Although the sun may still be (slightly) shining, there’s no denying that the seasons are changing. The days are getting shorter, mornings are getting colder, and it’s definitely getting damper. And that’s only going to get worse as the weeks go by.

Of course, knowing how to get rid of damp will be key during the autumn and winter months. But certain rooms in the house are naturally more moisture-prone than others, and, unfortunately, many of our bad shower habits are making things worse by creating the perfect breeding ground for mould to develop and spread in the bathroom.

As Emma Mannion, Cleaning Expert and Product Development Scientist at Astonish, explains, ‘The tricky part is that it usually builds slowly, so a lot of people only spot the problem once the black marks have already appeared.’ But if you tackle your bad habits now, you can focus on prevention rather than the cure.

1. Letting moisture sit

Showering flings water everywhere, from the tiles and shower screen to the floor itself. And while it can be easy to run from the bathroom to your bedroom without a second thought as to what you leave behind, people with consistently clean bathrooms never let this moisture sit for too long.

Emma says, ‘The biggest mistake is letting moisture sit after every shower. Water left on screens, tiles and sealant gives mould the damp surface it needs to spread, so a quick squeegee or wipe-down makes more difference than people realise.’

If you want to be extra efficient, removing this moisture is one of the cleaning tasks you can actually do in the shower (with the water off, of course), using a squeegee and a cloth to reach every nook and cranny. Personally, I always use an absorbent, streak-free cloth like these Marigold 2 x Squeaky Clean Microfibre Cloths (£6.78 at Amazon).

2. Scrunching up towels

When it’s damp outside and damp inside the bathroom after showering, scrunching up towels won't help the situation. This is echoed by Samantha Lawson, Bathroom Design Expert at Drench, who says we need to focus on keeping towels fresh and dry in between uses.

‘Because bathrooms are naturally warm and humid, leaving a wet towel folded or scrunched limits airflow, meaning it takes much longer to dry. This extended dampness allows mildew to form, resulting in a sour, musty odour that is incredibly difficult to wash out,’ she explains. And if those damp towels are left on or up against tiles, this can cause damp in the room itself, too.

It may be that switching up your towel storage idea helps with this, and Samantha advises, ‘Allow your towels to dry as flat as possible, or better yet, place them on a heated towel rail. Make sure they are 100% dry before folding them away.’ And if you have a small heated towel rail, using hooks like these Set of 2 Black Magnetic Hooks (£12 at Next) can instantly double your space.

3. Closing the bathroom up

Alongside rogue water from the shower itself, one of the biggest causes of damp and mould in a bathroom is excess steam. And, ideally, you want to get rid of the steam as soon as possible - instead of trapping it inside the bathroom to condense, form water droplets, and settle on surfaces.

This steam is especially damaging if you’re trying to stop condensation in a windowless bathroom, which is why Emma urges everyone to open windows (if they can) and use extractor fans for as long as possible after a shower. She also suggests keeping the bathroom door open once the room has cooled to keep the air circulating.

If you’re guilty of closing the bathroom door immediately, it may also be worth utilising moisture-absorbing bathroom plants and considering whether you can use a dehumidifier in a bathroom. After all, it’s important to use the right type of dehumidifier to ensure it’s as safe as possible.

4. Using too many products

Everyone has their own take on what essentials they need in the shower, from shower gels to shampoos. And while you can technically use as many as you want, you need to be conscious of how these products affect your bathroom - especially if you want to keep your shower damp and mould-free.

Samantha explains, ‘Plumbing blockages are actually the leading cause of bathroom complaints across the UK, and they are a massive source of nasty, musty odours. Over the summer, a buildup of hair, soap scum, and body oils accumulates inside the pipes. When a drain is partially blocked, water cannot flow freely, creating stagnant pools that quickly become breeding grounds for bacteria and pests.’

Come autumn and winter, pipes and drains still blocked from summer can lead to water pooling and bacterial growth, causing damp and mould. Thankfully, it’s very easy to clean a shower drain. You can use these EcoZone Drain Cleaning Sticks (£9.99 at Amazon), or pour bicarbonate of soda, followed by white vinegar, down the drain and let it sit overnight. This should break down any stubborn grime.

5. Not giving furniture enough space

No matter whether you have a tiny shower cubicle or a whole wet room, there’s a high chance that you also have some furniture in your bathroom, like a bathroom vanity or a laundry basket. And while these are essential for a tidy bathroom, they can aid mould build-up.

Samantha warns, ‘When we push them completely flush against the bathroom walls, we cut off vital air circulation. Moisture from humid showers settles in these narrow gaps, creating dark, damp pockets where mildew and mould thrive completely unnoticed.’ In fact, this is often why most people end up with mouldy grout and silicone sealant.

Thankfully, the solution is easy. Samantha explains, ‘Move freestanding furniture and accessories slightly away from the walls to allow air to flow freely. I often recommend opting for wall-hung vanity units. Elevating your furniture off the floor not only makes your bathroom feel significantly larger and brighter, but it also eliminates awkward, unhygienic floor gaps, making it incredibly easy to keep the surrounding areas clean, dry, and damp-free.’

6. Overlooking the shower curtain

While some may think that they’re old-fashioned, there are so many amazing shower curtain ideas that are both modern and chic. But if you have one in your bathroom, you need to take care of it, as overlooking your shower curtain can lead to bigger mould problems that are harder to tackle.

‘Shower curtains constantly get wet, making them prime real estate for mould and soap scum buildup long before you notice visible signs of dirt. If your curtain is bunched up in the corner while wet, moisture becomes trapped in the folds and begins to smell damp,’ Samantha explains.

The solution here is to pull the curtain back to dry after every shower, and clean it regularly (at least once a month) to keep on top of any mould or mildew growth. Samantha says, ‘A brilliant laundry hack is to throw a couple of clean, dry bath towels into the washing machine drum along with your shower curtain. The towels provide gentle friction during the cycle, helping to scrub away slimy soap scum and mildew without damaging the curtain's fabric.’

7. Ignoring the extractor fan

Airflow and moisture extraction are key when you want to keep mould and damp out of your bathroom, and using your extractor fan is essential - even for the quickest showers. However, too many people neglect their extractor fan and don’t give it the TLC it needs, which can reduce its effectiveness and lead to moisture buildup.

‘Over the summer, dust and fluff combine with high bathroom humidity to create a thick, felt-like layer over the fan's filter and grilles. This severely restricts airflow, meaning your fan has to work twice as hard to remove half as much steam, leading to moisture settling directly on your walls,’ Samantha warns.

Because of this, it’s worth cleaning your extractor fan and its filters before autumn really rears its head. Make sure you isolate the power first, and then use either a duster or a handheld vacuum to remove any lingering dust. You can also remove the plastic cover, wash it in a solution of washing-up liquid and water, then allow it to dry and pop it back in place.

So, take this as your sign to break up with your bad bathroom habits this autumn.

Until joining the Ideal Home team, I had never considered how a washing-up bowl can make cleaning a kitchen easier, nor that sometimes its design can be interesting, too. But now that I am well-acquainted with these facts, I’m back with another clever washing-up bowl: the ReBorn Washing Up Bowl Pro (£39, Argos).

One thing people with tidy sink areas always tend to have is some sort of clever caddy or bowl to help make the cleaning process more efficient. If you’ve always found bowls make more mess than they save (me), the ReBorn Washing Up Bowl Pro is designed to sidestep this problem.

With a clever cutlery compartment and handy drainage plug, here’s why I predict ReBorn’s new washing up bowl will be the sink of every washing up pro soon.

For a long time, the Joseph Joseph washing up bowl was a favourite amongst Ideal Home editors due to its built-in plug, which allows you to drain dirty dishwater without having to lift it up to tip it. This feature made it a great choice for people with mobility issues, as well as offering everyday convenience. You can even get an even more affordable version: Minky’s £10 washing-up bowl with plug.

ReBorn’s washing-up bowl also has the aforementioned clever plug for easy draining, but what sets it apart from the Minky and Joseph Joseph bowl is that it has a separate drainage drawer.

This drawer can be attached to the inside or outside of the bowl to store sponges and brushes, or even to drain cutlery. This space-saving feature is great for small kitchens, where you may lack the space for a separate sink caddy.

It’s been designed to fit in most sinks while holding a whopping 9L of water. It’s lightweight and durable for ease of use, and it is also dishwasher-safe, making it easy to keep it clean. If you have the space, you can also get a matching ReBorn Sink Tidy for £18.

At £39, this is definitely one of the most expensive washing-up bowls I’ve spotted, so I can appreciate it’s not a practical choice for everyone. I recently discovered foldable washing up bowls (which you can snap up for as little as £3), which, as the name suggests, fold flat when not in use, making them great for tiny kitchens, uni houses and even camping trips.

Would you invest in the ReBorn Washing Up Bowl Pro?

Last week, I awoke to a spider (quite literally) hanging out on my bedroom ceiling…right above my head. The next day, I unknowingly took a shower with one of these eight-legged critters. And if that’s not a sign that spider season is officially here, then I don’t know what is.

Even more horrifyingly, experts warn that this year’s spider season will be worse than ever, as the warmer temperatures will result in them staying active for longer as they go in search of their mates. Because of this, knowing how to get rid of spiders is key - but understanding why they’re coming in is equally as important.

And it turns out that many of us (me included) have unknowingly been luring these spiders into our homes without even realising it. So, it’s well worth understanding what attracts spiders and making a few changes before these rent-dodging lodgers outstay their welcome.

1. Moisture and humidity

While spiders can set up camp in any room of the house, they definitely have a preference. As Alex Woods from Victorian Plumbing explains, ‘You’re most likely to find spiders in your bathroom or kitchen, because their food is attracted to dark, moist areas.’

And by ‘food,’ Alex means most insects, including flies, mosquitoes, moths, and earwigs, all of which are typically attracted to your moisture-ridden drains and pipes. So when a spider needs a meal, it’s going to head straight to the source and head to the areas that are high in moisture and humidity, too.

Because of this, it’s well worth cleaning your drains regularly and keeping humidity in these rooms to a minimum. Opening windows and using extractor fans can help here, but you may also want to use a non-electric dehumidifier, such as this Absodry Moisture Absorber (£27.99 at Amazon), to tackle excess moisture.

You can also use plants and the scents spiders hate to your advantage here. Alex explains, ‘Plants such as mint, lemongrass or eucalyptus will not only elevate your bathroom interior, but they will help warn off spiders as they hate these kinds of aromas.’

2. Bright lights

The days definitely start getting shorter in September, and you may be inclined to use your outdoor lights as a result. Just be warned that these can also attract spiders into your home, especially if you’re also leaving doors and windows open to enjoy the still-warm weather.

Helen Godsiff, Brand Manager at Eurocell, warns, ‘When spending time outdoors, keep outdoor lighting to a minimum where possible, as the lights can attract insects, which in turn provide a food source for spiders.’

She adds, ‘This can make areas around the home and garden more appealing to them, so don’t be surprised if you notice an influx in the kitchen or garden rooms.’ And when they’re in your house, they’re probably not going to want to leave anytime soon.

Of course, not using your lights at all may be a step too far for you, but simply understanding that lights will attract spiders can be all you need to keep them out - especially if you enlist the help of a spider catcher and rehome them as soon as you spot one trying to sneak its way in.

3. Clutter

It’s already a well-known fact that excess clutter can cause damp, so it should come as no surprise to learn that clutter can also attract spiders. But it turns out that spiders also love hanging out and spinning their webs in clutter because they love being warm and cosy and hate being out in the open.

Luke Newnes from Hillarys explains, ‘Dark, undisturbed areas with piles of stored items can provide ideal conditions for spiders to settle. Keeping these spaces tidy and regularly checking stored belongings can help discourage them from nesting.’

After all, if a spider nests in your house, there’s a very high chance that future spider babies will soon call your home their home - making the situation so much worse. Because of this, decluttering regularly (without making a bigger mess) can work wonders. You also need to maintain a regular cleaning schedule.

Having one of the best vacuum cleaners to hand can help. Dr Jonathan Kirby, Head of Research & Development at Safeguard Europe, says, ‘Regularly remove or vacuum webs and any visible egg sacs. This can reduce activity, but spiders will quickly attempt to rebuild their webs if suitable shelter and insect prey remain. Reduce clutter and keep flies and other insects out to make it harder for spiders to enter and settle.’

4. Shelter

You probably don’t need me to tell you that the weather in the UK is becoming increasingly unpredictable. This summer alone, we’ve gone from month-long heatwaves to flash flooding. Because of this uncertainty, spiders seek shelter in our homes to find a stable place to enjoy mating season.

And when they want to come in, they do so through the weak spots in your home - including cracks and gaps in windows and door seals. The good news is that fixing these can also help you draught-proof your home ahead of winter.

Luke advises, ‘Check external doors and window frames for small cracks or gaps where spiders can enter. Replace damaged weather seals and use exterior-grade sealant- both of which can be picked up for less than £10 from most DIY retailers to close openings around frames, helping to prevent spiders from getting inside.’

In fact, you can buy this UniBond Outdoor Window & Door Frame Sealant for just £8 at Amazon. And if there are bigger gaps that need to be filled in order to keep spiders and draughts out, you can also buy draught-excluder tape for a very affordable price, too.

5. Food waste

We already know that spiders follow their food's footsteps, and flies will also enter homes with human food waste and crumbs for them to eat. Because of this, it’s also important to keep this to a minimum during spider season - and at any point throughout the year - if you want to keep critters at bay.

This means emptying normal waste bins as soon as possible, sealing your food waste caddy and taking steps to deter flies, and regularly wiping down surfaces to remove any lingering crumbs, sticky residue, or large chunks of food.

When you’ve done this, it’s well worth cleaning any areas where food has been present with essential oils, as spiders hate these scents. Alex advises, ‘A drop of essential oil is enough to deter a spider. You can make your spider repellent by mixing essential oil (20 drops) and water in a spray bottle. The best essential oils to use for your repellent are: tea tree, lavender, peppermint, citrus, and cinnamon.’

Just be warned that some essential oils are toxic to pets, so it’s worth taking caution if you have animals in your home - or avoid them altogether. Thankfully, making a white vinegar spider-repellent spray can be just as effective, and you can pick up a bottle of white vinegar for just £1.50 at Dunelm.

Sorry, spiders, if you're not paying rent then you're not coming in...

While I’d like to think that my clean and tidy home reflects everything I’ve learned during my years as Ideal Home’s House Manual Editor, it’s nothing compared to my mum’s house. Every time I open her front door, I’m reminded that it really is as spotless as you can get - and it’s both impressive and irritating.

I’d love to say that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, but the reality is that I’ve taken a lot of inspiration from the things people with tidy homes always have to give my house a complete overhaul over the past year or so. But my mum isn’t like that. She isn’t swayed by fancy tools, social media trends or questionable hacks. She’s mastered a regime that works perfectly all on her own.

So, on a recent trip back to Dorset to see my family, I decided it was time to interview the one person whose house has been clean and tidy for as long as I can remember: my mum. And these are her clutter-busting tips for a spotless home.

1. Deal with clutter immediately

There are many things you’ll never find at my mum’s house: clothes on the floor, clutter on the kitchen worktops, or toys spread all over the living room (which is pretty impressive considering my nephews often turn her living room into their own personal racetrack). That’s because my mum deals with clutter immediately.

As soon as she spots something out of place or something that needs to be thrown in the bin, she moves it to where it needs to be - similar to a 10-minute declutter, but more natural rather than a scheduled organising session.

She’s even got my nephews involved and makes them pop all of their toys back in one of these Really Useful 3 x 62L Plastic Storage Boxes (£33 at Argos) when they’ve finished playing. That box then goes straight in the wardrobe when they leave, keeping the living room - and the rest of the house - as clean and tidy as possible.

