's a hard sell, even as Ideal Home's Kitchen Appliances Editor, to persuade my friends to splurge upwards of £600. That's why I'm recommending this Breville Barista Max Espresso Machine deal to them this Prime Day, at £298.99, down from £461.99 on Amazon.

Yep, until midnight tonight, if you're a Prime member, you can shop a huge range of homewares for less thanks to Amazon Prime Day, but this coffee machine deal is by far my favourite.

That's because we've tested the souped-up version of this machine, the Breville Max+, which is almost identical, and loved it. That puts us in a good position to tell you that this is a deal that's definitely worth your time. Here's why this is the best-bean-to-cup coffee machine to invest in on Amazon right now.

Why this is an amazing coffee machine deal this Prime Day

If you're interested in a bean-to-cup coffee machine but can't understand why, even when discounted, these appliances are so expensive, then allow us to explain. We've extensively covered whether bean-to-cup coffee machines are worth it, and arrived at the conclusion that because they can perform every step needed to produce a delicious espresso from beans, they're a worthy investment for a coffee lover.

For example, the Barista Max offers a huge range of grind settings, which our expert tester loved when they tried very similar Max+, and the steam wand is perfect for frothy coffees at home, including lattes and cappuccinos.

Another thing our tester loved when she tried it at home was just how sleek and professional this machine looks. We think it's pretty similar in build to the Sage Barista Express Impress, which is our top-rated coffee machine of all time, and a serious looker. The big difference with the Breville is, for today only you can pick it up for far less than the Sage.

If you do decide to invest in a bean-to-cup machine, we think that you'll never be able to go back to using pods, with the jump up in quality. Don't say we didn't warn you!

Amazon Prime Day is currently in full swing, but as Ideal Home's Sleep Editor I've scoured the discounts and other than some Simba bedding deals that are well worth snapping up if you're on the hunt for a new pillow or a mattress topper, I haven't yet seen anything that's tempted me to part with my cash.

Instead, it's this Habitat Chiltern Spindle Bed Frame deal that's caught my eye.

To set the scene, I've had my eye on ercol's Teramo Bed Frame for as long as I can remember. To my mind, it's the perfect bed, combining a minimalist contemporary design with the timeless appeal of wood.

However, just like the best mattresses, the best bed frames don't come cheap, which is exactly why the ercol bed has remained on my wishlist rather than ending up in my bedroom.

The ercol Teramo Bed Frame is actually on sale at Furniture Village right now. But, even with a reduction from £1465 to £1172 for the double, sadly it's still out of my budget.

So imagine my excitement when I came across a Habitat alternative *and* it's now discounted in the Argos furniture sale from £400 to just £320 for the double!

Of course, there are some major differences between the two pieces of furniture.

The ercol bed frame is crafted from solid oak, whereas there's no mention of what type of wood the Habitat Chiltern bed frame is made from. And at this price, I would imagine it's very unlikely to be solid oak, which means the ercol option is likely to be the stronger and more robust design.

Instead, the look of the Chiltern bed is achieved through veneers, but that does mean there are more colour options available, with an oak, walnut or black finish available.

There's also sustainability to consider. Habitat says that the Chiltern bed frame is made from FSC certified wood, meaning the materials used for this product are responsibly sourced.

However, ercol not only ensures the wood used to make its furniture is FSC certified, but also states it complies with UK Timber Regulations and has GIB (Grown in Britain) certifications. This means timber is locally sourced which helps to keep the supply chain as short as possible.

And, of course, there are some design differences too, with the ercol bed featuring a turned spindle top to the headboard and more tapered legs, whereas the Habitat option features a curved top and bottom bar.

Whichever one ends up in my bedroom, one thing is for sure, these are two of the best furniture deals I've seen today, so if you too are considering where to buy a bed, I think you could do a lot worse than considering one of these options.

For now, I'm off to do some quick sums to see which one I'll be sleeping on in the foreseeable future!

We all like a bargain, and Amazon Prime Day can be a great opportunity to stock up on outdoor essentials for less, whether that's compost, bird food, or lawn seed.

However, shopping for larger purchases on Amazon can be a bit hit and miss in my experience, especially if you're looking for something that's build to last, like the best garden furniture. 

Luckily, I've worked on garden furniture content for Ideal Home for the past three years, and in that time I've tested products from several brands with Amazon storefronts that have really impressed me in terms of quality, style, and price.

The Amazon garden furniture I'd recommend

I've tried and tested this furniture in my own garden, and if you're looking to snap up some Amazon garden furniture this Prime Day, I can highly recommend it.

Where to shop garden furniture on Amazon

It can be easy to get carried away by low prices on Amazon Prime Day, and in my experience, the quality of products can be mixed. 

As we've probably all experienced at some point, you can read all of the specifications and all of the reviews for a product, and sometimes still end up with a disappointing dud rather than a great deal. 

This is my list of the garden furniture brand's with Amazon storefronts that – based on my testing experience – I'm happy to recommend.

• Lafuma Mobilier: high-quality space-saving aluminium outdoor furniture
• VonHaus: practical garden furniture at affordable prices
• SONGMICS: budget garden decor and accessories
• Harbour Housewares: stylish garden furniture and decor

Alternatives to Amazon

Of course, not everyone wants to shop on Amazon. Often buying direct from the brand will mean a wider selection of products to choose from, and sometimes even better deals!

• Lafuma Mobilier: a far wider choice of colour options available direct
• VonHaus: a much wider selection of garden furniture available direct
• SONGMICS: a lot more products to choose from if you shop direct

So, that's this summer's outdoor seating sorted. Now we just need to hope for some sun to go with it so we can roll out the BBQ and get stuck into enjoying the garden!

It's that time again! So, if you're trying to figure out the very best gardening tools to buy on Amazon Prime Day, it's worth taking your lead from the professionals – especially if you want to keep your outdoor space looking the best it's ever been.

Why? Because there are some tools which are guaranteed to work magic in any garden, whether it's a cottage garden or a modern garden. And who better to steer us in their direction than, say, a pro gardener who has staked their entire career and livelihood on keeping their clients' prized oases looking spectacular?

With that in mind, then, we spoke to Christopher O'Donoghue of Gardens Revived and asked him to share his thoughts on the gardening tools that are actually worth investing in (and why).

The best gardening tools to buy on Amazon

It is a truth universally acknowledged that anyone who truly loves their garden will have a list of garden jobs as long as their arm – or as long as a garden hose, if you prefer. And anyone who spends even the smallest amount of time working on their backyard will know all too well the power of an excellent gardening tool (and the misery of a mediocre one).

'They say a poor workman blames his tools, but a good gardener gives his the credit they're due,' says Christopher.

So, if you're hoping to fill up your garden shed with some new goodies this Amazon Prime Day, these are the ones that Christopher recommends hitting 'Add To Basket' on.

