Vacuum mops have become one of my favourite cleaning gadgets, simply because they cut one of the most time-consuming household jobs in half. I've tested plenty of models, so for it to really impress me, it needs to stand out from the crowd.

The Tefal X-Clean 7 Cordless Wet & Dry Vacuum Mop did exactly that. After putting it through its paces in my family home, it quickly earned a spot among the best vacuum mops I've tested.

In a nutshell

I didn't expect to be quite as impressed with a hard floor cleaner. But after testing the Tefal X-Clean 7 Cordless Wet & Dry Vacuum Mop around my busy family home, it's saved me so much time - and even made cleaning my kitchen floors feel like less of a chore. Not only does it vacuum, mop and dry floors, but it also does so with minimal effort required on my part. This is all thanks to its powerful self-propelling function, which I'd go as far as saying is the best I've come across (and I've tested a lot of vacuum mops).

I can't fault its cleaning performance either. It cleared up everyday mess from my three children with ease, and even removed beans, flour and a cracked egg in a single pass. My floors were only left lightly damp afterwards, too, so there was no waiting around for them to dry before you could walk on them.

Tefal have really paid attention to the design, too. It feels premium, and features such as the built-in LED headlights and 180° flat-edge design make it super versatile for tackling hard-to-reach areas. There are three modes to choose from - Auto, Max and Eco - and it uses automatic dirt detection, adjusting the suction power and water flow accordingly. It also has an impressive 50-minute run time, which is one of the longest I've come across on a vacuum mop.

It falls short of a 5-star review because it won't fully replace a vacuum cleaner, as it's only suitable for use on hard floors, and at £449 full price it is an investment. The clean water tank also sits on top of the main floorhead, which is a quirky feature, and I found it took a little getting used to, but it's decently sized so you won't need to refill mid-clean. Overall, it's a really impressive, powerful floor cleaner that's perfect for busy households.

How I tested

Specifications

• Weight: 5.98 kg
• Dimensions: 325 x 300 x 1192 mm
• Max run time: 50 minutes
• Modes: 3
• Clean water tank capacity: 600ml
• Charge time: 3.5 hours
• In the box: Wet dry cordless vacuum cleaner, additional soft cleaning roller and filter, charging and cleaning base, cleaning brush.
• RRP: £449.99

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

The X-Clean 7 Cordless Wet & Dry Vacuum Mop arrived in a large, oblong-shaped cardboard box. Although it was slightly awkward to carry single-handedly because of the size, it was noticeably lighter than I'd expected.

I opened the outer packaging to find another cardboard box, this time branded with the Tefal logo and product images. Inside, all the components were neatly secured between a layer of moulded cardboard, and wrapped individually in plastic bags, labelled as '50% recyclable'. I always pay attention to how eco-friendly the packaging is, and while I'll always favour brands that use 100% recyclable material, it's not something I've come across regularly.

The box contained the main vacuum mop and handle, an additional soft cleaning roller, the charging base, a cleaning brush and a user manual.

Assembly was incredibly simple; all I needed to do was insert the handle onto the base and pop it on the charging station to charge before use. And my first impressions of the Tefal X-Clean 7 were positive - it instantly felt premium and well made. It was lightweight too, and I appreciated the fact that the charging station was compact enough not to take up too much room (always a bonus when you're short on storage space!).

Once connected to power, the LED display on the top of the main unit activates, and a voice prompt confirms that it's charging. It took around 3.5 hours to reach full charge, which is fairly typical for a vacuum mop.

Before getting started, I needed to fill the clean water tank. Rather unusually, the tank is located at the front of the main body, just above the floor head, and I won't lie, it did confuse me for a second! It's not something I've come across before, and my first reaction was that the tank wouldn't hold as much water as a typical upright design. But at 600ml, it's on the larger side for a vacuum mop, so it's deceptively bigger than it looks once you remove it.

The tank then clips away from the main unit easily; there's a release button on top of the unit which you press to pull it away. The manual advises that adding cleaning solution is optional, but also comes with a warning not to use any foaming, vinegar or greasy products.

There's also no solution included, and I do think the guidance could be a little clearer, something I picked up on when reading online customer reviews. Personally, I try to stick to natural, chemical-free cleaning products anyway, so I decided to stick to water initially to see how it performed.

The manual advises filling the water tank with clean water between 10°C and 50°C. I found it slightly more fiddly to fill because of its shape, and even though it's described as transparent, I did find myself having to pay attention to how full it was, especially as there's no fill line. That said, there's a flashing icon on the LED display to let you know when the tank is empty, as well as a voice prompt, so it's not a dealbreaker.

Using the Tefal X-Clean 7 Cordless Wet & Dry Vacuum Mop

The Tefal X-Clean 7 has three cleaning modes: Auto, Eco and Max. When the machine is turned on, it defaults to Auto mode, which detects dirt and automatically boosts suction power and water flow when it comes across messier areas.

To get started, I stepped on the floor nozzle, pulled the handle towards me and pressed the power button. As the unit powered on, the LED headlights on the base lit up the floor ahead, making it easier to spot hidden dirt. I also noticed it sounded louder than I was expecting, probably on a par with my regular vacuum.

I started by taking it for a spin around my kitchen floors, which are all laminated, to familiarise myself with it. Straight away, what I noticed was how smooth it felt to manoeuvre. As soon as I switched it on, a self-propelling motion activated to help the machine glide across my floors with barely any effort needed from me.

I've tested my share of vacuum mops, and I'd easily say this was the most powerful I've come across. I really felt like the mop was doing the cleaning for me, and all I had to do was steer it in the direction I wanted it to go.

I also really appreciated the LED lights on the base of the machine, which illuminate any hidden dirt, and were particularly useful for hard-to-see areas, like under my dining table.

The auto-adjustment worked really well, too. I could clearly hear when the machine boosted its suction, while the coloured ring on the LCD screen gave a visual indication of when it had detected a dirtier area.

The handle also has a 180° flat edge design, which made cleaning under furniture easier. Because of the size of the floorhead, I couldn't reach completely under my sideboard unit, but the flexible design made it much easier to reach underneath my kitchen table - an area I always struggle to clean - without needing to crouch down awkwardly. The voice prompt also lets you know when the machine is cleaning underneath low furniture, confirming that the suction levels have been adjusted. I thought this was a handy feature - although I can imagine the voice updates may feel jarring after a while.

The vacuum mop left a light layer of moisture behind, but this dried within a couple of minutes, so the floor was ready to walk on almost straight away - something I appreciate in a busy home.

To really put its cleaning power to the test (and as part of how we test products at Ideal Home), I cracked an egg on the floor, squirted ketchup and threw a handful flour directly in the vacuum mop's path. This is where it really impressed me.

After switching on the unit, keeping it in Auto mode, I slowly glided it over the mess. It cleared every trace within the first pass. Given the amount of debris in its path, I was genuinely surprised at how quickly it removed everything, with barely any effort on my part. I've carried out this test before on plenty of vacuum mops, and even the most powerful models usually need a couple of passes to pick everything up, so its cleaning performance is definitely one of the Tefal X-Clean 7's standout features.

Immediately after, I emptied the dirty water tank - which pulls outwards from the front of the machine easily - and poured the contents away. As you'd expect, the grime inside the tank wasn't pleasant to say the least, so if you are using the machine to clean up bigger messes, you'll want to empty and rinse it straight away.

This is where the self-cleaning feature comes into its own. After use, I placed the machine on its docking station, and pressed the self-clean button at the top of the handle. I know from testing other vacuum mops that this stage can be pretty noisy, and this was no exception. The roller was automatically rinsed, and all the dirt and debris were flushed into the dirty water tank. The cycle lasts three minutes, after which the dirty water tank was full of filthy water, which I took as a reassuring sign that it had done its job.

Having little ones means I'm constantly mopping up spills, and I had more than one opportunity to see how well the Tefal X-Clean 7 cleaned up large liquid spills, thanks to my one year old's new favourite hobby of throwing milk, water and anything she can get her hands on, all over the floor.

I kept it in auto-mode, and once again, I didn't really need to do much. It suctioned up the puddles with ease, leaving just a light layer of moisture behind. Unlike some models, there's no dedicated 'Dry Only' mode, but I didn't find it made any difference to its performance.

Cleaning, storage and maintenance

Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward and made even easier thanks to the self-cleaning function. Before starting the self-cleaning and self-drying cycle, the manual advises emptying the dirty water tank and making sure the clean water tank is full. It's also worth noting that the function won't start if the battery has less than 20% charge.

Beyond that, Tefal manual recommends cleaning the different parts of the machine once a week. There are a few handy illustrations showing how to remove and clean each component, using a cloth and the cleaning brush that's included. This includes removing the filter that sits on top of the clean water tank and rinsing it out.

There's no guidance on how to how often to clean the roller itself, but from experience it's worth doing regularly, as bits of debris can get trapped between the roller and the floorhead.

Thankfully, the manual includes a step-by-step guide for removing and replacing it when needed. Tefal recommends replacing both the roller and the filter every six months. I like the fact that a spare roller brush and filter are included in the box, as it feels reassuring to know long-term running costs should be kept low.

How does it compare to its predecessors and similar models?

The Tefal X-Clean 7 Cordless Wet & Dry Vacuum Mop builds on the strengths of the X-Clean 4, which was awarded a 4.5-star rating by Ideal Home's Content Editor Lauren when she reviewed it.

The biggest upgrades include a new lay-flat design, which makes it easier to reach under furniture, as well as LED headlights to help illuminate hidden dirt. During her testing, Lauren found the X-Clean 4 struggled with smaller spills, whereas the X-Clean 7's automatic dirt-detection felt much more responsive to everyday mess.

It's also worth comparing it to the Shark HydroVac Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner, which really impressed me during testing. Both models have built-in LED highlights, but I think the Tefal has the edge thanks to its more powerful self-propelling motion and hot air self-drying function, which helps keep the roller fresh between uses. It does come with a higher price tag, though.

I've also tested the Kärcher Floor Cleaner FCV3, which I found impressively lightweight and easy to manoeuvre. It also has three cleaning modes and is more affordable, making it a strong option for lighter cleaning tasks. But when it comes to overall performance the Tefal X-Clean 7 comes out on top.

How does it rate online?

The Tefal X-Clean 7 Cordless Wet & Dry Vacuum Mop currently holds a 4.5-star rating on the brand's website, from 62 customer reviews. Impressively, 92% of customers recommend the product, with feedback praising the suction power and ease of use. The price point does receive mixed reviews, and one reviewer did highlight the lack of guidance around cleaning solution caused confusion.

Elsewhere, on Very, it has a 4.5 star rating from 58 reviews. Although it's worth noting that a good proportion of the reviews were collected as part of a promotion. Feedback was similar, with users commenting on the impressive power and overall cleaning performance, but listing the affordability as a drawback.