Tackling clutter immediately is something I’ve struggled with in the past as I am prone to procrastination, but I’m definitely getting better thanks to my clutter bucket technique. I even keep one on my stairs for clutter, and set a midnight deadline that same day to empty this Woodluv Seagrass Stair Basket (£24.99 at Amazon).

2. Pick a dedicated ‘housework’ day

For as long as I can remember, Friday has been my mum’s ‘housework’ day. And every Friday, she starts her morning by giving the entire house a refresh from top to bottom - dusting every surface with these classic yellow dusters (which you can buy in a pack of 10 on Amazon for £10.95), vacuuming the floors, and giving the bathrooms and kitchen a proper scrub.

The only time she has ever strayed from this routine was when I was still in school, and she was still at work - but even then it was early Friday evening rather than Friday morning. But while this seems to run counter to expert advice to avoid cleaning overwhelm, my mum swears by it.

In her eyes, spending a few hours making the house immaculate one day a week is far superior to cleaning little and often throughout the week, and it makes the house much easier to keep clean. And if any spills or messes occur on another day, she can handle them in seconds and won't have to think about cleaning for the rest of the week.

She also loves the satisfaction of seeing a properly clean house by the end of her housework day, and I’ve started doing the same in my home. Granted, my housework day is Sunday, and I often cheat by using these overnight cleaning hacks to let my appliances do the cleaning while I’m sleeping. But copying her has still worked wonders in my home.

3. Storage organisers are a must

Although my mum doesn’t spend a huge amount of money on fancy, trending storage organisers you see all over social media, she does use a few staple organisers to keep certain areas of her home tidy. Including her bedroom and bathroom.

Like people with tidy clothes, she loves using drawer organisers to categorise her clothes so she knows where everything is and can keep them neatly folded. This is something I’ve invested in recently, too - and while she uses the SKUBB Boxes from IKEA for £6, I use the DIMJ 12 Pack Drawer Organisers (£19 at Amazon) because I find the sizes to be way more generous.

She also stores ‘non-essential’ shoes at the bottom of her wardrobe, but keeps a small shoe rack by the front door for everyday shoes to prevent clutter. She’s had the same shoe rack for so many years that it’s now completely sold out, but it’s very similar to this Argos Home 2 Shelf Stackable Shoe Rack (£7 at Argos).

In her en-suite, she also uses a caddy to organise her makeup and face creams, preventing them from cluttering her sink area and ensuring everything has a home rather than spreading out across the rest of her bathroom and connected bedroom.

4. Only eco-friendly cleaning products allowed

Over the past few years, my mum has become increasingly eco-conscious. She’s become vegetarian like me, replaced my dad’s diesel van with an electric one, and switched to entirely eco-friendly cleaning products. In fact, Nancy Birtwhistle’s Clean & Green book (£10.99 at Amazon) has become her cleaning Bible.

This is something I really admire her for, as she now makes her own multi-purpose sprays, floor cleaner, window cleaner, and laundry detergent from completely natural, eco-friendly products - and she even convinced me to try Nancy Birtwhistle’s ‘Pure Magic’ recipe, which completely transformed my toilet last year.

Her home is proof that you don’t need chemicals to clean your home; you just need a few staple ingredients such as washing-up liquid, citric acid, white vinegar, soda crystals, and essential oils for cleaning and to add that much-needed scent whenever you want to give your house some TLC.

My mum pops these multi-purpose, eco-friendly cleaning products in bottles like these Amber Glass Spray Bottles (£13.99 at Amazon), but with fewer bottles of chemicals, she also manages to keep her cleaning cupboard ridiculously tidy and organised.

5. Be ruthless when decluttering

My mum and I were both born in July, and as Cancerians, we’re both extremely sensitive and driven by emotion. And while I often struggle to part with items I know I no longer need and lean into my birth-month decluttering style to find a good compromise, my mum takes the more ruthless route.

To maintain a clean and tidy home, she likes to keep as few things out on show at all times. Of course, she keeps photo frames, decor and family heirlooms on display to add personality to her place, but if something can’t be put back in its dedicated home immediately or no longer serves any purpose… it’s time to go.

In her eyes, there’s no need to keep something ‘just in case,’ and she’s tried many ways to get rid of items after a declutter. She’s found the most success - and money - with platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Vinted, where she’s sold everything from old furniture to car mats, clothes, and kitchen appliances she no longer uses.

She wasn’t always so ruthless, but in finally admitting that she doesn’t need as much stuff as she once had, she’s found that it’s so much easier to keep on top of tidying. It’s also easier to clean her house, as she doesn’t need to move everything out of the way just to dust her living room.

I'm not quite at my mum's level yet, but I'm getting there!

Before I became Ideal Home’s Cleaning Editor, I was a uni student learning the hard way that it is possible to burn microwave meals and that the cleaning fairy (AKA my mum) wouldn’t magically come to clean my uni room every day. And it’s safe to say that I’ve learnt a lot since then.

But while it’s now my job to test the best cleaning products and understand the most efficient way to maintain a clean and tidy living space, I also appreciate that uni students aren’t like regular homeowners. They don’t have a practised cleaning schedule or a steady income to stock up on cleaning tools; they’re rookies with limited time, space and money.

That’s why I thought I’d use my years of experience as both a student and a Cleaning Editor to keep things simple. Below are the three cleaning tools I think every uni student should have, and most of these non-negotiables will get the job done without costing a fortune. I’ve also added some handy extras if you want to go the extra mile.

1. A damp duster

Dust is the one thing that no one, not even uni students, can ignore. And while a regular duster can cut the mustard, I’ve found during my dedicated dusting tests (yes, this really is my job) that damp dusters are always the better option.

That’s because damp dusting removes more dust than dry dusting, capturing the dust particles instead of just pushing them around. And the beauty of this cheap-but-cheerful cleaning tool is that it can be reused time and time again by simply washing it clean under the tap.

They are incredibly affordable, too, with retailers like Dunelm selling packs of 3 for just £3. And the damp duster can clean almost everywhere, from windowsills and desks to skirting boards and mirrors in uni halls or student houses. It helps that it also looks way cooler than a regular duster…

2. A handheld vacuum

Although I had a shared kitchen at uni, I spent a lot of time eating snacks and meals in my bedroom. Couple that with my long hair, my mattress and floors took the brunt of these crumbs, hair and everyday dirt. That’s why I’d suggest every university student have one of the best handheld vacuums to hand.

These appliances are typically better suited to smaller spaces and messes, making them perfect for uni halls and shared houses where storage space is limited. And as there are so many things you didn’t know you could clean with a handheld vacuum cleaner, I have no doubt that students will use it more than you think.

One of my favourite new handheld vacuum cleaners is the Shark PowerBoost Handheld Vacuum Cleaner (£229.99 at Shark), thanks to its impressive suction power. However, it is on the pricier side, so if you’re after a cheaper option, I’d suggest the Beldray model below.

3. Multi-purpose sprays

I will always remember the day my parents dropped me off at university with bottles upon bottles of cleaning products. Especially as my mum had to take most of them back with her when she realised that I had nowhere to store them in my tiny halls of residence.

And while I’m personally a fan of room-specific cleaning products now that I have my own house and the means to add them to my cleaning regime, uni students just don’t need them. Instead, multi-purpose sprays can be used on any surface or room and will do just as good a job.

Just opt for an anti-bacterial all-purpose spray if you want to keep the spread of fresher’s flu to a minimum, and make sure you use a pack of high-quality cleaning cloths - like these SEEP Eco All Purpose Cloths (£9.50 at Amazon) - to dedicate one cloth per room or space.

University extras to consider

The three products above are my non-negotiables for all new and returning university students. But if you have wiggle room in the budget and want to make uni life even sweeter, these are the extras I'd consider.

Are you or a loved one heading off to uni soon? Make sure you take these university cleaning essentials with you!

Trying to work out how to kill maggots in your kitchen bin? You’re not alone, as all this hot summer weather has provided the perfect breeding conditions for flies, and now many households are reaping their grim rewards.

Yet don’t panic. If you want to know how to kill maggots, you’ve landed in the right place, as pest experts are recommending this non-chemical method to kill larvae and end your infestation.

The method in question? A generous sprinkling of food-grade diatomaceous earth (£12.99, B&Q) in your bin. Here’s why it’s so effective.

How to use diatomaceous earth to kill maggots in a bin

Diatomaceous earth may have a complicated name, but it is essentially the fossilised remains of ancient sea life that looks and feels a little like sand. It has multiple uses, but pest experts swear by getting rid of certain insects. For example, diatomaceous earth is also effective at eliminating ants.

‘Diatomaceous earth (DE) is used as a pesticide, among other things. We like using it because it’s one of the most effective solutions that’s not toxic to humans and pets. Surprisingly, for an effective pesticide, it’s a natural solution, made from the powdered fossilised remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms. When crushed, they create sharp particles that can cut any creatures that crawl over them,’ explains Adam Juson, pest expert and founder of commercial pest control specialists, Merlin Environmental.

When it comes to the maggots in your bin, diatomaceous earth dehydrates them rapidly, killing swiftly and effectively.

‘Empty the bin, remove any remaining waste and give it a clean with hot water and a diluted white vinegar or disinfectant solution. Allow it to dry thoroughly. Once dry, dust a thin, even layer of food-grade diatomaceous earth across the base and sides of the bin before relining it. The powder needs to remain dry to work, so reapply after the bin has been washed. A light dusting on top of the bin liner is also effective as an ongoing preventative measure during warmer months when flies are most active,’ says Mosh Latifi, Co-Owner, EcoCare Pest Management.

‘The microscopic sharp edges of the diatomaceous earth particles penetrate the soft outer cuticle of maggots and other larvae on contact, causing them to dehydrate rapidly. Unlike chemical insecticides, there is no poison involved, just a purely physical mechanism. This also means insects cannot develop resistance to it, which makes it consistently effective over time.’

Why is this a good method to try?

If you’re looking for a chemical-free solution that is safe to use around kids and pets, diatomaceous earth is a good idea.

‘But most of all, it’s effective. The only issue people have with DE is that it needs to stay dry to work; you’ll need to keep your bins undercover or reapply it after rain. If you do keep finding maggots, there may be a bigger problem than just your bins, and that’s when it's worth getting a professional pest assessment,’ says Adam.

It’s also worth looking at how to prevent maggots in a bin, which includes regular cleaning and disposal of food waste. You should also look for ways to deter flies from your home to prevent an infestation in the first place.

However, if maggots have set up shop in your kitchen bin, rest assured that diatomaceous earth is an effective way to kill them.

On a recent camping trip, there was one accessory every camper seemed to be sporting. A collapsible washing-up bowl, and upon arriving home, I decided they’re a practical and space-saving solution for my small kitchen.

I can’t say I’ve ever paid too much attention to washing-up bowls, but people with tidy sink areas do, and choosing one that is the right style and size for your sink area does make a difference. I have limited space in my own kitchen, so a washing-up bowl that I can fold up and stash away when not in use sounds like a good idea to me.

Ever since returning from my trip, I’ve spent more time than I’d like to admit considering the merits of a collapsible washing-up bowl. Here’s why I think it’s a good fit for my small kitchen ideas.

Every summer, my partner and I swap Bristol for the Pembrokeshire coastline, and it’s always my favourite trip of the year. Having been going camping since I was a kid, I’ve always assumed I knew exactly what to bring.

But this year, as I carried a haphazard ensemble of pots and pans, all my neighbours were sporting a collapsible washing up bowl just like this Dunelm Collapsible Cleaning Bowl with Handle (£10). While they were seemingly great in a camping situation, I wanted one for my home.

My flat is not exactly blessed with space. I have an open plan kitchen/ living room, with my sink area crammed into a corner. I don’t have a washing up bowl. I find they get in the way and can be annoying to keep clean; however, I do think one would come in handy to prevent glassware from chipping, prevent my drain from clogging with food debris and save water, too.

While I’ve been tempted by the Joseph Joseph washing up bowl (which is an Ideal Home Editor’s pick) due to its clever drainage feature, I honestly think a foldable version is better suited to smaller spaces.

Dunelm’s Handy Kitchen Collapsible Washing Up Bowl (£4) example can hold up to 10 litres of water and folds completely flat when not in use. You can whip it out to soak your dishes and take it on trips, and when you’re done, it folds down and tucks away.

My main pain points with a washing-up bowl are that they are bulky and get in the way, which I find highly irritating. And they’re not exactly pretty either. A collapsible bowl deals with both issues. This is how I know it's the right fit for my tiny kitchen.

This summer, I’ve been testing out Febreze’s new Bin Fresheners (£5.99, Amazon), and I’m not lying when I say my bin actually smells good?! They’ve been brilliant at banishing bad smells from my kitchen bins.

In hot weather, it doesn’t take long until rubbish starts to smell and fruit flies flock to your home as a result. While we all should be cleaning a kitchen bin regularly during summer, sometimes this isn’t enough to stop the pong.

So, any product that promises to stop my bin from smelling, I’m more than willing to try. And I was genuinely left impressed with Febreze’s new Bin Fresheners. My bin has never smelled so good.

When I moved into my flat last year, I swapped out a standard plastic waste bin for Habitat’s 55 Litre Twin Compartment Pedal Bin (£70) as its space-saving design was better suited to my small kitchen. It’s proved incredibly easy to clean, and I’ve noticed fewer smells leak through than a kitchen bin.

However, during this year’s heat waves, I have noticed bad smells when I open the lid. So, when I got my hands on the Febreze Bin Fresheners, I was excited to try them. They’re incredibly easy to use. You simply clean and dry the lid, insert the fragrance capsule into the holder and stick it to the lid via its adhesive liner.

And from that moment onwards, there genuinely is a big difference between how my bin smelt before and after. I’d opted for the Outdoor Fresh scent, and every time I opened my bin it smelt almost spa-like. And no, that’s not a sentence I ever thought I’d write.

The fragrance pods last up to 45 days in a row, and in my experience, mask smells for that entire time. Febreze claims the fresheners fight up to 99% of common bin odours. I’m inclined to agree.

Having tested the fresheners out on my regular waste bin, I’m planning to pick up more pods and apply one to my food waste bin. I currently use the bicarbonate of soda hack to stop my food waste bin from smelling, but Febreze’s pods have proved more effective in my experience with my general waste bin.

Of course, you shouldn’t replace good bin hygiene with fragrance. Febreze’s pods are not designed to clean your bin, simply to mask poor smells. However, I have also noticed a reduction in flies this year compared to last year in my kitchen. Flies are attracted to decomposing food and rubbish, so your bin is a hotspot for attracting them. But while my bin now smells great to me, it’s less attractive for flies.

This handy little cleaning buy has earned a permanent place on my list of best cleaning products. It’s managed to make the inside of my kitchen bin smell like a spa retreat, and that is something short of a miracle.

If you’re struggling to get rid of flies this summer, then why not try making a yeast trap? And yes, you can use the affordable, fast-acting yeast you can pick up in the supermarket.

One of the main downsides of summer is the large swarms of flies that try to set up shop in your home and garden. If these buzzing pests are driving you bonkers right now, don’t worry, there are plenty of effective ways to get rid of flies.

This includes making a yeast trap. By mixing sugar and yeast, you can make an irresistible trap flies are drawn to. I asked a pest expert for his top tips on making the trap as effective as possible.

You’ll probably already be aware of the cider vinegar trap, which is excellent at getting rid of fruit flies from your kitchen. But did you know that a yeast and sugar mix works just as well?