1. Professional Hori Hori Garden Knife

One of the best gardening tools to buy on Amazon Prime Day – or any day, really, if you're feeling flush – is a Professional Hori Hori Garden Knife.

'It doesn't look like much, but this is a brilliant and truly universal tool,' says Christopher. 'If you want to kill weeds, it's a genius weed removal tool. If you're planting bulbs or smaller bedding plants, it's a trowel. If you're pruning or deadheading, it's a useful blade... the possibilities are endless!'

2. Multi-Change Lightweight Aluminium Handle

If you're on a mission to condense and save space on garden storage, you're in luck; Christopher says the clever WOLF-Garten ZMI15 Multi-Change Lightweight Aluminium Handle is one of the best gardening tools to buy on Amazon Prime Day for that very reason.

'Think about it from a practical point of view,' says Christopher. 'Rather than having to find space for three or four long handled tools, you just need to make room for one handle and a small bucket filled with different attachments.'

We suspect this also makes life easier if you have to carry everything over to a raised bed at the other end of the garden, too! If you want to make the most of the Prime Day Deals, try the Gardena Combisystem Telescopic Handle as a nifty alternative.

3. Self-Propelled Rotary Mower

If you're in the market for one of the best lawn mowers around, Christopher says that he's a big fan of the Hayter CODE611B Osprey 611B Four-Wheeled Self-Propelled Rotary Mower.

'This one is more of a luxury item, so it's an expensive investment, but it'll be well worth every penny,' he promises.

'Designed to deliver a professional cut to any and all gardens, Hayter as a manufacturer is very reliable – I still own and am able to run a Hayter mower that’s 20 years old, and it always starts first pull!'

If you want to make the most of Prime Day, however, the Greenworks 48V (2x24V) Self Propelled Cordless Lawnmower for Large Lawns is a good alternative.

4. Adjustable Garden Rake

'If you're trying to clear out a garden border or flower bed, I find an adjustable rake – one where you can change the width of the tines to help you get around shrubs – to be a real help,' says Christopher.

Insisting it really is one of the best gardening tools to buy on Amazon Prime Day, he adds that it's something you'll find yourself reaching for over and over again.

'I honestly now use one of these on a daily basis,' he says. 'Just be sure to choose one that's made from metal, like the FLORA GUARD Garden Rake, as they last much longer than the plastic.'

5. Model 2 Original Secateurs

Whether you're pruning or learning how to take cuttings, it's always a good idea to have a sharp (and clean) pair of secateurs to hand.

'I might be old fashioned, but I still use a pair of Felco FEL2 Model 2 Original Secateurs because they’re reliable and trustworthy, even in a world where Niwakis seem to be the new industry standard,' says Christopher.

6. Hot Compost Bin

If you have a small garden, it can sometimes feel as if many of those trending garden ideas are out of reach – including learning how to hot compost. This couldn't be further from the truth, though, according to Christopher.

'The Hotbin Mini Composter is easily one of the best gardening tools to buy on Amazon Prime Day,' he says.

'I was lucky enough to work on Zoe Claymore's gold medal-winning Renter's Retreat at the 2023 Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, and she had one of these installed. It makes compost quickly, doesn’t smell, and it's lovely and small, so fits in most spaces. And it can be easily transported, making it an ideal choice for renters, too!'

Alternatively, the Outsunny 160L Tumbling Compost Bin Outdoor Dual Chamber 360° Rotating Composter is available at £48.44 in the Prime Day Deals.

7. Square Flexi Tub

If you're a fan of the phrase 'work smart, not hard', then you'll likely agree with Christopher that the Town & Country Square Flexi-Tub Bucket is one of the best gardening tools to buy on Amazon Prime Day.

'It might not look it, but this is an absolute game changer,' he raves. 'Unlike a round tub, you can use this one like a dustpan and brush: just hold it flat against the ground and simply sweep all of your leaves and debris straight into it. You'll save so much time!'

If you want something that takes up less space (and taps into those Prime Day Deal discounts), try the RYHX Collapsible Bucket instead.

8. Drip Hose Set

When it comes to keeping our plants happy and hydrated, there are plenty of garden watering mistakes to avoid, which is why so many professionals recommend setting up a smart watering system.

'I know that setting up an irrigation system of your own might feel like a daunting task, but it really doesn't have to be,' says Christopher.

'Steer clear of the big irrigation kits, as they will usually add way more bits and bobs to it than you need as a beginner. Instead, start basic and work your way up with something like MAMIZO's 50M Drip Hose Set.'

Dubbing it one of the most underrated gardening tools to buy on Amazon Prime Day, he adds that you can run it through your garden to ensure your plants get a good drink when the weather is hot and dry.

'You can add a timer and sprinkler systems and so on later,' he adds.

9. Tripod Ladder

If you have any tall trees, hedges, or climbers (here's looking at you, wisteria!) to maintain at home, then an adjustable ladder is one of the best gardening tools to buy on Amazon Prime Day for you.

Noting that he personally rates the Henchman Tripod Ladder with 3 Adjustable Legs, Christopher says that 'it's an expensive purchase, and it doesn't collapse, which makes it tricky to store'.

'That aside, the adjustable legs on this one are perfect for uneven ground or if you’re nervous about being up a ladder, as they’re incredibly sturdy; no wobbles whatsoever,' he explains.

'These ladders are also very lightweight, making them easy to move around. I’ve used one on jobs for quite a few years now, and I really rate it.'

10. Latex-Coated Work Gloves

Every gardener worth their salt needs a good pair of gardening gloves, but Christopher says you don't need a pretty patterned pair to look like a pro.

'Instead of trying to find that one decent pair of gardening gloves that lasts forever, try bulk buying something like Ogrifox's Latex-Coated Work Gloves,' he suggests.

'Industry insiders will tell you they last a lot longer than you think and, while they may not be pretty, they get the job done! Plus, it doesn’t break your heart when they get soaked and ruined, as you’ll have another pair waiting in the wings.'

The S&R Work Gloves are a good alternative, too, not least of all for that Amazon Prime Day discount...

FAQs

What are the 3 most important gardening tools?

The three most important gardening tools to own are a hand trowel (or a Hori Hori gardening knife, if you want a clever multitasking trowel/weeder/pruning tool combo), a rake, and a watering can with rose.

What is the best tool for clearing a garden?

If your garden is overgrown, you'll likely need to invest in a few different tools to clear it; think loppers, secateurs, a pruning saw, a spade, a fork, a rake, and a lawnmower. You'll also likely want to invest in a compost bin, so you can put all of those cuttings and debris to good work!

And just like that, we know exactly which gardening tools we'll be scouring the online shelves for this Amazon Prime Day. We'll see you at the checkout...

In my role as Ideal Home's Kitchen Appliances Editor, I've tested everything from saucepan sets to portable blenders, but it's only the cream of the crop that ends up with a permanent place in my home.