Verdict: Should you buy the Tefal X-Clean 7 Cordless Wet & Dry Vacuum Mop?

For busy households who regularly vacuum and mop hard floors, and are looking to cut down on cleaning time, I really couldn't recommend the Tefal X-Clean 7 Cordless Wet & Dry Vacuum Mop enough. There's no shortage of hard floor cleaners on the market, and this one does have a high price tag, but its incredible cleaning performance, powerful self-propelling motion, 50-minute run time, edge cleaning abilities and flexible handle make it really stand out from the competition.

As long as you're happy emptying the tanks and keeping on top of basic maintenance, it takes much of the hassle out of cleaning floors. My only really niggle is that I wish I could use it on carpets, too!

Now that I've been working from home for more than six years, a period which has included some of the hottest days on record, I like to think I've nailed my process for keeping my home cool.

While I have fitted air conditioning in my living room, and a portable air conditioner and a brilliant fan I can use where I need to, I'm also a big believer in more passive (and energy efficient) cooling methods, like solar control, cross ventilation and night flushing.

However, there's one method I've sworn by over the years — keeping all windows closed during the hottest part of the day (as well as blinds and curtains) — that has felt less effective in my home in the most recent and prolonged heatwave.

While this method has undoubtedly been effective when we've had the odd hot days, preventing the worst of the heat from entering my home, the length and intensity of the most recent hot spell has been one of the most extreme I've experienced.

When I'd kept the windows and blinds shut, especially upstairs, the build up of heat felt far more noticeable to me than ever before. If I needed to go upstairs for anything, I would get to about the ninth step before my head would enter a stifling blanket of heat. Something about entering that environment head first made it seem all the more acute.

Then at night, when the temperature cooled slightly outside, I would open all of the windows to get some cross ventilation going, but the heat didn't seem to escape. I'd even point fans out of the open windows to help give the night flushing a helping hand, but it still remained far too hot to sleep upstairs. Fortunately, I have a comfortable air bed (this Silentnight king sized air bed, £57.99 at Amazon that is also the top pick in our best air beds guide) that means I can decamp to the living room for a cooler night's sleep.

After the first couple of days of the heatwave, and the accumulation of heat, I decided to leave the upstairs windows open (but curtains mostly closed, with a small gap in the centre) to see how much of a difference it made. And interestingly, it definitely made the stifling blanket of heat considerably less oppressive as I headed up the stairs.

Admittedly, it was still very warm (and in most cases, when temperatures exceed 30°C, there's only some much you can do before you need to resort to active cooling measures like fans and air conditioning to create a cooler environment), but it didn't feel any warmer than before, when I'd had the windows closed.

And granted, if my home was oriented in a different way, and I had rooms that were naturally shaded and cool despite the heat outside, then keeping the windows closed would be essential to maintain that coolness for as long as possible. However, my home's orientation and position in a little sun trap mean that it seemingly feels the full effects of the sun from the moment it rises until it sets.

By leaving the upstairs windows open, and this may have been due to a bit more of a breeze outside, it felt like the night flushing was more effective too (although I did end up sleeping with two fans — one blowing on me, and one blowing out of the window).

While having the upstairs windows open may have been a bit of a placebo in terms of its effectiveness, managing solar gain by keeping my blackout curtains closed whenever the sun is out is still an absolute no-brainer for me. Upstairs curtains will be closed for most of the day, and I'm tactical about when I close my kitchen curtains so that I can still enjoy the daylight, but just keep the worst of the heat gain at bay.

Shop my summer gamechangers

Thanks to the constant barrage of dirty plates, washing-up sponges and soap bottles, it often feels impossible to maintain a tidy, clean kitchen sink area. And as I can’t look at this area without my stress levels rising significantly, I often ignore it and pretend the clutter doesn’t exist… which just makes things even worse.

Admittedly, I’ve taken steps to be like the people with tidy under-the-sink cupboards over the past few months, and this has made a huge difference to my once-messy kitchen. But while I’ve tackled the space underneath my sink, the area above and around it still needs work.

So, in an effort to keep my sink area as tidy and as clean as possible, I’ve asked my most organised friends, family and colleagues what they use to restore order and keep everything from soap scum to limescale at bay. This is what they said.

1. Clever storage

Smart storage is key to a consistently tidy home, and the good news is that kitchen sink storage comes in so many different shapes and forms. For example, a sink organiser like this Joseph Joseph Stainless-Steel Sink Organiser (£29.99 at Amazon) has space for your washing-up liquid, scrubbing brush, and your sponges.

Keeping these smaller items together by the sink is ideal for keeping this (admittedly very ugly) clutter from spreading out across your entire kitchen. However, if space is really limited, you can also utilise the sink itself by opting for something like this NiHome Extendable Over Sink Kitchen Organiser (£11.99 at Amazon), which sits on top of the sink for extra storage.

Then, you have storage in the under-the-sink cupboard, which is your best friend if you want to remove as many items from the sink area itself. By rehoming this visible clutter, you’ll make the space look (and feel) bigger. Not to mention that it’ll be so much easier to clean and tidy.

2. An expandable sink drainer

If you don’t have a dishwasher, your sink area probably takes a beating while washing up - especially as small draining boards just aren’t big enough to deal with the number of plates, bowls, and mugs we use daily. That’s why people with tidy sink areas make the most of expandable sink drainers.

This is something everyone needs to maintain tidy kitchen worktops, as these expandable dish drainers can work with your washing-up needs rather than against them. And if you only have a couple of glasses and pieces of cutlery to wash up, you can keep it small. If you have lots to wash up, you can make it bigger.

This will stop your soggy, wet kitchenware from migrating across the rest of your worktops, which can make things look messy and cause water pooling. If you opt for one like this Argos Home Expandable Dish Rack (£28 at Argos), it also has a drip tray and spout to ensure all excess water makes its way back into the sink.

3. A sink cover

I’ve been on the hunt for handy clutter-busters for a small galley kitchen, and sink covers have come up time and time again. These products do exactly what they say on the tin: they cover your sink, hiding what’s underneath.

This can help you if you’re in a pinch and trying to tidy before guests arrive, but don’t want to waste water on washing up a few bits. You can use something like this Tomorotec Roll Up Sink Cover (£12.99 at Amazon) to cover any to-be-washed items, and it even doubles up as a drying rack when you need it, too.

In fact, the beauty of sink covers is that they can be dual-purpose - and you could even just buy a chopping board to hide sink clutter while also creating more worktop space for more practical kitchen tasks. Just be warned that you’ll still need to do the washing-up eventually.

4. Pretty bottle alternatives

You should never underestimate the power of decanting when you’re trying to keep a space tidy and clean. That’s because the packaging of the many products you use in and around a kitchen sink area - including washing-up liquid and hand soap - is probably making your space look messy.

Visually, they’re often very different sizes, colours, and shapes, which can instantly add clutter to your space. But decanting them into pretty, matching bottles can instantly rein in this clutter and add visual intrigue to your sink area. Especially if you opt for sleek, stylish bottles like this MaisoNovo Hand and Dish Soap Dispenser Kitchen Set (£30 at Amazon).

If you choose refillable cleaning products like this Miniml Washing Up Liquid Refill 5L (£15.99 at Miniml), you can also buy in bulk without having to buy countless bottles which will go straight in the bin. So, it’s an eco-friendly win, too.

5. A regular cleaning routine

It’s all well and good keeping a kitchen sink area tidy, but you also need to keep it clean if you want it to be something you’re proud of. And it may sound silly, but putting your sink ‘to bed’ as part of your closing shift cleaning routine is always a good idea.

This involves washing up any straggling cutlery or mugs, wiping the sink and draining board down to remove any standing water, and scooping out any food stuck in the drain. I’d also suggest using these EcoZone Drain Cleaning Sticks (£9.99 at Amazon) once a month to clean a kitchen sink drain.

If you need to remove any limescale or banish soap scum, it’s also well worth cleaning with white vinegar to allow this naturally acidic cleaner to break down the grime. Just be warned that you can’t use white vinegar on natural stone sinks as this could cause damage.

So, I guess having a tidy (and clean) kitchen sink area isn't that hard after all...

Plug-in solar panels could be available to buy in the UK soon after the 27 August 2026, when updated legislation comes into effect.

Back in March, the Government announced that plug-in solar panels would be available 'within months', offering households across the UK a chance to offset their energy bills by generating their own electricity at home. Panels like this are already widely used across parts of Europe, and are both renter friendly and considerably more affordable than rooftop solar installations.

But in order for plug-in solar panels to legally sold in the UK, certain regulations around plugs and sockets needed to be updated to allow power generating tech, like plug-in solar panels, to be self-installed and used safely. The government consulted with industry professionals on proposed changes, saying that it wanted to move 'at pace' to bring plug-in solar panels to UK homes.

Those legislative amendments have now been laid before Parliament and are due to come into force on Thursday 27 August 2026, and we expect retailers, like Lidl, Amazon, Currys and B&Q, to make their plug-in solar panels offerings available to buy on or soon after that date.

'We are working closely with government and suppliers to understand and help shape the guidance, ensuring any products we offer are safe, compliant and straightforward to install,' says Graham Bell, CEO of B&Q. 'We look forward to making plug-in solar available to our customers as soon as possible.'

There is also hope that these legislative changes are just the beginning, and will open the door for even more affordable and easy to install technology to become available to those in the UK.

'The Government's announcement is a really important step towards making solar energy available to far more people across the UK,' says Aaron James Darvill, Strategic Sales Director at Anker SOLIX. 'Until now, generating your own electricity has largely been limited to homeowners with the right roof and the budget for a full solar installation. Plug-in solar changes that. It gives renters, people living in flats and households without suitable roofs a simpler and more affordable way to get started.'

'While this is a major milestone, battery storage will be the next important step. Plug-in solar generates the most electricity during the day, but most households use the most energy in the evening. Without battery storage, consumers can't store surplus energy to use when they need it most, limiting the savings and flexibility the technology can deliver.

'Across Europe, we’ve seen that people rarely buy their final solar energy system on day one. They start small, see the benefits for themselves and then add more panels or battery storage as their needs grow. We expect the UK to follow a similar path, with battery storage playing an increasingly important role in helping households maximise the value of the energy they generate and reduce their reliance on the grid. We're also encouraged that a regulatory framework for plug-in battery storage is expected to follow, helping ensure these systems can be adopted safely and with confidence.'

If you are keen to embrace plug-in solar panels, make sure you understand how they differ to rooftop solar panels so you make the right choice for your home.

New Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced that VAT will be cut from household electricity bills from 1 October 2026.

The move, which will see 5% VAT reduced to zero, is expected to cut around £45 from typical annual electricity bills over winter, and will be welcome news to those who already go to significant lengths to save energy at home and reduce their monthly bills.

Speaking less than 48-hours into his new role, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: 'I said I wanted to give people breathing space, and that’s what I’m announcing on my second day as Prime Minister.

