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.

Outdoor bins can be a little stinky; that’s just a fact of life. But when your waste bins start to smell particularly bad, it’s not only unpleasant for everyone around you, but it could land you a hefty fine, too.

Since the new, simpler recycling rules came into effect, you may have found you have even more waste bins to contend with. But while you get to grips with what to put in a food bin, you should also be exploring how to reduce the smell, too.

Waste experts have revealed that if your smelly bin is defined as a ‘statutory nuisance’, you could face being fined for this misdemeanour. Here’s everything you need to know.

Can you recieve a fine for a smelly bin?

Now, your bins are never going to smell as good; it is a bin after all. But in extreme cases, the stench and how you dispose of waste can get you in trouble.

‘In the UK at least, you’re unlikely to get fined just because your bin smells, but the lines are blurred. The law is focused on whether it can be considered a ‘statutory nuisance’, which means it has significantly interfered with someone’s enjoyment of their home or even health, a step further than just being unpleasant,’ explains Karl McArdle, co-founder of The Property Buying Company.

‘The key thing people often misunderstand is that smell alone isn’t enough. Councils look at factors like how often it happens, how severe it is, and how many people it affects. An occasional whiff won’t cut it, but a persistent, overpowering smell from rotting waste that attracts the local wildlife, absolutely might.’

If your bin falls within the realm of ‘statutory nuisance’, you won’t be landed with a fine straight away; instead, your local council should give you the chance to rectify the stench.

‘A council order will be served telling you to fix the problem, and fines will only come into consideration further down the line if action is not taken. Unlimited fines can be dealt and fixed penalty notices (FPN) issued for continued poor waste control,’ says Jack Malnick, Managing Director of Sell House Fast.

‘These FPN’s can be anywhere between £60-£200, depending on how soon you pay it and the council area you reside in, while a court date could cost you thousands if it escalates that far.’

What to do if your neighbour' bins smell

On the other side of the fence is knowing what to do if it is your neighbour's bins that pong. And as is the case with most neighbourly disputes, a friendly and open conversation is required.

‘I would like to think the first port of call if your neighbours’ bins are causing a genuine problem, would be to have a polite conversation. If that doesn’t work, reach out to your local council and log a complaint,’ says Karl.

‘They may investigate further and can issue an abatement notice requiring that the issue be fixed. Breaching this notice is considered a criminal offence, and although the fixed penalties are usually in the lower range, the fines are unlimited and can reach into the thousands.’

No one likes a smelly bin, full stop. So, the best resolution is to not let them get that bad in the first place. Instead, take the time to clean your bin each week using water and disinfectant (like Dettol’s Rose and Peach Blossom Concentrated Disinfectant Liquid). You can also sprinkle bicarbonate of soda (£2, Amazon) at the bottom of your bins, too, to act as a deodoriser.

Keep your bin clean

As the weather heats up, bins will inevitably become a little more smelly. But if you take practical steps and clean your bins regularly, you will stop it from becoming a problem.

I test a lot of cleaning tools and appliances as Ideal Home’s Cleaning Editor, but one of my favourites has always been the humble steam cleaner. And while I have no doubt that most people appreciate the chemical-free cleaning power of steam, many fail to realise that it can offer so much more.

Yes, my home has never been as clean as it is after testing the best steam cleaners and mops, and I have this bacteria-busting cleaning tool to thank for my sparkling floor tiles, squeaky-clean taps and even my grime-free oven. After all, there are so many things you can clean with a steam cleaner.

But after testing so many of them, I’ve come to learn that not all steam cleaners are created equally - and how you use them can drastically affect your results. That’s why I thought I’d share the cheat codes I’ve uncovered to help my steam cleaner work smarter, not harder. By extension, that means I’m cleaning less, too!

1. Use a steam cleaner AND mop

Typically, steam cleaners come in two forms: handheld steam cleaners and steam mops. I’ve already written a full breakdown of the differences between the two, but one of my best steam cleaner hacks is to make use of both of them - without having to buy two separate appliances.

Many models now offer the option to use it in handheld mode AND as a mop, and personally, I use the Minky Opti-Clean Steam Cleaner (£119.99 at Amazon) in my home to combine the two. And if you choose this model - or a similar one - you can enjoy the cleaning power of a steam cleaner with a steam mop pad and countless attachments for handheld cleaning jobs.

Being able to transform a steam cleaner into a steam mop (and vice versa) allows for versatile cleaning around the house, and your floors in particular will thank you for it. This is echoed by Graeme Shelley, Managing Director at Factory Direct Flooring, who says, ‘Steamers can be amazing for cleaning hard floors and killing germs. In fact, our swab tests show steaming reduced 77% of bacteria on floors overall.’

However, it’s important to note that there are certain things you should never clean with a steam cleaner, including laminate and real wood floors. So, while I’d always suggest using your steam cleaner for as many jobs as you can around the house, as long as you make sure it’s safe to do so beforehand.

2. Use distilled water

Over the years, I’ve perfected how to keep my home limescale-free in a hard water area, and this involves using distilled water in many of my appliances. This includes my steam cleaner, and I will never use it without this Ultra Pure Steam Distilled Water (£13.95 at Amazon).

Essentially, distilled water is a highly purified water that’s had all of its minerals and contaminants removed through a vaporisation and condensation process. And Catherine Green, sustainable cleaning expert at smol, agrees that this is one of the best ways to ensure your steam cleaner lasts for as long as possible - and works as efficiently as possible.

That’s because, for the same reasons you should use distilled water in an iron, a build-up of minerals in a steam cleaner’s tank can lead to longer heat-up times and cause corrosion. As a result, you’ll spend more time cleaning - both your home and the steam cleaner itself.

If you can’t use pure distilled water, Catherine suggests regular descaling. She says, ‘Descale it by filling the tank with a 1:1 ratio of white vinegar and water, and running the steamer until the tank is empty. Afterwards, rinse the tank and run it once more with just plain water.’

3. Use bicarb and vinegar

Most people use steam cleaners on their own, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. The powerful steam and high temperatures are more than enough to kill bacteria and remove stubborn grime, after all. But one of my best steam cleaner hacks for quick cleaning is using bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar to help the process along.

There are so many things you can clean with bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar anyway, so my top tip is to always have some stocked in your cleaning cupboard. But if you want to lift stains and dirt faster, using one (or both) of these natural cleaners can seriously work in your favour.

When cleaning my oven with a steam cleaner on hard water stains, I always spray this Miniml Eco White Vinegar (£3.50 at Amazon) and let it sit for five minutes before using my steam cleaner. The results? A sparkling home!

I use a helping hand when I want to clean my oven or clean grout lines in my kitchen or bathroom, too. For these cleaning jobs, I sprinkle Sodium Bicarbonate (1KG Bucket - £9.49 at Amazon) onto the affected areas and let its natural abrasiveness work in tandem with my steam cleaner. It really works.

4. Use *every* attachment

In my opinion, the steam cleaner is the most underutilised tool in cleaning cupboards. But with the right tools and attachments at your disposal, you really can clean (almost) everything. That’s why using *every* attachment is one of my best steam cleaner hacks.

From large mop attachments to smaller nozzle tools, upholstery tools and even dedicated cleaning brushes, you can clean everything from your grout lines to your curtains and your oven. If you struggle with allergies, it’s also one of the best ways to keep on top of them.

In fact, steam cleaning is one of the best ways to get rid of dust mites - especially on your mattress. This is echoed by Catherine, who says, ‘For a deeper clean that is especially helpful if you suffer from allergies, aim a hand-held steamer over all the surface areas of your mattress, including the sides and the underside.’

She adds, ‘The steam helps banish bacteria and loosen dead skin or dust, but you must be careful not to let the mattress get too wet in the process, especially if you have a memory foam mattress.’ And if you want to go the extra mile, you could also use a dedicated mattress vacuum like this Handheld Mattress Vacuum with UV Light (£49.99 at Lakeland).

5. Use a laundry bag

Although steam cleaners are extremely hardwearing and can last for years with proper care and attention (which includes using distilled water), the tools and components can often degrade more quickly than the main unit. This is especially true for the mop pad.

So, just as you should clean a regular mop head, you should do the same with a steam mop head. And to stop it from falling apart, Catherine suggests using a laundry bag like these 2 PCS Mesh Laundry Bags with Zips (£4.99 at Amazon) to make it last longer - and to protect the environment.

She says, ‘When washing these pads, it's important to remember they’re essentially plastic, so they should be washed in a laundry bag to avoid adding any microplastics to our waterways. Once you've washed them, just shake the bag into the bin to get rid of any shed fibres.’

You should also use hot, soapy water to clean the loose tools and attachments, keeping them free of grime or scum, and to wash away any hard water deposits that could affect the appliance's overall performance.

My top-rated steam cleaners

So, give these steam cleaner hacks a go!

If you have a compost bin and a food waste bin, are you quite sure of the difference between the two? Don’t worry if you’re not, as waste experts have clarified the matter and why it’s so important.

Since the new recycling rules came into force, every household in England is expected to recycle old food waste (unless you’re under one of 79 councils that have delayed their rollout). But if you already have a functioning compost heap, it may feel a little confusing about what waste to put in which bin.

It’s important to know that your food waste bin and compost bin have very different functions, and that there are some items you should never put in a compost bin. So, I asked the experts to reveal what should be put in your compost bin vs what you should put in your food waste bin. This is what they said.

What is the difference between your food waste bin and compost bin

‘A food waste bin is a bin that's for council collection, whereas a compost bin is for home composting in your garden. The main difference between the two is that the food waste bin can generally handle a wider variety of materials, whereas a home compost bin cannot,’ says Ryan Kaila, waste and recycling expert at Kingfisher Direct.

‘For example, a food waste bin can take all types of food waste (without packaging), while a home compost bin can only take a select amount of food waste, as well as garden waste.’

Putting the wrong items in your compost bin, such as meat and dairy products, can have a detrimental effect on the quality of your compost and even attract pests to your garden. Meanwhile, your food waste bin allows you to safely recycle food waste via council collection without impacting your garden ecosystem.

‘For the majority of households, the main food waste bin should generally be the main concern. This is because it's actually designed to handle the full range of food waste safely and consistently, whereas a compost bin isn't, and shouldn't handle certain foods,’ adds Ryan.

‘A compost bin shouldn't be used as a replacement for the food waste bin. If food is messy, cooked, dairy-based, meaty, raw, and likely to attract pests with its smell, then putting it in the compost bin might cause too many problems. Use the food waste bin for most food waste, and only use the compost bin for suitable scraps that you know you can put in the compost without issue.’

What can you put in a compost bin?

• Fruit and veg peelings
• Coffee grounds
• Compostable tea bags
• Garden waste

What can you put in a food waste bin?

• Plate scrapings/leftovers
• Raw and cooked meat and fish
• Bones
• Dairy
• Egg shells
• Bread
• Rice
• Pasta
• Tea bags and coffee grounds
• Out-of-date and mouldy food (once removed from packaging)

‘Home composting is a great option if you have outdoor space, and food waste bins are also a really effective way to make sure unavoidable food waste is properly recycled rather than going to landfill,' concludes Chelsea Kerr, Managing Director UK&IE at Too Good To Go.

'Ultimately, the biggest impact still comes from reducing the amount of food we throw away in the first place. Practical steps like meal planning, proper storage and using up leftovers remain some of the most effective ways to reduce food waste, helping both the environment and household budgets.'

Knowing how to make compost is an easy and budget-friendly way to make your garden thrive. And where you can, you should definitely continue to feed your compost. Your food waste bin is excellent for recycling the waste that you can’t put in a compost bin. These two bins have two very different functions, but are both equally important to a sustainable household.

Cleaning experts have revealed the trick to stop your food waste caddy from smelling this summer, and all you need is a sprinkling of bicarbonate soda.

Since the new recycling rules were rolled out in March, many of us are getting to grips with a new food waste caddy. While there are rules about what you can put in a food waste bin, as the temperatures start rising, unfortunately, they can start to stink.

If you don’t want to end up attracting flies to your bin, you need to know how to stop a food bin from smelling. Luckily, a simple cleaning trick involving bicarbonate of soda is all you need.

How to stop a food waste bin smelling

Food bins are not the most glamorous of items, it’s true. Transporting stinky food waste to the big brown bin outside is one of my least favourite household chores, but keeping on top of your food waste hygiene makes the process easier (well, certainly less smelly).

Of course, you can pick up an odour-masking food waste bin. Many Ideal Home editors swear by the Joseph Joseph Food Waste Caddy (£34, Amazon), which uses a ventilated design and filter to reduce moisture and odours. You can also pick up charcoal filters for £6.99 at Amazon, which stick directly to your bin and absorb bad odours.

However, you don’t need to part with your cash. A good, old-fashioned dose of bicarbonate of soda does the job just as well. Which luckily, most of us will already have in our cupboards.

'When food waste bins are kept outside in the garden, warm weather can make smells develop very quickly. Heat speeds up how fast food breaks down, especially items like meat, fish and fruit peelings,' says Emma Mannion, cleaning expert at Astonish. 'The most effective way to prevent odours is to focus on keeping the bin as dry and clean as possible. I recommend lining the base of the caddy with kitchen roll or newspaper, sprinkling in bicarbonate of soda, and making sure food waste is well wrapped or sealed before it goes in.’