And it's not just flashy appliances like the best air fryers that I've reviewed and collected in my time. I've also found gadgets (like a spoon that allows you to get every morsel from your jars or an avocado preserver) that can make a real difference to my day to day.

So, without further ado, here's a quick tour of my kitchen must-haves so you can shop my standout products too, if they take your fancy.

The favourite tried-and-tested kitchen buys

How I compiled my kitchen must-haves

I've been Ideal Home's go-to Kitchen Appliances expert for over two years now, testing everything from coffee machines to cast iron cookware. I test appliances like air fryers both at home and at our test facility, and a few select favourites make it onto my worktop for longer term testing too.

Dyson vacuums can be dubbed second to none in terms of suction power, ease of use, and cleaning technology; however, one of their most notable features is also the one thing bringing them down to many people. What is it, you ask? The trigger mechanism. Luckily, we've found an affordable solution to help solve this problem for good: a nifty trigger lock, and it'll only set you back £6.99.

The trigger controls on many top-of-the-line Dyson vacs have garnered divided opinion—either being someone's most loved or hated feature on this selection of best vacuums on the market. This includes some of our favourite models like the Dyson V15, V11, and V10 Absolute.

While the trigger controls work brilliantly when you're trying to vacuum finicky places like stairs and hard-to-reach areas, if you're cleaning one large area for a long period, holding down the button can become tiresome and even inaccessible for those with disabilities, wrist, or hand pain.

So, when we came across these Aieve trigger locks, on Amazon thanks to a handful of viral TikTok videos, we knew we had to shout about them straight away as a must-have accessory to make your Dyson vacuum even easier and more convenient to use on a day-to-day basis.

To attach the trigger lock to your vacuum, simply mount the lock onto the power button and press it down until it fits snugly. Once it's on, you can simply toggle the power on and off by pressing the button bar between your thumb and index finger. And voila, you've just made some of the best cordless vacuums out there even better.

The Aieve trigger lock has over 3,700 5-star reviews from verified shoppers on Amazon, with many praising how it's changed the vacuuming game for them and dubbing it 'genius'.

One review says, 'This product effectively locks the power button in place, allowing for continuous use without the need to hold the button down manually. It significantly improves the usability and convenience of the Dyson V15, making vacuuming much easier and less tiring,' with another review agreeing that it 'solved the annoyance of having to constantly hold the trigger while using V15 Detect for long periods.'

As mentioned, we came across this handy little tool from TikTok content creators sharing their favourite affordable Amazon finds. One video gained over 37,000 views after posting the 'small but mighty little gadget' that has 'made her vacuum even better.'

Many comments from fans agreeing that they 'need' one for themselves because their 'wrists are fighting for their lives', with another comment saying, 'As someone who cares for disabled parents I love seeing products like this.'

Better yet, we agree! Even our own team of Ideal Home expert reviewers have sang nothing but praises about the newest Dyson vacuums they've tested, with both of our reviews for the Dyson V15 Detect Absolute and Dyson V15 Submarine earning glowing 4.5-star ratings—the only thing marking them down being the fact that the continuous trigger can be 'annoying' or 'easily tiring'.

Therefore, spending a cool £6.99 on a trigger lock could be the very thing to make a difference to your cleaning routine and streamline just how easy it is to vacuum more often and even so much as make the bothersome task not feel so long.

And if you ask us, we think it's a small price to pay for an elevated and effortless vacuuming experience all across the board.

Ninja's newest, most innovative air fryer yet has had a makeover and price slash thanks to Amazon's Big Deal Days event, running from the 8th to the 9th of October this year. As part of the sales, the new look Ninja Double Stack XL Air Fryer features copper accents that are far more stylish than the standard grey design and a price reduction of £269.99 down to £209.99 at Amazon.

The Double Stack may be relatively new, but we've already tried it to see if it's one of the best air fryers around as part of our testing process.

As we detailed in our Ninja Double Stack review, our expert tester Helen was impressed with how much space this air fryer can save on your kitchen worktop, with a design that stacks the drawers one on top of the other instead of side by side. Here's why this is a star deal to pick up if you're shopping Prime's Big Deal Days.

Amazon's Ninja Double Stack Air Fryer copper colourway exclusive

Amazon like to release a special edition of Ninja's bestsellers around this time of year. In years gone by we've had the Ninja Dual Zone in this same copper colourway as well as the brand's blenders and multi-cookers.

But you don't need to be a collector to snap up this particular deal, which sees the relatively new Double Stack air fryer drop in price to the lowest price we've seen. This is a great deal to jump on if you're looking to upgrade from your air fryer that might have seen better days, especially if you're currently in a battle for space on your kitchen worktop.

Compared to another of the best dual zone air fryers, the original Ninja bestseller the Ninja Foodi Max Dual Zone, the Double Stack is a serious space saver, with just a 28 centimetre width. It also features wire racks so that you can create four distinct cooking zones, something our expert reviewer tried out at home with great success.

The Double Stack's capacity also makes it a great air fryer to upgrade to if you want to use your appliance more for family cooking, with 9.5 litres of space. The control panel on the side of this air fryer also keeps with Ninja's long-standing tradition of being exceptionally straightforward to use, according to our reviewer.

Amazon is also throwing in a pair of silicone tongs, just to sweeten the deal, which will make flipping your food at the halfway mark that bit easier too.

We've seen these copper exclusives sell out in quick time in previous years, so we're keeping a keen eye on stock levels this time around. Will you be persuaded to pick up the Double Stack with its sleek new look?

When it comes to achieving a spotless home, Lynsey Queen of Clean's got you covered, with her boundless cleaning tips and no-nonsense approach. But what secret weapons does this cleaning guru swear by?

We've asked Lynsey for her must-have Amazon cleaning products - those indispensable tools that she simply can't clean without - that *might* just be included in the Amazon Prime Day sale so you can snap them up for less.

So whether you're a total neat freak or just want to build an essential cleaning kit, Lynsey Crombie reveals the cleaning products and gadgets she swears by so you can tool up and form your own ultimate cleaning arsenal.

1. Tackle hard to reach places with a long flat duster

If you are looking for the best way to clean a radiator to make it more energy efficient, this long flat duster can help with that. And it can tackle gathering dust in lots of other nooks and crannies too, explains Lynsey.

'This is perfect for cleaning those hard-to-reach places such as underneath fridges, washing machines, sofas and behind large mirrors and pictures etc and attracts the dirt and dust... It can be used wet or dry and when you have finished cleaning you can take the cover off and wash it easily. You also get a mini flat duster with it too.'

2. A gel lint roller is great for cleaning stairs

Lynsey says this gel lint roller is a winner for those with and without pets:

'Although an essential item for pet owners as it is fantastic for removing pet hair and dander from sofas it is also great for a quick stair clean. Use the built-in squeegee to loosen carpet fibres and release trapped hair, dust and debris and then roll over with the gel roller to pick up. Wash after every use and use time and time again.'