'We’re taking immediate action to cut taxes on energy bills, put more money in people’s pockets and bring back hope.

'Cutting VAT on electricity bills is expected to take around £45 off the yearly Ofgem price cap in October.'

The reduction is set to be passed on to the millions of households in England, Wales and Scotland via their suppliers and is expected to include those on both fixed and standard variable tariffs. While some measures of energy bill relief over recent years have only been available to those in receipt of certain benefits, no such eligibility criteria has been announced for this VAT reduction.

Rules work slightly differently in Northern Ireland, but the government has said that the NI Executive will receive comparable funding to enable it to similarly support households in Northern Ireland.

While the energy price cap figure for the period between 1 October and 31 December 2026 has yet to be announced by the energy regulator Ofgem, current predictions from analysts at Cornwall Insight have the cap sitting at around £1,849 (based on the current typical domestic consumption values of 2,700 kWh per annum for electricity and 11,500 kWh per annum for gas). As a comparison, the current energy price cap is set at £1,862.

The official price cap figure for autumn will be announced on 26 August, and will be calculated using new typical domestic consumption values to reflect a fall in the average household's energy use.

Is it enough to help struggling households?

Is an average £45 annual reduction enough to help households struggling with high electricity bills? In isolation, probably not. But it's a step in the right direction to provide some relief, especially at a time when households are more likely to be using more electricity hungry appliances, like tumble dryers.

When combined with other electricity saving measures, from simply turning off vampire appliances to more involved solutions like investing in plug-in solar panels (when they become available) or a rooftop solar panel array, households can also reduce their energy consumption to lower their bills.

If you are still concerned you won't be able to pay your energy bills over the colder months, reach out to your supplier in the first instance. They will be able to help move you on to a cheaper tariff if applicable, or check your eligibility for further assistance.

While most people focus on tidying and organising the rooms they use (and see) on a daily basis, the reality is that the areas you use less typically need more attention. And the one area we all forget to declutter? The garage.

Of course, most people don’t want to spend their summer decluttering the garage. But with the kids off school, some free time on your hands and the warmer weather keeping things dry, professional organisers say that now is the perfect time to do it. Especially as your garage has probably become a dumping ground.

As Kate Dufton, Professional Organiser and Declutter at Ace Your Space, explains, ‘Garages become the home's unofficial storage unit, much like the loft. Before you know it, the space feels overwhelming and becomes somewhere you avoid altogether.’ So, follow these easy steps to reclaim your garage once and for all.

1. Start with a vision

Today, garages have so many uses, from storing summer essentials like tents and bikes to even a spare freezer. But as Shannon Murphy, Professional Organiser and Founder of Simpl Living Co, warns, ‘Garages are often one of the most cluttered areas of the home because they become a dumping ground for broken items, things people plan to sell and possessions they're undecided about.’

But since a garage has so many uses, it’s important to make a plan before you start decluttering it this summer. The best way to do this is to figure out what you want to use the garage for. Is it simply a place to store the car? If so, you’ll need to get rid of anything unrelated to your vehicle. Or does it need to offer more?

Kate advises, ‘Think about exactly what needs to live in the garage - tools, gardening equipment, decorating supplies, camping gear or sports equipment. Having a clear vision will help you make better decisions about what stays and keep you motivated throughout the project.’

2. Choose your method

There are countless decluttering methods out there, as decluttering is a very personal activity that needs to be tailored to how you work best. And if you prefer to tick things off your list in a single sitting, Shannon says that emptying everything and starting from scratch is your best bet - especially in the summer when you have more time on your hands.

‘Choose a dry day and remove everything from the garage. Seeing the space empty and grouping similar items together makes it much easier to decide what to keep,’ she says. However, if you struggle with decision fatigue and clutter overwhelm, this method might not work for you.

In this instance, Hester Van Hien, a Home Decluttering and Organising Consultant from Tidylicious, suggests breaking the task into chunks instead. She advises, ‘This makes it easier to see the wood for the trees, and it can be a good warm-up for the actual decluttering. Start in one corner, and pull things out and organise everything by type or category.’

3. Utilise proper storage

The garage is one of the many places we’re all forgetting to declutter, but there’s often a reason for that - and that’s because we often don’t have the proper storage in place to keep things neat and tidy. That’s why, when decluttering your garage this summer, it’s well worth investing in effective storage to help you maintain this order in the long run.

Kate says, ‘Racking is essential in a garage to maximise the vertical space and keep your belongings off the floor. Use plastic containers on the shelves to store items, keeping them accessible and protected. If you have lots of tools or gardening equipment, consider investing in some wall-mounted storage so you can see everything at a glance and access it quickly.’

She adds, ‘Bikes also work well on wall-mounted hooks, freeing up floor space. And if you have a lot of sports equipment, use hooks and storage boxes to keep it organised.’ Thankfully, these storage solutions don’t have to cost a fortune - but they will make a big impact.

4. Label everything

Labelling can make or break a newly decluttered garage, as it adds an extra layer of organisation that will help you keep things neat and tidy in the long run. And Kate even goes as far as to say, ‘This bit is crucial.’

Shannon agrees, saying, ‘Rather than opening every box looking for one item, label each container or keep a contents list, so you know exactly what's inside.’ This goes for the rest of your household, too, so you won’t have any family members rummaging through the boxes and messing with your system.

This should also prevent the accidental purchase of any duplicates, too, as you’ll know exactly what you already have, so you don’t buy any more or waste your money. Just make sure you go through these boxes every to ensure you definitely still want and need the items inside them.

So, will you be decluttering your garage this summer?

I don’t know about you, but my fridge gets very full over the summer months, packed with picky bits, BBQ essentials, and fresh fruit and veg for those hot-weather meals. But while I’ve generally been a ‘shove it where there’s space’ kind of fridge organiser, experts say I’ve been doing it all wrong - especially in the midst of a heatwave.

Of course, many of the most common fridge organising rules revolve around cross-contamination and bacteria. But as AO's refrigeration expert, Jade Golding-Gault, explains, ‘As temperatures rise, your fridge must work harder to maintain a consistent temperature and keep food cool. Many people don’t realise that fridge temperatures are not consistent throughout and can differ per shelf.’

Because of this, you may need to reassess your summer fridge organisation and start moving things around to maximise freshness and minimise food waste. This is easy enough to do, though.

1. Make the most of the salad drawer

One of the biggest food organisation myths is that it doesn’t matter where you store items in a refrigerator, but that simply isn’t true. Most fridges are designed with designated areas for certain foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables.

Jade says these need to go in the salad drawer during the summer months. She explains, ‘It may seem obvious, but the salad drawer is a crucial area of your fridge. These compartments are designed to maintain the right humidity levels, helping produce stay crisp and reducing food waste.’

If you don’t have enough space in your salad drawers for everything, there are ways to fake it so you can store food to make it last longer. These StayFresh Produce Keepers (£12.99 at Lakeland) are designed to do just that and can be placed on any shelf if you really don’t have any space. Just be warned that the temperature won’t be as stable.

2. Move your milk (if you can)

Whether you prefer cow’s milk, oat milk, soy milk or even pea milk in your morning cuppa, there’s a high chance that you pop your milk in the door of your fridge - and for good reason, too. It seems like the most logical place to put it, given the bottle's shape and size and the space available in the fridge.

But experts say that storing your milk in the fridge door can cause it to spoil more quickly in the summer. Chris Grundy, Senior Product Manager for Cooling at Haier, says, ‘Despite the built-in bottle shelf, the fridge door is actually the warmest part of the appliance because it's opened so frequently. For maximum freshness, milk should be stored on a middle shelf instead.’

However, I appreciate that this isn’t always possible, as many milk bottles and cartons are just too large to fit on a shelf. I’d also advise against storing it on its side, as this is a recipe for disastrous leaks. So, if you really can’t store it on a shelf, make sure you limit how long you keep a fridge door open.

3. Try not to overfill it

The key to a fridge full of fresh food is airflow and organising it so it’s never packed too tightly. And this is even more important during the summer, when temperature fluctuations already threaten your food's freshness.

Chris warns, ‘Overfilling the fridge is a common mistake. Cold air needs room to circulate, so leaving a little space between items helps maintain an even temperature throughout the appliance.’ And this is where fridge organisers like this selection of Dunelm fridge organisers can help you do that, as you can move and stack them in a way that allows for this airflow.

Ideally, you should aim to keep your fridge around 75% full, leaving 25% for cold air to circulate and maintain cooler temperatures. Doing this can also save you money in the long run, but if you’re really struggling for space, you could also try freezing more items in bags like these Amazon 1 Litre Freezer Bags (£1.74 at Amazon).

4. Unpack food as soon as you can

Temperature changes in a fridge become even more dangerous when the food inside is already starting to thaw. That’s why one of the biggest summer fridge organisation tips you shouldn’t ignore is to load up your fridge immediately after a food shop.

This should prevent your food from getting too warm - especially during a heatwave - and I swear by my Trolley Bags for Shopping Trolley (£24.95 at Amazon) for getting food out of the supermarket, into the car, and then into my fridge quickly and efficiently.

You should also take care when storing any cooked food, too. And Chris advises, ‘If you've cooked food, allow it to cool before refrigerating it, as placing hot dishes straight into the fridge raises the internal temperature.’ This can then have a knock-on effect on the other food in the fridge.

5. Adjust the temperature, if needed

While it’s not technically an organisation tip, knowing what temperature a fridge should be set at is even more important during the warmer months of the year, as this - combined with poor organisation - can wreak havoc on your food. Plus, some fridges can struggle in the heat without you realising.

James Cooper, Senior Product Manager for Refrigeration at Hotpoint, says, ‘Your fridge should be between 3 and 5°C, but during a heatwave, older models can fluctuate by 5-7°C throughout the day. If your fridge is too warm, food will start to go off, smell bad, or could even develop mould.’

He adds, ‘To ensure food stays fresh, your appliance needs to be able to maintain consistent temperatures – especially when the weather turns warmer.’ So, it’s worth understanding what the numbers on your fridge dial actually mean and maybe even investing in a standalone thermometer like this Salter Fridge Freezer Thermometer (£9 at Amazon).

So, take some time this week to re-organise your fridge for summer! Your food (and your wallet) will thank you for it.

Although it’s often the smallest area in our homes, we expect our hallway to hold everything from shoes and coats to bags and dog leads. And that’s before I mention the important letters and parcels we receive - or the ones we want to send out. That’s why I was incredibly intrigued when I spotted this clever Seagrass Letter Holder Basket (£8 at Dunelm).

Yes, while I do everything I can to be like the people with consistently tidy hallways, I find that paperwork and parcels create clutter that I can’t seem to shift - especially when they’re important letters that require my attention before they can be thrown away or popped in the post box.