‘This works because it’s preventative rather than reactive. Outdoor food waste bins are exposed to higher temperatures, which means moisture and food residue build up faster. Once liquid collects at the bottom, smells can quickly become strong and difficult to shift. By absorbing moisture and neutralising odours early on, you stop the smell developing in the first place, rather than trying to mask it later with fragrance.’

Why do food waste bins smell?

Cleaning with bicarbonate of soda is a good idea if you’re looking to neutralise odours. For this reason, it’s also worth knowing what causes your bin to smell so bad, especially during summer.

‘When food waste sits in a warm, damp environment, it starts to release gases as it decomposes, and those are the smells people notice. Dry materials like paper absorb excess liquid, while cooler temperatures slow down bacterial activity. Even something as simple as leaving the lid slightly ajar outdoors (if safe to do so) can improve airflow and prevent that build-up of trapped odours,’ explains Nigel Bearman, a cleaning expert at Daily Poppins.

As well as adding newspaper or kitchen roll and bicarbonate of soda to the bottom of your bin, Nigel has a couple of extra tricks you can use, too.

‘Rinse your food bin regularly with hot water and a mild disinfectant, especially in summer, I’d say every few days if it’s heavily used,’ he says.

‘Freezing particularly smelly items like meat scraps until collection day is another trick you can use if you have the space. Try not to let waste sit too long; emptying it little and often is one of the easiest ways to stay ahead of the problem.’

No one wants to have a stinky bin or the pest problems that come with it. So, prevention is always better than a cure in this case. Every time you empty your caddy, give it a quick rinse before adding kitchen roll and bicarbonate of soda. No more stinky bin for you.

Stepping into your kitchen and finding a swarm of ants is not exactly a pleasant experience. And if this is exactly what you are looking to avoid this summer, don’t worry, as experts have revealed five scents to deter ants from your home, without relying on nasty chemicals.

Scent is a great way to get rid of ants. While ants don’t ‘smell’ in the traditional sense, like we do, they use scent to navigate and communicate with each other. Certain smells can irritate and disrupt an ant’s communication and navigation ability, causing them to avoid the area.

Experts have revealed five scents that ants hate to deter them from your home. Here’s how to use them effectively.

1. Citrus

When it comes to garden pests, it’s always handy to keep citrus oil (lemon oil is £4.99 at Amazon) in your cupboard. Especially seeing as it’s also a scent that flies hate and spiders, too. Plus, its fresh scent will make your home smell lovely.

‘Ants hate citrus. The d-limonene found in lemon and orange peel is actually toxic to ants in concentrated form - it destroys the waxy coating that protects them. Even the scent alone is enough to confuse and deter them,’ says Mosh Latifi, Co-Owner of EcoCare Pest Management.

‘Rub fresh lemon peels directly along skirting boards, countertops and door thresholds. You can also boil orange peel in water, allow it to cool and use it as a spray around the kitchen and garden borders. It smells wonderful for us and awful for them.’

2. Peppermint

Peppermint oil (£4.99 at Amazon) is another scent that a variety of garden pests dislike, including mice and rats. When it comes to ants, you can make a spray out of peppermint oil and water and spray it at entry points around the house.

‘Peppermint oil contains menthol, which interferes with ants’ ability to follow pheromone trails. Because ants rely heavily on these chemical signals for navigation, strong volatile compounds like menthol can disrupt their tracking and make treated areas less appealing or more difficult to navigate,’ says Daniel Steward, Managing Director at Shield Pest Control.

‘Tea tree oil has a similarly strong aroma and may also deter ants, affecting their tracking ability. Overall, these oils are not a permanent solution, but they can help reduce ant activity and discourage them from returning to treated areas when used consistently.’

3. Lavender

One of the best scented shrubs, who doesn’t love the scent of fresh lavender? Even if you’re not looking to deter ants, it’s a great idea to add English Lavender (£6.99, Thompson & Morgan) to your garden simply because it smells so divine. Or, dried lavender sachets (£8.99, Amazon) can be used to deter ants in the home.

‘Lavender is a scent that ants actively avoid, and we see a lot of homeowners have success with it in summer when garden ants start finding their way inside. The linalool compounds in lavender oil are a natural insect repellent,’ says Mosh.

‘Place dried lavender sachets near entry points, or add lavender essential oil to a diffuser in rooms where you've had activity. For outdoor areas, planting lavender near doorways and patios creates a natural deterrent line - it's particularly effective on patios and pathways where ants tend to trail.’

4. Cinnamon

Ants hate the scent of cinnamon. While deliciously sweet to us, it is overpowering to ants - so I suggest you stock up on cinnamon sticks (£4.99, Amazon) and cinnamon oil (£4.99, Amazon).

‘Cinnamon deters ants because the strong smell makes it harder for them to find food and communicate with each other. We've seen TikTok videos that suggest mopping your floor with a mix of cinnamon and water, but I wouldn't recommend this if you want to keep your floors in good shape. When you mix water with dried cinnamon, the reddish-brown colour is released from the powder, which can leave stains and brown smears all over your floor,’ says Graeme Shelley, Managing Director at Factory Direct Flooring.

‘Instead, try placing a cinnamon stick (or sprinkling small amounts of dry, powdered cinnamon) near the points where ants are entering your home. But if you have light carpets, avoid using the powdered version, because that can stain too.

‘If you're really keen on the mop method, try adding a few drops of cinnamon essential oil in your mop water instead of powder - but only if you don't have pets, because the essential oil version (and too much cinnamon exposure in general) can be toxic to them.’

5. White vinegar

Last but not least is white vinegar. Not only is there so much you can clean with white vinegar, but its strong scent deters many garden pests, too. While it is a cupboard staple anyway, it is such a cleaning essential that I recommend grabbing a white vinegar refill, such as Miniml’s 5L White Vinegar (£8.25, Amazon), to have on hand.

‘White vinegar is one of the most accessible tools people already have at home. It works in two ways: the acetic acid destroys the pheromone trails ants use to communicate with each other, and the sharp scent acts as a deterrent in its own right,’ says Mosh

‘Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and wipe down kitchen counters, floors and surfaces near entry points. It evaporates quickly, so the smell doesn't linger for humans, but the disruption to ant trails remains. I'd recommend doing this daily during peak season - June through August - when ant activity is at its highest,’ says Mosh.

Which scent is your favourite?

It’s a very rare occurrence to look at a food waste bin and think: ‘that looks stylish,’ but this sentiment can genuinely be applied to IKEA’s FARMARKVAST Bin. Plus, it has plenty of five-star reviews vouching that it is smell-proof, too.

With the new ‘Simpler Recycling’ rules coming into effect last month, which also have specific rules about food waste, I’ve been trawling the web trying to find easy waste solutions to update your kitchen bin ideas and make recycling a breeze.

At just £5, this sleek IKEA food waste bin will neatly tuck away in your kitchen, whilst making complying with new food waste rules even easier.

It is the opinion of many Ideal Home editors that the Joseph Joseph Food Waste Caddy (£34 at Amazon) is the gold standard for food waste bins. However, I think that IKEA’s £5 FARMARKVAST alternative is a worthy competitor.

Described as ‘bin for organic waste’, the FARMARKVAST bin is small enough to be kept on your kitchen counter, while its stylish green shade and curved shape mean it doesn’t look jarringly obvious it’s a bin.

Keep the lid fixed over the edge when cooking or cleaning, and when not in use, the lid snaps into place to avoid unpleasant odour leaking into your kitchen. Given that rotten food is a signal to attract flies to a food waste bin, this is a really handy feature as we head into the warmer months.

It has a holding handle to make transportation to your outdoor food waste bin super easy, and IKEA even says is easy-to-clean plastic means you can negate the need for bin liners if you wish. Instead, they recommend cleaning the bin after use by wiping dry with a clean cloth, or using a non-abrasive washing-up detergent or soap, if necessary.

In summer, it’s a very good idea to opt for a smell-proof bin or one that has a secure lid to prevent flies from making it their home. So, if you have a council-assigned waste caddy in your kitchen, and find it frequently smells, you can swap it for a smell-proof model like this one - provided you’re emptying it into your large, outdoor food bin for collection. Luckily, many of the bin’s five-star reviews praised how well it keeps in odour.

‘This little food recycling bin is genius. It looks great in my kitchen, and there is absolutely no odour and it holds plenty. It serves its purpose well and is great value for money,’ said one.

‘I love this caddy, which stands neatly beside my chopping board when I’m prepping vegetables. The peel/waste goes straight in, lid on, and no smells until it can be taken out to the compost bin. It looks so much neater than most food waste bins,’ said another.

Alternatively, here are a few more affordable food waste bins that contain bad smells and look somewhat stylish.

This food waste bin honestly ticks every box. It’s stylish, odour-proof and perfect for small spaces. What’s not to love?

When cleaning your home, do you pay much attention to your houseplants? As you wipe, spray and spritz, droplets of product can end up on your plants and cause damage, experts have revealed.

Plant parents should be aware that not even the best houseplants can withstand the harsh chemicals used in some cleaning sprays. And if you’ve been wondering why your plant is suffering from brown, crispy patches, the answer could be sitting within a cleaning bottle.

With many cleaning products relying on ingredients such as bleach, you could accidentally be harming plants when cleaning, even if you exclusively own ‘unkillable’ houseplants. Here’s everything you need to know, and how to clean around your plants.

The warning

‘It’s best not to use household cleaning products around houseplants. Products like bleach, vinegar or washing-up liquid can burn plant leaves, causing crispy brown patches where the liquid was sprayed,’ explains Gemma Haigh, founder of The Plant Parlour

‘Sodium hydroxide burns and destroys plant cells, so any cleaning products containing this active ingredient are also harmful. This could include oven cleaners and degreasers, laundry detergents, stain removers and other chemical sprays.

‘Even washing liquid detergents can remove the waxy layer on the surface of leaves, so use in moderation if spraying your plant for pest control!’

I’m not about to tell you to chuck your best cleaning products in the bin. After all, a clean, hygienic home is non-negotiable. However, experts at Ecover are warning we should be careful when cleaning homes, to ensure the product doesn’t come into contact with our plants.

‘Some cleaning products, particularly those containing chlorine-based bleach, are highly reactive and designed to break down organic material. In plant care, it’s widely recognised that these types of ingredients can damage leaf tissue and affect how plants grow if they come into contact with them,’ a spokesperson said.

‘That’s why simple changes, like applying sprays onto a cloth rather than spraying them into the air, can help reduce any impact in plant-filled homes.’

When cleaning, you should move your houseplants out of the way before you start. It’s an easy solution, but not always practical if you are someone who owns hoards of plants. Alternatively, you can use a cover (£3.99, Amazon) or a bag to place over your plants when cleaning.

‘If you get chemical cleaning products on your plant by mistake, rinse thoroughly to ensure you dilute any liquids. This should reduce the chances of the chemicals damaging your houseplant. If you accidentally tip a dangerous solution into your soil, it’s best to rinse the roots and repot your plant in fresh soil, throwing away the soil with chemicals in it,’ adds Gemma.

If you’re giving your home a spring clean this month, remember to cover or move your plants beforehand, keeping them happy and healthy.

How often do you vacuum your mattress and upholstery? I’ll bet it’s not nearly as often as you should (no judgment, I’m guilty, too). But if you want to combat dust mites and allergens this spring, it is an important chore you shouldn’t skip, made all the easier by Aldi’s new Mites Vacuum Cleaner.

If you’ve spent a lot of money on one of the best mattresses, you don’t need me to tell you to look after it. But vacuuming your mattress is a good idea if you want to rid your bedroom of allergens and clean your mattress this summer

Having landed in the middle aisle today (16 April), Aldi’s new Mites Vacuum Cleaner, £24.99, is perfect for removing dust and allergens on your upholstery - something your best vacuum might miss. Here’s everything you need to know.

The Ambiano Mites Vacuum Cleaner is designed to remove dust and dirt from your mattress and upholstery. It even has a UV germicidal lamp, which is designed to kill bacteria as the machine moves without using any chemicals.

It’s not the first mattress vacuum we’ve encountered. Lakeland’s Handheld Mattress Vacuum with UV Light (£49.99) did a good enough job to convince the Ideal Home team that mattress vacuums are worth it.

At just £24.99, the Aldi mites vacuum is an incredibly affordable entryway to mattresses, allowing you to test the benefits without breaking the bank. While a standard vacuum is not suitable for vacuuming upholstery, many of the best handheld vacuum cleaners have upholstery attachments, so you should weigh up whether this is better suited to your household, too.

‘Most people aren’t vacuuming their mattresses and upholstery as often as they should be, and spring is the perfect time to give them some TLC - especially if you struggle with allergies and want to keep dust mites out of the house,’ says Lauren Bradbury, Ideal Home’s Cleaning Editor and Ideal Home Certified Expert in Vacuums.

‘After all, a dedicated mite vacuum like this can remove these nasties better than any regular vacuum cleaner can, thanks to the addition of the UV technology. For £24.99, this really is a bargain, and it won’t take up too much space in your cleaning cupboard either!’

The Ald Mites Vacuum is on sale right now, so I’d advise heading to your local store ASAP if you want to get your hands on one. Alternatively, here are a few more highly-rated vacuums that work similarly, and you can shop online.

If you struggle with allergies, a dust mite vacuum, as well as one of the best air purifiers, can be really beneficial. Would you give it a try?

While most of us have been trying to wrap our heads around the new ‘simpler recycling’ rules that came into effect on 31 March this year, some councils have been less than prepared for the transition - with some councils delaying full food waste collections until 2034 or later.