3. A tub and tile scrubber is a must for showers

Cleaning your bathroom is a hard enough chore but this tub and tile scrubber might just be your new saving grace.

'This is perfect to use in the bathroom as the scouring pad is great at helping to clean up hard-to-reach tiles and shower screen, it also saves you bending when cleaning the bath.  You can switch heads and use a harder brush for tougher cleaning and built-up limescale. You can also extend the pole,' explains Lynsey.

4. Polish your floors with the Power glide

Cleaning a floor couldn't be easier with Lynsey's best mop recommendation: 'I love to have streak-free floors and this machine never disappoints as it cleans and polishes in one. It is super light and easy to use and provides quick and quiet cleaning,' explains Lynsey.

'There are a range of pads you can use from scrubbers to buffers.  It can be used on all floor types and all you do is add your chosen floor cleaner diluted or use water and let the pads pick up the dirt.'

5. Scrub awkward places with the sonic scrubber

Lynsey raves about this small but mighty tool to scrub everything from taps to grout.

'A powerful tool that helps speed up you’re cleaning and gets into those awkward places, great to use around the edges of your dishwasher and around taps.'

'Also, when you add a drop of a cream cleaner does a marvellous job on tile grout and will remove ground in grease and grim from your oven and extractor fans.  Comes with a few different head options to cater for the different cleaning jobs around your home.'

6. The Shark handheld vacuum is handy for quick clean ups

Rated as one of our best handheld vacuums, the Shark Wandvac has already got our vote as a great tool to have to hand and Lynsey tends to agree:

'When I can’t be bothered to get the big vac out, I find having a good hand-held vac really useful great for quick sofas clean ups, stairs, bed frames, cars, door frames etc. This one comes with a crevice tool and a pet tool and is light, with good battery life and slim so can be easily stored away.'

7. These microfibre cloths are her best friends

These microfibre cloths get Lynsey's seal of approval for size and absorbency and she shares her genius microfibre cloth colour coding system (which I also use to great effect at home):

'It is not always easy to find good microfibre cloths, they need to be a good size, and different colours so you can have a system for your cleaning and be super absorbent.  I always do blue for the loo, pink for the sink etc and wash them all together but without fabric conditioner as this can wear down the fibres and take away the absorbency.'

8. This squeegee cleaner is a great streak-free buy for windows

If you're looking for the best way to clean windows, Lynsey recommends this retractable squeegee for a streak-free finish:

'I have never been able to find a good window cleaner, so I needed to find something that did a good job and reached up high.'

'This one sprays water over a large area and then flips so you have two cleaning sides making window cleaning so much easier. Holding 80ml of water, you can also use it on your shower screens and tiles. My husband often uses it to clean the roof of his car too.'

So there you have it, Lynsey Crombie, AKA Lynsey Queen of Clean's eight cleaning products for upgrading your cleaning arsenal.

There's no guarantee that there will be deals on these products during Amazon Prime Day, but previous years do seem to have thrown up plenty of great discounts on everything from vacuum cleaners to household essentials.

With that in mind, it's well worth adding any items to your basket now and you'll be alerted if prices do drop during Prime Day on 16th and 17th July. Happy cleaning!

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, and a certified hot sleeper, I've come across a *lot* products that claim they can deliver a cooler night's sleep. Sadly, on testing most tend to promise a lot more than they can deliver.

So when I read about Silentnight's Cooling Gel Pillow Pad, I treated it with a fair amount of skepticism. That is until I tested it out during a heatwave and found it really *can* deliver an icy cold sleep. And even better? It's only £15.

The Cooling Gel Pillow Pad is a part of Silentnight's Restore collection – a range which is pitched as 'cooling sleep solutions for the menopause, designed by women, for women'.

As the NHS website says, common physical symptoms of menopause and perimenopause include hot flushes, which are described as 'sudden feelings of hot or cold in your face, neck and chest' and 'difficulty sleeping, which may be a result of night sweats and make you feel tired and irritable during the day'.

The Silentnight Cooling Gel Pillow Pad is designed to combat both of these problems, with the brand saying it's ideal for 'overheaters and those who struggle with night sweats or hot flushes'.

However, it isn't just menopause that can cause overheating at night. A bedroom that's too warm (experts recommend the ideal bedroom temperature is around 18°c) can also play a large part in causing us to wake up hot and sticky during the night, as can synthetic bedding and memory foam mattresses that lack breathability.

All in all, it's no wonder that so many of us are looking for ways to sleep cooler at night, whether that's by investing in one of the best cooling mattress toppers, swapping out a polyester duvet for a wool-filled duvet that offers better temperature regulation, or investing in a breathable mattress made from natural materials rather than synthetics.

However, when a heatwave strikes or your struggling with hot flushes, having a product that can cool you down fast is a game-changer. Which, as I discovered, is where the Silentnight Cooling Gel Pad really delivers.

Once unboxed, the 60 x 40cm Silentnight Cooling Gel Pillow Pad looks pretty unassuming, but when I lay my hand on its surface I was instantly impressed by how cool it felt.

The pad is only a few millimetres thick, but it's constructed of two chambers which both hold cooling gel within a thick PVC cover. There's no detail given on what that gel is made from, and no information on the pad as to how it can be disposed of, so unfortunately I doubt it's recyclable, but it definitely does do what Silentnight claims, which is to absorb body heat and retain its coolness.

In fact, I tested this gel pad during a heatwave when my bedroom was around 30°c and I was struggling to sleep, and I found it was almost too cold to sleep on!

Silentnight suggests you can lay the Cooling Gel Pillow Pad on top of your pillow as it is, or pop it into a pillowcase, and I chose to do the latter as a bit of a buffer between my hot skin and the cool pad whilst I got used to it.

It does add some firmness to your pillow, but it's still flexible enough that it definitely wasn't like sleeping on a rock, and in no time at all despite the surrounding temperatures soaring, my head felt actually... chilly!

Having the gel pad under my head made a huge difference to my body temperature, instantly making me feel cooler despite no change in the ambient air temperature.

In fact, before long I decided to try placing the gel pad under my bedsheet instead to see if I could cool the rest of my body. Silentnight doesn't mention this is an option, so I'm not sure if there are weight limits on how much pressure the gel should have placed on it, but, it certainly did the trick.

After a few minutes it felt like my core temperature was dropping, and as this is a key factor in slipping into sleep, it really helped me drift off whilst the mercury was soaring.

If you want even more cooling power than the gel alone offers, you can also pop the pad into the fridge for an hour or so before bed to *really* drop the temperature.

All in all, this is now my heatwave go-to for a good night's sleep even when the bedroom is super hot.

I've tried the best portable air conditioners – most of which are noisy, costly to run, and with their high energy use not good for the environment – and I've tested many of the best cooling fans – some of which, like the Duux Whisper Flex Ultimate Fan, I would definitely recommend for helping you feel cooler as you drift off.