‘Take a plastic bottle and cut the top third off. Mix warm water with a tablespoon of sugar and a teaspoon of active dry yeast in the bottom section and stir briefly. Invert the cut top section into the bottle to create a funnel and secure it with tape. The funnel directs flies in but makes it very difficult for them to find their way back out. Place it in the area where you are seeing the most fly activity, near a bin, fruit bowl or outdoor seating area,’ explains Mosh Latifi, Co-Owner, EcoCare Pest Management.

‘The fermenting yeast produces carbon dioxide and warm, sweet-smelling vapour that mimics the signals flies associate with food and organic matter. Flies are drawn in through the funnel opening, become disorientated inside the bottle and cannot locate the exit. The funnel shape is key. It works because flies instinctively fly upward to escape, and the narrowing funnel prevents them from finding the opening they entered through.’

Is this a good method to use?

The yeast and sugar hack is a really easy and affordable trick that works. It is the CO2 in the fermenting yeast that attracts the flies; however, you need to ensure you use a fresh mixture that is actively fermenting. Because of this, you’ll want to replace the trap every two to three days and get rid of your captured flies during this time.

‘If you are catching a significant number of flies, the simplest approach is to dispose of the whole bottle and make a fresh one. If you want to reuse the bottle, seal it in a bag before opening to prevent flies escaping, rinse thoroughly and make a fresh mixture. The whole setup costs pennies to make and replace,’ adds Mosh.

The main drawback of this method is that it doesn’t eliminate the source of your fly infestation. It’s worth looking into ways to stop flies coming into your home and trying preventative measures such as scents flies hate or plants that deter flies to make your home as unwelcoming as possible. You should remove all food sources and attractants such as old sponges and stinky bins. If the problem persists, it is a good idea to consult a professional.

‘It [the method] is genuinely effective, completely chemical-free and costs almost nothing. The limitation is that it catches individual flies rather than addressing the breeding source. If you have a significant fly problem, track down where they are breeding - a drain, a bin or uncovered food waste - and address that alongside the trap. Used together, the trap catches adults while removing the source reduces the next generation,’ Mosh concludes.

If you’re looking for an easy, cheap and most importantly effective way to get rid of flies this summer, give this yeast trap a try.

If you’ve been eaten alive by mosquitoes this summer, a fly screen may be the clever solution worth investing in, especially as experts are saying hotter summers are on the cards.

We all want to get rid of mosquitoes and keep them out of our homes, but due to the weather, I’ll bet you’ve been leaving your windows open overnight, allowing these pests an entryway into your home.

A fly screen acts as a physical barrier to these pests, whilst allowing fresh, cool air into your home. You’ve probably spotted these abroad in warmer climates like Spain, and experts say they are becoming more popular in the UK.

Should you invest in a fly screen?

‘As someone who deals with fly and mosquito infestations professionally, my honest answer is yes, and they are one of the most cost-effective preventative measures available. Most indoor fly problems I attend could have been significantly reduced by basic window screening. The issue is rarely that flies are impossible to stop. It is that homes have no physical barrier at all,’ answers Mosh Latifi, co-owner, EcoCare Pest Management.

And due to the warm weather, insect screen manufacturer Appeal Shading is already seeing an increase in demand for fly screens.

‘Warmer temperatures generally create more favourable conditions for many flying insects, so it's reasonable to expect that homeowners may notice more flies, mosquitoes and other insects during longer, hotter summers. While insect activity will always depend on local weather and environmental conditions, we're seeing more people looking for practical ways to enjoy natural ventilation without inviting insects indoors. A fitted insect screen allows you to keep windows and doors open for fresh air while helping to keep unwanted pests outside,’ said Tina Loveland, senior designer at Appeal Shading

With plenty of different fly screens on offer, there is one for every budget. From a bespoke fitted screen to this Amazon magnetic fly screen (£26.99), and even string door curtains (£8.99, Amazon), it’s easy to find affordable solutions for your home. You can also DIY a fly screen using fly mesh (£8.95, Amazon), and it might be wise to use scents mosquitoes hate around your home to deter them.

‘The best solution for bedroom windows is one that's easy to live with. A bespoke retractable insect screen lets you keep the room cool with natural ventilation overnight, while helping to prevent flying insects from getting inside. Because the screen is tailor-made and colour matched to your window frames, it blends into the home and doesn't detract from the look of the room,’ says Tina.

Mosh says it’s important to invest in a well-rated, quality screen. After all, there’s not much point if it doesn’t work to keep mosquitoes out.

‘For bedrooms, a fitted frame screen with a finer mesh is worth the investment. A bedroom window is often open all night, which is exactly when mosquitoes are most active. A poorly fitted or low-quality screen with gaps at the edges is almost as bad as no screen at all. Magnetic or tension-fit screens that sit flush with the frame and leave no gaps are the best removable option for bedrooms if a fitted screen is not practical,’ he says.

If mosquitoes are plaguing your home a fly screen really can make a big difference. We say yes, it's worth the investment.

During hot weather, I’ve accepted that I need to empty my food waste bin daily or it will start to stink. But waste experts have just put me onto a slightly unconventional method that completely halts the decomposition process. All it requires is freezer space…

Even thinking about bad bin smells is enough to make me gag, so I welcome any method that promises to stop a bin from smelling the heat. Since the introduction of Simpler Recycling rules, every household in England will now have a food waste caddy in their kitchens.

If you’ve been struggling to stop your food waste bin from smelling, you might want to try this hack. Provided you have enough freezer space, all you have to do is put your food waste in the freezer and say goodbye to unpleasant aromas.

Can you put food waste in the freezer?

I’d first spotted this hack in the comment section of a TikTok and instantly baulked at the idea of putting my food waste in with my actual food. But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense - after all, freezing the food would halt the decomposition process - and so I decided to get an expert’s opinion.

‘Storing a food waste bin in the freezer can be a good idea, particularly during hot weather when food waste tends to break down more quickly, leaving unwanted odours. Freezing food waste helps slow bacterial growth, preventing the decomposition process that causes those unpleasant smells. This can make it a practical solution for households that struggle with smells in the kitchen,’ AO’s refrigeration expert, Jade Golding-Gault, explained to me.

‘The main benefit of this hack is it minimises unwanted odours in your kitchen. By keeping food waste frozen, you're pausing the processes that cause smells to develop. It can also help deter fruit flies and other pests that are attracted to food waste, which is particularly helpful in the summer when they are more common. For households with infrequent food waste collections, it can be an easy way to keep kitchens clean and fresh between pick-ups.’

Of course, the main drawback of this hack is that it requires a lot of space. If you have a small kitchen and even smaller fridge/ freezer, this hack might not be suitable for you. For example, I have an under-the-counter fridge/ freezer, and my freezer is one small drawer - so unfortunately, this won’t be a hack I can use.

‘Storing food waste scraps in the freezer takes up valuable space that could be used for real food, especially if you have a small freezer. After taking the frozen waste out of the freezer, there is the chance that the scraps may turn soft and begin to leak water as they warm up on the way to the bin. Wet or heavy waste can also tear thin plastic bags, causing additional cleanup,’ says Ryan Kalia, a waste and bin specialist at Kingfisher Direct.

There are also hygiene considerations to take into account, too. Unwanted odours can transfer into the food in your freezer if your waste isn’t sealed properly, and you should remember it will immediately start decomposing again once you remove it from the freezer - so you should only store it for a limited time.

If you do lack freezer space to try this hack, don’t worry; here are a few small space-friendly methods to stop your food waste bin from smelling.

‘Freezing food waste can be a useful option if you are bothered by odours or pests in your kitchen, but it shouldn't be necessary for every household. Regularly emptying your food waste bin, keeping it clean, using compostable liners and storing it away from direct sunlight can often be enough to keep odours under control. For those with limited freezer space, maintaining a clean food waste bin is usually a more practical long-term solution,’ concludes Jade.

It’s an unusual hack, but one that does work to reduce food waste smells - would you try it?

Coming home from a holiday is a very jarring experience. On one hand, you miss lazing by a pool all day and having someone else do the cooking and cleaning for you. On the other hand, there’s nothing quite like coming home to your own space and bed after a week or two away.

And while I’ve already stressed the importance of the things you should declutter before going on holiday, preparation really is key when you’re gearing up to go on holiday - and your cleaning routine is included in that. After all, getting ahead of the game can soften the crash landing when you get home, and make this jarring experience much more manageable.

But I’m not asking you to deep-clean your entire house from top to bottom while you’re also trying to pack and get your ducks in a row. As Emma Mannion, cleaning expert at Astonish, explains, ‘The goal isn't perfection. It's making sure coming home feels almost as nice as going away.’ So, these are the quick and easy cleaning tasks you should tick off your to-do list before you jet off.

1. Bins

Most of us jet off in the summer holidays, which is prime smelly bin time. And while there are many ways to stop a bin from smelling, it’s hard to do that when you’re not in the country. That’s why you should always empty your bin before going on holiday.

Catherine Green, sustainable cleaning expert at smol, echoes this, saying, ‘Warm weather and closed-up houses make bins particularly prone to bad smells. You absolutely must empty them before you go so food waste doesn't fester, and giving them a quick wash with some warm water and a splash of washing up liquid will keep them super fresh.’

If you want to go the extra mile, it may also be worth popping a bin freshener in your bin while you’re away - like this Bin Buddy Bin Freshener Deodoriser Powder (£4 at Amazon). Make sure you put a fresh bin liner in before you leave, too, as that’ll be one less task to do when you get home.

2. Appliances

Hopefully, you also have regular washing machine cleaning routines - and the same for your dishwasher, too. But if you’re heading off on holiday, it’s well worth giving them some extra TLC and allowing these appliances to breathe while you’re away.

Catherine warns, ‘You should never leave plates with food sitting in your dishwasher for days while you are away! Run a final cycle, empty it out, and leave the door slightly ajar.’ You can use this Finish Dishwasher Cleaner (£10.50 for a pack of 2 at Amazon) to get the job done, or opt for white vinegar as a natural alternative.

‘Also, make sure to double-check your washing machine is empty too, as leaving wet laundry sitting in the drum is a leading cause of mould growth on your fabrics,’ she adds. ‘Once empty, remember to leave the machine door and detergent drawer open to allow it to dry completely.’ Personally, I love to use this Dri-Pak Citric Acid (£4.77 at Amazon) to clean my washing machine.

3. Sinks

We’re all guilty of having a last-minute cup of tea before heading to the airport, but if you leave any mugs, standing water or any other debris in your sink, you could be in for a rude (and very smelly) awakening when you return home. That’s why it’s well worth cleaning your sinks before going on holiday.

Emma explains, ‘Small bits of food, grease and general kitchen grime can leave the room smelling stale if they're left sitting in a sink for a week or more. A quick clean before you head off means you come back to a kitchen that feels fresh and ready to use, rather than one that's immediately adding jobs to your list.’

Thankfully, maintaining a clean and tidy sink isn’t as hard as it sounds, and Emma’s top tip is to ‘put a capful of disinfectant down the plug hole, and it’ll smell fresh when you return!’ This Astonish Zesty Lemon Disinfectant (£8.49 for a pack of three at Amazon) is the perfect scent for a kitchen, too.

4. Bathrooms

When you’re ready and raring to go on holiday, you probably don’t want to be like the people with consistently clean bathrooms who spend hours cleaning them. But it’s well worth giving your bathrooms a quick once-over before you leave.

Emma advises, ‘A quick wipe of the sink, shower and toilet is usually enough to stop watermarks, soap residue and bathroom smells building up while you're away. This should be one of the last tasks you do before you jet off.’ You can use as many of the best cleaning products as you want, too, so you can tailor it around the time you have left.

Personally, I love the spearmint-scent of this Miniml Fast-Action Toilet Cleaner (£3 at Amazon), and as Emma explains, ‘It's amazing how much more enjoyable the welcome home feels when the bathroom is fresh and clean. After a long journey home, little things like that really do make a difference.’

5. Surfaces

I’m on a constant mission to keep dust out of my house, but you don’t have any control over that when you’re on holiday. However, giving surfaces a quick dust and wipe down before you jet off can make a big difference. You need to choose the right type of dusting, though.

Catherine explains, ‘You absolutely don't need to do a stressful deep clean right before a trip. I recommend damp dusting as it traps particles rather than simply moving them around.’ And using a damp duster like this Scrub Daddy Damp Duster (£2.98 at Amazon) is an Ideal Home favourite, too.

If you want to go the extra mile in the kitchen and bathroom, I’d also suggest wiping down your surfaces with an antibacterial spray to ensure that any germs or bacteria don’t spread while you’re enjoying yourself on holiday.

Will you be cleaning these things before you go on holiday?

Lakeland’s £19.99 3-in-1 Mini Vacuum Cleaner was released last year and was so popular that it sold out almost instantly. Then, it sold out again and again. But while stock levels are arguably more stable than they were a year ago, this bargain appliance is still one of Lakeland’s bestsellers.

And as Ideal Home’s Vacuums Expert, it’s my job to test vacuums of all shapes and sizes - with most of them hovering around the £300 mark. But while it’s fair to say that Lakeland’s £20 mini vacuum doesn’t offer the same level of power as the best handheld vacuum cleaners, this small-but-mighty appliance has still become one of my most-used appliances at home. Especially for quick spills.

It impressed me when I reviewed it last year, and since then I’ve recommended it to all my family and friends as the bargain buy they need in their homes. But if you’re still weighing up whether to add one to your cleaning line-up, these are three things I’ve learned about Lakeland’s hugely popular mini vacuum over the past year.

1. It’s ideal for the kitchen

Since buying it, I’ve used Lakeland’s 3-in-1 Mini Vacuum Cleaner in every room of my house and in the car. In fact, I even influenced my sister to buy one specifically for her car so she could suck up the crumbs my messy nephews leave in their wake. Me personally, though? I primarily use mine in the kitchen.

I don’t have any kids in the house, but I am constantly on a mission to be like the people with tidy kitchen worktops, so I’m religiously tidying and cleaning my kitchen sides. And with the 3-in-1 sucking, air dusting and blowing functionalities, the mini vacuum is ideal for larger debris like porridge oats or smaller debris and dust that gets caught in between tiles and appliances. I’ve even used it to blast away cobwebs found in the many nooks and crannies in my kitchen.

I also have the Lakeland Mini Countertop Vacuum, which I tend to use for coffee-machine-related spills, but I find that the larger handheld vacuum’s versatility makes it ideal for quick cleaning on the go. The 0.2L dust canister is also a bit like Mary Poppins’ handbag and holds way more than you’d think, and it’s small enough to fit in a kitchen drawer, which is a major win.

2. The tools are handier than you think

I should note that the power of the Lakeland 3-in-1 vacuum doesn’t compete with bigger handheld models - and certainly not with full-size vacuum cleaners. It won’t tackle floors or upholstery, and it doesn’t offer enough suction or blowing power to tackle trickier, stubborn messes. However, the tools are a major plus point.

When I first bought the £20 vacuum, I did wonder how often I’d use some of the tools, but I’ve actually used them way more than I thought. Especially as there are five to choose from: a crevice nozzle, a crevice nozzle brush, and three blowing/suction nozzles. And all of these can be used by quickly clicking onto the end of the vacuum.

I’ve used these nozzles to blow debris out of my laptop keyboard, dust my plantation shutters, and even had my neighbour borrow the vacuum once to pump up an air bed for her daughter’s sleepover. Because of this, I really do think it’s one of those tools that you can get out when you’re stuck with most dilemmas.

3. Charging can be quite inconsistent

If you couldn’t already tell, I have a lot of love for Lakeland’s 3-in-1 Mini Vacuum and genuinely think that it’s a steal at just £20. But I also have to acknowledge that it is a very cheap appliance, and that often comes with some sacrifices and limitations. For me, this has come in the form of charging inconsistencies.