A BBC investigation found as many as 79 councils in England did not expect to meet the 31 March deadline, with many being granted extensions to delay separate food waste collections beyond the original March deadline.

So, while you may have been trying to get to grips with the new food waste collection rules, it may be that your council is one of the many with a delayed rollout date. This is everything you need to know.

The Simpler Recycling rollout

The Simpler Recycling scheme was introduced by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), which intended the reforms to standardise recycling across England and introduce weekly food waste collections for all households. Where before, different councils had different collection rules, the Simpler Recycling scheme hoped to make it universal and easier.

However, this hasn’t been the case, with some councils blaming their delay on the rollout of demand for new specialist vehicles and funding issues - despite Defra handing out more than £340 million in grants.

For some councils, long-term waste contracts mean some areas will not comply with the new rules for more than a decade. In the case of 14 English councils, this stretches beyond 2040. So, before you go changing your kitchen bin ideas, it’s important to get clued up on whether your council has been delayed or not.

Has your council been delayed?

The councils expected to delay until 2034 or longer are as follows:

• Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council - July 2040
• Doncaster City Council - July 2040
• Gateshead Council - 2039
• Manchester City Council - 2034
• North Yorkshire Council - February 2043
• Oldham Council - 2034
• Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council - July 2040
• Salford City Council - 2034
• Sheffield City Council - 2038
• South Tyneside Council - 2039
• Sunderland City Council - 2039
• Wakefield Council - 2038
• Westmorland and Furness - 2034
• Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council - 2040

While these are the more extreme delays, some councils do expect to be following the new rules in 2026. For example, Braintree council will implement mandatory weekly food waste collections from 1 June 2026, North Norfolk expects to be up and running by autumn this year, while Worcester City Council is delayed until spring 2027.

The delays are largely because some waste contracts, including Private Finance Initiative (PFI) and energy-from-waste agreements, can run for 20 to 25 years, making changes difficult without significant penalties.

Before you invest in a smell-proof food waste caddy (although the Ideal Home loves the currently on sale Joseph Joseph Caddy, £29.99, Amazon), you should check your local council's website to see when they are expected to follow the new rules, if they aren’t already.

If your council isn’t implementing a weekly food collection just yet, don’t worry, you have plenty of time to learn how to stop flies from being attracted to a food waste bin and brush up on the new rules.

While the roll-out hasn’t been the smoothest for councils around England, all households can expect to see new food waste collections introduced between 2026 and the early 2040’s, depending on location. If in doubt, always check your local council’s website for accurate, up-to-date information.

New recycling regulations mean that food waste must be disposed of separately from household waste in England. If this latest legislation means you now have a new food waste caddy resting on your kitchen counter, you may be wondering how to keep flies away as the weather heats up. Don’t worry, I’ve asked the experts, and it’s a simple solution.

Every summer, I find myself looking for new ways to stop flies coming into my house, and with a food waste caddy resting on my kitchen counter, I’m particularly concerned that these pesky insects will be attracted to it.

And they will be. A depository for old food, your food waste caddy is a natural breeding ground for flies. But, with the right sort of bin, liners and regular cleaning, it is possible to deter flies from your food waste bin.

Why are flies attracted to food waste bins?

While you may be just getting your head around what you can and can’t put in a food waste bin, I’m sorry to break it to you, but what you can add is often a fly's favourite food. They love moist environments and decomposing food, making a food waste caddy an optimum breeding ground for flies.

‘Flies are drawn to bins because they provide both food and a place for them to breed. Food waste produces strong odours as it breaks down, which flies can detect from a considerable distance,’ explains Daniel Steward, Managing Director at Shield Pest Control.

‘Once they find a suitable food source, flies will often lay eggs directly on the waste so that the emerging larvae, known as maggots, have immediate access to food. Because the fly life cycle can be very short, particularly in warm conditions, numbers can build up quickly if waste is left exposed.’

How to deter flies from a food waste bin

To deter flies from your food waste bins, there are three things you need to do. First, invest in a food waste caddy that has a tight-fitting lid (the Joseph Joseph Food Waste Caddy, popular amongst Ideal Home editors and has ventilation technology to reduce odours). You must also clean your bin regularly and ensure you use compostable liners like these Greener Warlker ones for £10.49 at Amazon.

‘The most effective way to deter flies from food bins is to reduce the smells and breeding opportunities that attract them in the first place. Food waste should be stored in a caddy with a tightly fitting lid and ideally lined with compostable liners that can be tied and disposed of regularly. Emptying the caddy frequently, especially during warmer weather, helps prevent food from breaking down and producing strong odours that attract flies,’ says Daniel.

While there are plenty of scents that will deter flies from your home, maintaining a clean home environment is the most important step you can take to deter flies from your home.

‘Regular cleaning is also essential. Not only does it remove bacteria that could be harmful in the home, but it removes any food residue that flies would want to feed on and lay eggs on, therefore preventing more and more flies from swarming,’ explains Ryan Kaila, waste and recycling expert at Kingfisher Direct.

‘Even if you use a bin liner, clean out the bin frequently to prevent smells. Warm/hot water and antibacterial spray should work well. Use an odour-absorbing powder in your bin, or bicarbonate of soda, which should work to do the same job. ‘Keep the surrounding areas of the bin clean too, as if this is dirty, it will also attract flies.’

Where you position your bin is also important, both Daniel and Ryan explain. Your bin should be kept in a shaded, well-ventilated area, as a sunny spot can encourage food to decompose faster.

‘I also recommend placing it away from the main food prep areas. This is because you don't want any potential flies or bacteria to be spread to the food prep areas,’ says Ryan.

‘In summer, or when it's very hot, you might want to store it outside instead, as the smell might intensify much more in the heat. If you have a large kitchen, you might be okay; however, for smaller kitchens, outside might be better as long as it's convenient enough for consistent use.’

Unfortunately, flies are attracted to old food. But keeping on top of your bin hygiene and investing in a quality caddy can make a huge difference when it comes to deterring them from your food waste bin.

I’m a firm believer that the smellier the food, the yummier it tastes. Stinky cheese? Delicious. Garlic? I’m obsessed with the stuff. Leftovers? The stinkier the better. But while I love the taste of these foods, my fridge reeks because of them - as well as everything else in there. That’s why I was intrigued when the Vitesy Deo (£22.49 at Amazon) landed on my desk.

Of course, knowing how to clean a fridge and storing food correctly is key to an odour-free food storage space, but even those with the best of (clean) intentions can’t always tackle the funky smells that come from your fridge. That’s where odour eliminators can step in, and these come in many different forms, from a simple pot of bicarb to small appliances like this one.

But I’m not someone who will vouch for a product if I haven’t tried it myself - especially new products to the market. So, I popped the Vitesy Deo in my smelly fridge for a week and a half to see if it could actually make a difference. My verdict? This purifying odour eliminator may be small, but it’s certainly mighty.

While I’m a huge fan of the best air purifiers and use mine every single day to maintain healthy air quality and banish smells in my house, the downside of these appliances is that they’re big and generally mains-powered - which means they can’t go in fridges or smaller nooks and crannies around the home. But that’s where the Vitesy Deo thrives.

At just 8.5cm tall, this compact appliance uses catalytic decomposition technology to capture and decompose pollutants, eliminating over 99% of odours and even reducing bacteria to keep food fresh. And unlike air purifiers, it doesn’t use a filter, so there’s no need for expensive refills - and according to Vitesy, this particular model will be effective for 10 years before it needs to be replaced.

As it’s non-electric, it doesn’t need to be charged either. But what I love most about this teeny-tiny appliance is that you can use its odour-neutralising technology anywhere - from your chest of drawers to your smelly shoe cupboard, your musty utility room or your car. As I’ve always struggled with a smelly fridge, though, I thought I’d test it out in there first.

Small enough to fit in my under-the-counter fridge without taking up too much space, the Vitesy Deo has been working its magic for the past week and a half, but it made a noticeable difference within just a few days. In fact, on day three, I was able to open my fridge without getting the usual waft of food smells in my face.

Since then, I’ve added leftover curry, chopped red onion, and an open pack of vegan chicken pieces (which is notoriously smelly) to my fridge. And while it would normally smell funky as a result, I’m happy to confirm that I can now smell nothing!

But I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Vitesy has already proven that they know what they’re talking about when it comes to air purifiers and odour-eaters. Not only are they the brand behind the budget-friendly Eteria Portable Air Purifier, but they’re also the makers of the Shelfy Fridge Purifier that our Digital Editor, Rebecca, has been using for almost two years.

The Shelfy is bigger in size and price compared to the Deo, but it is designed specifically for the fridge, so it may be a better option if you’re on the hunt for a fridge-specific solution - as long as you remember to charge it, which is something Rebecca sometimes forgets to do.

She says, ‘It’s lasted well, but I don't feel like it holds its charge as well as it did. However, it definitely keeps my fridge smelling fresher. I actually don't even register having a smelly fridge anymore, because my Shelfy has done such a great job keeping smells from building up. The only pain is the space it takes up in my small under-counter fridge.’

This is where the Deo can step in. It’s a budget-friendly alternative that’ll continue banishing odours for the next 10 years without needing a charge. It’s also a lot smaller, so it can be used all over the house.

I’m even considering buying another to keep with my shoes in my under-the-stairs cupboard and perhaps even a third for my hallway. After all, I’m definitely noseblind to my own home, and the Deo is a small and simple way to keep things fresh.

Alternatives to consider

Bye, smelly fridge!

Last week, new rules came into effect designed to make recycling in England simpler and easier, to ensure smooth waste collection. If you’re still looking to get your head around the new recycling rules - in particular, food waste bins - we’re here to help.

Under new rules, every household is entitled to and responsible for a food waste bin. While it’s not the most glamorous of kitchen bin ideas, and arguably the most stinky, there are some new rules surrounding food waste bins you need to follow.

So, we’ve broken down the latest rules and guidelines surrounding food waste, which include the specific liner you need to use, to help you adjust to the new rules effectively.

What you can put in your food waste bin

First of all, it's important to understand what you can/ can't put in your food waste bin.

As part of the government’s Simpler Recycling scheme (which came into effect on 31 March 2026), all households are required to separate food waste from general waste. This food waste must be put in your food waste bin (which you can get from your local council) and should be collected once a week.

Under the new rules, this is what you are allowed to put in your food waste bin:

• Bread, pasta, cereal and rice
• Cooked and uncooked food
• Dairy products and egg shells
• Fruit and vegetable peelings or waste
• Leftover food and plate scrapings
• Meat, fish and bones
• Tea bags, tea leaves and coffee grounds

Under the new rules, each household will be allocated two bins: a small bin suitable for the kitchen (a caddy) and a larger bin for outside (for collection). However, we also recommend adding some food scraps (like fruit and vegetables) to your compost bin so you can feed your garden for free.

For your kitchen caddy, you don't always have to use your council-assigned bin. In fact, it can be worth investing in a smell-proof caddy such as the Joseph Joseph Intelligent Waste Bin (£34 at Amazon), which is well-ventilated to reduce moisture and odour. Alternatively, Minky's £12 food waste bin has a handy removable bag retention ring so you don't have to worry about the liners slipping.

What you can't put in your food waste bin

You guessed it, there are some things you should not put in your food waste bin. This includes:

• Liquid food waste such as milk or oils
• Plastic packaging (except compostable caddy liners)
• Any material that isn’t food waste

What food bin liners should you use?

The new rules also apply to the liners you use in your food waste caddy. According to the government, there is ‘no requirement for caddy liners to be provided to households or for them to be used.’ If you do choose to use liners, use environmentally-friendly options like the Green Walker waste bin liners available on Amazon, which are made from fully compostable polymers, and have 1000s of five-star reviews.

When choosing liners, any of the following are ok to use:

• bio-based biodegradable plastic
• bio-based compostable plastic
• bio-based non-compostable plastic
• fossil-based non-compostable plastic (for example, polyethylene)
• bio or fossil-based recyclable plastic
• paper
• repurposed plastic bags (originally intended for purposes other than food waste collection)
• reused newspaper

The government does not recommend using:

• fossil-based biodegradable plastic
• fossil-based compostable plastic

These bags are all well-reviewed and in line with the new rules.

It's always worth reading up on the guidance on your local council’s website, too, as sometimes rules can differentiate between council to council.

New recycling rules came into effect earlier this week in England to simplify what you can and can’t put in your recycling bins at home. The new, simpler recycling rules that came into force on the 31st March mean all councils are now required to accept the same items and categorise them in the same way across the country.

While this means there are some everyday household items you can no longer recycle at home, there are also many other items your council should collect that they might not have accepted in the past.

Previously, councils were free to set their own rules around recycling collection, but the shift should put an end to the recycling postcode lottery. According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, waste collectors will now be required to collect the following types of waste separately:

• food and garden waste
• paper and card
• all other dry recyclable materials (glass, metal and plastic, including cartons)
• residual waste (non-recyclable waste)

In some circumstances councils can collect paper, card and dry recyclables together, so please check your councils website. Under the new rules this is what you can recycle in each category.