But, this cooling gel pad has been the product that's made the most noticeable difference to my body temperature when the mercury is rising.

And for just £15? That has to be worth a try if you're struggling either with hot flushes, or, like me, you want to get heatwave-ready so you can still sleep during the next summer scorcher.

The secret to a tidy home is creating a system. It is as simple as designating a spot for everything to live and making sure it's easy to return to that spot when you've used it. But where systems come tumbling down is when the right storage solution hasn't been used to support it.

To help you invest in the right storage options, we've asked three professional organisers to reveal the things they always buy on Amazon to tidy up their clients and their own homes. Amazon Prime Day kicks off tomorrow, making it the perfect time to invest in those low-cost items that will make life that little bit easier.

However, before you fall for any old storage solutions these are the tried and tested buys that the organisers recommend. From hangers that will help to streamline a wardrobe to solutions that utilise dead space when organising a small kitchen, these are the things to add to your basket.

1. Under-bed Storage

Both Mel Carruthers, APDO Member and Founder of More Organised and Laura Haddy, APDO Member and Founder of Clear the Chaos Ltd agree that underbed storage is a must.

'Perfect for stashing away off-season clothes, shoes, or extra linens,' says Laura. 'Out of sight, out of mind!'

If your bed doesn't have quite enough clearance for under bed storage, you can invest in bed risers. I have this set of bed risers from Amazon to make space for my under bed shoe storage, they've been in place for two years.

2. Wham or Curver containers

Victoria Fearnley, APDO Member and Founder of Surrey Decluttering recommends snapping up Wham or Curver containers on Amazon to keep all your bits and bobs in order. Drawer organisers are a must for all three professional organisers and these containers are the perfect versatile organisers.

I currently use a set of pink wham containers in different sizes to organise my underwear drawer and toiletries. They're so versatile I've found myself moving them between drawers as I've rearranged things.

3. Over-the-door hooks

Laura recommends not underestimating the power of a well-placed over-the-door hooks. 'They're brilliant for making the most of vertical space. Hang bags, scarves, or hats behind the door,' she explains.

However, make sure you check the type of door you have before buying. Over-the-door hooks are a big no-no on fire doors, and you might find other doors are too thick or too thin for a hook. If this is the case you might need to opt for an adhesive hook or traditional hook and nails.

4. Velvet hangers

If you want to magically double the available space in your wardrobe slimline velvet hangers are the answer.

'Velvet hangers for the wardrobe,' Victoria says are the other thing she always buys on Amazon for clients and herself. 'They take less space, clothes hang better & they look good!'

She isn't exaggerating, three years ago I swapped all my hangers for velvet slimline Amazon basics and I've never looked back. I even invested in black clips for the hangers from Amazon to easily hang skirts and trousers from them.

5. Wicker baskets

'Stylish and practical, these are great for storing blankets, pillows, or laundry. They add a cosy touch, too,' says Laura Haddy.

Honestly, don't underestimate the power of strategically placed and aesthetically pleasing baskets. If you are looking for a way to hide shoes at a doorway, kids' toys or somewhere to quickly decanter store-cupboard supplies for supper that week they are really effective as they require minimum maintenance to keep looking tidy.

6. Under-shelf storage

Under-shelf hangers are another Amazon must-have on Victoria Fearnley's professional organiser shopping list. 'They maximise dead space in any fixed shelving unit,' she explains.

You'll most commonly have seen them as mug hangers in a kitchen, but you can use them all over the house for hanging things under a dressing table or in a wardrobe. Alternatively, you can opt for under-shelf drawers as a small kitchen storage idea that can be used to hide smaller items like coffee pods or spices.

While all these storage solutions will work a treat in any home, do remember that their is no escaping the decluttering stage. In fact most professional organisers would recommend a good clear out before investing in any new storage. It's only then that you'll be able to clearly see what storage you actually need to make your life easier.

Admittedly, many of us likely aren't deep cleaning our washing machines as much as we'd ideally like for several reasons – simply not having the time or not knowing where to begin. However, cleaning the rubber seal is a good (and easy) place to start if you're noticing unpleasant odours and mould build-up in your machine. Better yet, all you need is a bit of bicarb and 10 minutes of your time.

Ensuring you're cleaning your washing machine frequently will not only do wonders for the longevity and efficiency of your appliance but also ensure your clothes aren't left with any lingering odours.

While there are a handful of ways to clean the rubber seal of a washing machine, if you're looking for results fast, this helpful tip shared by Lynsey Clean of Queen on her TikTok page will help you banish bad washing machine smells in no time.

What you'll need

For this tip, simply pull back the lip of the rubber seal and sprinkle some bicarbonate of soda inside. Spritz this with some water to create a paste and scrub this with a small brush. In this case, if you had the Mrs Hinch-approved SonicScrubber that would work great for this situation, otherwise using any old toothbrush will also do the job.

After scrubbing, leave the paste sitting in the seal for 10 minutes and finish it off by running a rinse cycle to get rid of the remaining bicarb in the washing machine.

'The bicarb will soak up the odours and clean up the seal with ease,' assures Lynsey. And just like that, you can kiss your smelly washing machine goodbye!

'Don't forget this time of year, your machine will smell more than ever with the higher temperatures,' adds Lynsey; so be sure to clean your washing machine more frequently during the warmer months.

This tip goes to show that while the best cleaning products are nice to have on hand for specific occasions, nothing can beat the magic of simply opting for natural cleaning methods using household items you've already got lying in your cupboards.

In addition to using bicarb to clean the rubber seal of your washing machine, another tip we have is to keep your machine door ajar after each wash to give the inside of your washer time to fully dry and prevent the possibility of mould and bad smells from further developing.

With regular care and maintenance (albeit little by little), best believe that by paying more mind to deep cleaning your washing machine you are well on your way to an appliance that will continue to run efficiently for many more years to come.

I'm a hot sleeper, so it doesn't usually take much to get me kicking off the sheets or turning my pillow over in search of the cool side, whether it's summer or winter.

However, when I became Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, all that changed. That's because I finally discovered the key to a cooler night's sleep, and it's all about your bedding.

That's why I'm sharing the six products I've tested that have made the biggest difference to my overnight temperature, *and* are often discounted on Amazon so you can snap them up for less. 

1. Woolroom Deluxe Washable Wool Duvet

It's probably a bit dramatic to say my life changed once I added wool bedding to my bed, but it's effect on my tendency to overheat really was game-changing.

I discovered that the synthetic duvets I had previously slept under are made from materials derived from petrochemicals, which means that the filling shares many properties with a plastic bag! Instead, wool is naturally breathable. That means that body heat and humidity can dissipate through the fibres.

This Woolroom Deluxe Washable Wool Duvet may look a little utilitarian at first, but it's a staple on my bed that keeps me cool during the summer and warm during the winter. I think it's one of the best duvets for a hot sleeper, and I wouldn't be without it.