When I first bought the mini vacuum, I found that the advertised 15-minute run time (which is already very generous for a handheld vacuum) was accurate. The 2.5-hour charge time was also correct. And while I don’t know if it’s due to the USB charging cable or the battery itself, those numbers have started to dwindle as the year has gone by.

This is something reviewers have noted on the Lakeland website, too, as they’ve found that the battery life and charging time have become inconsistent with frequent use. Personally, I don’t find this to be too much of an issue as I’ve simply gotten into the habit of charging immediately after each use, but it does make me wonder how much longer it’ll last. For £20, though, it’s lasted well so far.

Alternatives to consider

I couldn't recommend this mini vacuum more!

With hot weather comes smelly drains, and right now, my sink is stinking up my entire kitchen. To combat this, I’m using an 80p heatwave hack to banish odours in their tracks and keep my drains free of sludge and debris. And these EcoZone Drain Cleaning Sticks from Amazon are a must-have.

Yes, as hot weather accelerates the decomposition of food or debris trapped in kitchen and bathroom pipes, smelly drains are a nuisance during any heatwave. But they don't just stink up the place; they also attract irritating flies that are equally difficult to shift. And while there are many ways to fix smelly drains, the last thing I want to do in this heat is spend my time cleaning.

That’s why I’m turning to enzymatic drain sticks to freshen up my drains, banish odours and keep water flowing freely during the heatwave. They’re the zero-effort solution to smelly drains you didn’t know you needed.

Although I clean my kitchen sink drain regularly, sinks dry out more quickly when the temperature rises. This evaporates any lingering water in the pipes and leaves foul-smelling debris in its wake. Before long, the smell of leftover organic matter, soap scum and nasty sludge permeates throughout the room.

These drain sticks work by using natural bacteria and enzymes to break down this organic matter, which should, in turn, remove the odours. But many of these drain sticks - like the EcoZone ones I’ve previously used in my own home - are also scented. This means that they’ll replace the bad odours with a cleaner, fresher one, too.

The beauty of these sticks is that you simply drop them into your drain and leave them, and they’ll do the hard work for you. They’ll also continue to break down debris and release a scent for around a month - so a whole £10 pack of 12 should last you an entire year.

I’ve tried a few of these sticks in my drains over the years, including Lakeland’s 12 Drain Maintain Fragranced Enzyme Cleaning Plughole Sticks (£7.99 at Lakeland). And while Lakeland’s drain sticks certainly got the job done, I didn’t find that they lasted as long as the EcoZone option.

It seems as though I’m not the only one who appreciates them, either. The EcoZone Drain Cleaning Sticks have over 10,000 reviews on Amazon, with 45% of customers rating them a perfect 5 stars out of 5. A further 21% gave them 4 stars.

However, as with all cleaning tools and hacks, the results aren’t the same across the board. How effective they are depends on the condition of your drains and pipes, and some customers have found that they didn’t completely banish the odour.

So, if you’d rather try something with a much higher success rate, you could also consider using bicarbonate of soda and hot water to neutralise the odours and break down the debris in the pipes. This is also a very low-effort hack, and you might already have the bicarb sitting in your cleaning cupboard.

Whatever option you use, odours coming from your drains are some of the smells you shouldn’t ignore in your house - especially during a heatwave. So, make sure you do something about it.

Don't let your smelly drains get you down!

If you’ve noticed the temperature is about to spike once again at the end of the week, don’t panic. Experts have revealed six jobs to prepare your kitchen in time for the July heatwave.

While the last heatwave left us desperately seeking ways to cool a home, purchasing the best fans and desperately checking to see if the best portable air conditioners were back in stock, this time around, it pays to be prepared.

When you’re hot and bothered, the last thing you want to do is clean a kitchen. So, experts recommend completing these six kitchen tasks now before the weather heats up. You’ll thank yourself later!

1. Clean your kitchen bins

Unfortunately, stinky bins are often synonymous with hot weather. Heat speeds up the process of decay, which can cause some pretty funky smells. So, it’s really important to keep on top of bin hygiene when the weather heats up to avoid attracting flies and making your kitchen stink.

‘The warm weather provides the ideal conditions for bacterial growth and the breakdown of food, which is why kitchen bins are often the biggest culprits for unpleasant smells in the summer,' explains Heather Nixon, sustainability manager at Bio-D.

'Giving your kitchen bin a thorough wash before temperatures rise removes food residue that causes the odours. It’s also worth emptying food waste more regularly during hot spells as this reduces the window of opportunity for odours and bacteria to develop.'

To help reduce odour, you can buy charcoal bin filters for £14.50 at Amazon. These are great at absorbing and neutralising unpleasant odours.

2. Clean and check your extrator fan

Do you remember the last time you cleaned your extractor fan? Well, now is as good a time as any, as these fans can be really helpful when your kitchen feels too hot.

‘Extractor fans can be your friends in heatwaves as they pull warm, humid air out of the kitchen, especially when you're cooking or doing the washing up. Before the heat arrives, give the fan and filter a deep clean to make sure it’s working as efficiently as possible, so it can help stop hot, stuffy air sitting in the room,’ says Angus Struthers, Managing Director at BOXT, heating and cooling specialists.

3. Clean the dishwasher

While your dishwasher is likely to be your best friend during a heatwave, it’s a good idea to give it a clean before the heat hits, particularly if you want to reduce the risk of bad smells.

‘Dishwashers can easily become a hidden source of unpleasant odours during hot weather. The remaining food particles, grease, and moisture from previous cycles can build up around the filter and door seals and combined with higher temperatures, it can make smells that usually go undetected much more noticeable,’ says Heather.

‘Pre-empting this before a heatwave begins by removing the dishwasher filter, wiping around the rubber seals and running an empty maintenance cycle with some rinse aid is an easy way of reducing odours and preventing homes from becoming even more uncomfortable with the heat.’

4. Plan no-oven meals

During a heatwave, my kitchen is a firm no-oven zone. I normally opt for plenty of salads (MOB Fresh has some delicious non-boring salads) during the summer, so I don’t have to use my hob or oven. This helps reduce the amount of excess heat in my kitchen.

In the meantime, it's a good idea to degrease your oven and give the inside a clean to remove any food residue before the heat hits (and causes potential odour), and so it is lovely and clean when the time comes to return to heart

‘We all love a home-cooked meal, but this can actually turn your kitchen into a furnace without you realising. Ovens and hobs are some of the biggest culprits in the kitchen. We’ve all got to eat, but if you can plan a few meals that don’t need the oven, or can be cooked earlier in the day or later in the evening, it can help stop the kitchen from becoming unbearably hot during the afternoon,’ says Angus.

5. Wash cleaning cloths

Lastly, you’ll need to clean your kitchen cleaning cloths ahead of the temperature increase. Not only do they become smelly, but they can harbour bacteria, too. Two things that contradict the whole point of a cleaning cloth!

‘Damp dishcloths and cleaning cloths can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria, and this is sped up when temperatures rise. Before a heatwave arrives, give your kitchen cloths a thorough wash and make sure they're able to dry completely between uses, rather than leaving them scrunched up beside the sink. This is a simple yet effective preventative habit to get into to stop further bacterial and odour build-up,’ says Heather.

6. Give your fridge and freezer a clean and clear out

Now is also the perfect time to clean your fridge and freezer. Bin any old food, and ensure you wipe away any stains or spillages. This helps reduce smells and helps your appliance work more efficiently.

'The warmer it gets, the more strain is put on your fridge-freezer, so getting a few small jobs done before the hot weather hits can help prevent it from breaking down just as you need to stock up on ice cream,' says Nathan Blackler, home insurance expert at Go.Compare.

'First, give your fridge and freezer a quick clear-out. Throw away any out-of-date food, nearly empty jars or gone-off vegetables, and make sure you're not overpacking shelves or blocking the air vents. While a reasonably full fridge and freezer can help maintain a stable temperature, good airflow is key to keeping the appliance running efficiently during hot weather.

'It is also worth giving the fridge-freezer a quick maintenance check. Pull it slightly away from the wall if you can, so there is enough ventilation around the back, and try to keep it out of direct sunlight. Wiping up spills, checking the door seals and making sure nothing is blocking the vents can all help the appliance cope better when the kitchen is warm.'

What you need

How many of these jobs have you ticked off so far?

The recent heatwave has reminded me that food waste bins really can stink, and if you’re keen to reduce odour and discourage flies from your kitchen, the Joseph Joseph Intelligent Waste Caddy (£29, Amazon) does just that.

The Simpler Recycling rules that were introduced earlier this year have meant that every household in England has been (or is in the process of being) issued a food waste bin and caddy. The plastic caddy is used for transporting food waste from your kitchen to the outdoor food waste bin, and is a brown plastic tub that is small enough to sit on a countertop.

However, I’ve found that my council-issued caddy does practically nothing to mask smells - especially during hot weather. And in my effort to get rid of flies from my kitchen, I’m investing in the Joseph Joseph Intelligent Waste Caddy. Here’s why.

Unfortunately for you and me, a stinky food waste bin is like ambrosia for flies. Flies - particularly vinegar flies - are attracted to the smell of decaying food, in particular fruit, which releases a particularly attractive smell when it begins to overferment.

Of course, you should regularly clean your food waste bin to deter flies. By keeping it clean, it is less smelly and therefore less attractive to flies. I find that placing bicarbonate of soda (£2, Amazon) in the base of my bin is a handy trick for absorbing and neutralising bad odours. You can also purchase charcoal bin filters (£10.20, Amazon), which work similarly to absorb odour. Plus, you can even add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to some kitchen roll and place it in the bottom of a bin. Choose a scent that flies don’t like, such as lavender or peppermint.

But considering it's meant to be a scorching summer this year, I want a bin that works as hard as I do. This is why I’ve been considering the Joseph Joseph Intelligent Waste Caddy. Although the Joseph Joseph caddy is a little more than I’d typically spend on a food waste bin, especially as I do get one for free from my local council, its clever design features have convinced me to make the splurge.

The caddy has a four-litre capacity, easily handling the food waste of a busy household. It has a tight-lipped lid, which makes it harder for flies to access the inside because it seals shut. Plus, there is a built-in odour filter in the lid, which helps reduce odour and moisture, making it a less friendly environment for pests. It’s also easy to clean, with the manufacturers stating it’s easy to clean with hot soapy water, then wipe dry with a soft cloth.

What’s more, the Joseph Joseph Intelligent Waste Caddy has over 10,000 positive reviews to back it up.

‘Solved the issues I had with throwing food waste into my normal bin. It used to really smell. This container uses a filter to aid with smell. I can tie bags of food up and throw them away separately. The build is pretty good. The lid opens easily. There is a handle to carry it with. It is small enough to barely take up space on my kitchen counter. No complaints. I would recommend it,’ said one.

‘Was more than I planned to spend, but worth it for the quality. The lid sits firmly over the base - and on hotter days, I have peace of mind that flies won’t get into it. There is no smell of food inside either when it’s closed,’ said another.

Alternatives

Bad bin smells, and fruit flies are enough to put most of us in a grump. But ensuring you have the right products and practises in place, this grievance can be a thing of the past.

As soon as the warmer weather arrives, so do the flies. But it’s important for UK homes to keep common house flies, fruit flies and drain flies out of the house, as these irritating pests can spread germs and generally cause a nuisance.

Thankfully, it’s my job to test all of the ways to keep flies out of the house, and I’m always on the lookout for new hacks that can get the job done - especially as flies have been buzzing around my own kitchen recently. So, when I spotted a method that uses coffee grounds to get rid of flies, I decided to test it out.

According to @thehitchcockhouse, all I had to do was burn my leftover coffee grounds in the oven for 15 minutes, then leave the smoking remains to work their magic and keep the flies at bay. And while I’m happy to report that it did work, there was a catch.

The coffee grounds fly hack is based on the notion that coffee is a scent that flies hate. Like most animals and humans, they also associate smoke with danger. So, in theory, the burnt coffee grounds should force the flies to flee.

After burning coffee grounds from my own morning brew in the oven for 15 minutes, I was left with a smoking pile of coffee that made my house smell like a café. And within a few minutes of placing it on my kitchen worktop, the flies that had been buzzing around left through a window I’d left open for them.

For the next three hours, my house was a fly-free zone - despite leaving the window open to let the cool breeze into my stifling Victorian terrace. However, the magic wore off after that, and the flies started to return.

This is something that James Copley, Chief Executive Officer of Copley Pest Solutions, expected to happen. He told me, ‘Burning coffee grounds to keep flies out of your home is a widely shared tip that homeowners use. Flies heavily rely on their sense of smell, so the smoke will deter them, but it is not a permanent solution. Instead, the most effective way to keep flies out of your home is to remove whatever attracted them in the first place.’

So, while burning coffee grounds can be a great way to reuse coffee grounds and get rid of flies in the short-term, long-term prevention will always be more effective. This is especially true if you struggle with flies in the kitchen as I often do.

James says that the most important step is to deter flies from food waste bins, as ‘Flies are attracted to food scraps, overripe fruit, dirty bins, pet food, pet waste, and standing water. Homeowners should not just empty their bins regularly but also clean them.’

Regularly cleaning the kitchen, storing food in airtight containers, and removing standing water from kitchens and bathrooms are also key steps to keep flies out of the house.

Physical barriers can also help if you’re struggling right now. Our Senior Digital Editor, Jenny, swears by fly fans like this Zero In Fly Go! USB Rechargeable Fly Repellent Fan (£11.99 at Amazon) to naturally repel the flies, and there are even barriers you can put on your windows and doors to keep these unwanted visitors out.

Jason Peterkin, director and founder of 247 Blinds, says, ‘One of the simplest ways to keep flies out of the house is with a retractable fly screen. They create a physical barrier that helps keep insects out while still allowing in ventilation and natural light, making them particularly useful in kitchens, living spaces and bedrooms where windows are frequently left open during warmer weather.’

Of course, there are also the traditional methods of using citronella candles and even the lemon clove fly repellent hack, where you stick cloves into a lemon half to throw off their senses and leave them no option but to flee your home. But, really, prevention is always better than the cure if you want to keep flies out of the house.

So, while I was impressed by the short-term effects of the coffee hack, I’m not sure I’ll be using it again! And for anyone interested, my coffee machine is the Sage The Barista Express Impress (was £729.99, now £599.99 at Argos).

Now that summer has arrived, we’re leaving the windows open and making the most of our gardens. But with this comes the nuisance of wasps, and if you want to keep wasps away from your home, you need to understand what’s attracting them. And these are five unusual household items inadvertently attracting wasps to your home.

I’d wager most of us want to know how to get rid of wasps. These buzzing pests not only have a nasty sting, but can sometimes behave aggressively and are a phobia to many. So, if you want to avoid a home and garden full of wasps, you need to address the things that attract them.

While there are many ways to deter wasps, including using scent or even fake wasp nests, let’s address the root cause of what's attracting them to your home in the first place.

1. Sweet candles and diffusers

In summer, more often than not, the best candles and reed diffusers we choose for our home have a sweet, fruity scent. While gourmand vanilla or floral rose smells amazing to you and me, unfortunately, wasps are a huge fan of these fragrances, too.

‘Fruity or floral scented candles and reed diffusers are one of the most overlooked wasp attractants in the home. Wasps are drawn to sweet smells in the same way they are drawn to ripe fruit, and a diffuser pumping out mango or tropical scents near an open window is essentially a welcome sign. Swap to more neutral or citrus-based scents, which are less attractive to wasps and actively repellent in the case of citronella,’ explains Mosh Latifi, co-owner of EcoCare Pest Management.