The Seagrass Letter Holder Basket offers an alternative, though. By hanging this on your hallway wall, you can prevent letters from cluttering your console table (or even your floor) while still keeping them within easy reach so you don’t lose them. And it’s the clutter-busting addition my hallway has been crying out for!

Many of the hallway storage solutions out there aren’t equipped to deal with the onslaught of paperwork and parcels we receive on a daily basis. Instead, they focus on larger hallway items like shoes, bags and coats.

Even the best pretty-but-practical storage baskets are typically too large to safely store loose paperwork in small hallways without them crumpling, ripping, or getting lost at the bottom. Plus, they’re typically shoved in a corner to be forgotten about, taking up much-needed floor space.

But Dunelm’s Seagrass Letter Holder Basket allows you to keep these important documents front-and-centre, while adding some natural warmth and intrigue to your hallway walls. All you have to do is hang it from your walls using a hook like these KINGLAKE 115 Pcs Screw in Hooks (£7.99 at Amazon).

If you’re a renter or just don’t want to make any permanent holes in your wall, you could also avoid drilling by using these Command Wire Toggle Hooks (£16 at Amazon). Either way, the sturdy rope handle will keep the basket slightly open, so you can easily grab what you need without having to take it down every time.

It also takes advantage of vertical space, which is a must when you want to create order in small homes with limited storage, as it keeps everything off the ground and makes a small space - like a hallway - look even bigger and tidier.

However, I think the beauty of this letter holder is that it doesn’t just have to store letters. In fact, I’m going to snap a second one up to hold all of my ugly dog walking accessories that I don’t want on show. This way, my dog’s leads and treat pouch will be readily available by the front door, without cluttering up the space.

The textured seagrass weave is also incredibly versatile, suiting any hallway style, whether you’ve opted for a natural boho look, a cottage-style vibe, or a more modern look. And for £8, can you really go wrong?! I don’t think so.

Shop letter organisers and baskets

A tidy, clutter-free hallway doesn't have to be expensive!

Shark has just dropped a brand new appliance into its lineup: the Shark BreatheClear with NeverChange6 Air Purifier (£269.99 at Shark). And as someone who tests air purifiers for a living, it’s got me pretty excited.

Of course, Shark has already proved it has what it takes to produce some of the best air purifiers on the market, understanding that UK homes crave an appliance to tackle dust, odours, and other airborne nasties that can affect our air quality.

But this new model solves the biggest (and most expensive) problem I have with this summer essential: how often you have to change your air purifier filter. And as the name suggests, the BreatheClear with NeverChange6 filter doesn’t have to be replaced for a whopping six years…

Shark impressed me last year when I tested the predecessor to this new model, the Shark NeverChange5 Air Purifier. With this older appliance, Shark had designed a reactive, powerful, and incredibly easy-to-use model.

The new Shark BreatheClear with NeverChange6 Air Purifier, however, takes what I loved about the NeverChange5 and supercharges it, offering a larger recommended room size and air changes per hour (70m2 with 1 air change per hour and 14m2 with 4.8 air changes per hour).

This makes it suitable for medium-sized rooms if you’re wondering how to choose an air purifier for your home. It also comes with an anti-odour cartridge to enhance the benefits of air purifiers, and it is available in two colourways to suit your home and style.

Personally, I still can't decide if I like the overall modern design or if it’s a bit too robotic for me. But that's all personal preference.

But the real selling point is that the advanced HEPA filter, which captures 99.98% of particles, doesn’t need to be replaced for 6 years. And this will save you a lot of money, as most air purifier filters need to be replaced regularly - costing you an extra chunk of money at least once or twice a year.

To calculate just how affordable that is over six years compared to other air purifiers, you can use the following formula: the price of the air purifier + (the price of the filter × 12). This is based on the assumption that you should generally change your air purifier filter every six months. However, it’s important to note that the exact lifespan depends on your usage.

But if you don’t want to do the maths, I’ve worked out a few examples below that compare the cost of the new Shark BreatheClear Air Purifier with the Blueair 3250i, which is Ideal Home's best overall air purifier, and our top budget model, the COWAY Airmega 50.

So, while it’s fair to say that you’ll have a higher upfront cost with the new Shark air purifier, it works out even cheaper than a budget-friendly model in the long run.

However, it’s important to note that this comparison only compares the air purifier's price and doesn’t account for its features and specifications. It may be that a different model will better suit your specific air quality requirements, so I’d still suggest doing your own research, depending on whether you want an air purifier to stop dust, tackle cooking smells, combat hay fever symptoms, or reduce pet dander.

But if you’re basing your air purifier purchase on price alone, I do think Shark’s new model is a worthy contender and my new unexpected hero of the summer.

Will you be snapping one up?

Everyone has one IKEA product they just can’t get enough of – from the viral BILLY bookcase to the simple but effective KALLAX units. But my standout has always been the RÅSKOG storage trolley. And its latest design upgrade has given me yet another reason to love it.

IKEA’s RÅSKOG storage trolley is a fan favourite, and for good reason. The slim design features three tiers of deep storage, perfect for smaller spaces or homes with limited surface area. And the easy-to-manoeuvre castor wheels help it slot seamlessly into any room.

I have a dark grey RÅSKOG trolley as storage in my small bathroom, housing everything from toothpaste and toilet paper to skincare products and makeup wipes. And, when I was at university, the trolley (complete with a NORRÅVA bamboo lid) was a game changer in my tiny accommodation.

I had a white trolley tucked neatly into a corner in my dorm room, where I stored a plethora of student essentials, from textbooks to make up. When the top shelf wasn’t in use, the bamboo lid transformed my trusty trolley into an extra surface.

As much as I’ve always loved the RÅSKOG, I often found myself longing for a colour that suited my style a little bit more than just black or white. And now, I’m spoilt for choice, as the RÅSKOG has launched in 4 new colourways.

IKEA’s products are often a go-to when it comes to transforming tiny homes, and it’s no secret that the brand makes storage fun. The new and improved RÅSKOG is proof of this, with 4 new colours – beige, light turquoise, pink, and red-brown – that are guaranteed to put a summer-ready spin on your storage solutions.

The pastel pink colour was the first to catch my eye. It feels fresh and fun, without stealing too much attention from the rest of your scheme. Pink kitchens are having a moment right now, and I think this subtle trolley would be a perfect kitchen companion – whether you use it to house those cupboard essentials you always find yourself reaching for, or stock it full of drinks and nibbles when hosting.

Or, for those who prefer a deeper shade, the red-brown trolley is a timeless piece that will elevate your storage from cluttered to chic. The terracotta style dropped earlier this month, making it IKEA’s latest RÅSKOG launch, and it’s one to consider when upgrading your small living room storage ideas if you’re searching for something both classic and practical.

The beige trolley is a great choice if you want your storage to be an extension of your scheme. It will subtly blend into your scheme, without the stark nature of the other monochrome colours. But, I have my eye on the light turquoise design for a fun pop of colour.

Alongside these new colour upgrades, IKEA have also introduced a slightly larger version of the trolley which is designed to suit every space. With prices starting at £19, you won’t want to miss out.

Shop alternatives

Missed out on the cult IKEA trolley? Don't worry, try these instead.

If you'd told me I'd be considering buying a neck fan two summers ago, I would have laughed you out of the room. However, the humble neck fan is undergoing a renaissance as I've spotted numerous editors I work with sporting them around their necks when working from home.

Alongside the best fans, they have become this summer's new ultimate must-have (just behind the cult John Lewis fan). They offer hands-free cooling when you're out and about, or as my team has discovered, when you're at home, so you don't have to keep moving a desk fan around. The best part is that many of them are also still in stock, unlike many of the best portable ACs and fans we've tested.

For those who haven't seen one in action, a neck fan looks a little like a set of 90s-style headphones draped around your neck. However, instead of the foam ear pads, you have two little fans propelling air at your pulse points to cool you down. Many of them now also have full surround airflow to cool you down quickly.

These little pieces of kit have undergone a stylish reinvention; many of the versions you find on Amazon or other retailers look so sleek I had to do a double-take to work out what my editor was wearing around her neck during a recent meeting. I have tracked down some other versions I'd happily wear in public.

'While the intense heat we've experienced so far seems to have let up (for now) it's still warm enough to need a fan to keep you comfortable. Not only will it help air circulation in your home, but the air movement across your skin will help to cool you down,' says Sarah Handley, Ideal Home's portable AC and fan expert reviewer.

'While pedestal and tower fans are great for bigger rooms, and desktop fans are ideal for small spaces, it's a good idea to invest in something portable that you can take into places you don't have a fan, like your bathroom or garden, to ensure your personal comfort wherever you are.'

As the heatwave shows no signs of letting up, I'm stocking up on any portable cooling option I can get my hands on to follow me around my home, and right now, a neck fan is top of my list.

When you’re already mourning the lack of holiday sunshine, an all-inclusive buffet and someone else cleaning for you, the last thing you want is to return home to a messy, disorganised house. That’s why it’s well worth taking some time to declutter and tidy certain areas of your home before you go on holiday to ensure a seamless, stress-free return.

There are many things to declutter in July, whether you’re going on holiday or not, but there’s no denying that it’s even more important if you’re heading off on an adventure during the summer holidays. And if you set aside just half an hour in between packing, you can pre-emptively keep overwhelm to a minimum when you get home.

But if you’re worried about fitting in a decluttering session in between your packing sessions, I’ve asked professional organisers to share the items you definitely should declutter before you go on holiday. They’re only small tasks, but they’ll have a big impact.

1. Your hallway

Your hallway is the first thing you’ll see when you get home after a holiday, and that first impression sets the tone for the rest of your day - and even the rest of your week. To combat this, take some time to organise your hallway before you jet off on your summer holidays.

Shannon Murphy, Professional Organiser and Founder of Simpl Living Co, echoes this, saying, ‘There's nothing nicer than coming home from holiday to an uncluttered hallway where you have space to bring in suitcases without immediately feeling overwhelmed.’ So, take some time to tidy up any loose shoes, store keys somewhere safe, or finally return that parcel.

It may be that you need to take inspiration from the things that people with tidy hallways always have, in which case I’d recommend investing in affordable shoe storage like this Karee 3 Shelf Shoe Storage Rack (£19 at Argos) and proper storage to house those ugly-but-practical items that don’t have a permanent home.

2. Your fridge

I’ve been on a mission to give my fridge some TLC recently, and I’ve lost count of the number of Fridge Storage Boxes (£2 at Dunelm) that I’ve bought to finally restore order. But even if your fridge is just as organised, you still have to declutter your fridge before you go on holiday.

Kate Dufton, Professional Organiser and Declutter at Ace Your Space, explains, ‘Fridges are often forgotten about in the pre-holiday rush, but it’s worth spending just 15 mins to remove any expired food and give the fridge a quick clean. Any food that will go out of date before you return can always be passed on to family or friends to prevent food waste. It’ll save you from any unpleasant smells with plenty of room for the big shop on your return.’