2. The Linen Yard Hebden Duvet Set

I used to choose my bed linen based solely on looks, but when I started learning more about what makes for a good night's sleep, that soon changed. 

If you want to avoid getting too hot and sticky in bed, you need to ditch the polyester bedlinen and opt for natural materials instead. I'd generally recommend linen bedlinen for the coolest and most breathable sleep, but it tends to be very expensive. 

A cotton duvet set, like this one from The Linen Yard, is a more affordable option that will still allow air to circulate for a cooler sleep compared to synthetic bed linen.

3. Silentnight Cooling Gel Pillow Pad

If you want to prepare for the next heatwave, this cooling gel pillow pad is one of my top recommendations for cooling down fast in bed. 

It's designed to fit over a pillow – although I've also used it tucked under a bedsheet to cool down my torso when the mercury has soared – and features two compartments containing cooling gel. 

This gel is designed to absorb body heat to help you sleep cooler, and it really works.

4. Woolroom Deluxe Wool Mattress Topper

There's a reason so many of us are searching for the best cooling mattress topper, and that's because synthetic and memory foam mattresses are prone to sleeping very warm.

Again, this is because the petrochemical-based materials synthetic mattresses are made from lack breathability. Adding a breathable mattress topper to your bed can act as a 'breaker layer' that allows for some air circulation between our bodies and the mattress.

A wool-filled mattress topper is a great choice as it's highly breathable which results in better overnight temperature regulation. Our Woolroom Deluxe Wool Mattress Topper review rated this option 4.5 out of 5 stars.

5. Simba Hybrid Pro Mattress

If you want the best mattresses to help keep cool in bed I would thoroughly recommend opting for a pocket spring mattress with padding made from natural materials for optimum breathability.

However, natural mattresses tend to be very expensive compared to synthetic options, and what's more many of us love the cushioning that a memory foam mattress provides, even if memory foam's dense structure can be prone to making sleeper's overheat.

Luckily, there is a way to get the best of both worlds, as long as you opt for a memory foam mattress that features open cell memory foam (that means there's more space between the viscoelastic fibres for air to circulate). 

The Simba Hybrid mattress is one of the best mattresses we've tested in this regard featuring a hybrid pocket spring and open cell memory foam construction.

6. Woolroom Deluxe Washable Wool Mattress Protector

There's no point opting for a breathable mattress and then covering it with a non-breathable mattress protector.

You might not think a layer this thin could make a big difference to overheating, but when I slept on a memory foam mattress that regularly lead to my waking up hot and sticky in the middle of the night, I couldn't believe the difference made by adding this mattress protector to my bed.

Another Woolroom pick, this mattress protector is made from unbleached organic cotton quilted with washable 100% traceable British wool. It's not cheap compared to synthetic mattress protectors, but I do think it's one of the best mattress protectors you can buy if you're looking for a cooler sleep.

So that's it, my top six buys if you're looking to upgrade your sleep set-up for a cooler sleep! 

If you're on the hunt for some bedding deals or mattress deals this Prime Day, I'd definitely recommend adding these cooling buys to your basket.

Who doesn’t love a rug? I sure do. They’re a great way to bring colour, pattern and texture into any room and make it feel cosier. The kitchen included. But the fact that I can’t get my kitchen rug to stop sliding about on my kitchen lino floor and have to adjust its position every now and then is annoying to say the least. Well, I couldn’t get it to stay in place, I should say. That irritation is a thing of the past thanks to the Amazon rug grippers that Instagram has introduced me to.

Priced at £5.94 for a pack of 12, these babies are a bargain. But of course, this is not exclusively a kitchen rug idea. These rug grippers can be used on any rug and laminate, wooden, lino or any other hard flooring. Sadly, this is not how you can stop a rug from moving on a carpet as these sticky grippers are not compatible with a carpeted surface.

What you might be thinking right about now is that there are anti-slip mats and pads designed for rugs to stay in place. But let me just say that my rug had one of these and while it helped a little, it didn’t stop it completely from moving. Not to mention, the really good quality pads can be pricey. Definitely more pricey than £5.94.

Call me ditsy, but when I first ordered this product I imagined it would work something like a small, flat weight that would attach to the bottom of the rug and stop it from moving about. I clearly didn’t read the description properly because I couldn’t have been more wrong. So this is how it actually works.

How the Amazon rug grippers work

Firstly, you can choose whether you want to go for a set of 12 for £5.94 as I did or for a pack of 24 for £9.99. This largely depends on the size of your rug - I’m hoping you’re following the 18-inch rug rule when it comes to the right size of your rug, by the way - and as mine is a relatively small and short runner, 12 was perfect for my needs.

The rug grippers arrive in a small and simple plastic bag with no manual. But in all honesty, it’s pretty straight forward. Both sides of each strip are adhesive but protected with a removable film. And it is clearly marked which side is to be attached to the bottom of the rug and which side will be stuck to the floor.

And one of the important features to note is that the rug grippers are actually reusable! So whether you’re moving house, getting a new rug or moving it to another room, you can simply wipe each of the strips clean and reapply them once dry.

How to apply the rug grippers

First thing’s first, you need to be working with clean surfaces. So vacuum the floor with your best vacuum cleaner and mop it if needed. And if the bottom side of your rug isn’t completely clean, give it a clean too. Once you’ve done that and the surfaces have dried, you can start applying the gripping strips.

As I already said, both sides of each strip are protected with a film. First, you need to remove the film protecting the side that grips onto the rug and apply it to the corners and edges of the rug.

I’m not going to lie to you, one part of the application wasn’t as smooth as I would have hoped for. But perhaps my technique was partly to blame. What I decided to do was apply all of the strips, then lift the rug (with the help of my boyfriend) and slowly flip it and place it on the floor, patting on the areas with the strips so they attach to the floor.

This, however, resulted in some of the grippers falling off which I then had to awkwardly reapply. So a better strategy might be to work in sections instead.

But overall, I have no regrets. Ever since then, my rug hasn’t budged an inch and I couldn’t be happier. I have also tried to lift it off the ground which I surprisingly managed to do with ease and with no sticky residue left behind. It’s a thumbs up from me!

If, like me, you have a paved area in your front or back garden, you'll know that weeds don't take long to start peering through the gaps. Rather than continue to pick them out by hand, I thought I'd test the Newman and Cole long-handle weed brush from Amazon. It worked a treat, and it's available on Amazon for just £11.99.

Of course, there are lots of tried and tested weed hacks if you're wondering how to stop weeds growing in block paving, but sometimes a simple sweep gets the job done quickly where lots of weeds have already established themselves, or if you're trying to keep on top of stragglers.

First impressions

What caught my eye initially was the length of the handle attached to the brush – I'm 5 ft 9, and the handle is 120cm long, so I didn't have to bend my back as much as I do with other products. There's even a handy loop on the end of the handle for hanging the brush in the shed!