If you’re looking for a citronella candle that deters pests but also smells good to the human nose, I swear by Neom’s Complete Bliss Citronella Outdoor Candle (£55 at LookFantastic), which doesn’t smell as overpowering as other citronella candles and is wonderfully fresh.

2. Outdoor cushions

I’m sorry to say it, but your outdoor cushions are attracting wasps to your home, and it’s all down to the nesting potential that cushions provide.

‘This one isn't a major attractor, but outdoor cushions can sometimes provide sheltered spots for wasps to investigate, particularly if they're left outside all season. In some cases, worn or damaged furnishings may also provide fibres that certain species can use when building nests. Storing cushions away when they're not in use and replacing badly frayed items can help minimise the risk,’ says Luke Newnes, gardening expert at Hillarys.

To stop wasps from making your outdoor cushions their home, store them in a vacuum-sealed bag (such as these for £11.39 on Amazon) to prevent any creepy-crawlies making their way in.

3. Bags for life

Yep, the bag for life you picked up from the supermarket and currently have stashed in a cupboard, drawer, or even your car could be attracting wasps to your home - especially if you haven’t cleaned it before storing it.

‘Reusable bags that have carried groceries and not been washed regularly can retain food odours that attract wasps, particularly if stored in a warm car boot or shed. Give bags a regular wash, especially during summer, and do not store them near entry points to the house,’ says Mosh.

4. Standing water and leaky taps

You should check your garden and home for any leaky taps or stagnant water, as this can also attract wasps to your home.

‘Like most insects, wasps need water, particularly during hot, dry weather. Dripping taps, water collecting in plant trays, bird baths or other damp areas can become regular drinking spots. Fixing leaks and removing unnecessary standing water won't prevent wasps entirely, but it can make your garden less attractive to them,’ says Luke.

If you have a bird bath and want to continue to support birds in hot weather, you don’t have to remove it. Simply position it a bit further away from your home to reduce the distance from you and any wasps. You could also consider planting plants that wasps dislike, to deter them from coming near the area.

5. Pet food

Last but not least is pet food, which can also attract wasps to your home if left out after your pets have finished eating.

‘Cat and dog food left in bowls outside, or even inside near an open door or window, attracts wasps looking for protein as much as sugar. Wasps actively seek protein sources in summer to feed their larvae, and pet food is an easy target. Remove pet bowls as soon as feeding is finished rather than leaving them down all day,’ says Mosh.

Get rid of wasps

I’d have never guessed that a few of these items would attract wasps to my home - especially my bag for life! But now we know the unusual things that attract wasps, we can ensure we don’t leave them lying around. Prevention is better than a cure, after all.

Shark is a household favourite in the world of vacuum cleaners, with several of its vacuums consistently being ranked among Ideal Home's top-rated models. So, when I learned that the brand had quietly dropped its most powerful handheld vacuum last month, I had to test it out for myself.

Naturally, I was keen to see whether the new Shark PowerBoost Pet Handheld lived up to expectations and if it deserves a spot among the best handheld vacuum cleaners. Here's everything you need to know.

In a nutshell

After testing the Shark PowerBoost Pet Cordless 2-in-1 Handheld Vacuum (which is a bit of a mouthful, so I'll refer to it as the Shark PowerBoost Pet from here on) in my busy family home for two weeks, it's fair to say I'm impressed.

The suction is more powerful than I expected for a handheld vacuum, and it handled crumbs, dust and general mess with ease. I found myself reaching for it far more than I'd expected, as its lightweight design and decent battery life made it ideal for quick clean-ups when I didn't want to pull out my full-size vacuum cleaner.

It also includes a car detailing kit, which consists of a flexible hose and various small tool attachments designed to clean computer keyboards, air vents, and car interiors. While I found the results a little underwhelming overall, particularly when using the extension hose, the smaller brush attachments are handy for tackling intricate hard-to-reach spaces.

The motorised hand tool, with its rotating brush roll, is a standout attachment. I noticed a difference when I used it on upholstery and carpets, where it helped lift more stubborn debris and embedded dirt, making it the most useful part of the kit. Cleaning and maintenance are also straightforward, with the dust cup opening with a simple button release. And although its capacity isn't huge, it was easy to get into the habit of emptying regularly, which makes it feel low-maintenance.

How I tested

Specifications

• Max. run time: 40 minutes
• Charge time: 4.5 hours
• Bag/ bin capacity: 0.25L
• Weight: 1.13 kg
• Dimensions: 24.21 cm L x 8.89 cm W x 33.6 cm H
• Modes: 3
• In the box: Car Detail Kit, Charger, Motorised Hand Tool, Shark PowerBoost Cordless Handheld Vacuum
• RRP: £229.99

Unboxing, set-up and first impressions

The Shark PowerBoost Cordless 2-in-1 Handheld Vacuum packaging was fairly plain and compact, and light enough to carry single-handedly.

One thing I really like about Shark products is how eco-friendly the packaging tends to be. There was no plastic at all; everything was protected in paper bags and cushioned on top of a layer of moulded cardboard, with the user manual placed on top. It's a small detail, but always one that I think makes a noticeable difference.

The contents were also refreshingly minimal and included the handheld vacuum, motorised hand tool, charger, and a car detail kit comprising an extension tube, a crevice tool, and precision attachments.

With everything out of the box, I then popped the motorised hand tool onto the end of the vacuum (which clicked into place easily), and took a couple of minutes to take in the design.

The first thing that stands out is how lightweight the Shark PowerBoost Pet feels. At 1.1kg, it sits on the lighter end of the range for handheld cordless vacuums, but it still feels sturdy and built to last. The charcoal grey and blue finish also adds to its premium feel.

The digital display sits neatly at the back of the unit, and there are only two buttons - power and mode- which feels refreshingly straightforward.

It also stands upright when the battery is resting on a flat surface, but it topples when the motorised hand tool is attached. I initially wondered if I'd find this inconvenient during use, but given how easy the attachment is to remove, it's not a dealbreaker.

Before getting started, though, the battery needed to be fully charged. I discovered that it can be removed to charge, but because of its compact size, I didn't feel this was necessary, so I just plugged the charger into a power socket before inserting it into the charging port on the side of the battery.

When it's charging, the battery icon on the digital display flashes until it reaches full charge, after around 4.5 hours.

What's it like to use?

I live in a three-bedroom home with my husband and three children, and it would be accurate to say I vacuum multiple times a day to keep on top of the mess that comes with family life. Generally, I rely on my Dreame V20 Pro Cordless for most of my vacuuming, and I also use the Shark Stratos, which converts to a handheld vacuum. For the purpose of this review, I switched the Stratos for the PowerBoost to allow a fair comparison.

The PowerBoost Pet has three modes - auto, eco and boost - which you'll be familiar with if you've used the Shark Stratos. When you switch it on, the digital display cycles through the modes before settling on auto mode, so I tended to stick to it for general clean-ups. I know from using the Stratos and similar vacuums that boost mode will drain the battery much quicker.

To get a proper feel for the device, I took it on a full lap around the house, using it on both carpets and hard floors. I was impressed instantly at the suction power; it handled everything in its path with ease. I found it particularly effective at reaching along skirting board edges and between the crevices of my bar stools, which are a magnet for stubborn crumbs and dust.

I experimented with the motorised hand tool attachment, as the user guide doesn't specify where it should be used. On carpet, I generally found it improved cleaning performance, particularly when tackling stubborn, embedded debris within the carpet's fibres. The motorised brush helps loosen dirt that suction alone sometimes struggled to lift.

As part of our testing process, I put the vacuum through our flour test to get a clear visual of pick-up performance. On hard flooring, I removed the hand tool attachment, and it had no trouble picking up the flour, collecting most of it in a single pass.

On carpet, I was equally impressed with the results. I used the brush tool for this test, and I've got to say, to my surprise, it glided effortlessly over the carpet and lifted the flour with ease.

There is a car detailing kit included with the Shark PowerBoost Pet, which includes a flexible hose and various different tools and brush attachments. As the manual recommends that the detailing kit is designed to clean hard-to-reach spaces like computer keyboards too, I thought this would be a good place to start before moving onto the car itself.

After attaching the extension hose onto the end of the vacuum, I used the round brush to try and extract the crumbs and debris that had built up in between my laptop screen and the keyboard. While it lifted some of the mess, I immediately noticed a drop in suction compared to using the vacuum without the extension hose.

I switched to the wider brush tool, which did improve performance, although I wouldn't describe the results as transformative. In fact, I did find myself checking the vacuum was drawing enough suction a couple of times.

That said, given the small surface area of the detailing tools, I think the emphasis is on precision rather than outright cleaning power. They feel better suited to tackling hard-to-reach areas rather than cleaning larger surface areas quickly.

I'm completely outing myself here, but my car is embarrassingly messy, and it's honestly the one job I'll put off cleaning for as long as possible. As I'd familiarised myself with the attachments, it felt like the ideal next test.

As with the keyboard, I noticed a drop in suction when using the extension hose. It did still pick up lighter mess but wasn't as powerful as when I used the motorised hand tool or the main unit directly.

I found the angle brush was the most useful attachment in this setting, particularly for reaching tight, fiddly spaces, such as the space underneath the seat belt buckle. And while my car did look cleaner by the end of the cleaning session, I was left slightly underwhelmed by the smaller tools.

Cleaning and maintenance

I'll always favour a floorcare appliance that's low-maintenance when it comes to cleaning - and thankfully, upkeep for the Shark PowerBoost Pet is really straightforward to keep on top of.

Although the dust cup isn't the largest, I found it was more than enough to tackle several clean-ups around the house before I needed to empty it.

When it does fill up, emptying the vacuum cleaner is really simple. There's a button on the side that releases the bin, and it swings open. I'm used to vacuums that open from one end and can be a bit fiddly to empty, but the PowerBoost Pet opens outwards making it much easier to drop straight into the bin.

The filter is just as easy to access. It pulls out of its housing once released and can be rinsed with water before being left to air dry for at least 24 hours. I've not needed to give it a full deep-clean yet, but when I did disassemble it, it was covered in flour and dust, so it's worth getting into the habit of keeping on top of.

The manual also includes a section on additional parts and accessories, which I thought was a useful touch as it highlights how versatile the vacuum can be. Replacement filters can be bought for just under £10, and there's also the additional option to purchase additional tools, including a wider upholstery tool and a duster crevice tool.

Given its price point, it would have been nice to see a couple more tools included in the box, but it's still useful to know what's available if you want to pick up any other accessories down the line.

How does it compare to similar models?

Ideal Home's top-rated handheld vacuum is the Dyson Car+Boat thanks to its impressive suction power and deep-cleaning capabilities. It does come with a much higher price tag than the Shark PowerBoost Pet, positioning it firmly on the premium end of the handheld vacuum market.

Within Shark's own range, the PowerBoost Pet feels like a natural step up from the WandVac 2.0. While both are designed as lightweight, grab-and-go cleaners, the PowerBoost Pet offers stronger suction, a larger dust capacity and three power modes. The trade-off is it is more expensive, slightly heavier and bulkier than the WandVac.

The Shark Cordless Pet is currently rated our best handheld vacuum for dealing with pet hair, but the PowerBoost Pet arguably has the edge when it comes to versatility thanks to its motorised hand tool. During testing, I found this attachment particularly effective on carpets, rugs and upholstery, making it a strong option for homes with pets.

Beyond Shark's range, there are a couple of other handheld vacuum cleaners worth comparing to. The Gtech AIRAM Multi Platinum (in handheld mode) is another Ideal Home favourite. That model impressed our reviewer with its cleaning power, generous battery life, and large dust canister. However, it’s bulkier and pricier than the PowerBoost Pet.

If you're looking for something ultra-light, the Gtech ProLite is one of the lightest handheld vacuums we've tested and has a more affordable price tag. That said, its bagged design means you'll need to factor in the ongoing cost of replacement bags.

How does the Shark PowerBoost Pet Cordless 2-in-1 Handheld Vacuum rate online?

On Shark's website, the PowerBoost Pet currently hold a 4.6 star rating from 24 customer reviews. The feedback was largely positive, praising its powerful suction as well as how lightweight, convenient and easy to use it feels. It's worth noting, though, that the majority of these reviews did come from users who had received free products.

On Amazon, there are 19 reviews, and the product has a 4.5 star rating. The performance feedback was slightly more mixed, with some highlighting how powerful the suction is, while others weren't as impressed. The price point was also flagged as a drawback by one user. Again, most of the reviews were incentivised, but I'd expect to see general feedback increase over time, as it has only recently been launched.

Should you buy the Shark PowerBoost Pet Cordless 2-in-1 Handheld Vacuum?

If you're looking for a powerful handheld vacuum that goes beyond tackling the usual sofa crumbs and everyday carpet refresh, the Shark PowerBoost Pet Cordless 2-in-1 Handheld Vacuum is a brilliant option. The suction is genuinely impressive, the motorised hand tool makes a noticeable difference on sofas and stairs, and the three power modes mean you can adapt it to whatever mess you're tackling.

The smaller dust capacity means you'll be emptying it fairly regularly, and the car detailing kit isn't quite as effective as the main unit, but these feel like fair trade-offs given its overall performance.

While it won't replace a full-sized vacuum, I found myself reaching for it far more than I'd expected during testing. It's lightweight enough to grab for quick clean-ups, and the battery life is long enough that you don't need to worry about constantly recharging it.

For busy homes, particularly those with pets or children, I think it's a solid, reliable choice - and it's certainly earned a permanent place in my cleaning routine.

It wouldn’t be British summertime without unpredictable weather forecasts. One minute it’s hot and humid, and the next it’s pouring with rain. Not only does this make it difficult to plan summer days out, but it also leaves our home at an increased risk of summer mould.

That’s right, summer mould thrives in moist and humid conditions. So it’s no wonder that many of our homes are set to become a hotspot for mould this summer.

Finding an effective method for getting rid of mould can be tricky, and it’s even trickier to keep it away. But these £10 disposable dehumidifiers from Amazon are my secret weapon for keeping summer mould at bay in my home.

Mould thrives in areas of the home that are damp and poorly ventilated. While it’s an issue all year round, mould can become surprisingly present during the summer months. ‘We tend to associate mould with cold, damp winter conditions. But mould is a naturally occurring fungus that’s always present in the air,’ explains Emma Mannion, cleaning expert at Astonish.

‘Mould only becomes visible when it finds the right conditions to grow: moisture, warmth and a suitable surface. During the summer months, higher humidity levels inside the home can provide exactly that,’ she adds.

In fact, humidity is one of the main causes of summer mould. ‘In the summer, excess moisture combined with poor airflow is what causes mould,’ explains Andy Ellis, founder of Vidalux. ‘Although you may have the windows open in the summer, it could be that on really hot and humid days, you’re letting in more moisture rather than reducing it.’

With this in mind, the best dehumidifiers are a no-brainer for reducing the presence of damp and mould within the home. However, they often come with a price. So, I’ve found the next best thing from Amazon – disposable dehumidifiers.

Disposable dehumidifiers work to absorb moisture in your home, just like electrical dehumidifiers do. But, rather than plugging them in and finding space for the bulky appliance, disposable dehumidifiers can slot seamlessly into your space and still do the job.

Simply place the box in the area of your choice and remove the foil from the top of the box. Then you can leave it to work its magic. Filled with hydrophilic crystals, each dehumidifier absorbs up to 3 times its weight in water as it draws excess moisture from the atmosphere.

At just £9.99 for a pack of 10, you’re free to place multiple dehumidifiers in different spots throughout your home. Or, keep the spare boxes on hand as replacements for when your current dehumidifier fills up. Mine typically last me a month.