Paper and card

Clean paper and card can be added into one recycling bin and collected together. This includes:

• Newspapers and magazines
• Envelopes (with any plastic windows removed)
• Flattened cardboard packaging e.g., cereal boxes or toilet roll holders
• Office paper

Other dry recyclables

Jars, plastic and metal can all be combined in one bin to be collected. You may choose to separate them from each other, but any combination of the three can be recycled together. This includes:

• Bottles, jars and cans used for food and drink packaging (if they are clean and dry to avoid contamination)
• Foil packaging
• Shampoo and conditioner bottles
• Empty aerosol cans
• Rinsed food tins e.g., soup cans or pet food tins

Food and garden waste

Food waste collection is one of the biggest changes that has come in as part of the new rules. Every council is now required to collect food waste on a weekly basis from households. Households in England will be given a large outdoor bin and a kitchen caddy, in which they should dispose of any food waste. This includes:

• All uneaten food and plate scrapings
• Baked goods such as bread, cakes and pastries
• Dairy products, eggs and eggshells
• Fruit and vegetables including raw and cooked vegetables and peelings
• Out-of-date or mouldy food
• Pet food
• Raw and cooked meat or fish, including bones
• Tea bags and coffee grounds

Councils are not required to collect garden waste under the new rules, but they can choose to collect it with food waste. If your council collects garden waste, make sure you check what can't go in your garden waste under the new guidelines.

While the new recycling rules may take a little getting used to, they’re designed to create a more efficient and environmentally friendly system in the long run.

Claire Shrewsbury, Director Insights and Innovation at climate action NGO WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme), a global environmental action company, said: ’We’re a nation of recyclers, but most households put two or more items in the rubbish each week that could be recycled – because of confusion. Making recycling simpler will help end this and if we all recycled one more trigger spray each week, we’d save enough energy to power every home in Birmingham for a year.’

With a bit of awareness – and a quick check of your local council’s guidelines – you can stay on top of the changes and continue recycling confidently at home.

Lose Women star Densie Welch has gone viral this week after she called out Brent Council for failing to collect her son’s bins and accusing one of the workers of swearing at her son. So, we’ve asked the experts exactly what you should do if your waste collection is missed.

With new recycling rules coming into effect this month, it’s important that you clue yourself up on everything you can and can’t put in your bins - or risk your waste not being collected. Which, as Denise demonstrated on X (formerly Twitter), can be particularly frustrating.

The TV star was left fuming on her son’s behalf, stating his bins hadn’t been collected in three weeks. This is what you should do if you find yourself in the same situation.

In a now-deleted tweet posted on 30 March 2026, Denise said: ‘Hi @brent_council. You haven’t emptied my son’s bins in 3 weeks. Any attempts at due process have failed.’

Denise has two children, whom she shares with Benidorm actor Tim Healy, 1975 frontman Matty Healy and actor Louis Healy. She did not confirm which son the post was about.

The post was taken down just a few hours after it was posted, with Denise confirming that Brent Council had been in touch. She thanked fans for commenting and making her laugh.

While this viral post has triggered lots of jokes and speculation, with many fans pondering the state of Matty Healy’s bins, I decided to find out what you should actually do if you council miss a waste collection. And no, the experts do not recommend taking to X.

What to do if your bin isn't collected

‘If your bin collection is missed, the first thing I’d say, before the frustration takes over, is to approach it calmly. These things do happen, and how you respond makes all the difference,’ explains Rachel Watkyn, OBE, recycling and sustainability expert and founder of Tiny Box Company.

‘Start by checking your local council’s website; most now have a simple way to report a missed collection, often with a guaranteed return window. Do this promptly, as timing can affect whether they’ll come back the same week.

‘In the meantime, it’s about staying practical. Ensure your waste is securely stored, lids closed, bags tied to avoid attracting pests or creating unnecessary mess. If capacity becomes an issue, consider consolidating waste or temporarily using a neighbour’s spare space if appropriate. Community spirit goes a long way in moments like this.

‘What I always encourage, both in business and at home, is to see these small disruptions as opportunities to be proactive rather than reactive. A quick report, a tidy solution, and a measured mindset will resolve things far more effectively than stress ever will. And if it becomes a recurring issue, that’s when it’s worth raising it more formally; consistency and standards matter, whether you’re running a company or simply managing your household.’

If a recycling collection is missed, simply head to your local council website to report it. In the meantime, there are ways to make more space in a recycling bin to help maximise space for the excess waste.

You should also first check that your bin wasn’t refused for any reason, such as contamination (having the wrong items in it), being too heavy or incorrect placement. You should also check online to see if your entire street has been missed.

It’s important to rinse your recycling and ensure each item is in the correct bin, as this can affect whether your bin is taken or not. If your bin is missed, bear in mind that different councils have different rules on how long you have to report the missed collection. For example, my local council is Bristol City, and if my collection is missed, I have between 5 pm on the day of the missed collection and 5 pm the next working day to report it.

If the council does not respond or rectify the issue within a reasonable timeframe, you can make a formal complaint, which can be escalated to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman. You can also take your rubbish to a local waste centre if you don’t have the space to wait for it to be collected during the following cycle.

Denise Welch is proof that even celebrities can feel frustrated by bin day. But now you know what you should do when a collection is missed, hopefully lessening such frustration.

From 31 March 2026, England introduces the 'Simpler Recycling' scheme, standardising what can be recycled in every home.

While bottles, jars, paper and food waste are all collected, items like drinking glasses, vases, candle jars and plant pots are not – and that's just the start of what you need to know.

The Simpler Recycling scheme explained

You may have got your head around how to recycle electronics already, but when it comes to at-home recycling things are changing.

With the new scheme, all councils in England will have the same core rubbish collections, which has been broken down into four categories:

• Food and garden waste
• Paper and card
• Dry recyclables
• Residual (or general) waste

This means that every household in the country will have the same system, but your setup may change.

Some homes could go from 1 or 2 bins to 3 or even 4. Depending on whether your council collects paper and card separately from dry recyclables. Your council will confirm your bin setup and collection schedule, with food waste likely picked up weekly and general waste less frequently.

What you can and can't recycle

Now you've got to grips with the four sections of rubbish, let's take a closer look at what these recycling categories actually mean. One of the things which struck me most was that while councils must collect glass packaging, like bottles and jars, this doesn't mean all glass items.

Drinking glasses, vases, glass cookware, and many candle jars cannot go in your kerbside recycling as they can contaminate the process. These items were often excluded before, but now the rules are standardised nationwide.

Other tricky items include:

• Plant pots, especially black plastic ones - too hard to process (look at other ways to recycle)
• Toothpaste tubes - not recyclable
• Pizza boxes - only the clean parts can be accepted, nothing with cheese or grease
• Disposable coffee cups - the plastic lining isn't accepted
• Compostable or biodegradable packaging - these go in with your food waste, not the recycling

A useful rule of thumb is that if it's packaging then there's a good chance it's ok to be recycled, but household items generally aren't.

Why this matters

It's worth remembering that even if you 'get away' with these items in your recycling, if the bag is found to contain any of these items, the whole batch is considered contaminated.

Current research indicates that around 40% of household recycling is contaminated, which means whole batches of recycling are rejected.

Get ahead of the changes and make sure your home's ready to go. Add a kitchen food caddy early on to get used to it (if not using one already!), create a simple indoor bin system and make sure to rinse recyclables to avoid contamination (you just need a light rinse, not a thorough wash).

Even if this all feels like a big change, it's actually more about recycling the same things more consistently and separating them properly. Just be sure to not try and recycle things which aren't recyclable and you'll be fine!

I love being Ideal Home’s Cleaning Editor and Vacuums Expert, but I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t jealous of my colleagues who get to explore the prettier, decor-focused side of the home. After all, cleaning tools and vacuums aren’t known for their looks - unless you count the pastel-perfect SiMPLi Countertop Vacuum Cleaner for £12 at QVC, of course.

While I’ll always have time for the best vacuum cleaners thanks to their whole-home cleaning power, I’ve been obsessed with mini countertop vacuums since last year when I finally got my hands on Lakeland’s £9.99 viral countertop model. Since then, I can confidently say that I’ve used it every single day for small messes and spills.

But while my mini countertop vacuum is boring and white (like basically every other appliance out there), I’ve spotted that QVC is selling pastel-coloured alternatives in dusty blue, mauve, or sage. And as you can imagine, they’re going straight in my basket…

Last year, Lakeland won me over with its mini cleaning tools - most of which I still use today. The retailer’s £4 mini mop is still getting daily use in my bathroom, and the mini countertop vacuum has allowed me to clean up toast crumbs, spilt coffee grounds, and even dust my car dashboard every day since.

The countertop cordless I use is tiny, lightweight and portable (it’s about the same size as my palm) and comes with little brushes on the bottom to collect the loose debris it comes into contact with. It also comes with a USB cable, making charging easier than ever. But as the white plastic aesthetic doesn’t mesh well with my kitchen, I always hide it in the cupboard.

The SiMPLi Countertop Vacuum Cleaners are alternatives that would make a statement, though - especially if you want to copy the things people with tidy coffee corners always have. Coming in three pastel colourways, this QVC countertop vacuum offers all the same features and cleaning capabilities… but it’ll just look so much better doing it.

As I’m a huge lover of green, I’m personally leaning towards the sage colourway for my kitchen, but I really do love these mini countertop vacuums so much I might even buy the mauve as a home office crumb-buster too. But with the dusty blue also available, it’s a tough choice.

Of course, I wouldn’t be doing my job properly if I didn’t tell you that the QVC countertop vacuum is a little bit pricier than the Lakeland model I own. It’s £12.99 compared to Lakeland’s £9.99, and you’ll need to pay for postage and packaging too (which you can swerve by choosing the free Click + Collect option at Lakeland).

However, the QVC option does offer more by way of design and the stunning colour options, and it even comes with a little nozzle attachment for more targeted cleaning and a cleaning brush to keep the mini countertop vacuum in full running order.

Because of this, I don’t think the few extra pounds are worth it - especially when it’s so affordable to begin with. After all, you can’t buy too many cleaning tools for under £13.

How many is too many mini countertop vacuums? Asking for a friend...

As Ideal Home’s Cleaning Editor, part of my job is testing out cleaning hacks and routines, so you don’t have to. And if you, like me, are a sucker for anything that cleans my house quickly and efficiently, I have a feeling that you’re going to love the “3-30” cleaning rule.

Over the past few years, I’ve tried everything from the Japanese Kiyomeru cleaning ritual to the one-tool cleaning method in an attempt to find time-saving cleaning routines to maintain a clean, clutter-free home. But now spring has sprung, I’ve been on the hunt for something that will allow me to ditch my lengthy (and, quite frankly, boring) spring cleaning routine for something much more manageable.

And while I do have a few spring-cleaning hacks up my sleeve, the 3-30 cleaning rule has already transformed how I’d normally deep-clean my home. Every inch is cleaner than ever, and it was low-effort, but still seriously effective. The best part? I didn’t feel overwhelmed, and it was easy to slot into my busy schedule.

What is the 3-30 cleaning rule?

Like many of the cleaning hacks and rules I come across, I first spotted the 3-30 cleaning rule on social media - on Rylie Jasmine’s Instagram page, to be exact. And while my schedule is nowhere near as busy as that of the stay-at-home mum who also homeschools her children, I still find it difficult to set aside time to properly spring-clean my home each year.

That’s where the 3-30 rule can help. This rule suggests that you set aside three 30-minute slots each day for household tasks of your choosing - totalling an hour and a half of manageable cleaning that won’t take over your life, but still leave your home clean.

To be completely honest, outside of the spring-cleaning window, I do think this rule is still a little too much for the average home (because who really has a spare hour and a half to clean each day?). But when you want to tick off that big, springtime refresh to banish the grime left behind after the winter months, I do think it’s a game-changer.

Rylie says it's worth breaking these 30-minute chunks down into “shifts” (the morning shift, afternoon shift, and nighttime shift) and incorporating the tasks that make the most sense at those times. For example, the morning shift could be dedicated to popping on a load of laundry, making the beds, cleaning the floors and wiping down surfaces.

The afternoon shift can be dedicated to bigger spring cleaning tasks, like cleaning the fridge (and don’t forget cleaning underneath and behind the fridge, too), rotating and decluttering your seasonal clothes to free up space in your drawers, cleaning the windows, or even cleaning the carpets in one room of your house.

The nighttime shift should then be similar to the ‘closing shift’ cleaning method - where you shut down your house for the day by unloading the dishwasher, putting the clean clothes away, or giving the bathroom a deeper clean.

The idea is that these 30-minute chunks take the pressure off your cleaning routine, allowing you to make time for essential maintenance without it taking over your life and leaving you with little time to do the things you actually enjoy.

And while you can incorporate the 3-30 routine into your daily life if you feel the need to, the beauty of this hack is that you can use it however and whenever you see fit. You may choose to do this every day, once a week, or for a week during the spring-cleaning season to tick all the tasks off your to-do list. That’s what I did, anyway.

How I used the 3-30 cleaning rule

I’m typically someone with a little-and-often cleaning mentality, so I was really excited to try the 3-30 cleaning rule in my home. I told myself I would follow this rule every day for a week to completely deep-clean my home for spring, focusing on a different room each day.

I started the process in my kitchen, using the morning shift to clean the coffee machine (after making a very strong cup for myself, of course), wipe down the exterior doors of my cabinets, and give my tiled floors a deep clean using my vacuum mop.

As this didn’t take too long, I also took a few moments to go through my food packets and tins to throw out anything that had expired, and decant food into new jars and organisers I’d ordered ahead of time (I bought these Fine Glass Storage Jars with Bamboo Lid, £37.99 at Amazon, if you're feeling nosey).