Besides the long handle, the brush has two main features: bristles on the underside, and a metal scraper on the opposite side which can be used by turning the brush upside down.

The wire brush is made up of three rows of triangle-shaped brass bristles. Some reviews on Amazon complain about the brush wearing down over time, but I haven't used the brush long enough to fully test its longevity. For £11.99, I'll take a bit of wear and tear for a great gardening deal.

What I have read, however, is that you shouldn't go too hard with this brush. The most negative reviews talk about the metal bristles falling out, and though I haven't experienced this myself, I'll keep an eye out for this mishap.

The angle of the bristles allows you to get into corners that you wouldn't quite reach with a normal weeding brush.

I've tried wire bristle brushes before and they've been a little trickier to get into awkward paving nooks and crannies, so I definitely felt the benefits of using an angled weed brush.

Using the brush

Using the brush was simple, and the weeds were easily dislodged from the gaps in the driveway with a couple of sweeps. The angled wire bristles managed to brush away even the more established weeds.

Clumps of moss were especially easy to dislodge, and it turned out to be quite a satisfying job.

Using the scraper

This was a noisier job (think metal on concrete), but it was an effective one nonetheless. There was a lot of moss growing between the gaps in my driveway paving blocks, and the pointed metal scraper managed to remove most sections in single sweeps. It lined up perfectly between the gaps. I brushed any remaining debris out with the bristle side of the brush.

The metal scraper wasn't as good at pulling out deeper-rooted weeds, but for a quick job, it covered most ground.

Some reviewers on Amazon didn't feel the metal scraper was necessary, but it can easily be removed with a screwdriver.

So, there's a reason the Newman and Cole weed brush is a best seller on Amazon – it's comfortable and makes quick work of patio weeds. For £11.99, it's a bargain, and I'll be looking out for any Amazon Prime Day reductions in case my friends are interested.

Hands up if you have blinds in your home. And keep your hands up if dusting them is the bane of your life? Well, welcome to the club. Although I know I should keep on top of cleaning my blinds, I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t give them as much attention as I should.

Yep, cleaning blinds is one of my most hated cleaning tasks. In my case, I have plantation shutters on five of the windows in my small Victorian terraced house. And while that may not seem like a lot, that equates to 160 individual slats that need to be dusted regularly - top AND bottom. But no matter how long I (unwillingly) take to dust them, they just always look dusty.

But in an effort to streamline my cleaning schedule (and actually clean my blinds for once), I set out to test three blind cleaning tools in the hopes that at least one of them would leave my shutters dust-free once and for all - and I definitely found it. And it’s not a traditional tool for cleaning blinds, either.

The Amazon test products

Testing the Minky Hi-Tech Duster

When discussing the boring plight of blind and shutter dusting with Ideal Home’s Editor-In-Chief, Heather Young, we asked each other, ‘Do you actually need a specialist blind cleaner to clean your blinds?’ To answer this question, I started by testing a product that most people already have at their disposal: a trusty duster.

In the past, I’ve used an old duster to clean my blinds, but it just hasn’t really cut the mustard. For the most part, it just seemed to spread the dust across the surface rather than picking it up. That’s why I was excited to give a fresh, new Minky Hi-Tech Duster a run for its money. And while it’s not technically a specific duster for blinds, it’s still considered the crème de la crème of dusters.

To test out this blind cleaning tool, I decided to just get started. And while I’m sure there’s a nifty technique to dusting blinds or shutters with a duster, I don’t seem to have mastered it. During my test, I simply clamped the duster and the slat in my hand like a puppet and wiped it across.

Being able to dust both the topside and the underside of each slat should have allowed me to cut my cleaning time in half. However, I have freakishly small hands, so I couldn’t grab the whole slat - which measures at 8cm deep - in one. This meant I had to dust a few sections again, but this wouldn’t be a problem for people with bigger hands than me - or those with thinner blinds or shutters.

Overall, the duster picked up the dust fairly well, and when I'd finished, I could visibly see some dust on the product. If I were to be nit-picky, though, I would say that it didn’t pick up all of the dust.

Another criticism is that the whole process was still very time-consuming. As dusters go, it did what I needed it to do - but I was looking forward to trying something a little more specialist in the hopes that it would speed up the process.

Testing the Eddingtons Valet Blind And Shutter Brush

Over the years, Eddingtons has made a name for itself by offering quirky and innovative home tools. So, I was excited to test the brand’s Valet Blind And Shutter Brush - especially as Heather told me that it was the product she used. Plus, it’s designed to be a dedicated blind cleaning brush, so I had high hopes that it would get the job done quickly and efficiently.

As someone who loves nifty gadgets designed to solve very specific problems (my new Lakeland mini countertop vacuum is my new favourite buy) I was immediately impressed. The four goat’s hair brushes were incredibly soft, and the tool itself was incredibly light, so I didn't have to force it over the slats.

However, I was a little disappointed to see that it was too small to dust two slats at once - a feature that would have been well worth the higher price tag. This is because there’s a 6cm gap between each slat of my blinds, which doesn’t quite suit the product itself.

This meant that the bottom two brushes were essentially useless while dusting my blinds. Nevertheless, this shouldn’t be a problem for those looking to clean their Venetian blinds, which are smaller than my plantation shutters and typically have a gap of between 1.6cm to 5cm between them.

Using this brush certainly seemed like a novelty, and I have to say that I enjoyed using it immensely. The brush slid over the slats as easy as pie, and it took no time at all. For those reasons alone, I would definitely keep it on hand if I wanted a quick cleaning session.

In terms of the actual dusting qualities, though, I wasn’t 100% convinced. Although I think the brushes did pick up some of the dust, I did notice residual dust left at the end of the slat - almost as though it had simply pushed it to the side without removing it completely.

If I was looking for a quick dust - i.e a quick brush over a couple of times a week for light maintenance - this wouldn’t put me off. But if I was looking to give my shutters a deeper clean to get rid of embedded dirt, stains, or thick layers of dust after coming home from holiday, I would probably have to go back over with a regular duster

Alternatively, I would take advantage of the fact that blinds are some of the many things you can clean with a handheld vacuum cleaner around the house, especially when using a soft dusting attachment on it. This could then pick up that last pocket of dust so I was happy with the finished result.

Testing the Scrub Daddy Damp Duster

The last product I tested was the Scrub Daddy Damp Duster, which was a new concept for me. Of course, I’m familiar with the Scrub Daddy brand, but the Damp Duster product was a strange contraption I had never seen before. However, I do know that Ideal Home’s Deputy Digital Editor, Rebecca, swears by using a Scrub Daddy Damp Duster in her home.