Disposable dehumidifiers come in many forms, like hanging bags or moisture absorbing balls. But I first discovered the handy dehumidifier boxes a few years ago when I was living in university accommodation. I noticed that my clothes were starting to smell a little musty, so I popped one in my wardrobe, and the problem went away in no time, while the box rapidly began to fill with water.

Since then, I've used the disposable dehumidifiers regularly in areas that might benefit from them. I have one tucked away by my kitchen window, one in my bedroom and multiple hidden behind plant pots, sofas or bookshelves throughout my home. I love how discreetly the dehumidifiers fit into my space, doing their job without distracting from my decor or style.

Summer mould will be rife in areas that are naturally higher in moisture, so consider placing your boxes here. ‘Everyday activities like cooking, showering and drying clothes indoors all release water vapour, and during warmer weather, the air is able to hold more of that moisture,’ explains Emma.

‘Problems start when that humid air has nowhere to go. If it comes into contact with cooler surfaces, for example overnight when temperatures drop, it can form condensation – this leaves surfaces damp enough for mould to grow,’ she adds.

And while these disposable dehumidifiers are a great starting point for reducing the risk of summer mould, they likely won’t be enough on their own to get rid of it altogether. For instance, sometimes larger rooms can benefit from bigger, electrical dehumidifiers.

‘Having a dehumidifier is a great solution for preventing mould, especially in rooms that feel stuffy, bathrooms without good extractor fans, and rooms prone to condensation. But it’s important to note, if you have an existing mould issue, a dehumidifier alone won’t fix the underlying cause of the mould,’ says Andy.

But, if you’re looking for a preventative measure before temperatures rise further, these disposable dehumidifiers will do the job just fine.

Get rid of mould

If mould has already settled on your surfaces, try these products to remove it with ease

Don’t get me wrong; I love my dog. But one thing I could definitely do without? The pet hair that seems to get everywhere. In fact, I’m convinced that my carpets, rugs and upholstery are now 70% pet hair, which is why I was incredibly eager to see if Joseph Joseph’s new CleanTech 3pc Pet Hair Cleaning Tool Set (£28 at Amazon) would help me out.

I already own one of the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair and celebrate all of its pet-hair-busting qualities, but anyone with pets will know getting rid of pet hair isn’t as simple as it seems. Fluff bunnies seem to congregate in every corner, soft furnishings attract hair like magnets, and it’s impossible to vacuum every single strand, as these hairs are often invisible to the naked eye.

So, when I learned that Joseph Joseph had expanded its ridiculously successful CleanTech range to include pet hair cleaning tools, I knew I had nothing to lose. I immediately snapped up a set and put it to work in Barney’s playground (AKA my home), and, spoiler alert, it’s a game-changer.

The Joseph Joseph CleanTech 3pc Pet Hair Cleaning Tool Set consists of three components: the carpet-cleaning tool, designed to remove pet hair from carpets; the upholstery tool for softer furnishings; and the extension pole.

I decided to use the upholstery tool first, as Barney likes to sleep everywhere but his actual dog bed - like my fabric sofa footstool and the sofa bed in my home office. And while the grey footstool didn’t look like it was covered with hair, a few swipes of the plastic upholstery tool proved that it was hiding a very hairy secret.

This was all thanks to the rubber edge, which gently picks up hair without damaging fabrics. And due to the claw-like design of the upholstery tool, you don’t even have to touch the hair as you pick it up and deposit it in the bin. Yes, it really is that clever.

And the results were equally as horrifying on my velvet sofa bed, which was covered in tiny, thin dog hairs that quickly bundled together into one giant hairball. It even allowed me to scrape and remove a lot of pet dander and dust from the sofa, which I then vacuumed up using the handheld part of my vacuum cleaner (the Shark PowerDetect Speed, in case you were wondering).

As I wanted to test the entire set, I grabbed the carpet-cleaning tool and used it on the rug my dog often sleeps on at night. This is something I’ve begun carpet scraping recently anyway, as the intricate pattern makes it impossible to see hidden pet hairs. But even though I’d recently used a carpet scraper, the Joseph Joseph pet tool still managed to highlight a small dog’s worth of hair embedded within the fibres.

In my eyes, it’s the dual-sided nature of the carpet scraper that makes it a winner. On one side, you have rubber blades for woven rugs and longer-pile carpets, but on the other side, there’s a brass comb that helps you scrape shorter-pile carpets. This way, you can tailor your cleaning to the surface you’re working on while also protecting it from damage.

Personally, I found that using both worked wonders for my carpeted stairs in particular. I used the comb to agitate the carpet fibres and get right into the tread, then used the rubber blades to gather all the agitated hair into one ball that can be picked up and popped in the bin.

The bonus of the carpet scraper tool is that you can also attach the extension pole, which is helpful if you can’t (or simply don’t want to) bend down - or you want to clean a larger area in one fell swoop.

All of the components can then clip onto the CleanTech Utility Tool Storage Organiser (£20 at Amazon) for safe-keeping when they’re not in use, so you don’t lose them. And trust me, you won’t want to lose them.

My only slight niggle is that I’ve run out of space in my storage organiser for all the CleanTech products I have now, so it would have been nice to see Joseph Joseph try to merge the carpet and upholstery tools into a single product. But perhaps I’m asking too much there.

Especially for the bargain price of just £28!

Alternative Joseph Joseph CleanTech tools I rate

I refuse to have a home filled with pet hair, and now I've got my trusty Joseph Joseph pet hair cleaning set to help me.

I don’t know about you, but I’m seeing more and more slow-moving tiny flies buzzing around my kitchen as we head into summer. But while attracted to my fruit bowl, these are not fruit flies I’m dealing with, but vinegar flies - and they’re likely to be the same flies plaguing your kitchen, too.

There’s nothing I hate more than flies in the house, to the point where I’m willing to try any method to get rid of flies. This includes the more bonkers methods, too, such as the cucumber hack, which uses scent to deter these pests.

Frequently confused with fruit flies, vinegar flies are often the small, buzzing pests we see circulating fruit bowls and kitchens during summer. I asked the experts exactly what vinegar flies are and how to stop them from entering our homes.

What are vinegar flies?

‘Vinegar flies are actually the flies that you see buzzing around in summer, not fruit flies. Vinegar flies are the tiny ones with red eyes, whereas fruit flies are actually much larger (about the size of a standard housefly) and are an agricultural hazard. This is because the true fruit flies lay their eggs through the tough skins of healthy, growing fruit, which can destroy crops,’ explains Ryan Kaila, food waste expert and waste and recycling manager at Kingfisher Direct.

‘Vinegar flies, on the other hand, can not do this, and are only attracted to rotting food, feeding on fermenting liquids, yeast, and decaying or overripe organic matter. The majority of people, especially in the UK, refer to vinegar flies as fruit flies.’

When fruit overripens, its natural sugars start to ferment, and the scent this releases attracts vinegar flies to your home. And vinegar flies can lay many eggs. A female vinegar fly can lay as many as 500 to 2,000 eggs in her lifetime, and these hatch 24-30 hours after being laid.

‘As fruit ripens, it essentially ferments, releasing compounds that vinegar flies can detect from miles away. And for food-related businesses, this can be a problem, because they’re not just attracted to fruit. Compost and food waste, kitchen drains, alcohol and sugary drinks, even unwashed bottles, glasses, and recycling can appeal as a breeding site, so you can find yourself inundated easily,’ says Adam Juson, pest expert and founder of commercial pest control company Merlin Environmental.

How to get rid of vinegar flies

Vinegar flies are quick to breed, unhygienic and a nuisance to have in your home, and the best way to get rid of them is by removing the source of the problem. So, during summer, it can be a good idea to remove your fruit bowl and refrigerate the fruit, or use produce savers to extend their shelf life. I find Lakeland’s StayFresh Sheets (£9.99) to be really helpful at extending the life of my fruit bowl, delaying overripening.

‘The best way is to remove the source. Removing the source of the flies will mean that they go away and stay away, so check for any decaying and fermenting foods and throw away any fruit that is overripe, split, leaking juice or starting to smell sweet and fermented,' says Ryan.

'If the fruit/food was in a container, you'll then need to thoroughly wash it before putting anything else back in it. This is because it's incredibly easy for sticky residue or juice to sit at the bottom of it, which will keep attracting the flies.’

‘I also recommend emptying your food waste caddy more often in summer. Anything from fruit peels, apple cores, banana skins, etc., can all ferment very quickly in warm kitchens, especially if your caddy is placed in the sun. As well, some caddies might not close properly. If this is the case, try to make sure they're always sealed as tightly as possible; they'll be an instant attraction for these flies.’

With new Simpler Recycling rules in place in England, every household has a food waste bin, and it can be tricky getting rid of flies from a food bin, as it is their ideal environment. Caddies such as the Joseph Joseph Waste Caddy (£29.99, Amazon) have built-in anti-odour and moisture filters to reduce the scents that attract flies, as well as having a tight-fitting lid.

‘Clean thoroughly, washing fruit bowls, worktops, and nearby surfaces to remove sticky residue,’ adds Adam.

‘Clean drains, flushing with boiling water or using an enzymatic drain cleaner to remove organic build-up. Use a trap, such as apple cider vinegar with a drop of washing-up liquid in a covered container, to reduce adult numbers.’

Adam is keen to point out that the flies are the symptom - you need to be more careful of the thousands of eggs potentially being laid in your home instead. So, good hygiene is paramount to keeping your home vinegar fly-free.

Honestly, the thought of these pesky flies makes my skin crawl. However, by removing my fruit bowl, regularly cleaning my food waste bin and kitchen, I won't have to put up with this problem this summer.

If the silicone sealant in your kitchen and bathroom is mouldy, you’re not alone. This rubbery strip is designed to prevent water from seeping into gaps between tiles, floors and shower trays, but this is a double-edged sword. After all, it’s this exposure to moisture that makes it a breeding ground for mould.

Kitchens and bathrooms are also the dampest (and sometimes smallest) rooms in the house, and sealant is typically located in tiny corners and crevices. And when airflow is limited and there’s no respite from moisture and humidity, mouldy silicone gets worse and worse as the weeks go by. This makes it harder to remove in the long run.

But while many people are inclined to use chemicals to get rid of mould, the good news is that mouldy silicone sealant can be removed completely naturally - using one product that you probably already have in your cleaning cupboard: white vinegar.

To remove mould from silicone sealant with white vinegar, simply spray the sealant with white vinegar and leave it for an hour (or longer if you have time).

Emma Mannion, Cleaning Expert at Astonish, says, 'Apply it generously along the affected sealant, making sure it’s fully saturated. Then leave it to sit, as this gives the vinegar time to actually penetrate and tackle the mould at its root, not just lift surface stains.'

Then, use an old toothbrush to scrub off the mould and wipe clean with a wet cloth. Finish by drying the area with a clean, dry cloth.

It’s also advisable to open the windows, wear gloves, and, ideally, a face mask when cleaning mould from silicone, as the process can disrupt mould spores and irritate your throat, nose and eyes.

As white vinegar is naturally antifungal and antibacterial, it’s far superior to bleach when cleaning mould from silicone sealant. That’s because bleach only tackles visible surface mould and doesn't penetrate deep into the silicone to address mould spores.

On the other hand, Emma says, 'White vinegar is naturally acidic, so it works by breaking down mould spores and slowing their regrowth, without the need for stronger chemical cleaners.'

It will also naturally remove mould without damaging the silicone sealant or altering the colour, so you shouldn’t need to replace it regularly.

But if the smell of white vinegar is a little too aggressive for you, I’d recommend buying the Miniml Eco White Vinegar Cleaning Sorrento Lemon Scented (5L bottle, £8.95 at Amazon). The scent is delicious and much gentler - even when sprayed vigorously.

However, if that doesn’t quite get the job done and the mould is particularly stubborn, Kelly Moore, Founder of Cleaning with Meaning, suggests using another natural cleaner.

She says, ‘I advise making a paste from bicarbonate of soda with water and applying it to the affected area, before gently scrubbing with an old toothbrush.’ Then, you can repeat the process with the white vinegar before ‘rinsing thoroughly and drying the area completely.’

But whatever method you choose, the key to removing mould from silicone sealant and stopping it from returning is prevention. And one of the things people with clean bathrooms always do is keep a clean, dry cloth nearby in the kitchen and bathroom.

Emma explains, 'The most effective prevention is reducing how much moisture lingers on the sealant in the first place. After using a shower or sink, quickly wiping down the edges with a dry cloth or even a piece of kitchen roll can make a big difference.'

You can also use a squeegee like this MR.SIGA Multi-Purpose Squeegee (£12.99 at Amazon) to help after you've had a shower, although Emma does still advise 'a light weekly mist of white vinegar along sealant lines' to ensure you're keeping mould at bay.

It’s also important to maintain good airflow and ventilation, so regularly opening windows, using extractor fans and even opting for a non-electric dehumidifier can work in your favour.

If you struggle to clean your sealant and can visibly see it's damaged, you can start from scratch by removing the affected silicone and replacing it with something like this Dryzone Silicone Sealant White Anti-Mould (£7.99 at Amazon). This is an easy task that you can do quickly with limited DIY knowledge.

What you need to naturally remove mould from silicone sealant and stop it from coming back

Who says you need bleach?! Natural alternatives are so much better.

You can’t beat the fresh scent of washing that has been dried outside. And with Argos Home’s retractable clothes lines (£11), even the smallest of gardens and balconies can get in on this action - not to mention the 1790 positive reviews backing it up.

Now that we’re finally forecasting some warm weather, it’s time to put away your best heated airer and embrace drying your clothes outdoors. But for those of us with small gardens, courtyards or balconies, it can be a little harder to make use of the sunshine and dry washing outside.

While you can always squeeze your airer outside if you don’t have a rotary airer (£25, John Lewis), a more practical and space-saving solution is to invest in a retractable clothes line. At just £11, with thousands of good reviews, Argos Home’s retractable line is perfect for your drying needs. Here’s why.

There’s something about laundry that has been dried outside that smells and feels much fresher than laundry dried inside the home (although Fairy Outdoorable, £5 at Amazon, does an excellent job of replicating the freshness).

And for small home and garden dwellers, it can feel like you don’t have the space to put a washing line. And this is where a retractable clothes line comes in incredibly handy.

The Argos Home 2 x 15m Retractable Clothes Lines is brilliant at drying laundry without taking up permanent space in your garden. This is because when you’re finished, the lines retract back into the box. This makes it a great choice for gardens and patios where a clothes line will take up too much space or get in the way.

The two lines offer 30m of drying space and hold up to 15kg, so it’s perfectly capable of handling the washing needs of a busy family. It also comes with fittings, making the installation process easy, too. It will need to be screwed to a wall, so that it is strong enough to hold a full line of washing. Meanwhile, the lines work a little like a tape measure and can be pulled out and hooked into place.

And don’t just take it from me, many of the reviews mention how brilliant this clothes line is for small gardens.

‘I’ve had a few of these, with only having a small garden, they are ideal. They last a few years, and I leave them out all winter. Always put the lines in after each use. I would certainly recommend it,’ says one.

‘Bought this a few weeks ago in time for the sunny weather....great price and good product, I didn't want a clothes line taking up space in my small garden, so this is perfect as it's retractable,’ said another.

Shop retractable clothes lines

Would you use a retractable line in your small garden?

Lauren Goodger has divided the internet ( and the Ideal Home team) after claiming that ‘In Essex, we don’t have bins’ on TOWIE (The Only Way Is Essex).

Here at Ideal Home, we’ve spent time curating the best kitchen bin ideas and tracking down the prettiest kitchen bins you can buy, and yet, it seems not everyone has one in the first place?!

To bin or not to bin is not a question I thought I would ever ponder. Yet here we are. So, I’ve decided to get to the bottom of this bin conundrum, as well as find the best ways to conceal the bin and reduce smells in your kitchen.