Decluttering and organising your fridge shouldn’t take long, but there's no point in binning food if you’re not going to empty your bins before going on holiday, too. I’d suggest leaving this task until the last minute, so you don’t accidentally leave any food in there.

3. Your worktops and surfaces

As Kate says, ‘Nobody wants to come home from holiday only to be greeted by clutter,’ and this clutter often congregates on surfaces like your kitchen worktops, bedside tables, window sills and more. This is even more common in the run-up to your holiday as you rifle through your drawers and cupboards to find holiday essentials.

But if you can spare ten minutes, it’s well worth clearing the clutter from these areas, getting rid of anything you no longer need and putting everything else back in its rightful home. And if you want to maintain these tidy worktops for as long as possible, utilising all of the space in your cupboards with these Kitchen Cupboard Organisers (£7 at Amazon) can work wonders.

Kate explains, ‘Clearing kitchen worktops and other everyday surfaces before you leave means you'll walk back into a home that feels calm and welcoming, helping you hold onto that holiday feeling for a little longer.’ And who doesn’t want that?

4. Your laundry area

Those piles of post-holiday laundry are equal parts terrifying and satisfying, but you probably don't want to add even more to your plate if you don't have to. That’s why your laundry area is another one of the areas to declutter before you go on holiday.

Hester Van Hien, a Home Decluttering and Organising Consultant from Tidylicious, says, ‘Try to have your laundry basket as empty as possible before going on holiday – and ideally your clean laundry put away in your wardrobe – so that you will only need to deal with your holiday laundry when you return home.’

I swear by this Joseph Joseph Tota 90-litre Laundry Separation Basket (£115 at Amazon) to keep my laundry in check. But if you want to keep that holiday feeling going, Hester also says it’s well worth changing your bed linen before you go on holiday so you can come home to fresh, crisp bedding when you get home.

5. Your paperwork

Whether you need to send a birthday card, pay bills, or book that doctor’s appointment, you should also tick this off your to-do list before you go on holiday. That’s because this paperwork can quickly add up, and leaving it until you get back can add both physical and emotional clutter to your life.

Shannon echoes this, saying, ‘Deal with paperwork before you leave, especially if you're going away for an extended period; deal with any bills or paperwork beforehand so you're not returning to unnecessary stress, emails or demanding letters.’

It might also be worth setting up a family command centre to keep track of this paperwork or any important documents - especially if you have kids or you simply struggle to keep on top of your schedule. Using a calendar like this Magnetic Fridge Whiteboard Calendar (£12.95) can also help with that.

By decluttering these things before going on holiday, all you need to worry about is enjoying yourself! I'm not jealous at all...

Cooling appliances have never been more sought after, especially when we've faced multiple heatwaves in relatively quick succession.

If you weren't lucky enough to bag one of the best portable air conditioners before they sold out across the board, then you'll be pleased to know that the Devola DVACO9C portable air conditioner is back in stock.

But with an RRP of £440 for the 9,000 BTU model, you'll want to know if it's the right fit for your home before you commit.

To help, I've been testing it in my own home for the last couple of weeks to see how it performs in a real home environment. This is how I got on with it.

In a nutshell

After selling out once already this year, Devola's DVAC09CW 9000 BTU portable air conditioner is back in stock, but be warned, it's likely to sell out fast. While it might not look and feel as sophisticated as some other models I've tested, if you need an effective cooling solution for a smaller room, then the Devola model is worth investing in.

As with most portable air conditioners offering cooling, fan and dehumidifier functionality, in the case of the Devola, the cooling function is by far the star of the show.

While it's perfectly capable of effectively cooling a room up to 28m2, it does lack some finesse in the design department that would make it even better, including automatic louvres, a top air outlet, and improved buttons on the remote control.

Specification

• Cooling capacity (BTU): 9000BTU
• Recommended room size: 10-28m2
• Noise levels in cooling mode: up to 68dB
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 35 x 70 x 34.8cm
• Weight: 24kg
• Wattage: 1003W in cooling mode
• Functions: Air conditioner, fan, dehumidifier
• Other features: App control, sleep mode
• Window kit included: Yes

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

At 24kg, the Devola portable air conditioner was not light to manoeuvre into my living room from the doorway, but fortunately the industrial strength plastic bands around the packaging helped be to gentle walk it from the front door. It's best to leave these on until you have the AC in position where you want to unpack it, as once they are removed you won't be able to lift the box as they are what holds the box sides to the base.

Fortunately, I was able to unpack most of it by myself as the accessories, like the window kit and exhaust hose were positioned on the top, and then the sides of the box lift off with ease. I'd definitely recommend having a second pair of hands available to help remove the appliance from the base packaging.

Once the packaging was removed, the castors made it really easy to move into position over my hard floors, although it required a little bit more effort to move it over rugs and carpets. The most difficult part, and this goes for all portable air con units, was getting it up the stairs. It's heavy and bulky, so it's definitely not something you should attempt solo.

My first impression of the appearance of the Devola portable air conditioner was that it has nice narrow proportions, which means that it would fit quite neatly in both my home office and my bedroom. The control panel is easily accessible on the top of the appliance, and it has quite a simple design. I tested it in the white colourway, but it also comes in black if that would better suit your home's aesthetic.

The design of the main appliance and the remote control feel a little basic, especially compared to other portable air conditioners I've tried, but as long as it cools my space down effectively, that's definitely not a major concern.

In terms of set-up, I needed to use the flexible window kit (which is included, alongside a kit for sash windows). This involves adding Velcro strips around the window frame and casement that you want to vent it out of. This only takes about 10 minutes, but it can be a bit fiddly.

I also tried to connect it to the app for an additional mode of control (the appliance needs to be within 5m of the router, so definitely attempt this before you lug it upstairs). Unfortunately, for me, this proved quite a frustrating experience, and after multiple unsuccessful attempts, I gave up. Fortunately, I was happy enough to use the two other control methods, and can always attempt the app connection at a later date.

As a final step, I just needed to attach the exhaust hose to the back, which was easy, and vent it out of the window. It was at this point that I really appreciated the 1.8m length hose, which was plenty long enough to reach the window.

What’s it like to use?

In terms of controls, the fact that I struggle to connect the appliance to the app wasn't too much of a hardship as it was still easily controlled by the on-board panel or the remote. It's worth checking the instructions for each mode's symbol to ensure you have it set up in the correct way.

While both the on-board control panel and remote were clear and straightforward, I preferred using the control panel on the appliance itself. This was down to the design of the buttons on the remote control that required a couple of presses to get the command to stick.

Then I moved on to testing the different modes.

Cooling mode

First up I tested the portable air conditioner's primary mode — cooling. This isn't the default mode, so I pressed the mode button on the on-board control panel until I saw the snowflake symbol on the display screen. I then turned the target temperature down to 18°C (although I had the option of choosing anything from 16–32°C).

Before I turned on cooling mode, the room was at a rather toasty 26.2°C. At first, the air doesn't come out ice cold, but after a couple of minutes, it was blissfully fresh. I then left the room and returned 20 minutes later to see it was down to a much more comfortable 22.8°C.

The air outlet is located on the front of the appliance, rather than the top, and so when I was sat at my desk with it on in cooling mode, I could feel the cold air being directed more at my waist than up into the hottest part of the room. It is possible to manually adjust the louvres both horizontally and vertically, but it does feel a shame that these are not automatic to help circulate the cooler air.

But over time, the cool air does reach around the whole room, lowering the overall temperature, just not as quickly as those with louvres on the top.

In terms of noise level, I clocked the Devola DVAC09CW at 68dB in cooling mode (top wind speed), which isn't quite as quiet as others I've tested. In the lower fan speed it comes down to 63dB, which is the equivalent of a chat with friends. Fortunately, if that sounds like it's going to be problematic, you can use the timer function to turn it on and cool the space before you need to use it.

There is also a Sleep function, that dims the control panel and switches to the lower wind speed setting. After an hour, the preset temperature will increase by 1°C, and again after the next hour.

Fan mode

In fan only mode, there are two speed settings, both of which felt powerful and effective, albeit a bit noisy (I didn't find it much quieter in fan mode than I did in cooling mode). While this mode is decently powerful, it's not quite as beneficial as a pedestal or tower fan that offers more wind speed options combined with automatic oscillation.

Dehumidifier mode

The Devola DVAC09CW also has a dehumidifier mode, but as my home doesn't tend to suffer with excess moisture, this isn't a mode I can see myself using often. In the Dry mode, any water extracted from the air isn't stored in the appliance for emptying later, so you'll need to attach the drainage hose and have a container ready to capture the liquid.

As with most portable air conditioners I've tried, the cooling function is by far the best, with any additional functions nice to have bonuses rather than of equal standard.

Running costs

Using 1003W, the Devola DVAC09CW costs roughly 26p per hour to run based on the July energy price cap figure of 26.11p per kWh.

This is somewhere in the middle of the range of energy consumption based on the portable air conditioners we've tested.

Cleaning and maintenance

When it comes to cleaning, keeping the Devola DVAC09CW portable air conditioner as dust-free as possible will help it work most effectively. Every couple of weeks, you will also need to clean the air filter, which can easily be removed from the back of the appliance. The instructions recommend ensuring it's unplugged from the socket before you remove the filter. Then you can use a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust build up, then run it under the tap and leave it to dry fully before reattaching it.

However, if you use the dehumidifier mode, then you will need to attach the included drainage hose so it can continuously empty the water it extracts from the air.

Who should buy this product?

If you are looking for a simple-to-use portable air conditioner that'll work in rooms up to 28m2, then the Devola DVAC09CW is worth investing in. Its cooling mode is effective, its dimensions compact enough to work in a smaller room without getting too in the way, and it offers three functions in one.

However, it's basic design does have it's limitations, and if you want something with automated louvres to boost it's impact, then the Dreo 365S portable air conditioner also faired well in our tests.

For something more affordable, but with a similar look and functionality, then the Vonhaus portable air conditioner is a budget-friendly alternative.

If you want a portable AC for the bedroom, then quietness is going to be a deciding factor, and the Meaco Cirro portable air conditioner is the quietest I've tested.

This heat doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, and with cooling appliances flying off the shelves, a big part of my job is tracking down quality fans still in stock. John Lewis’ High Power Handheld Fan with Aluminium Casing (£25) is one of them.

I’m not exaggerating when I say the best fans, desk fans and portable air conditioners are pretty much sold out everywhere. And while we can expect a few air cons to come back into stock this month, they will sell like hot cakes once again.

During hot, sticky heatwaves, it’s important to keep yourself cool, and a handheld fan is an easy way to do this if you still have a busy life to lead, regardless of temperature.