Upon first glance, I couldn’t help but be reminded of my favourite childhood treat: the Flump. This thought didn’t go away when I opened up the package and felt the bizarre, rippled sponge in front of me, either. And I have to admit that I almost ruled this product out before I’d even used it because it was so different to the other blind cleaning duster and blind cleaning brush I’d already tested.

But boy, am I glad that I didn’t! The Damp Duster was by far the most effective blind duster of the lot, and the visible signs of dust on the product actually left me feeling pretty embarrassed. But I don’t know why I was too surprised, as I already know that wet dusting is already better than dry dusting as the moisture allows the dust to stick to the product so it can be removed once and for all.

Using the product was incredibly easy, too. All you have to do is hold it under the tap, squeeze out the excess water until it's slightly damp, and wipe across the surface you want to dust.

This worked a treat for me, but it’s fair to say that the product is quite large, making me wonder how it would fare as a Venetian blind cleaner as this type of blind not only has smaller slats but also has a smaller gap between the slats. However, the brand also offers a Scrub Daddy Damp Duster Towel on Amazon as an alternative (which looks more like a flat duster but can be used in the same way).

I was so impressed with the Damp Daddy that I then headed downstairs to tackle a random stain that had appeared on one of the dining room blind slats. I had been planning on cleaning it with a microfibre cloth and some Cif from Amazon, but I wondered whether the Damp Duster and some water would do the trick instead - saving me money on one of the best cleaning products in the process.

Amazingly, the damp, rippled nature of the product meant that it came off in seconds. And if you’re looking to spot clean roller blinds, I’d bet anything that it would be perfect for that, too.

One of the things I both loved and hated about the Scrub Daddy Damp Duster was that I just couldn't stop using it. Despite the shame I felt, something about seeing the dirt and grime on the sponge forced me to carry on cleaning - which is not something I've ever experienced before.

So, I made my way to the bedroom and wiped down the skirting board (which I had dusted with my old duster just a few days earlier), and I was horrified by how much dust and debris was hidden in plain sight. Before using it, it hadn't looked dusty or dirty in the slightest.

And because I obviously wanted to make myself feel even worse, I used the Damp Duster on one last surface: the window seals in my bathroom. I normally give these a wipe-over every week during my ‘big’ housework session, but it turns out that damp windows build up A LOT of grime that’s often hidden amongst the black seals.

Let’s just say that the sight of the Damp Duster was… disgusting.

The final verdict

What this test showed me is that 1) I need to clean my blinds more, 2) sometimes dusting is more about the hidden dust than the visible specks you can see, and 3) damp dusting is the way to go if you want a blind cleaner that will get the job done.

And while I wouldn’t hesitate to use the Minky duster or the Eddingtons blind cleaning brush again, the Scrub Daddy Damp Duster is definitely my winner. Not just for dusting my blinds, either. I would (and will) happily use this to dust and clean my whole house; it’s that good.

Sure, it didn’t exactly knock a huge amount of time off the cleaning task, but I can look past that, considering how satisfying - and embarrassing - it was to see how much hidden dirt and grime it got off my blinds.

However, it seems as though I’m not the only one who loves the Damp Duster. This product has over 19,000 reviews on Amazon, with an average rating of 4.4 stars out of 5 and customers raving about its cleaning qualities.

This also shows that you don’t need to shell out your hard-earned money on specialist cleaning tools to clean your home, either. Some extremely cheap products can be used across the board for so many different cleaning tasks - and the Damp Duster is ideal for taking your cleaning to the next level.

FAQs

How do professionals clean blinds at home?

In most cases, professionals will use a microfibre cloth to dust blinds at home, and if they wanted to offer a deeper clean to remove grime or stains, they would use a mild solution of washing-up liquid and water or even water and white vinegar.

However, every cleaner will have their own technique, which they may tailor to the specific type of blinds that they’re cleaning.

When I asked Laura Harnett, founder of eco cleaning brand, Seep, how she cleaned her blinds, she explained her nifty hack.

‘The quickest way to clean blinds is to wrap a cloth around each side of kitchen tongs and secure with rubber bands. Hold the tongs so that each cloth-covered arm is on each side of the blind slats. Grip the blinds with the tongs, and move them along the length of each slat to capture dust and debris,’ she says.

She also added, ‘It’s best to do this with a dry cloth, but if there are marks or stubborn debris then spray a little white vinegar onto the cloths and that will lift the grime.’

It’s worth noting that if you have plastic blinds that can be removed, you can also take them down and soak them in warm, soapy water to give them a good clean. You shouldn’t do this with fabric or wooden blinds, however.

Does baking soda clean blinds?

There are so many things you didn’t know you could clean with bicarbonate of soda, and blinds are one of them. This natural alkaline powder can be mixed with water to form a paste and then wiped on blinds to remove stains and even remove odours. However, you need to be careful if you want to use baking soda to clean blinds.

That’s because bicarb can be extremely abrasive, and may scratch plastic and wooden blinds if not done properly (or gently). Because of this, it’s always worth testing an inconspicuous area of the blind before continuing.

So, I’ve found my new blind cleaning tool - but how do you clean yours?

If you, like us, are trying to bring nicer weather into existence by still indulging in your favourite warm weather things, then this Gozney Roccbox deal on one of the best pizza ovens we've tried might be just the glimpse of sunlight you need.

Just ahead of this year's Amazon Prime Day, which is running on the 16th and 17th of July, Gozney is slashing the price of its portable pizza oven the Roccbox by 20%, taking it from £399.99 to £319.00 at Amazon.

The Roccbox is one of our highest-rated pizza ovens after testing dozens of them, with our Gozney Roccbox pizza oven review packed full of details about why this is a great starter oven. With that in mind, here's why the brand's summer sale is worth your attention.

Gozney's Summer Special sale

If you haven't heard of Gozney before, then welcome into a world of meticulously made pizza ovens with remarkable designs, from the Gozney Dome to the brand new (and fantastically rated by us) Gozney Arc.

This year, Gozney's summer sale is focusing in on two of the brand's bestsellers: the Roccbox, which can make 12-inch pizzas, and the Dome S1, which is a reenvisioned version of the Dome, an oven we've also tried and loved. The Dome S1 is much bigger than the Roccbox and can craft pizzas up to 16 inches wide.

I tested the Roccbox last summer, and can't imagine a better oven to start my pizza-making journey with. Setting it up was so simple, and the foldable legs and carry case means I've successfully taken the oven to friend's houses, as well as to the beach for a pizza evening.

I really enjoyed using the wood burner attachment for a real authentic experience, while the gas burner is supremely efficient if you need to churn pizzas out to a waiting crowd.

Alternatively, if you're looking to upgrade to a bigger and better oven than the one you currently have, 20% off on the Dome S1 might appeal more. We loved the original Dome when we tested it, which has the versatility to really make an outdoor kitchen the real deal.

We're hoping with all we've got that the weather will make a turnaround soon. If it does, then this is the pizza oven deal we're going to be snapping up immediately.