The kitchen bin debate

During a chat with her TOWIE co-stars, Elma Pazar, Saffron Lempriere, Sophie Kasaei and Courtney Green, Lauren revealed that she refused to use a kitchen bin, going as far as to say that people in Essex simply didn’t use them.

‘Has anyone got a bin?’ the reality TV personality asked, sparking the debate amongst her colleagues. ‘In Essex, we don’t have bins. No one has a bin.’

In agreement with Lauren, Saffron said: ‘I don’t like the thought of a bin sitting with rubbish in. So, I fill a bag a day, and it goes.’

This discussion has left fans completely divided on social media, with many keen to point out that using a carrier bag is essentially the same as using a bin. It’s not something that I had ever heard of, being from Bristol, so I went straight to my colleagues who hail from Essex.

‘I grew up in Essex and have lived there for most of my life, and I was surprised to hear Lauren say that no one in Essex has a bin! It’s something I’d never really heard of before, and I remember all my friends and family having bins in their homes,’ says Maddie Balcombe, Ideal Home’s Editorial Assistant.

‘My family home in Essex has always had two bins – one for recycling and one for general waste. We do have a food waste disposer installed in our skin though, because, like Lauren and some of the other TOWIE girls, I also don’t like the thought of food waste sitting there! And, although we have always had bins at home, the Essex town I live in (along with many others across the county) has only recently seen the introduction of outdoor wheelie bins, which I imagine might shock some people!’

And it’s a similar situation for Gardens Editor, Sophie King.

'I grew up in Essex, and we always had bins in the house! One in every room, actually - I think I'd have struggled without them! We emptied them regularly, of course, but I find it far more convenient to keep bins inside the house,’ she says.

'My mum's house still has bins in every room, and I'm pretty sure that the rest of my family and friends in Essex keep bins inside the house, too!'

The TOWIE girls’ decision to go binless comes down to aesthetics and the idea of cleanliness. Although if you ask me, there are plenty of ways to clean a bin and stop a bin from smelling. For example, a charcoal filter (£9.99, Amazon) on your bin lid can absorb bad smells, or even a splodge of Zoflora (£14.99, Amazon) on some kitchen roll in the base of your bin can make it more fragrant.

‘It's certainly not the norm, but it is becoming more common for homeowners to minimise the visibility of household essentials in pursuit of a cleaner, more streamlined aesthetic. We're seeing a growing trend towards integrated waste systems hidden within cabinetry, particularly in contemporary kitchens where people want uninterrupted surfaces and a clutter-free appearance,’ says Sian Howarth, founder and strategic design partner at Norah Rose.

‘I wouldn't say it's specific to Essex. It's more reflective of a wider trend we're seeing where homeowners are prioritising spaces that feel calm, organised and visually minimal. Social media has undoubtedly influenced how people view their homes, with many aspiring to create spaces that look as polished as they do functional.’

The problem with not having a kitchen bin

While I’m appreciative that kitchen bins can be a bit of an eyesore, waste experts have emphasised the importance of having a system in place. There is also the issue of using plastic carriers to dispose of rubbish every day, which can be both wasteful and harmful to the environment. The new Simpler Recycling rules also mean we now have specific bins for specific waste types across England.

‘The problem comes when people replace one kitchen bin with lots of smaller plastic bags, or when rubbish is left on worktops because there is no system in place. That can make waste harder to manage and increase the risk of recyclable materials being contaminated with food or general rubbish. This can put added strain on loads, causing them to be rejected at recycling centres,’ says Mark Hall, waste management expert at BusinessWaste.co.uk.

‘It’s important that households have a clear waste system, regardless of whether they choose to have a kitchen bin or not. They still need a practical way to separate food waste, recycling and general rubbish before waste teams come to collect it. Without that, it becomes much harder to understand how much waste you are producing and where it should actually go.’

What's the solution?

I think there’s a solution to all this bin drama. Kitchen cupboard bins (such as this sleek £7.99 hanging bin from Robert Dyas). These slots inside a cabinet, so you don’t have to have them in your eyeliner. Plus, if you feel the same as the TOWIE girls, you can still empty each day, it’s just less wasteful than relying on plastic carrier bags.

‘Practicality should always come first. Waste management is one of the most frequently used functions in a home, so if removing an indoor bin creates inconvenience or impacts hygiene, it may not be the most effective solution for everyday living. There's also a wider conversation around sustainability and household habits that comes into play when considering how we manage waste within our homes,’ says Sian.

‘For me personally, though, having no indoor bin is probably a step too far.’

At Ideal Home, we’re firmly saying ‘yes’ to a kitchen bin. And, it’s arguable that you can make a bin look good in your kitchen.

‘Instead, opt for a statement-making design that works with your overall kitchen design. At Brabantia, we believe your kitchen bin should offer both practical and aesthetic appeal. Many modern bins are no longer just functional; they’re designed to complement existing interiors, offering considered shapes, finishes, and colours to suit a range of styles and tastes. Choosing a bin in a finish that ties in with your cabinetry, handles, taps, or appliances can help you create visual continuity throughout the space by drawing the eye to these coordinating elements,’ says Valérie Denys, Brand Expert at Brabantia.

‘Placement is also key. Positioning a bin close to the sink, dishwasher, or food preparation area will make everyday use feel effortless. For open-plan kitchens or those with islands, position your bin at the end of the cabinetry or against a wall to keep your walkways clear while ensuring within easy reach.’

To prove it, I’ve rounded up a selection of bins that are either easy to conceal or attractive enough to have on show.

We’d love to know which side of the bin debate you fall on. Are you a yay or nay to kitchen bins?

Like most people, I don’t want a lot in life. Sure, I wouldn’t say no to an all-expenses-paid trip around the Caribbean, but a home that’s always clean and smells amazing would also put a smile on my face. Mostly because it feels like an impossible feat.

Yes, I may be Ideal Home’s Cleaning Editor with a daily cleaning schedule that keeps me busy, but I’ve become increasingly aware that I’ve grown nose-blind to my own home. I’m probably not alone in this, either, with many people becoming accustomed to the smell of their house - whether it's a nice one or not.

That’s why I started to wonder how I could merge my cleaning checklist with my desire for an incredible-smelling home, and I quickly realised that it’s a lot easier than I thought. There are so many odour-eating and naturally-scented products out there that can be used around the house, and these are the things to clean if you want your house to always smell good, too.

1. Bicarbonate of soda

The first step if you want to use scent for a feel-good home is to banish any lingering odours, and bicarbonate of soda is the perfect product for the job. That’s because most of the things that make a house smell are acidic, and this alkaline is a natural deodoriser - neutralising the acids (and the smells) at the source. The perks don’t end there, though

As well as using bicarbonate of soda to banish smells, there are also so many things you can clean with bicarb - including your oven, washing machine, smelly drains, mattresses, and even your carpets. Just be warned that there are certain things you should never clean with bicarb, too, as its naturally abrasive makeup (which makes it an effective cleaner) can be a little too abrasive at times.

Of course, it’s worth noting that bicarb itself doesn’t have much of a smell, but it’s the perfect starter product to tackle smells and clean a home before you add an extra layer into the mix. This could be adding essential oils to the baking soda, or using the best candles and diffusers to add that amazing scent.

2. Essential oils

Many people buy essential oils to add to their diffusers or even get rid of pests in the house, but very few realise that you can also use essential oils for cleaning. In fact, many essential oils are naturally bacteria-busting and have disinfectant properties that will leave your home spotless and smelling amazing at the same time.

The best way to use these essential oils is to add a few drops to a spray bottle - like these 500ml Glass Spray Bottles for Cleaning (£10.99 at Amazon) - filled with water. I also like to add an essential oil to my white vinegar, as I find the smell way too overpowering.

You can ultimately choose which essential oils to use for cleaning based on the scents you want in your home, but most experts recommend lavender, eucalyptus, citrus, or mint for their natural cleaning properties and fresh scents.

3. Lemons

While it’s always worth stocking up on lemon essential oil, nothing quite beats the power of an actual lemon, and they’re well worth adding to your shopping basket the next time you head to the supermarket. After all, they smell amazing themselves, and their naturally acidic properties can cut through grease, grime, limescale, and odours.

There’s not enough time in the day to go through all of the natural cleaning hacks that involve lemons, but they’re particularly handy for kitchen appliances that can release nasty odours. You can clean a microwave with lemon, and you can even just cut a lemon in half and use it as a makeshift sponge to clean everything from your kitchen worktops to your chopping boards.

This will then work double-time to not only clean your home but also release a fresh, fragrant scent. Just be warned that lemon is very acidic, so it shouldn’t be used on unsealed wood, natural stone, or other delicate materials.

4. Fragrant cleaning products

While I’m a huge proponent for homemade, natural cleaners - like Nancy Birtwhistle’s ‘Pure Magic’ - I also understand the appeal of ready-made cleaning products. This is especially true if you have particular scents that you love, or just prefer the convenience of having bottles ready to go when you need them.

These fragrant cleaning products are a great way to clean your house while also making it smell good, and there are so many amazing options to choose from. Our Digital Editor, Jenny, loves the saffron and oud scent of the limited-edition Method All Purpose Cleaner (£4 at Amazon), while many of the options in my best cleaning products guide also smell incredible.

And while it can be tempting to choose chemical cleaners for their strong scents, I’d advise choosing cleaning products that are as natural as possible. This way, they are gentle on your home, your health and the environment.

5. An air purifier

This may be a little rogue, but many people with incredible-smelling homes also use one of the best air purifiers to keep their homes clean. After all, there are so many unexpected perks of air purifiers, and being able to remove dust and smells is just one of them.

Yes, many air purifiers on the market are equipped with carbon filters that help remove odours, and the HEPA filter can reduce the musty smell that can come from dust and clutter. And with an air purifier in tow, it can make a home feel and smell fresher.

But that’s not all! Some air purifiers - like the Shark NeverChange5 (£249.99 at Argos) - also have a scented Anti-Odour cartridge that releases a scent while it cleans the air. As someone who has tested this model myself, I can vouch that the smell lingers much longer than you’d think. And it smells delicious.

Will you be trying any of these? Your home will thank you for it!

If you feel like you’re constantly dusting but your house still seems dusty, you’re not alone. And this can be pretty disheartening, especially when you visit a friend or family’s house, and there’s not a speck of dust in sight. So, what’s their secret?

Well, the reality is that getting rid of dust isn’t difficult, but there is a knack to it. That’s because we’re constantly fighting a losing battle against dust, and many people end up dusting more as a result. But while this may seem like the most obvious solution, it’s not the most effective.

That’s why I’ve asked my cleanest friends, family and colleagues for their tips on keeping a dust-free home, and they all have the same thing in common: they use tools and techniques that help them work smarter and not harder to get rid of dust. This is what they do.

1. Use the right dusting tool

I should start by saying that it’s impossible to have a completely dust-free home. After all, something as simple as cracking a window or even leaving the house to go to work can add more dust into the mix. But with the right dusting tool, you can remove that dust in no time.

However, it might surprise you to learn that the right dusting tool isn’t a regular duster. That’s because these dry microfibre clothes often push the dust around, only for it to relocate elsewhere. To capture the particles properly, you’ll need to add some moisture to the mix, and this is called damp dusting.

And while you can simply moisten your microfibre and dust that way, a specific damp-dusting tool like this Scrub Daddy Damp Duster (£2.99 at Amazon) will work much better thanks to the ridges that trap dust particles. You can then rinse it off in the sink, and feel confident that you’ve removed the dust - and damp-dusting works for pollen-proofing, too.

2. Leave shoes at the door

Are you a shoes-on or shoes-off household? If you want to follow in the footsteps of people who have a dust-free home, you should always aim to be the latter. After all, shoes are capable of bringing oodles of invisible dust, dirt, pollen, and bacteria particles into your home.

Thankfully, there are a variety of shoe storage ideas you can utilise to ensure you and your guests don’t track these nasties into the house, and the key is to place them as close to the front door as possible so you can get your shoes off immediately. If you have a small or narrow hallway, opting for a space-saving option like this Narrow 3 Tier Shoe Storage Cabinet (£110 at Argos) can work wonders.

For extra dust protection, it’s also worth doubling up on your doormats so that you have one outside the front door - and another outside the front door. This will help to remove the particles from your shoes before they make their way into your home, especially if you opt for a hard-wearing coir doormat.

3. Make the most of an air purifier

As well as making your home look dirty, dust can also affect your home’s air quality. And one of the things people with healthy air quality always have is an air purifier - a handy appliance that will suck dust particles from the air and capture them so they’re not reintegrated back into your home.

But while the best air purifiers come in all shapes and sizes, you need to choose the right kind if you want an air purifier to reduce dust levels in your home. That’s because you’ll need an air purifier with a HEPA filter that can capture small dust particles. Our top pick is the Blueair Blue 3250i Air Purifier (£169 at Currys).

The best part? You literally don’t have to do anything to get rid of dust this way. Most air purifiers allow you to set up a schedule via the app so you can turn it on for as long or as little as possible, and those with an ‘auto’ function will automatically react on particularly dusty days.

4. Keep on top of clutter

Unfortunately, dusting regularly is the key to a dust-free home, but any clutter can seriously get in the way of that. Left too long, this buildup of clutter and dust can even lead to damp in your home, which is something you want to avoid at all costs. Because of this, you should keep on top of clutter if you want to keep dust at bay.

There are so many decluttering methods out there that can help you get rid of those items that you definitely don’t want or need, but the good news is that you don’t have to simply throw them away. By using the many different ways to get rid of items after decluttering, you can give them a second life with friends or family or even make money from them.

The key here is to keep clutter off surfaces and away from areas already difficult to dust, like the corners of your rooms, open (and high) shelving, and smaller nooks and crannies. You need to be able to quickly and easily move things to dust behind them, and if there are too many things there, they need to be addressed.

5. Vacuum regularly (or let a robot do it for you)

Dust doesn’t just settle on your windowsills, furniture and other surfaces. It also settles on your floors, and this is particularly bad if you have lots of carpets and rugs, as the dust particles can easily hide within the fibres. Because of this, you need to vacuum regularly - and, ideally, practice slow vacuuming to capture as many particles as possible.

As with an air purifier, you also need to choose the best vacuum cleaner based on its filter if you want a dust-free home. A HEPA filter is key here, as it will capture these dust particles and ensure they’re not released back into the air. A model like the Shark Stratos Vacuum Cleaner (£479.99 at Shark) is ideal.

It’s best to vacuum at least 2-3 times a week in high traffic areas for the best results, but for extra protection, you could also use one of the best robot vacuum cleaners daily to keep on top of things. Plus, most models will also mop your floors - killing bacteria on your hard flooring in the process.

With these tools and techniques, you'll be on your way to a dust-free home in no time...

Beldray is well known for its affordable steam cleaners, but its latest launch feels like a real step up for the brand, thanks to the introduction of its first handheld digital model. The Beldray Digital Handheld Steam Cleaner is one of the most compact and lightweight options out there, and promises to make light work of quick cleaning jobs around the home, so naturally, I was keen to put it to the test.

I tested it on everything in my family home - from sofas and windows to kitchen grout, clothes and even the kids' toys - to see how it stacked up against the best steam cleaners. My verdict? It's a brilliant little buy for everyday cleaning jobs.

In a nutshell

I had pretty high hopes for the Beldray Digital Handheld Steam Cleaner - it's compact, lightweight and designed to work across a range of surfaces, which ticks a lot of boxes for me with three children at home. It comes with a range of attachments for tackling everything from upholstery and grout to windows, clothes and hard-to-reach areas.