It’s not much of a secret that Ideal Home editors love a John Lewis handheld fan. The £12 viral buy has had all our editors in a chokehold during previous heatwaves, and while that model is currently out of stock (surprise), the John Lewis High Power Handheld Fan reads like it’s a more powerful older sibling - so, perhaps it’s time for an upgrade?

Despite its compact size, John Lewis promises this fan packs a serious cooling punch. It has four speed settings that you can choose from its digital screen, has 15 hours' worth of charge, can be charged via a USB cable and has a handy wrist strap for when you’re on the go.

It also has an aluminium outer shell, which means you can expect it to be durable, handling inevitable knocks and drops. Coinciding with a two-year guarantee, I expect it to be fairly tough.

However, due to the power of this fan, reviews do comment that it can be very noisy.

‘Purchased before travelling on a 14 hour flight - it's certainly powerful enough, to a point it could be as good as my hairdryer!’ one reads.

‘However, it's a little noisy, so I'm not sure if I would get away with using it on its highest setting in public without turning a few heads. The lowest setting however still gives a decent breeze.’

While a noisy fan can be a little irritating, unfortunately, this is a compromise you’ll have to put up with if you want a high-powered hand-held fan. As this fan is something you will hold near your face, it will be noisier.

While noise doesn’t bother some in the quest to stay cool, if you are noise-sensitive, that’s completely valid too, and models such as Amazon's Rechargeable USB Desk Fan (£25.99) and the FAPPEN Mini Handheld Fan (£13.99, Amazon) offer a quieter cooling experience.

Like most fans, I expect the John Lewis High Powered Fan will sell fast. So I’ve rounded up a few more hand-held fans that are still in stock.

I'd spotted this affordable ceiling fan all over my Instagram feed, and was intrigued by the fact that it could be connected to an existing light fitting without needing to call an electrician. So I knew I had to give it a go in my own home, but I'll be honest, I wasn't convinced it was going to be any good considering it cost just £15.

I'm always looking for ways to keep my south-east facing home cool, especially when a heatwave hits. I've relied on the best fans and portable air conditioners, but sometimes, floor-standing appliances aren't always appropriate, and you might not want to clutter surfaces with a desk fan. That's where ceiling fans can come into their own. But while some ceiling fans will require professional installation, that's not always the case.

With minimal assembly needed, this £15 Kouamor ceiling fan from Amazon is essentially installed like a lightbulb, and once in place offers three different wind speeds, as well as different light tones and brightness levels.

So how did I get on with it in my home? Set up was quite easy. I simply needed to push the fan blades into the base (I had to use a bit of force to ensure they were seated properly, and fortunately Up and Down was written on the blades so I knew I was fitting them the right way up), and slot the lamp holder to the lamp body.

Once that was done, I just removed the existing light bulb and lampshade in my kitchen diner (making sure the power was off), and attached the ceiling fan. If you are thinking of buying one, make sure you check the type of light fitting you have. B22 is your standard bayonet fitting, while E27 is your standard screw fitting. If you do find you have the wrong one and can't or don't want to send it back, you can buy either a B22 to E27 adapter or E27 to B22 adapter from Amazon for around £5 for a pack of two.

Once I'd attached the ceiling fan, I flipped on the light switch and then used the remote control to select my desired setting.

The light it gives off is a decent brightness, and I liked that I could choose between cool, neutral or warm light, and select the brightness level I wanted. I often work from my dining room table, so the natural light function was ideal.

Turning the fan mode on, I was initially a bit concerned as it seemed a little wobbly (my fitting is at the end of a cable, not fitted into the actual ceiling) but after a couple of seconds it stabilised and created a lovely downwards breeze. I felt most of the effects sitting directly beneath it, or at least close by, and while I could hear a gentle whirring sound, it wasn't distractingly noisy.

The remote is easy to get to grips with too, although there is a button with a moon and star, that despite pressing it, I have no idea what it actually does.

Alternatives

If you’re struggling to cool your home, then an unusual cooling hack is being recommended by experts to help prevent excess heat and light from reflecting into your home - and all you need is a camo net (£9.49, Amazon).

Seeing that the best fans and portable air conditioners are practically sold out everywhere, it's time to get creative when looking for easy and affordable ways to cool a home.

Perhaps one of the more bonkers methods I’ve spotted, using a camo net to cover windows or create a shady awning, is an easy way to help cool a room. Here’s why.

The camo net cooling hack

‘Camo nets can be a surprisingly effective and affordable way to keep parts of your home cooler because they create shade before the sun's heat reaches your windows or roof. In cases where there is a heatwave, large windows, skylights, and conservatories will act as greenhouses, letting in sunshine which, in turn, heats your walls, floor, and furnishings,’ explains Max Wilson, co-founder at Pocket Storage.

‘Because they're lightweight and come in large sheets, they can be draped over skylights, stretched across conservatories, fixed above south-facing windows or used to create a temporary awning over a pergola or patio. The idea is not to cool down rooms that have become overheated but to prevent the heating of those rooms at all.’

You may already be aware that one of the best things you can do is keep your curtains and blinds closed during the hottest part of the day. Similarly, it can also be a good idea to block your windows with a reflective material (like B&Q’s £15.99 sun foil) to reflect sunlight from your windows. This is used as part of the caveman cooling method, whereby keeping sunlight out of a room (like a cave) keeps it cool.

‘After the sun's rays have passed through the glass, a large percentage of the heat is contained within the home, which explains why shutting the curtains or blinds once the sun's rays have entered can be less effective than one might think. External shading prevents the solar heat from even reaching the glass,’ says Max.

‘As opposed to a plain tarpaulin, a camo net has gaps in its weave, which allows the wind to blow through freely while still being able to filter out the harmful rays of light from the sun. This gives you shade without shutting out any natural light or trapping a pocket of hot air underneath. It is very much like being under a big tree that makes things cool but allows the wind to blow through.’

If you’re on a budget or renting, a camo net is a good way to create shade without making any permanent or expensive drawbacks; however, Max is keen to point out that it should be used alongside other cooling methods.

‘I would not depend upon it as an absolute remedy. The effectiveness of this technique is maximised when used along with other cooling methods. The windows, curtains, and blinds must be kept shut at the time when it gets too hot outside. When the temperature begins dropping in the evening, the windows should be opened on opposite sides of the house to allow fresh air to flow inside and expel the heat collected within the house,’ he said.

‘If you are buying a camo net for cooling purposes rather than camouflage, it is recommended that you buy a lighter-coloured one. This is because light colours tend to reflect the sun's rays, whereas dark colours absorb the sun's energy. At the end of summer, all you need to do is store the net in a clean, dry place until the next hot season arrives.'

‘Ultimately, external shading is the most efficient way to cool down your house, since it stops the heat from entering the building at all. Whether this is camouflage, a shade cloth, or just an awning, stopping the sun from heating your windows will almost always be more effective than cooling down the room after it has been heated up,’ Max concludes.

It may not be the most attractive cooling method, but camo netting is a cheap and effective one. Would you be willing to try it?

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!

If you’re struggling to keep yourself cool this summer, experts are recommending that you purchase a hot water bottle to help beat the heat. No, they’ve not lost their minds - a frozen hot water can offer chilly relief against the July heatwave.

Considering stock levels are waning for the best fans and portable air conditioners, we’re all having to be a little creative when it comes to finding ways to keep ourselves cool, and experts say a frozen hot water bottle is a good way to make you feel more comfortable.

This cooling hack is as simple as it sounds. Take a hot water bottle (you can pick one up for £8 at Argos), fill it with water and then freeze it. But this hack comes with a word of warning, as hot water bottles are not designed to be frozen, you shouldn't use the same hot water bottle to heat you in the winter as the rubber may burst. Why not keep your hot water bottle for winter and treat a second as a ‘cool water bottle’ for summer?

‘Once frozen, it's wrapped in a towel or pillowcase and used as a cold pack. It can work well as a personal cooling method because you're cooling yourself rather than trying to lower the temperature of an entire room, and holding it against pulse points such as your wrists, ankles or behind your knees, or placing it near your feet while you sleep, can help you feel more comfortable,' says Rhys Powell, director of operations at WarmZilla.

'It's worth remembering, though, that it won't cool the air in your bedroom or living room. It's a way of making the person feel cooler rather than changing the temperature of the space.'

While this hack is incredibly easy to follow, you will have to check your bottle for cracks or leaks before freezing.

‘The biggest risk comes from freezing the bottle itself. Water expands as it freezes, so overfilling the bottle can place pressure on the seams and increase the risk of leaks or damage. Not every hot water bottle is designed to withstand freezing temperatures either, so it's always worth checking the manufacturer's guidance first,’ explains Max Wilson, co-founder at Pocket Storage.

‘Freezing can cause older rubber bottles to become fragile with age. In case a person decides to freeze the bottle, it is advised to use a newer bottle, which should be filled up to at least half of its capacity but not more than two-thirds to provide room for expansion. The bottle must be covered with a piece of cloth before being applied to the body surface to prevent frostbite.’

‘When using the hot water bottle, every time check if it has any cracks or signs of damage, as in this case you need to change it.’

Alternatively, here are a few more products that can be used to keep the body cool during soaring temperatures.

I’m not about to turn my nose up at a cooling method that offers fast relief. And paired with other methods such as supercharging a fan, the caveman method and investing in a reliable misting fan can all help keep the human cool.

What do you say?

During the summer months, our outdoor spaces become essential extensions of our homes. But no matter whether you have a cosy balcony, a large lawn or a smaller patio, it’s important to keep it tidy and organised. This way, you can enjoy every inch of your outdoor space without being overwhelmed by clutter.

And while it’s well worth taking tips from people with tidy outdoor spaces, sometimes being told exactly what to do isn’t the best way to maintain your garden. Instead, understanding what you shouldn’t do can help you correct bad habits and adjust your to-do list so you’re working with your outdoor space rather than against it.

So, to help you maintain a tidy and clutter-free garden, I’ve asked professional organisers what you should avoid for the most organised outdoor space you could ask for. This is what they said.

1. Use your shed as a dumping ground

As someone with a huge shed in my garden, I know just how easy it is to stash everything you don’t want on show in there. But as Shannon Murphy, Professional Organiser and Founder of Simpl Living Co explains, ‘You should never use the shed as a long-term storage unit for indecision.’ Instead, you need to take the time to declutter and organise your shed regularly.

This involves taking stock of what you have, what you no longer need, and what you can get rid of to restore order and keep on top of clutter. And as sheds often need to house smaller, loose items, Hester Van Hien, a Home Decluttering and Organising Consultant from Tidylicious, suggests, ‘Write a list – either using pen and paper or by making a note on your phone – of the items stored in your shed on it.’

The less you have in there, the more manageable it becomes, and the easier it is to effortlessly put things away in the future. But if your shed is simply too big for your needs, it could be worth downsizing from a shed to a garden wardrobe to dissuade you from using it as a dumping ground in the future. This can also open up more usable garden space for you to enjoy.