At lunchtime, I took on the bigger tasks - steam cleaning my fridge and cleaning the insides of my kitchen cupboards. I thought these tasks would take me longer than the 30 minutes, but I was able to tick them both off my to-do list with just a few minutes to spare. Then, I still had 30 minutes to enjoy my lunch break before getting back to work.

For the nighttime shift, I was surprised to find that I didn’t have too much to do. And while my oven wasn’t overly dirty, I decided to make it sparkle using the 30-minute oven cleaning hack my colleague recently tried out.

By the end of the day, my kitchen felt as though it’d been given a huge amount of time and attention, but I didn’t feel exhausted or overwhelmed by the amount I’d cleaned. In fact, the whole process left me feeling rather invigorated.

The next day, I moved on to my bathroom, deep-cleaning in 30-minute chunks spread throughout the day. The day after that, I focused on my living room, and on the fourth day, I ventured into the bedrooms. But it was here that I realised I wouldn’t need an entire week to deep clean my entire home.

In fact, I felt confident that I’d ‘spring cleaned’ my home as much as I could by the end of the fourth day, which meant that I finished three days earlier than planned. This was a huge win in my book, especially as I’d managed to fit it all in without feeling stressed or overworked. I was able to slot the cleaning seamlessly into my routine, spurred on by the visible (and impressive) results.

But while I loved using the 3-30 cleaning rule, it’s fair to say that I won’t be using it every day. It’ll certainly help me out in the future, but an hour and a half of cleaning a day when I’m not gutting my home after winter is not something I can keep up with. Once or twice a week, though? I’m sold.

My cleaning must-haves

Will you be giving the 3-30 cleaning rule a whirl this spring?

People always raise their eyebrows and scratch their heads when I tell them that I’m a Cleaning Editor who hates cleaning. And while it may seem counterproductive, it actually makes total sense. After all, I spend my days finding methods, tools and products to cut down the amount of time we all spend cleaning - especially when spring arrives.

Spring is the ideal time to give your home a post-winter reset, but I don’t want to spend days inside when I could be soaking up the first hints of sunshine we've seen in months, tending to my spring garden, and enjoying the fact that I don't have to wear a giant winter coat every time I leave the house. That’s why I’ve used my expertise to streamline my cleaning process to work smarter... not harder.

While some of this is down to lists and checklists - like my kitchen spring cleaning checklist - I owe most of my success to my spring cleaning essentials that help me get jobs done in record time. Now, I wouldn’t be without them.

From hands-off appliances that help me clean while I’m sleeping (quite literally!) to products that help me clean my carpets, I believe I’ve formed the perfect spring cleaning toolkit to clean every inch of my home during the spring months.

They’ll banish the dirt and grime that’s built up over the winter months and help me venture into the warmer, sunnier months with a pep in my home’s step. They’ll even ensure I don’t miss these often-overlooked spring cleaning spots - which is why I thought I’d share them with you, too.

All of these spring cleaning essentials have been a game-changer for me. But if you're looking for something a little more specific, check out my guides to the best vacuum cleaners, carpet cleaners, or air purifiers for a springtime refresh of your home.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll have a love-hate relationship with cleaning. There’s no denying that the end result feels fantastic, but the process is often something that fills me with dread. Especially when it comes to cleaning the oven.

There are many ‘annoying’ cleaning jobs that I’m convinced that I’m not alone in procrastinating, and cleaning the oven is definitely at the top of my list. With so many harsh and abrasive chemical kits out there, it feels like a job that requires a lot of time, effort and elbow grease. So, it’s a chore that typically ends up in my ‘I’ll do that later’ pile.

That is, until I came across TikTok’s latest low-effort oven cleaning hack. Using nothing more than CIF cleaning cream and a sheet of cling film, the results looked too good to be true. And after putting it to the test, it’s safe to say I was surprised.

As cleaning hacks go, this one is very straightforward. Simply apply a layer of cleaning cream to your oven and seal it with a layer of cling film. Following the video to a tee, I used the CIF cleanboost cream (available on Amazon at £7.99 for three). However, I imagine that any oven cleaner should do the trick.

My oven wasn’t absolutely filthy when I tried this hack, but it was definitely in need of a clean. A culmination of weekends spent baking and cooking dinners for friends and family meant that some sticky residue had dripped down onto the base of my oven, causing billows of smoke next time I used it.

Initially, I tried a chemical-free approach to clean the oven, with a DIY paste made from baking soda and water. However, this required a lot of scrubbing and the residue just didn’t seem to budge. So, I decided to put the TikTok hack to the test.

In @cleanipedia_uk’s video, the cleaning solution is left on for one hour, before it’s washed away. However, I’ve seen other influencers testing this hack, and some leave the cleaning cream to work its magic for up to 24 hours! I opted for a happy medium.

At 7am, before I started work, I applied a generous layer of CIF cream to my oven base and door, and covered it with cling film. I left it alone until 7pm, when I removed the layers of cling film.

To my surprise, the sticky residue on the base of my oven seemed to melt off onto the cling film, which had become brown with dirt. After peeling the cling film away, I gave my oven a scrub to help rinse away some of the CIF cream. I scrubbed with some effort around the areas I knew were stained, but didn’t apply as much pressure as I had with previous cleaning methods. After clearing the cream away, I gave the oven a wipe with a cloth and admired the results.

Granted, my oven isn’t completely spotless after trying this hack, but it’s a lot better than it was before. There are still a few stubborn marks remaining, but the sticky black residue – which was my main focus and the root cause of the smoke – is no longer an issue.

However, this hack is rather time consuming. I’m not sure I would’ve seen the same results if I’d left the solution to sit for one hour as recommended, rather than twelve. But it’s certainly worth a go if you have some oven-free time to spare, or if you don’t have it in you to faff with complicated cleaning kits. I wasn't entirely convinced that cling film would do the trick, but it surprised me.

Will you give this hack a go?

Oven cleaning essentials

Save time and energy the next time you clean your oven with these must-have buys

Dishwashers, it turns out, can clean far more than our pots, pans and crockery. Once you know all the things you can clean in a dishwasher, the debate between dishwashers vs hand washing suddenly becomes much easier.

Using our dishwashers to their full potential can also save heaps of time. From cleaning the fridge to washing flip flops (yes, flip flops), so many annoying cleaning jobs are taken care of for us.

With that in mind, I asked cleaning experts to share what things you can clean in a dishwasher - some of them might surprise you.

1. Fridge shelves and drawers

There's no denying that cleaning the fridge is a pain, but it's about to get a whole lot easier. Georgina Shepherd, cleaning expert at Housekeep, has shared that 'most glass and plastic fridge shelves and drawers are dishwasher-safe and can go on the top rack.

'The heat and detergent remove sticky spills and bacteria, making cleaning much easier,' she adds. Definitely one to bookmark for later.

2. Pet bowls

If you've got furry friends at home, you might be surprised to learn that their food bowl is probably dishwaser-safe.

Cleaning expert Nigel Bearman from Daily Poppins actually recommends this as the best way to clean pet bowls and remove bacteria. 'Pet bowls, especially metal and ceramic ones, can harbour biofilm that hand washing doesn’t always fully remove. A hot wash helps break that down more effectively.'

3. Flip flops and crocs

This one really surprised me. According to Deyan Dimitrov, cleaning expert and CEO of Laundryheap, you can actually chuck your flip flops and crocs in the dishwasher along with your dishes - and this is actually preferable to putting them in the washing machine.

'The dishwasher is the safer bet,' Deyan says. 'Slide them onto a rack, but instead of using a dishwasher tablet, add a capful of one part baking soda and two parts vinegar (this can be placed anywhere inside your dishwasher) to remove unwanted smells and break down tough bacteria.'

Deyan adds that you should also run your crocs and flip flops on a cold cycle to avoid shrinkage.

4. Garden tools

They might currently be locked up for the winter, but when the time comes to crack open the shed and start using our garden tools again, you can make your life much easier by putting them in the dishwasher afterwards.

'If your tools’ handles are protected with a rubber, plastic or even ceramic casing, these will all be dishwasher safe,' Deyan notes. 'If they’ll fit, pop them into your silverware compartment with your usual washing accompaniment, and they’ll come out sparkling.'

Cleaning the garden tools is suddenly looking much easier.

5. Plastic toys

Kids' toys looking like they've seen better days? Well, cleaning expert Nigel has shared that certain toys are dishwasher-safe - making cleaning them much easier.

'Hard plastic toys without batteries can safely go in the dishwasher, ideally on the top rack,' he says. 'This is particularly useful for bath toys that can develop mould inside. Just check there are no electronic components and avoid anything with paint that might peel.'

Just pop smaller toys in a dishwasher bag, like this silicone bag from Dunelm (£12 for a pack of 2), to stop them going missing.

6. Hairbrushes and combs

Last on the list of things you can clean in a dishwasher is our trusty hairbrushes and combs, which let's be honest, don't get cleaned as often as they should.

'Remove hair first (importantly), then run them through the dishwasher to clean and sanitise,' Georgina advises. 'This will remove the oil, dirt, and bacteria that builds up in them on the daily.'

Which of these things you can clean in a dishwasher surprised you the most?

As Ideal Home’s Cleaning Editor, you might assume that I love cleaning - but that simply isn’t true. I’m a lazy cleaner, and my role is to find tips, tricks and hacks to cut down mine (and your) cleaning time so we can all spend it on something way more exciting. So, I’ve created an overnight cleaning schedule that quite literally lets me clean while I’m sleeping.

Of course, there are so many ways to clean a house fast. And while I’m happy to put in a small amount of time on cleaning tasks that require hands-on action, I’ve learned there are so many things you can tick off your to-do list without getting too involved - like the things you can clean while you’re showering or decluttering while waiting for your kettle to boil.

But then I got to thinking: what if I don’t actually have to be awake to clean my house?! Well, I've found the hands-off cleaning jobs you can do while you’re sleeping, and I can safely say that they’ve saved me so much time. And left my house cleaner than ever.

1. Hard flooring and rugs

One of the best ways to fake a tidy house is to focus on your floors - and I find that if my floors look clean and are clear of clutter, it makes the rest of my house look good (even if I haven’t quite gotten around to ticking all of my tasks off my to-do list). But I don’t stay up late to clean my own hard flooring and rugs. Instead, I let the best robot vacuums do that.

I’m a serious convert to robot vacuum cleaners, and just last year, I thought they were a complete waste of money. But now that I’ve tested more robot vacuum cleaners than I can count in my home, I’ve come to realise that they are definitely worth it - especially if you’re a lazy cleaner like me.

All I do is schedule the robot vacuum to clean downstairs when I’ve gone upstairs to bed, and it does! Most robot vacuums also allow customisation, so you can choose between vacuuming, mopping, or both. By the time I wake up in the morning, my floors are spotless, and I barely have to use my regular vacuum cleaner.

2. The shower head

I’ve previously shared my struggles with living in a hard-water area, and one thing that really took its toll was the limescale buildup on my shower head. Not only did it look unsightly, but it also used to drive up our energy and water bills, and the effect on our water meter was very noticeable. And while I thought I was cleaning a showerhead correctly, the reality was that I wasn’t giving it the proper TLC it needed

Now, I descale my shower head overnight by cleaning with white vinegar. I simply grab a plastic bag, half-fill it with white vinegar, and dilute it slightly with a bit of water. Then I place the bag over the showerhead (still on the hose) and secure it with an elastic band. I leave it to soak overnight and rinse it off in the morning.

However, you shouldn’t leave it in for as long if you have a brass, gold, or nickel showerhead, as these shouldn’t be exposed to white vinegar for more than 30 minutes. But since doing this about once a month, both our water and energy bills have gone down.

3. The toilet

Due to the aforementioned limescale problem in my house, I also went through a few years when cleaning my toilet bowl became almost impossible. I would constantly battle water stains, and it seemed as though no shop-bought toilet cleaner would cut through them.

That’s when I stumbled across Nancy Birtwhistle’s ‘Pure Magic’ recipe, and it solved two of my problems - the first being my dirty toilet, and the second being the amount of time I was wasting scrubbing away. But when I used the mixture of citric acid, eco-friendly washing-up liquid and essential oil overnight, the results were truly incredible.

Now, I spray the miracle cleaner in my toilet just before I go to bed, around once a week (or whenever needed), and let the natural ingredients clean the stained bowl while I'm asleep - no scrubbing required! But if you don’t want to make your own DIY cleaner, our news writer, Kezia, also tried the viral Coca-Cola toilet-cleaning hack, which can be used the same way.

4. Smelly sinks and drains

Anyone who knows me knows that I have a very sensitive nose, and I seem to have a particularly heightened sense for anything foul-smelling. That’s why I’m constantly fighting nose-blindness in my home and use my overnight cleaning routine to combat smelly sinks and drains.

There are so many ways to fix smelly drains, but the method I use at home is to clean with bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar. To start, I pour some bicarb down and around the plug hole, then leave it for five minutes (I typically use this time to brush my teeth and get ready for bed). Then, I follow it with some white vinegar before leaving it overnight.

In the morning, all I have to do is rinse the sinks and drains with boiling water from the kettle - and that’s another cleaning task ticked off my to-do list with very little input on my part! This also helps to solve and prevent any blockages, too, which is why I do this about once a month or more if I feel like it’s needed.

5. The washing machine

Although it would be a great way to clean while I’m sleeping, I prefer not to run a load of washing overnight as this can lead to smelly clothes - but that doesn’t mean that I can’t still get some use out of this cleaning appliance. Especially since running a washing machine outside peak hours (i.e., overnight) can save serious money on energy bills.