What won me over straight away was how quickly it heats up. It was ready to use in less than 20 seconds, which made it genuinely useful for quick, everyday jobs you need to deal with on the spot, rather than dragging out a larger appliance.

I put it to the test on pretty much every surface I could in my home - from my cream-coloured sofa and patio doors to kitchen grout, bathroom taps and even the kids' toys. It worked brilliantly on lighter dirt, everyday grease and grime, although it did struggle with more stubborn, deeper-set stains, making it better suited as a handy maintenance cleaner rather than for deep-cleans.

For the price, I was really impressed by how versatile and easy to use it is, and the digital display adds a more premium feel. While it won't replace a full-size steamer for bigger jobs, I think it's a brilliant little tool to have on hand for quick cleans and awkward spots in a busy family home.

How I tested

Specifications

• Dimensions: 22x12.5x28.5cm
• Cable length: 4m
• Settings: 2
• Water tank capacity: 400ml
• Cleaning power: 1350W
• Weight: 1.45kg
• Accessories: angled nozzle, round brush, measuring jug, funnel, flexi-hose, general nozzle, upholstery tool, window/mirror squeege

Unboxing, assembly, and first impressions

The Beldray Digital Handheld Steam Cleaner came packaged in a very compact, branded cardboard box (smaller than I was expecting), and everything was neatly stored inside. The packaging itself was minimal and felt fairly eco-conscious overall.

A few of the accessories were wrapped in plastic packaging labelled LDPE 04, which is recyclable, though it typically needs to be taken to a specialist recycling point rather than disposed of with general household waste.

There was also a generous selection of accessories included in the box. Alongside the main unit, there was an angled nozzle, round brush, measuring jug, funnel, flexi-hose, general nozzle, upholstery tool, window squeege and user manual.

After unwrapping the main unit, my first thought was how incredibly lightweight it felt to hold. The handle is wide enough to grip comfortably, while the water tank sits at the base of the unit. Initially, I did wonder how much water it would hold, but the smaller capacity does align with the overall compact, handheld design.

It's also a corded model, which isn't unexpected for this type of steam cleaner, as most still rely on a mains connection for consistent power. While I'm generally more drawn to cordless appliances for convenience, it wasn't a dealbreaker. My main hesitation would be using it around the kids, but in reality, that's something I'd avoid anyway with any steam-based cleaner.

Visually, I liked the modern, dark blue finish, and the digital display sits neatly on top of the unit, giving it a slightly more premium edge than basic handheld models. And overall, my first impressions were positive - it felt simple, lightweight and practically designed for everyday steam cleaning.

One thing that stood out was how condensed the instructions were. I'll be honest, I find some manuals overwhelming when there's a lot of detail, so it was refreshing to see something clear and easy to follow for a change. There was also a handy table listing which accessory to use for each function, which made getting started feel more intuitive.

The water tank detaches by twisting it in an anti-clockwise direction, following the small locking arrow symbols on the front of the unit. I did need to use a little force for it to unlock at first, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes straightforward. After removing it, I slid the water tank cover off - which is a small rubber tag - and used the supplied measuring cup and funnel to fill up the tank.

If I'm nitpicking, I'd say this step is a little fiddly, and you need two hands because the rubber tank cover doesn't remove fully, so I found it did get in the way a little.

Using the Beldray Digital Handheld Steam Cleaner

Getting started with the Beldray Digital Handheld Steam Cleaner was really straightforward. Once plugged into power, you simply press the power symbol on the digital display, and the temperature indicator begins climbing until it reaches 100 degrees. What impressed me most was just how quickly this stage happened - within a matter of seconds (15 seconds to be exact), it was fully heated and ready to use, which makes it feel genuinely practical and convenient if you need to use it for quick cleaning jobs.

There are two steam settings - Normal and Max - and to activate, you press and hold the lock symbol next to the power icon. I appreciated that there's a deliberate safety step before the steam activates, especially with young children in the house, because I quickly realised this compact cleaner produces a serious amount of steam for its size.

So much so that the power caught me slightly off guard the first time I used it. As soon as the steam function activates, the unit immediately fires out a strong jet of steam, and there's no other way to describe it but LOUD. Initially, it did take me by surprise, but I took it as a promising sign that it might actually pack more cleaning power than you'd expect from such a small device.

To steam clothes

If there's a household chore I avoid at all costs, it's ironing. So naturally, steaming clothes was the first feature I wanted to test. To really put it through its paces, I tried it on my son's freshly washed - but very creased - school polo shirt.

To set it up, I attached the upholstery nozzle by aligning it with the grooves on the main unit, then attached the fabric cover over the top, making sure the elasticated edges fully covered the nozzle head. This part was very straightforward, and it felt reassuring that it would be easy to switch between the different tools.

I used the Normal steam setting, which felt powerful enough for fabric steaming, and almost immediately, I could see the creases begin to relax and fall away. It definitely felt more convenient than dragging out the ironing board for a quick refresh, particularly for last-minute jobs or smaller items.

That said, it still requires a reasonable amount of effort and repeated passes to get rid of deeper creases, so the experience wasn't quite as transformative or time-saving as I'd initially hoped. I also think the relatively small size of the cloth attachment means it's better suited to smaller garments or quick touch-ups rather than larger items like shirts or dresses, where I'd find it easier to reach for a traditional iron.

To clean sofas

You can also use the upholstery nozzle to freshen up furniture, and I had the perfect testing ground in my cream-coloured sofa. It's an absolute magnet for spills and mystery marks, so after spotting a couple of stains, I was keen to see if the Beldray could work its magic on it.

Although my sofa fabric isn't particularly delicate, I still felt slightly wary about using the Max steam setting, so I stuck to Normal mode instead.

The attachment glided smoothly across the fabric, and the steam output felt impressively powerful, but unfortunately, the stains themselves didn't seem to shift much. In fairness, I had no idea what the actual marks were or how long they'd been there, so they may simply have been too set in to be cleaned quickly.

The sofa did feel noticeably fresher afterwards, so while it might not replace a dedicated upholstery cleaner for tougher stains, it's a reliable option for quick refreshes.

To clean windows and mirrors

The window and mirror squeegee attaches onto the upholstery nozzle, so the first place I tested it was the glass panel on my kitchen door. It was straightforward enough to attach, and I found it worked best when I pulled it downwards over the glass, which is how this type of attachment is designed to be used.

One thing that did surprise me was how much condensation it created. The steam quickly turned to water on the glass, which then trickled down the rest of the door, and needed wiping away with a cloth afterwards.

I also tested it on my patio doors, which seem to be permanently decorated with toddler-height sticky-fingerprint marks. Here, I could definitely notice a greater difference. The steamer had no trouble lifting the marks, leaving a streak-free and cleaner finish.

Annoyingly though, it once again left a sizeable puddle of water on the floors where the condensation had run down the doors. I only used the Normal steam setting too, which really highlights just how much steam this compact cleaner is capable of producing.

To clean tiles and hobs

Next, I moved on to testing the round brush attachment on the grout between my kitchen wall tiles, which were definitely overdue for a deep-clean. This felt like one of the more practical uses for the steam cleaner, as the concentrated steam helped loosen built-up dirt in the grout lines.

I did still have to put in a fair amount of manual effort and scrubbing to really lift the grime, so I wouldn't describe it as effortless. One thing that really stood out, though, was how easy it was to manoeuvre the steam cleaner thanks to its compact, lightweight design. I've used bulkier steam cleaners before, and it can feel like a full-body workout after a while, so by comparison, this felt refreshingly easy to use.

By the time I'd finished, my tiles were looking much cleaner and fresher. Although it did struggle to completely lift more stubborn grime, I suspect it's something if I went back over the same area a few times, I'd see more noticeable results.

I also used the round brush on my kitchen hobs - another area which was in desperate need of a deep clean. Here, I got more noticeable results, and it was weirdly satisfying to see the dirt and grime lift away within seconds of applying the steam.

To clean toys

One place I was particularly keen to test the Beldray Digital Handheld Steam Cleaner on was my children's toys. Because it relies on steam alone, I didn't need to worry about harsh chemicals on surfaces they touch all the time, which is a big plus for me.

I used the angled nozzle to give my toddler's plastic chair a clean, and it turned out to be the perfect attachment for getting into the awkward crevices at the back of the seat where crumbs and grime had built up over time.

The compact design made it easy to get close to the areas I wanted to target, which would have felt much trickier with a bulkier cleaner. After going over the area a few times, the steam noticeably lifted the dirt.

Once I'd finished, I gave it a quick wipe-down with a cloth to remove the moisture. Considering how lightweight and easy the steamer was to hold throughout, it ended up being one of the areas that impressed me the most.

To clean taps

I also tested the flexible hose attachment with the round brush around my bathroom taps, which somehow end up covered in toothpaste splatters on a daily basis - honestly, I have no idea how my kids manage it!

This was actually where the long cable length came in really handy, as I could plug it into the socket in the next bedroom and still comfortably reach the bathroom without needing an extension lead.

I wouldn't describe it as a particularly quick job, as I had to hold the steam over the area for a couple of minutes before the marks fully loosened. Once lifted though, the area did look noticeably cleaner and fresher. The flexible hose also made it much easier to manoeuvre around hard-to-reach areas behind the taps.

Cleaning, storage and maintenance

The good news is that the Beldray Digital Handheld Steam Cleaner is incredibly straightforward to clean, and there's very little in the way of maintenance.

After use, I simply removed the water tank, drained any leftover water and gave the main unit a wipe down with a damp cloth.

The attachments can all be washed in warm, soapy water, and the fabric upholstery cover is machine washable too, which is handy as it marks easily because of its colour.

Storage-wise, I like how compact it is, so it doesn't take up much space. Saying that, as it does have so many small attachments, it's worth hanging on to the original box to keep everything together and avoid anything getting lost.

How does it rate online?

As it's only recently launched, there aren't currently many online reviews for the Beldray Digital Handheld Steam Cleaner, although the limited reviews are very positive.

On Beldray's website, three reviewers have rated it a five-star product, praising how versatile and easy to use it is. Although it's worth noting these are incentivised reviews, meaning the products were gifted in exchange for feedback.

There is one five-star review on Amazon, noting the reasonable price, powerful steam output and overall ease of use.

How does it compare to similar models and its predecessors?

The Beldray Digital Handheld Steam Cleaner is the latest addition to the brand's line-up of steam cleaning products, sitting alongside other handheld models, including the 10-in-1 model. The biggest upgrade is the addition of the digital display and controls, which gives it a slightly more modern, premium feel compared to the brand's earlier handheld designs.

We've also previously tested the Beldray 15-in-1 model, which comes with floor cleaning attachments and a bigger water tank capacity for tackling larger jobs. However, the trade-off is that it's not as lightweight and comes at a noticeably higher price point. In contrast, the Beldray Digital feels more geared towards quick, targeted cleaning tasks

It's worth comparing to the Kärcher Multi Up & Extra, which combines a mop and handheld steamer. The Kärcher model really impressed me during testing with its cleaning power, but it's also not as lightweight or compact as the Beldray.

Finally, design-wise, the Beldray bears a similar resemblance to the Bissell SteamShot Steam Cleaner, although the Beldray has the advantage of a digital display and a higher power output, so it feels like a more modern option.

Verdict: Should you buy the Beldray Digital Handheld Steam Cleaner?

If you're after a compact, affordable steam cleaner that's ideal for everyday jobs, the Beldray Digital Handheld Steam Cleaner is a reliable choice. It's particularly well-suited to smaller homes or anyone who doesn't have larger-scale cleaning tasks to keep on top of.

It's incredibly lightweight, heats up in seconds and comes with a genuinely useful range of attachments that make it versatile enough to use on a range of surfaces around the home.

The fact that it's chemical-free is a standout benefit, especially for households with pets or children. It does feel better suited to quick refreshes rather than deep-cleans, and it's not designed to replace a full-sized steam cleaner. During testing, it struggled more with older, stubborn stains and larger cleaning tasks.

Overall, it's a budget-friendly, practical, handheld steamer that's easy to reach for when you want fast results without the effort.

Waste experts have revealed the five items you should never put in a household bin, plus what you need to do with them as well.

The new Simpler Recycling Rules in England have changed how we get rid of and recycle waste. From new food waste bins to contend with, to revised rules on what can go in a garden waste bin, there is lots of new information to absorb.

So, it’s always helpful to have a little refresher on the ins and *specifically* outs of your general household waste bin. The best kitchen bin shouldn't be a catch-all for things you don't know what to do with. These are five items you should never put in a household bin.

1. Food waste

Under the new rules, households in England will be issued a food waste bin, meaning putting your veg peelings in the kitchen bin is a big no-no. This can actually result in less stinky kitchen bins, especially if you opt for an odour-absorbing food bin such as the Joseph Joseph Food Waste Caddy (£29.99, Amazon).

‘In areas of the UK where food waste is now collected separately, food should be kept out of the general household waste bin where possible and only put into the food waste bin. The separate food waste collections allow for it to be processed more efficiently,’ adds Ryan Kaila, waste and recycling expert at Kingfisher Direct.

2. Vapes, batteries and small electricals

You must avoid putting these items in your kitchen bin at all costs. This is because they pose a fire risk, which puts you and the waste collectors at risk. Small electricals refer to a number of appliances, including small toys, cables and even hairdryers.

‘We’re seeing a worrying increase in fires caused by items that simply shouldn’t be placed in household recycling or general waste. The biggest culprits are vapes, loose batteries and small electricals – what we often call ‘hidden hazards’ or ‘bombs in bins,’ says Luke Walter, regional manager at the Aldridge depot for waste management company Biffa.

‘These items contain lithium-ion batteries. If they are crushed or damaged during collection or processing, they can spark and ignite extremely quickly. In a split second, that can turn into a serious fire in a collection vehicle or at a recycling facility, putting our crews at risk and causing significant disruption to local services.

‘Instead, they should be taken to designated recycling points at supermarkets or household waste recycling centres, where they can be handled safely and recycled properly.

We know most residents want to do the right thing, but there’s still confusion about what belongs in the recycling bin. Anything with a plug, battery or cable should be kept out.'

3. Medical waste

‘Any medical waste, including sharp tools, syringes and even medications. Sharp items can injure sorting staff at waste facilities, and medications can pose a risk to the environment. Dispose of sharp medical waste through a specialist collection system, or take sharp medical waste and waste medications to a pharmacy for safe disposal,’ says Ryan.

Your doctor or chemist should be able to provide you with a sharps bin if you need one. Or you can pick up a sharps bin for £6.51 at Amazon. You may be able to dispose of medical waste via your doctors or chemist, or you need to arrange a Clinical Waste Collection from your local council.

4. Gas canisters and aerosols

It is perhaps common sense that anything flammable should never go in your bin. This is not only to keep you safe, but to keep waste collection workers safe, too. You should instead take these items to a local recycling centre.

‘Items like gas canisters, aerosols, and anything flammable are a major fire risk and should never go in standard household recycling,’ says Luke.

‘These fires are preventable. By taking a moment to dispose of these items correctly, people can help protect frontline workers, prevent damage to vital infrastructure, and ensure more materials are recycled safely and effectively.’

5. Paint

Lastly, if you’re looking to get rid of paint, your kitchen bin is not the answer.

‘Any kind of paint shouldn't be poured into bins or placed into household waste while it's still wet, as it can leak, spill and contaminate other waste, which makes it harder for this waste to be disposed of safely and effectively,’ says Ryan.

‘Paint can also contain chemicals that shouldn't be sent to landfill or standard waste processing facilities, as doing so could damage the local environment. Check your local council's waste guidelines for paint disposal instructions.’

Sort your waste easily

If you're in doubt about what items you can put in your bin, you should always check your local council's website for more information.