2. Keep plastic pots ‘just in case’

If you’re a green-fingered gardener who regularly buys plants from the garden centre, there’s a high chance that your outdoor space is full of plastic plant pots that you’re keeping because you don’t know if you’ll need them again. But the reality is that you don’t need them - not all of them, anyway.

Shannon explains, ‘If you never grow seedlings, these pots simply become clutter. Keep a small number if you genuinely use them, but recycle the rest.’ Thankfully, it’s very easy to recycle plastic plant pots and give them a new home instead of just sending them off to landfill.

By keeping your plastic plant pots to a minimum - say, one of each size - you can stop them from cluttering up your outdoor space. But if you really want to keep hold of more, you might want to consider buying a potting bench so that you can clearly distinguish your gardening area from your entertaining or relaxing area.

3. Let garden waste build up

The easiest way to clutter up your outdoor space is to fill it with rubbish - quite literally. And if you have leftover plant clippings, rubble from your latest DIY project or even old garden toys lying around, take this as your sign to get rid of it as soon as possible.

This is especially important, as a tidy garden is also a mind game. And if you already have a pile of garden waste in the corner of your garden, you’re more likely to continue piling it up and make your garden look even worse. That’s why Shannon says, ‘Regularly clearing waste keeps gardens looking aesthetically pleasing and easier to maintain.’

Keeping floor space clear is also one of the best ways to make a small garden look bigger, so it’s well worth understanding the new garden waste recycling rules to understand what can and can’t be put in your household garden waste bin. However, you should also compost at home and take a trip to the tip if needed.

4. Have multiples of the same item

An outdoor area often has to serve various purposes at the same time. Because of this, they also require many essential items, such as garden furniture cushions and garden tools. But having multiples of the same item is one of the bad habits professional organisers want you to avoid.

It’s easy to accumulate new items over the years, with many of us stocking up on garden decor simply because we like it and fancy new tools just because they offer something your old tools don’t. However, the reality is that you probably don’t need many of these things - and they’re cluttering up your outdoor space as a result.

These duplicate items are things a small garden doesn’t need, and large gardens can struggle under the weight of these extras too. That’s why Shannon suggests, ‘Keep the one you naturally reach for and let the duplicates go.’ And this applies to everything in your outdoor space.

5. Buy items without knowing where they'll go

Outdoor spaces are always evolving, but professional organisers want you to avoid buying items without knowing where they will go. Kate Dufton, Professional Organiser and Declutter at Ace Your Space, warns, ‘We can all be guilty of popping to the garden centre at the first sign of sun and getting carried away.’

She adds, ‘This often results in lots of new flowers, shrubs and other garden items, but with no plan of where they will go, which can be a costly mistake.’ This can also make a garden look messy, overfull, and unorganised. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t buy anything new at all.

You just need to be tactical about what you buy, and the one-in-one-out rule could help here, as with each new purchase, you have to get rid of something else to avoid a buildup of clutter. Hester agrees, saying, ‘I think it’s better to donate unwanted gifts to charity for someone else to love than for those items to gather dust in your home or dirt in your garden.’

So, give your garden some organisation love this summer!

On 1 July, the energy price cap went up by 13%. That means that if you aren't on a fixed tariff and are instead on your supplier's standard variable tariff, the price you pay for your energy has gone up.

While you might have already tried a few ways to save energy at home, there's only so much you can do when it comes to those appliances that you have little choice but to use. And in a heatwave, that very well be a portable air conditioner.

But how much more are you actually paying to run a portable AC in this heatwave compare to the heatwaves in May and June? I've broken down it down below for portable air conditioners and other most commonly used appliances. You can also use our new calculator below to see how much any of your appliances are costing you. All you need to know is the wattage.

Portable air conditioner: this is based on a portable AC that uses 1350W in cooling mode. Washing machine: this is based on a machine using 1.13kWh on a standard cotton 60° cycle. Dishwasher: this is based on slimline integrated model that uses 1.12kWh per quick and shine 60° cycle. Tumble dryer: this is based on an 8kg capacity, B-rated condenser tumble dryer, using 4.75kWh per full load on the standard cotton drying programme. Oven: this is based on an example 0.8kW oven. Air fryer: this is based on a 1500W basket air fryer.

To check your specific appliances that may have different wattages to those mentioned in the table above, you can use our brand new tool below.

Simply pop in the wattage of your appliance, tick whether that it's kilowatts or Watts, and if you don't know how much you pay for your energy, our tool will use the current July 2026 price cap figure. If you want to see what you were paying before the price cap increase, simply put in the figure 0.2467 when asked how much you pay for your energy. This is the price (in pounds) for a unit of electricity under the April 2026 price cap which ended on 30 June 2026.

While an extra couple of pence might not seem like a lot, add together the increase of all the appliances you use in your home, and consider how often you use them and how long for and it'll soon tot up.

And so if you're shocked by how much more you are paying now that the new price cap is in effect, there are things you can do to bring the cost down. Firstly, you could look into switching to a fixed price tariff that would reduce how much you pay for the energy you use, and protect you from further price rises for the duration of the fix (usually 12, 18 or 24 months). Use a price comparison website, like our sister brand Go.Compare, Compare the Market or Uswitch.

If you've already done that, or you can't find a suitable deal, then reducing how much energy your appliances consume is another way to lower your bills. I've tried multiple tricks so far this year to reduce my energy consumption, from not using my tumble dryer for a month, switching to a cooler washing machine cycle, or opting for a much more energy-efficient dishwasher mode.

Keeping an eye out for vampire appliances that waste energy and turning them off at the wall is another way to reduce your home's energy consumption, and as a result, your bills.

As we experience the third heatwave of the year, seeing temperatures exceed 30°C across much of the UK for days on end, it's no wonder that portable air conditioners have sold out left, right and centre. And summer isn't over yet, which means we could see more heatwaves hit before autumn rolls around.

If you've not managed to get your hands on one of the best portable air conditioners, but do have one of the best fans going, then now is the time to supercharge your fan's cooling capacity to get the most comfort you can from it.

But where do you start? I spoke to the fan experts to find out.

1. Be tactical about fan placement

To give your fan's cooling power a boost, strategic fan placement is crucial, especially if you want to create a wind chill effect.

'Effective indoor cooling is often less about turning fans up to maximum power and more about improving airflow circulation and creating a fresher, more balanced ventilation environment,' explains Olivia Xu, Chief of Marketing at DREO.

While at the hottest parts of the day, you'll want to have the fan positioned near to you so it can help cool you down, but when it's cooler, tactical placement will help you turbo-charge your home's ventilation.

'To get more out of a standard fan, position it near an open window to draw in cooler air from outside and push the warmer air out,' says Olivia. 'Better still, if you have windows on opposite sides of a room or home, open them both to create cross-ventilation. This encourages a natural airflow path that pulls cooler air through while pushing the heat out.'

Just make sure you avoid the places you shouldn't put a fan, so you're not inadvertently making your home warmer.

2. Turn your fan on before you get hot

After cooling down a bit overnight, your home might feel perfectly pleasant to be in during the morning without the help of a fan. But this could mean you're missing a trick to keep your home cooler later on.

'Fans work best as a preventative cooling method rather than a reactive one,' continues Olivia. 'If you wait until you already feel overheated, your body temperature has already risen, making it harder to cool down quickly.

'Instead, turn your fan on early to maintain a steady airflow and prevent heat from building up in the first place.

'During hot evenings, balanced cooling and consistent airflow also tend to create a more comfortable environment for rest compared with constantly switching between overheating and aggressive cooling.'

3. Combine fan use with other body-cooling methods

Sometimes a fan can only do so much. But if you combine a fan with other methods of cooling your body down, you can trick your body into thinking your fan is much more effective. Olivia explains: 'On particularly hot days, don't forget about your body temperature too - simple steps like cooling your wrists, neck and ankles can help regulate heat more quickly.'

4. Keep track of the temperature inside and out

One of the biggest fan mistakes people make is not paying attention to air flow. And in a heatwave, to get this right, you need to understand the temperature both in and outside of your home. If you don't have one, it's worth investing in a digital thermometer, like this one from Amazon, for accurate measurements.

When it's cooler outside than it is inside, that's the time to open your windows, get some cross ventilation going, and use your fan to draw in some of that cooler air. But when it's cooler inside when it is outside, you should do your best to keep the heat out. 'Keep blinds closed during the hottest part of the day, then open your windows as the evening cools and use a fan to help draw fresh air through your home,' explains Guy Fridja, founder of AirCraft Home.

DREO's Olivia continues: 'Once sunlight enters a room, it quickly heats surfaces like walls, floors and furniture, which then continue to radiate heat long after the sun has moved. Over the course of the day, this gradual build-up can make indoor spaces feel increasingly warm, even before peak afternoon hours.

'To help manage this, it is important to limit direct sunlight entering living spaces during the brightest hours of the day.

'In addition, by blocking out direct sunlight before it has a chance to settle, you're essentially preventing your space from storing heat in the first place. This helps keep indoor temperatures more stable throughout the day and reduces the workload on cooling devices, making them far more effective when you do need them.'

5. Turbocharge your fan with ice

If you're fan feels like it's just blowing hot air at you, then it's time to pull out the big guns. Ice.

And there's a reason this fan ice hack is so popular on social media. As the ice melts and evaporates in front of the fan, the cool vapour gets blown around the room, making the air feel much fresher, and you much cooler. In fact it's very similar to how air coolers and misting fans work.

Whether you put a bowl of ice in front of your fan, freeze water in bottles, or use one of these fan attachments, you'll definitely be grateful for it in a heatwave!

If you've been debating whether air coolers are actually any good in these heatwaves, I may have found the best real-life test. My gym has never had air conditioning, but even during the sweatiest workouts, it's surprisingly comfortable, thanks to one large air cooler.

With many of the best air conditioners (and the not-so-good) and even the best fans selling out during the latest heatwaves, it's becoming increasingly hard to get hold of any unit, let alone a good one. If that's left you wondering what an air cooler actually is, my gym has convinced me they're far more effective than many people realise.

Here's why it actually worked to keep us all cool while working out.

My gym is based in an old warehouse where windows can't be opened, so a traditional portable air conditioner unit isn't an option, as there's nowhere for the hot air to vent out. Instead, a big old air cooler blasts a refreshing stream of air across the studio.

As someone who's tested plenty of cooling appliances for Ideal Home over the years, when I first locked eyes on the air cooler in my gym, I was curious to see it in action in such a sweatbox. Because let's be honest, a studio full of people exercising is hardly an easy place to keep cool because there's constant movement, body heat and very little chance for the room to cool down naturally.

However, this bad boy is managing to take the edge off. And my thinking is if it can make a noticeable difference in a room packed with people working up a sweat, I'd say that's pretty solid evidence that a smaller air cooler is more than capable of keeping a typical UK room feeling comfortable.