That’s why I choose to clean my washing machine overnight to prevent smells from lingering in the machine or transferring to my clothes. And after trying three washing machine cleaning methods last year, I’ve yet to find one as effective as soda crystals. Plus, it’s incredibly easy: I just pop 500g of soda crystals into the washing machine and turn it on for a long, hot wash before heading to bed.

Of course, this might be difficult if you live in a flat with limited space between your loud washing machine and your sleeping space - but if it lives downstairs or there’s a door to separate you, it’s well worth cleaning a washing machine while you’re sleeping. It’s hands-off and gets the job done with minimal effort.

There you have it! Who says you need to lift a finger to clean your home?

Get yourself down to the middle aisle because Lidl are launching make-your-own-cleaning-kits, and they are one of the best alternatives we’ve seen for the Joseph Joseph CleanTech™ 6-Piece Cleaning Tool Set.

Landing in store on Thursday (19 February), Lidl’s new cleaning range starts with a £2.99 extendable cleaning handle, with a range of handy attachments to shop for. I always find this supermarket a great place to stock up on the best cleaning products, and now I’m excited to get my hands on this space-saving cleaning set.

This set is perfect if you lack storage space in your home, negating the need for multiple tools and brushes. And with attachments costing just £2.99, these prices are too good to resist.

If you live in a house with minimal storage space, these make-your-own-cleaning-kits can be a Godsend. While it’s always helpful to look into storage solutions for small spaces, it’s equally beneficial to choose products with small spaces in mind.

With Lidl’s make-you-own-cleaning-kit, you will have one extendible cleaning handle, plus the attachments and brush heads you need, taking up considerably less space in your home than if you had multiple utensils. As someone who has a tiny one-bed flat, I don’t have a lot of storage for cleaning supplies. Because of this, I always look out for streamlined solutions such as this one.

The attachments going on sale include a broom handle, flat floor mop head (in case you don’t have one of the best mops), a duster and microfibre wiper and squeegee. I’d argue all of these are cleaning essentials, especially the duster, which our Cleaning Editor, Lauren Bradbury, swears by to clean her home.

‘As I live in a small home with limited storage, I absolutely love build-your-own cleaning sets like this. I have the Joseph Joseph CleanTech set, which allows for the same customisation - but it’s significantly more expensive at £70 from Joseph Joseph,’ says Lauren.

‘But with both options offering the chance to swap out cleaning heads for different cleaning tasks, you can streamline the tools and products you use without having to compromise on the cleaning itself. I couldn’t live without mine!’

The Joseph Joseph CleanTech set is indeed considerably more expensive than what Lidl is offering. However, you can expect a high-quality product and effective cleaning. However, if you are working to a budget, Lidl’s make-you-own kit is incredibly affordable and accessible. And honestly, their middle aisle buys have never let me down before.

However, if you do not have a Lidl local to you, or your local store isn’t stocking these cleaning products, I’ve rounded up a few more affordable kits you can shop online.

If you are limited on space for cleaning products, these make-your-own kits are excellent space-savers. But as with all middle aisle offers, when they’re gone, they’re gone.

Cleaning experts have revealed that you should be replacing your dish sponge or clothes weekly, as they are often overlooked as the dirtiest items in the kitchen.

We all rely on our dish sponges for clean pots and pans, even if you're lucky enough to have one of the best dishwashers. And if, like me, you wash everything by hand, it's even more important that we're replacing our dish sponges regularly.

According to Georgina Shepherd, cleaning expert at Housekeep, 'sponges and dish cloths should be replaced every week, or fortnightly at the latest.'

It's all to do with how much bacteria our sponges can harbour. Every time the sponge comes into contact with food, dirty water, or even the kitchen sink, small particles of bacteria nestle their way into the sponge's fibres, and once they're there, they tend to stick.

That's why dish sponges do need replacing regularly. 'Sometimes it’s obvious a sponge needs replacing sooner,' Georgina says. 'If it starts to smell musty or damp, feels slimy, or is falling apart, it’s time to chuck it.'

Steve Horner, kitchen hygiene expert at Cladding Centre, revealed that dish sponges are actually one of the most bacteria-laden items in the kitchen. 'They stay warm and damp, which creates the perfect breeding ground for microbes such as E coli and Salmonella.'

Steve warns that using a dirty sponge 'can spread bacteria across worktops, sinks and dishes, increasing the risk of cross contamination in the kitchen.'

Replacing your dish sponge every week is the best way to stop this from happening. That said, there are some things you can do to give those hard-working sponges a helping hand.

How to clean a dish sponge

If you want to prolong our sponge's lifespan, you should clean them as often as possible - ideally once a day, according to Georgina.

'Sponges and cloths can and should be cleaned daily to keep bacteria at bay,' she confirms. 'And simply rinsing them under the tap isn’t enough to clean them.'

The best way to clean a dish sponge or cloth is to pop it in the dishwasher on a hot cycle with your other dishes at the end of each day. It's safe to do this in most dishwashers if you pop the sponge on the top shelf, but refer to the manufacturer's instructions if you're not sure (and make sure you keep on top of cleaning the dishwasher too, so it can clean your sponges and dishes effectively).

If you don't have a dishwasher, soaking your sponge in hot water for five minutes is also effective.

Most dish cloths can go in the washing machine, such as the Marigold Let It Shine Microfiber Cloths, £15.30 for a pack of 20 on Amazon. While I mainly use these to clean the kitchen surfaces, they can be used to wash pots as well, and they're super easy to keep clean.

It's also worth considering silicone sponges, which last longer than traditional synthetic designs. They're relatively affordable (you can get a pack of 3 for £5.99 on Amazon), but they're most effective when used in a bowl or sink of soapy water, because they don't hold on to washing-up liquid like a regular sponge does. A mixture of silicone and synthetic sponges is recommended for the best of both worlds.

Will you be swapping your dish sponge after this?

Dusting has always been one of my least-favourite cleaning tasks. I find it tedious, time-consuming, and, most of the time, relatively ineffective. And while I’ve spent years as a Cleaning Editor searching for a new and novel way to dust my home, it was actually my nan who introduced me to my new favourite dusting tool: the feather duster.

Of course, it’s easy to assume that getting rid of dust is easy. But the reality is that dust particles are so tiny that so many of them slip through the net when using traditional dusting methods. This can aggravate those with allergies and breathing difficulties, lead to an invasion of dust mites, and even make your home damp if you’re not careful.

And while I grew up watching my nan dust her home with a feather duster, I figured this cleaning tool was just a little too old-school to compete with modern dust-busting alternatives. But after trying an (almost) feather duster in my own home, I now appreciate that old-school cleaning tools have solidified their place in history for a reason.

As I’m a stubborn millennial, the idea of buying a proper old-school feather duster like this Addis Super Soft Real Ostrich Feather Duster (£9.99 at Amazon) didn’t sit right with me when I decided to finally try one out for myself. I assumed modern technology would be far superior, so I started off testing a product I had seen advertised all over my TV instead.

And I have to admit that I was seriously impressed with the Flash Duster Dust Magnet’s (£10.75 at Amazon) ability to clean my home. It really does collect dust like a magnet, and it was horrifying to see the invisible dust that lingers even in areas that look clean.

However, the refillable heads became dirty very quickly, and I found I could only dust half my house before having to throw the head away and replace it with another.

Thankfully, you can recycle the used heads through TerraCycle, but this still didn’t seem very sustainable, convenient, or cost-effective to me. So, I decided to venture down the more traditional route and buy this MR.SIGA Microfiber Duster (£15.99 at Amazon) instead.

Now? I genuinely can’t get enough of it. I whip my (almost) feather duster out whenever I want to dust my house, and I find that the pickup power is even more impressive than a regular microfibre cloth. After all, the fluffy microfibre head traps the dust rather than simply pushing it around. Then, you can simply tap the excess off outside or pop it in the washing machine time and time again.

I’ve also tried so many different ways to dust my blinds, and the feather duster is perhaps the most effective yet. The long handle makes it easy to get into every nook and cranny, and they genuinely look completely dust-free after each cleaning session.

However, I do also use one of the best air purifiers when I’m dusting to capture any lingering particles floating in the air - and I’d suggest every home that cares about air quality and the health of the inhabitants to do the same.

My nan and I aren’t the only ones who love a feather duster, though. Lynsey Crombie, AKA Lynsey Queen of Clean, also uses hers regularly.

She told me, ‘Microfibre dusters make light work of getting to those hard-to-reach areas such as ceilings, coving, light fittings and the tops of doors. Tackling high surfaces first stops dust from falling onto freshly cleaned floors and furniture.’

She adds, ‘They’re ideal for quick daily resets too, letting you do a speedy once-over without pulling out the vacuum. Brilliant for awkward spots like behind radiators, under beds, and around picture frames and lampshades, where cloths struggle to reach. Lightweight, dry, and ready to go - no sprays, no water, no prep.’

And I happen to agree, Lynsey! Now I really can't dust my home without one.

Could you be tempted by this old-school dusting tool? If not, I might win you over with the vacuum alternative my nan swears by.

As Ideal Home’s Cleaning Editor, it’s my job to track down cleaning tools and products that make your life easier. But, like everyone else, I’m also trying to cut costs where I can - which is why I couldn’t contain my excitement when I spotted the very familiar-looking PEPPRIG Cleaning Set (£19 at IKEA).

Yes, I’ll be the first to tell you that the best cleaning products come in so many different shapes and sizes - but it’s not uncommon to come across tools that have a lot of the same features. And when I first saw the PEPPRIG set, it instantly reminded me of the Joseph Joseph cleaning set I use in my own home every day.

Boasting multiple cleaning tools and storage hooks for easy storage, the PEPPRIG will be a welcome addition to any cleaning caddy. And for over £50 cheaper than the Joseph Joseph CleanTech 6-Piece Cleaning Tool Set (£70 at Joseph Joseph), it’s ideal for those on a budget. This is everything you need to know.

Living in a small home with limited storage, I find that cleaning sets suit my space so much better than buying individual cleaning tools - especially when they come with handy ways to store them. And the PEPPRIG Cleaning Set will suit anyone in a similar situation.

The multi-tool set comes with everything you need to clean your home fast, including a mop, window-cleaning tool, telescopic duster, tile-scrubbing brush, and more. All of the cleaning heads also pair with the same telescopic handle, meaning you can switch them out as you make your way around your home to streamline the process.

There are even two hooks to store the items so they can hang on the inside of your cleaning cupboard, without taking up valuable space. The reviews are pretty impressive, too.

One happy customer wrote, ‘I wish I’d had this ages ago, it’s well designed and fits lots of cleaning materials into a compact area.’ Another raved, ‘I think every home should have this set!’

And for £19, I really do think you get a bargain with this budget-friendly IKEA buy. However, perhaps the reason I’m so excited about this cleaning set is that it’s strikingly similar to the Joseph Joseph CleanTech set I first reviewed last year.

At £70, the Joseph Joseph cleaning set is an investment, but I can safely say that it’s earned its price tag over the past year. I use at least one of the cleaning tools every day in my home, and all of the tools are extremely high quality and come with extra perks that the IKEA alternative doesn’t.

This includes a proper extension pole to store all the tools inside a cupboard or on the wall, and sheaths to keep them clean, tidy, and protected when they’re not in use. I also think the Joseph Joseph tools are more varied, and I genuinely don’t know what I’d do without the 3-in-1 spot cleaning tool for smaller, more fiddly cleaning jobs.

The beauty of the CleanTech range is that you don’t necessarily have to spend £70, either. All of the tools are available to purchase individually, so you could save yourself some money by buying the items you know you’ll definitely use rather than buying the set as a whole. There are even more that aren’t included as part of the set, too, so you can customise yours to your needs.

And while this still won’t be cheaper than IKEA’s £19 price point, I’m always going to be team Joseph Joseph for the quality and space-saving nature of the brand’s products. After all, I’ve learned that sometimes it’s worth paying a bit extra in my line of work.

I can’t deny that the PEPPRIG is tempting, though, so maybe I’ll add it to my basket and compare them in a IKEA vs Joseph Joseph cleaning set competition…. Watch this space!

My favourite Joseph Joseph CleanTech tools

Joseph Joseph wins on the quality and customisation front, but I can't argue with IKEA's £19 price tag!

The washing-up is easily one of my least favourite jobs. And the part I hate most? Dirty dish water pooling on my worktops. I've been looking for ways to avoid this step, and in doing so, I came across Argos Home’s clever new dish drainer.

I know, I know it’s not exactly glamorous. But a dish drainer is an essential part of any organised kitchen, and with a built-in drainer, this £12 Argos Home one is really smart.

I’d wager there aren’t many people who enjoy doing the washing up, which is why this kitchen storage idea is a worthy investment. Not only will it help dry your dishes faster, but it will also create a more hygienic space. It’s a small feature that makes a big difference.

The rack is positioned on four legs, which will help protect your kitchen worktop sides from water damage. Its star feature is, of course, the drip tray, which allows excess water to run off into the sink and down the drain. One of my biggest bugbears, when it comes to the washing up, is how quickly excess water can dirty my sides. I used to own a plastic, tub-style drainer, which offered minimal drainage and therefore needed to be cleaned constantly.

I have since moved on to the Habitat Large Wire Dish Drainer (£9 at Argos), which has the handy legs to keep my drying dishes off the draining board, where water can pool. It also makes water run-off and cleanup easier to deal with. However, having seen Argos’ latest drainer and clever run-off pipe, I do feel like I’m missing out.

The tube sits under the drainer, designed to poke out over your sink bowl. It’s adjustable, too, so you can tailor it to suit your sink's design. The drainer itself has an 8L capacity, and can hold up to nine plates with extra space for bowls and glasses. It’s also made from powder-coated steel, making it rustproof - so you don’t have to worry about replacing it after a few months.

Like most drainers, it has a separate container for cutlery. This storage cup doesn’t have a drainage feature, so you would have to keep on top of its cleaning. However, on the whole, I do think this is a more hygienic alternative to a standard drainer. And yes, a dish drainer is a little boring a topic of conversation, but it is the sort of clever feature that those who have a tidy kitchen always have.

So, I’ve also rounded up a few more washing-up essentials from Argos, for a smoother cleaning experience.

If you’re someone who hates washing up, making the process a little cleaner and easier can make it a little more bearable. What do you say?

As Ideal Home’s Cleaning Editor, my home has become the ultimate testing ground for cleaning tips, tricks and new products. And while I wish I could say that every inch of my house is sparkling as a result, I can’t deny that I’ve always struggled to do one thing: clean my fridge's drain hole, until I found this Fridge Drain Hole Cleaning Tool, £6.99 from Amazon.

Of course, I clean my fridge regularly, keeping everything from the shelves to the seal as moisture and debris-free as possible. But a fridge drain hole is notoriously awkward and hard to reach, despite being one of the most essential spots to clean. After all, a blocked drain hole can lead to excess moisture and mould growth - and this can lead to horrible smells and odours you just can’t seem to shift.

As a blocked fridge drain hole can also lead to spoiled, soggy food, I’ve decided that it’s time to find a solution to clean my fridge’s drain hole with minimal fuss. And after scouring the internet, I’ve come across a £6.99 Amazon bestseller that promises to banish smells and keep my food fresher for longer.

I’m trying to give my fridge a lot of TLC at the moment. Not only have I invested in Dunelm’s genius new fridge organisers, but I’m also vowing to keep on top of cleaning the fridge drain hole. That’s why the Vaktop 5PCS Fridge Drain Hole Cleaning Tool has been added straight to my basket.

This set comes with five separate tools, including a syringe and a soft pipe that can be connected to create a drain dredging tool. You can then use this to suck up any water or food debris stuck in the drain hole, immediately removing the risk of water or rotten food buildup, which can lead to nasty smells and mould.

There’s also a 1.48m long cleaning brush so you can get into every nook and cranny of the drain and remove any lingering debris.

I’d suggest brushing with a mixture of water and bicarbonate of soda - like this 1kg bucket of Grow Chem Baking Soda (£7.94 at Amazon) - as cleaning with bicarbonate of soda is one of the best ways to absorb moisture, kill surface mould, and stop it from coming back.

It also comes with an ice shovel if you have misread the numbers on your fridge and have ice build-up on the sides. Plus, there’s an extra plug if yours has gone AWOL.

After all, most fridges should come with a plug that you can use as a plunger to clean a fridge drain hole, but it’s not uncommon for them to break or go missing as the years go by. And sometimes it’s just not effective when the drain is actively blocked by sludge, water and food.

Even a cotton bud - something I’ve previously tried to clean my fridge drain with - won’t offer the same clean as something that delves deep into the appliance.

This cleaning set can’t just be used in the fridge, though. It’s also designed to clean everything from your freezer to your bathroom drains. And it can be washed, so you can use it time and time again.

The reviews are pretty impressive, too. It has over 1,500 reviews on Amazon, with one person raving that it’s ‘Simple, effective, and keeps the fridge clean and odour-free. Very happy with this purchase.’

Another wrote, ‘This fridge draining kit worked a treat on our fridge this morning. We couldn’t believe how much gunge it removed! Fantastic result and would definitely recommend.’

However, some people have said that the pipe was a little too big for the drain hole in their fridge, so just make sure you check the measurements before you order.

It's also worth noting that you should always turn your fridge off before cleaning the drain hole. Safety first!

Once you’ve cleaned your fridge’s drain hole, why not tackle another awkward and hard-to-reach area? In fact, I’ve found the best way to clean underneath (and behind) appliances to ensure they’re working to their full potential.

We love secondhand furniture. Bargain purchases on eBay and Facebook Marketplace can help you decorate your home on a budget while also bringing character and a bespoke feel.

However, there is one big pitfall when shopping for second-hand furniture - woodworm. Not all secondhand furniture is stored well; many pieces will have been stored in a damp garage or storage unit, which can make them susceptible to woodworm.

The threat of woodworm is a fear for anyone who lives in a timber-framed home or has a love of antiques; however, it is easy to check for and relatively easy to treat. Spotting the signs before you purchase the piece and bring it inside is an essential step in pest-proofing your home.

What is woodworm?

Woodworm is not a specific insect; it’s a catch-all term for wood-boring creatures. ‘Organisms include common furniture beetles and death watch beetles,’ says Douglas Kent, research director at SPAB (Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings).

These live in damp wood – such as on forest floors – but can also make their homes in secondhand or antique furniture, if the wood is damp enough. Keeping an eye out for signs of woodworm is one of the first checks you should do when shopping second-hand.

How to spot woodworm

Woodworm is easily identifiable by the small holes they create in the woodwork.

'These holes can vary in size and shape from 1mm to 3mm, which are the most common, but can also be as big as 9mm for some species of woodborers,' says Barrie Francis, technical director at Timberwise. 'Adult beetles are attracted to the light, so can sometimes be found on window sills during the active period known as the flight season.'

Inspecting the piece of furniture for these holes is one of the most important things to do before you start upcycling.

Woodworm beetles are at their most active from spring to late-summer.

'These beetles tend to lay their eggs between April and September, and their larvae tunnel through the wood as they feed, weakening its structure over time,' says Paul Blackhurst, Head of Technical Academy at Rentokil Pest Control.

'If you spot small holes in your wooden surfaces, powdery dust around the holes, crumbly edges to timbers, or even the sight of adult beetles emerging from the wood during warmer months, then you most likely have a woodworm challenge.'

How to tell if woodworm is active

Just because you have holes in your beams or furniture, that doesn’t mean you have an active infestation. ‘The tell-tale signs of an active infestation are usually small bright new holes with visible frass, which looks like fine sawdust in small piles around or running from a small circular hole in the timber,’ says Barrie.

If you spot signs of woodworm in wood floors, doors or beams, it is essential to seek professional help. 'A qualified survey can carry out detailed inspections to identify the species involved and the extent of damage. A tailored treatment plan can then be provided to eliminate the woodworm infestation and reduce the risk of recurrence,' says Paul Blackhurst, Head of Technical Academy at Rentokil Pest Control.

What to do if you see signs of woodworm

Firstly, if you spot signs of woodworm before you purchase a piece of furniture, it is worth reassessing whether you buy it, and if you do, then DON'T bring it into your house, as the infestation can spread to other pieces of furniture and even cause structural damage to your home.

If you have already bought the piece and positioned it in your home. Then it's time to act.

'For minor issues confined to small wooden items, such as a chair, you can opt to use ‘at home’ specialist treatments like Rentokil Woodworm Killer available on Amazon. It kills larvae and adult beetles effectively when applied correctly. However, DIY solutions are only suitable for limited areas and won’t guarantee complete eradication,' says Paul Blackhurst, Head of Technical Academy at Rentokil Pest Control.

'If using DIY Insecticidal Treatments, it is important to remove any varnish or paint to allow penetration into the timber; these treatments will not immediately remove the infestation, as the chemical will not fully penetrate the timber; it only creates an envelope around it. Most adult beetles have to exit to reproduce, so they will come in contact with the insecticide applied, but this will be at the end of their life cycle, which can be anything from 1 year to 14 years, depending on the species,' adds Barrie Francis, technical director at Timberwise.

If you spot signs of woodworm in furniture that you've owned for a long time (over a decade) or that is new, it might be a sign of damp. If you suspect damp, it is important to figure out the best ways to get rid of damp and possibly invest in a dehumidifier. Woodlice are another pest that likes to make their homes in damp spaces.

Unfortunately, getting rid of woodworm isn't as easy as some other pests that can be deterred with household goods like cinnamon. In fact, it is more akin to getting rid of bed bugs with severe infestations needing professional assistance.

‘Chemical biocide or insecticide should only be used by people who have been appropriately trained, are suitably protected and adhere strictly to the instructions on the label,’ says Sarah Garry, CEO of Property Care Association. For extreme cases, or where woodworm may cause structural damage, professional intervention – perhaps fumigation, heat treatment or freezing – is advisable.

‘It is vital to have it identified by a specialist who can advise on the best treatment to eliminate the problem,’ says Barrie Francis, technical director at Timberwise.

How to prevent woodworm

Woodworm takes hold only in damp wood, so keeping timber dry is key to preventing infestation. Remedying any causes of damp and ensuring good ventilation is key – you may need to consult a certified surveyor.

If your secondhand furniture has been stored in a damp garage or storage unit, it will be more susceptible to woodworm. This is also important to remember when selling old furniture; never store wooden pieces in damp spaces.

How to fix woodworm holes

Once the infestation has been dealt with – or if it was a historic case – the furniture will be left with lots of holes.

For pieces with minor infestations, holes can be left as is – showing the story of the piece. Alternatively, holes can be filled using sticks of furniture wax, available on Amazon, or wood filler, also on Amazon.

Where woodworm was untreated for a long period of time, or if there are a lot of holes, it is important to get professional advice to check that the woodworm hasn't affected the integrity of the piece before attempting DIY repairs.

Calling all William Morris lovers! The iconic brand has launched a limited edition cleaning collection, and it’s perfect for those of us who love to keep our homes sparkling clean with beautiful products.

It’s no secret that William Morris’ work has been taking our homes by storm over the last few years. Last year, the design house collaborated with some of the biggest and best high street names in British interiors, like Dunelm, Habitat and M&S, to name a few.

But now, William Morris At Home has made a bold move into the world of cleaning products, launching the Love Your Home Collection this morning, in collaboration with eco cleaning powerhouse, Purdy & Figg.

Inspired by both Purdy & Figg’s refreshing approach to cleaning, and William Morris’ beautiful designs, this collaboration transforms housework from a boring chore to an effortless joy. And the launch couldn’t have come at a better time, as we are all starting to gear up towards the season of spring cleaning.

The collection includes three enticing scents to keep your home smelling fresh and looking clean. Two of the fragrances – Rose & Violet, and Patchouli & Cedarwood – are tried and tested favourites from Purdy & Figg. While the third – Bay & Berry – is exclusive to this collection, drawing inspiration from the gardens of William Morris’ estate on Kelmscott Manor.

But that’s not all. The collection also includes a collector’s bottle, adorned with delicate motifs from William Morris’ iconic print, Strawberry Thief. The gold engravings of the whimsical design elevate the collection with a luxe feel, honing in on the natural charm that first inspired Morris to create the design. It certainly helps cleaning feel chic.

And this isn’t the only time we’ve seen Strawberry Thief reimagined to fit the home. Dunelm’s cult snuggle chair and Habitat’s throw were among the brands who worked with Morris & Co last year to put their spin on the iconic design.

Not only is the collection beautiful, but it’s also a collaboration made in heaven. Purdy & Figg are known and loved for their fresh home fragrances and sustainable credentials. The brand uses natural ingredients and organic essential oils from ethical suppliers to bring its scents to life.

While William Morris At Home, a Morris brand created in collaboration with the not-for-profit William Morris Gallery, also aligns with these values. It uses recycled, FSC-certified, and soy-based materials for its products and packaging, reflecting William Morris’ deep passion for the environment.

It’s safe to say that this collection has pulled out all the stops, successfully transforming cleaning into an enjoyable practice that leaves a lasting impression. However, you’ll have to be quick if you want a chance to try the collection for yourself.

It's limited edition, and once it’s gone, it’s gone. Priced at just £19.99 for three fragrances, the collector’s bottle, cleaning cloth, and a showstopping box, I predict it will sell fast.

Upgrade your set up

These products are perfect if you want to level up your cleaning game.

For many of us, a dishwasher is something we wouldn’t want to live without, but I’ll be the first to admit that they can be less than perfect. If you frequently find your dishwasher eats up and consequently loses lids, bottle caps and small utensils, Dunlem has launched a pack of two dishwasher bags (£12) to stop this.

The key to a great working kitchen is effective kitchen storage ideas, and this applies to every area of the room, including your dishwasher. And an effective setup always reduces your cleaning and cooking time, leaving more time to enjoy the best bits - eating and hosting.

If you’re fed up with losing small items or them becoming damaged in a dishwasher, and don’t want to go to the hassle of handwashing them, a dishwasher bag could be the solution. They're fuss-free, effective and affordable, which is why I think they’re worth investing in.

I know what you’re about to say - what about the cutlery holder? And yes, while perfect for your knives and forks, these compartments are often not as great a fit for small utensils such as tin openers, mixer equipment, lunchbox lids and scissors (at least not in dishwashers I’ve owned).

It’s a big dishwasher mistake to leave unsecured items in your dishwasher, as not only can this damage the machine, but it can also damage your utensils, too. This is where Dunlem’s dishwasher bags come in.

New to Dunelm, these dishwasher bags are crafted from durable silicone. With a clever button design, all you need to do is fold the bag to fix it in place. You can either use both bags to fashion one large pouch or you can use them as two small pouches, based on your needs. They fold both vertically and horizontally, too.

The flexible nature of the silicone means that it can easily hold a range of different items from baby bottle parts, reusable straws and small kitchen tools, with no more fishing around in the bottom of the dishwasher after the cycle has finished.

What’s more, they are of course dishwasher safe, too, so you can clean them in your machine as needed. I’d argue that these handy bags contribute to the correct way to load a dishwasher, as they protect your appliance, as well as making your life easier when the cycle finishes.

At £12 for a pack of two, I also think they are great value for money. Silicone is typically a durable material, so you can expect it to be long-lasting, too.

Dunelm’s dishwasher bags are the sort of product you don’t know you need until you clasp eyes on them. But if anything helps lessen the drudgery of dirty dishes, I’m on board!

I may be Ideal Home’s Cleaning Editor, but I’m not ashamed to admit that there are days when I just really don’t want to clean my home. Just thinking about picking up my vacuum and cleaning the toilet fills me with dread - but, thankfully, I’m not alone. Sort Your Life Out’s resident cleaning guru, Iwan Carrington, has days like that, too.

Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Iwan to discuss all things cleaning, from how we can all maintain a clean home without having to sacrifice our lifestyles to his favourite cleaning products and why ‘muscle memory’ is the best weapon we can have in our arsenal. Not to mention the exciting release of his new book, Clean in 15: Create a Clean & Happy Home in Minutes.

But while I could talk about his cleaning tips and tricks until the cows come home, I was particularly interested in how Iwan stays motivated to clean on those days when we all want to be doing anything else. And what he said makes total sense.

Whether he’s working to help struggling families transform their homes on the BBC’s Sort Your Life Out with Stacey Solomon or sharing his genius hacks on Instagram, it’s fair to say that Iwan Carrington, aka Mr Carrington, has proved himself to be the ultimate cleaning expert over the years.

However, he appreciates more than most that even the thought of cleaning a home can be overwhelming - and he says that’s completely natural.

‘I’m very intuitive, and I think it is really important that we listen to ourselves,’ he told me. ‘And if you are not in the mood for cleaning, it’s not going to be the most productive thing. So, my advice is definitely to do your cleaning when you are feeling more motivated.’

That’s why his new book focuses on building this motivation slowly and cleaning in short bursts that fit easily into your lifestyle, rather than dominating it. And in his eyes, cleaning little and often is so much better than weekly cleans.

He told me, ‘A lot of us have switched up the ways that we're working and the way that we're spending our time, so to actually dedicate a set number of hours for cleaning on a specific day every week just isn't realistic to many people.’

‘I don't think anybody really, realistically, wants to be doing more than an hour of cleaning at once,’ he added. ‘That's why I've made the longest routine in the book, which is 50 minutes. Because if you go hard at it, and then you've got 10 minutes to yourself to put your feet up or have a bit of time for yourself.’

‘Personally speaking, this is the way that I maintain the cleanliness in a much more productive way, and it also stops the lead up to the overwhelm, which is where the tasks build up,’ Iwan explained.

And I’m sure we can all agree that when these tasks build up, you want to clean even less and feel more inclined to leave them for longer - and it becomes a vicious cycle that you struggle to shake yourself out of. However, Iwan’s idea of splitting these tasks into smaller chunks (e.g., 15 minutes) helps you maintain a clean home without even noticing it.

In fact, Iwan swears by using your ‘muscle memory’ to keep on top of the tasks in your home. ‘Cleaning is similar to going to the gym, or if you’re taking up running, where you can build up a bit of a habit with it and then it gets easier and it almost becomes like a muscle memory,’ he told me.

‘So, for example, last thing at night, if you're just splashing your sink down in your bathroom after you've cleaned your teeth or wash your face, and you're literally just splashing it with your hands to remove any dust or kind of product build up that might build up over that day, that can become as familiar to you as cleaning your teeth or taking your makeup off.’

He added, ‘And so it's these little things that we can do throughout the day that then almost become unnoticed to us, and it just builds as a habit.’

This is a concept that the Ideal Home team has adopted over recent years, too - whether that’s cleaning our showers while we’re waiting for our conditioner to work its magic or having a quick declutter while our kettles are boiling. Ticking off a few of these smaller tasks while you’re waiting for something else to happen is the best way to clean when you really don’t want to.

Plus, I’ll take cleaning over the actual gym any day…

Editor-approved cleaning picks

To use Iwan’s advice above, you need to have the right cleaning tools at your disposal. These are the products I’d choose as Ideal Home’s Cleaning Editor.

So, there you have it! Even a little go a long way when you're cleaning.

Let’s be honest; the winter months are tough. We have to endure months of cold and damp before the sunny reprieve of springtime, and we feel it in our homes, too. But since incorporating an ‘opening shift’ method into my morning routine, my once-damp Victorian house has felt drier (and cosier) than ever.

The concept of the opening shift method is simple. When you wake up, you spend 10 minutes ‘opening up’ your home to get it ready for the day ahead. And while this method allows for short bursts of cleaning and decluttering, an underrated perk is that it can also help to prevent damp and condensation in a house.

I’m not the only one who thinks so, either. Sophia Lorimer, Sustainable Stylist, Organiser and the Founder of Fine-Tuned Wardrobe, says, ‘A short daily reset allows your home to breathe and reduces the conditions that foster mould growth.’ And if you want to try it for yourself, I thought it would be handy to share the exact opening shift I follow to banish condensation in my home.

1. Wipe lingering condensation immediately

While there are ways to stop condensation forming on windows, it’s important to realise that window condensation is also a natural process that can still occur occasionally. It’s caused by the temperature difference between your warm home and the cold outside, and is actually a sign that your house is working hard to keep the winter weather at bay.

However, experts still advise you to wipe condensation from your windows regularly, as prolonged moisture buildup can lead to mould. That’s why I start my opening shift morning routine by wiping any lingering condensation from my windows immediately - if there is any.

And while I recently tried three methods for removing window condensation, using a window vacuum was by far the most effective. Personally, I swear by Kärcher’s window vacuums, and the fact that the Kärcher Window Vac WV 2 Plus N (£79.99 at Amazon) is an Amazon bestseller proves I’m not alone.

2. Air my bed and crack open the windows

For years, I grew up thinking that I should always make my bed to start my day off right. But recently, I’ve stopped doing that, as experts say that you should always air your bed before making it in the morning. After all, we all sweat and expel a lot of moisture during the night (and most of us don’t even realise it).

That’s why Sophia suggests, ‘Fold back the duvet and ventilate the room briefly. Overnight body heat creates moisture that needs to escape.’ And by airing my bed, I let this moisture seep into the wider room, which I can then clear by cracking open my windows a little.

In fact, opening my windows slightly every morning is something I’ve learned from the Germans, as the 'Lüften' and ‘Stoßlüften’ rituals both focus on ventilating the home to combat mould and damp. This may sound counterintuitive in the winter, but cracking windows for just five minutes every morning has made a huge difference in my house.

3. Micro-declutter where I can

While there are many things you should declutter to prevent damp in your home, this process can take a while - and certainly can’t be completed before you’ve had your morning coffee. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t declutter in smaller, seemingly insignificant bursts to tackle condensation instead.

I’ve incorporated micro decluttering into my opening shift morning routine over the past few weeks, and the impact it’s had on my home and my mental health has been incredible. Ingrid Jansen and Lesley Spellman, Professional Declutters and Organisers from The Declutter Hub, agree that it’s very effective, too.

‘Clutter blocks air movement, and a quick morning tidy that involves clearing surfaces and moving items back to where they belong helps air circulate more freely, reducing the chance of moisture settling in one place,’ they explain. ‘A musty smell, condensation on walls or small patches of peeling paint are often the first signs of a problem. Catching them early makes them far easier to address.’

4. Pop on my dehumidifier

Trust me when I say that the best dehumidifiers aren’t a gimmick. I’ve had mine - the Challenge 12 Litre Dehumidifier (£140 at Argos) - for just over a year, and it’s now one of my most prized appliances. Not only does it tackle window condensation, but it can also prevent condensation build-up on ceilings and walls.

It also helps to maintain the ideal humidity for a room, which can be difficult in winter. And as Chris Michael, Managing Director of Meaco explains, ‘Humidity levels fluctuate with the seasons, and keeping them balanced (ideally around 55% relative humidity) helps maintain a healthier, more comfortable living space. In winter, excess moisture can cause condensation, mould, and damp issues.’

So, the last step of my opening shift routine to prevent condensation is to pop on my dehumidifier and run it for around two hours. If the condensation on my windows was particularly bad that morning (a sure sign that there’s a bigger buildup of moisture in the air) or I plan on drying my washing indoors, I’ll keep it on for longer and run it for an hour or two in the evening, too.

What to shop

Will you be adopting your own opening shift method this year?

While I’m generally not one for New Year’s resolutions, I can’t deny that a new year gives us all the chance to take stock of where we are and what we want to achieve. And one thing I really want to hone in on this year is my cleaning regimen. That’s why I’ve made some New Year’s cleaning resolutions to hold me accountable.

Of course, as Ideal Home’s Cleaning Editor, it’s literally my job to know the best cleaning tips and regularly test the best cleaning products. But the reality is that I try to clean my own home as little as possible so I can spend time doing things I actually love. And last year I spent WAY too much of my free time scrubbing, mopping, wiping and tidying.

That’s why I’m attempting to flip the script on everything I thought I knew about cleaning and clean my home *less* this year. And if you want to join me, these are my New Year’s cleaning resolutions to follow to do just that.

1. Opt for little and often

I grew up in a house where Friday was always housework day. Every week without fail, the whole family would come together to deep-clean the entire home. And while my mum would tackle any pressing spills as they happened throughout the week, everything else was left until Friday.

As a result, I’ve spent most of my adult life following the same pattern (though I typically opt for a Sunday reset rather than a Friday). Recently, however, I’ve started to question whether this one-day-a-week cleaning schedule really works for me, as I spend so much of my free time cleaning when, really, I wish I could be doing anything else.

So, one of my New Year’s cleaning resolutions is to switch up my cleaning routine and ditch the one-day-a-week method for the little-and-often method. Laura Harnett, founder of plastic-free cleaning brand Seep, supports this decision too - but suggests a few tweaks to make it work so I don't feel like I'm constantly cleaning.

She told me, ‘Cleaning little and often is the best way to keep on top of things, but this can also mean that cleaning feels relentless! While you need to keep on top of the kitchen and bathroom and the floors every week, make a plan for a deep clean every so often, rather than trying to tackle bigger tasks every single week.’ So, I’ll split tasks up into deep cleaning and everyday cleaning categories.

2. Invest in helping hands

Although I love some old-school cleaning tools (I’m obsessed with my carpet scraper, for example), there’s no denying that the modern world is full of cleaning tools that can make cleaning easier - and quicker. So, instead of pushing against them in 2026, I’m going to embrace them so I can clean less.

I already started doing this in 2025 by investing in one of the best robot vacuum cleaners and using the Philips OneUp Electric mop in my home, but I’m going to take things up a notch and branch outside of floor care this year, too.

Yes, I’m going to go in search of tools that will do the majority of the work for me - because that’s literally what they’re designed for, and why shouldn’t I take advantage of that? And while I’ve had my eyes on this HUTT C65 Window Cleaning Robot (£229.99 at Amazon), I fear that it may be slightly out of my price range.

Because of this, I think I’ll start with smaller products like electric scrubbers, genius one-stop-shop tools like the Angry Mama Microwave Cleaner (£6.99 at Amazon), and I want to install plinth vacuums in my new house.

3. Follow the ‘one in, one out’ rule

Cleaning is so much more than cleaning the oven or vacuuming the floors. I also incorporate a tidy, clutter-free home as a clean one - which is why another of my new year’s cleaning resolutions is to stick to a decluttering method that suits my needs for the year.

As we are putting our home on the market this year, I don’t want to add unnecessary clutter to my home, as that’s just more stuff that we’ll need to move from our current home to our next. So, I’m going to commit to the ‘one in, one out’ method - which essentially means that whenever I buy something new, I need to get rid of something old to make room for it.

Not only will this ensure my home stays clean and clutter-free for viewings and for our packing escapades, but it’ll also help me take stock of what I have so I don’t double-up on items before we move.

However, I appreciate that my resolution is a very personal one, so it may be that you take on a different decluttering resolution. For example, you could make it your resolution to spend the year making your way through the ultimate decluttering checklist.

4. Make eco-friendly swaps

Many of the best cleaning products I’ve tested and use in my home are already eco-friendly and natural, but I’ll be the first to admit that I’m still not all the way there. There are still changes I can make to reduce my environmental impact as I clean my house, so continuing to make eco-friendly swaps is another of my New Year’s cleaning resolutions.

This includes continuing to clean with white vinegar as often as I can, and making my own cleaning products rather than buying them where possible. I’ve already been converted to Nancy Birtwhistle’s ‘Pure Magic’ recipe, but there are so many other DIY recipes I have on my wish-list.

I’m also going to assess the tools I use to clean my house, and only buy sponges and cloths that won’t have a negative impact on the environment. Laura wants to encourage others to do the same, too.

She says, ‘Choose plastic-free cloths and sponges instead of the regular yellow and green ones and avoid microfibre cloths which release microplastics every time they are used. If eco-friendly cleaning sponges and cloths appear more expensive when first purchased, over time, they work out better value.’

What to buy

So, there you have it! Those are my new year's cleaning resolutions.