Ok, so it doesn't create the icy blast you'd expect from air conditioning, but that's not really the point. Instead, it gives off a cooling breeze and standing in front of it between sets gave instant relief.

Unlike a fan that simply circulates warm air around, it draws air through water-soaked cooling pads before blowing it back out for a cooler, fresher feel, with the option to slot ice packs into the unit for an extra chill factor. And while a portable air conditioner is designed to lower the temperature of an entire room, an air cooler provides more targeted cooling, which I feel is a good halfway house if air conditioning just isn't an option.

Shop in-stock air coolers

Saying that, it won't make a huge space like my gym feel ice-cold the way a fitted AC unit or a portable air conditioner does, but it's definitely been helping me feel cooler by creating a slightly less stuffy environment, which is not to be sniffed at. And after a few sweaty sessions lately, I think it's doing pretty well.

The unit, of course, is far larger than anything you'd buy for your own home. But that's also why I think a smaller air cooler makes a lot of sense. If one industrial-style model can provide cooling relief in a packed studio, a smaller unit should provide some cooling relief for you in your living room, bedroom or home office.

From seeing this one in action, I'd happily recommend an air cooler as an affordable way to stay cool this summer, especially since there are still quite a few in stock! Stay cool out there.

As Ideal Home’s resident decluttering obsessive, I regularly take inspiration from professional organisers and experts to tidy and organise my own home. Recently, however, I’ve found myself in somewhat of a decluttering slump and enlisted Marie Kondo's help to understand where I was going wrong.

From her iconic KonMari folding method to her foolproof kitchen organising trick, the Japanese organising consultant, author and Netflix star has certainly made her mark in the decluttering and organising world. And Marie Kondo’s KonMari method of organising has had millions asking if their belongings ‘spark joy.’

But when I sat down with Marie Kondo recently, I wanted to focus on what I shouldn't be doing when tidying my home. Her response? I was making the same mistake she sees so many others make: focusing too much on storage and not enough on the items I’m storing.

Speaking exclusively to Ideal Home, Marie Kondo explained, ‘I feel that one of the most common mistakes people make when trying to tidy their homes is thinking about storage before deciding what to keep. Of course, storage is an important step in the tidying process, but storage alone cannot solve the problem.’

And while I’m a sucker for handy storage solutions, such as the best storage baskets, what she says makes sense when you think about it. After all, simply storing (or even hiding) things away doesn’t allow us the chance to edit and declutter our belongings - which is particularly essential in smaller homes with limited space and storage.

This means we’re constantly adding more to our homes, leading to clutter blindness and a constant battle to stay on top of the mess. Thankfully, Marie says that there’s a quick and easy solution to this.

‘Before thinking about storage, it is essential to first decide what to keep,’ she advises. ‘Choose only the items that spark joy for you, and let go of the rest. By doing so, the true volume of what you need naturally becomes clear.’

The organising guru says this should also help to prevent unnecessary purchases that strain our wallets and our homes, and that having a clearer understanding of what we have left should allow us to choose storage that works with our homes rather than against them.

However, my chat with Marie didn’t end there. She also shared some other tips for maintaining a tidy and organised home.

Marie Kondo’s tips for an organised home

1. Reassess how you feel when you come home

A recurring theme in Marie Kondo’s teachings is that your home should evoke feelings of serenity and calm. If it doesn’t, it’s a sign that something isn’t quite right. This is why you should always reassess how you feel when you come home at the end of the day - especially if you feel emotionally heavy.

Marie explains, ‘For example, you come home, but for some reason, you don’t feel a sense of relief. You find yourself spending more time looking for things. You open your closet and, even though it is full of clothes, nothing feels quite right, and you feel like you have nothing you truly want to wear.’

Of course, it can be difficult to declutter when you’re overwhelmed, but taking steps to get rid of items that no longer serve you or your home can make a huge difference.

2. Plan a ‘tidying festival’

There are so many decluttering methods out there, but Marie is a huge proponent of a ‘tidying festival.’ She calls this a ‘dedicated period of time to review all of your belongings, choose what you want to keep, and decide where everything belongs.’

The idea here is to keep only the items that spark joy and always make sure you give the items you’re keeping a designated, permanent home so they can be returned after each use. This should prevent clutter from building up on surfaces that you’d typically like to remain clear.

However, Marie does appreciate that this can be difficult. So, she advises, ‘Imagine your ideal lifestyle before you begin. Ask yourself: “What kind of space do I want to live in, and how do I want to feel there?” Once you understand your purpose and your goal, the way you experience the process changes completely.’

3. Tidy by category

Tidying a home can feel like a never-ending task, and many people choose to do it room by room. However, Marie Kondo’s KonMari method recommends tidying your home by category instead.

She explains, ‘The ideal order is clothes, books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and sentimental items. That said, I understand that not everyone has the time to tidy an entire category at once. For those people, I recommend starting with a “small category.”’

For Marie, it’s all about small changes that add up to make a big difference, as something as simple as organising your sock drawer can take away the stress you often feel in the morning when you’re getting ready. It may also encourage you to continue these small steps until you’ve tidied your entire home.

4. Store items upright if you can

Whether you want to organise your clothes drawers or finally tackle your junk drawer, Marie suggests storing your items upright whenever possible. This will allow you to clearly see what you’re looking at and take stock of what you have so you don’t accidentally buy more.

She also adds, ‘For example, with clothing, if you don’t have enough space to hang everything in your closet, try folding your clothes and storing them upright in drawers. Not only does this allow you to make full use of the height of the drawer, but it also lets you see exactly what you have and where everything is.’

If you need help keeping these upright items tidy, Marie also recommends using dividers or small boxes to organise them into smaller categories. For example, socks with socks, pens with pens, etc.

Editor-approved organising tools

I’m definitely going to use Marie Kondo’s tips moving forward, and these are the products I recommend as an Ideal Home Editor to help those doing the same.

Will you be using any of Marie's tidying tips?

As we're experiencing the third heatwave of the year (so far), it's no wonder that appliances to help keep us cool and comfortable are selling like hot cakes.

While the best portable air conditioners are selling out left, right and centre, I have heard from industry insiders that more stock of Meaco's Cirro range of portable air conditioners will be available at the likes of Currys, AO and John Lewis over the next couple of days.

And with the range starting from £500+ it's helpful to know whether it's going to suit your home before you buy. Fortunately, I've managed to get my hands on one and have been testing it in my home over the last few days. This is how it fared.

In a nutshell

Launched back in June 2026, the Cirro range of portable air conditioners from Meaco includes six smart models across 12,000, 14,000 and 16,000 BTU sizes, in either cooling only or cooling and heating models. A huge draw of this particular range is that it operates at just 45dB, which is twice as quiet as Meaco's previous range of portable air conditioners.

The recent heatwaves have meant that suppliers have seen unprecedented demand for these products, so if you see them in stock, it's best to act quickly because they are definitely worth the money.

Portable air conditioners have, historically, built up a bit of a reputation for being obnoxiously loud, but in the case of the Cirro range, it's noticeably quieter than its predecessors. It even has a super-quiet mode that is ideal if you want to use it to cool your bedroom at night. It's not whisper quiet though, so if you are a light sleeper, you might want to get some ear plugs.

But from a cooling perspective, it's hard to fault the Cirro's capability. It cools quickly and effectively, taking rooms from stifling to comfortable in minutes. But the cooling mode is definitely the star of the show. While it also offers a dehumidifier and fan only mode, you might find that it's a bit of a compromise compared to dedicated fans or dehumidifiers.

Specification

• Cooling capacity (BTU): 12,000BTU
• Recommended room size: 20-30m2
• Noise levels in cooling mode: 58-62dB
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 43 x 72.2 x 35.8cm
• Weight: 28.45kg
• Wattage: 1350W in cooling mode
• Functions: Air conditioner, fan, dehumidifier
• Other features: App control, sleep mode
• Window kit included: Yes

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

When it comes to any portable air conditioner, it's best to have two people on hand to get it set up thanks to their heavy weight and bulky dimensions and the Meaco Cirro is no exception.

Initially, I was concerned that the wrong model had been sent through as the packaging states that it's the MeacoCool Pro, but fortunately there are notes on the website that confirm that regardless of what the packaging says, it's the Cirro model inside.

It arrived well packaged with industrial strength plastic straps wrapped around it that made it easier for me to manoeuvre it into my living room to unpack it. While I could do most the unpacking single handedly (the accessories sit at the top of the box, and then once the plastic straps are cut, you can slide the sides of the box over the top of the appliance, so it's just left sitting in the polystyrene and cardboard base).

I found I definitely needed some help to remove it from the final bit of packaging around the base. Once it was out though, I could move it around on its castors (this is really easy on hard floors, but a little more difficult on carpet or rugs). There was also no way I'd get it up the stairs by myself, so if you want to use it in your bedroom, definitely make sure you have some able-bodied reinforcements ready to help with the heavy lifting.

In terms of looks, as far as portable air conditioners go, the Cirro is attractive. It's got a contemporary matte exterior, which feels like it would be unobtrusive in any room scheme. It's also packed with thoughtful design details, from the easy-to-read front display for when you're not close enough to see the control panel, to the pop out cable tidy and the arrows on the duct machine adapter than ensure you fix the exhaust hose to the back of the appliance in the right way. It's also a sizeable bit of kit, so if you are using it in a smaller room, you may need to clear a bit of space. It fit well in my home office, but given the layout in my bedroom, it does feel a little more in the way. But if it cools the space down to a comfortable temperature in the height of summer, then I can deal with that.

When it comes to set up, it's relatively straightforward, although the window kit was a little fiddly to install. I don't have sash windows, so I needed to use the universal fabric one (and the Velcro) that's included.

Once the window kit is set up, the rest of the portable air con is simple. All I needed to do was attach the exhaust hose (which at 1.8m in length was plenty long enough) to the back of the unit, vent it out the window, and it was cooling ready.

What’s it like to use?

There are three ways to control the Meaco Cirro — by using the on-board control panel, the remote, or via the Meaco app. While I've had no previous trouble connecting to the app with my Sefte Pro desktop fan, I couldn't seem to get the Cirro to connect to the app. But really, it was no bother, as I was happy to use the remote control or the control panel on the unit itself instead. If I were hugely concerned about the App, I am certain that Meaco's customer service would have been able to resolve the issue.

The Cirro is pretty straightforward to use, and the display screen clearly shows which mode you are in (be it cooling, fan or dehumidifier). As the screen sits on the top of the appliance, it can be difficult to see if you're not up close, but it does show the ambient temperature (and the target temperature when in cooling mode) on the front of the unit, which I found helpful.

I found it intuitive to use the controls (and the instructions are very clear and jargon-free, which I always appreciate), but if you've never used a portable air conditioner before, make sure you read the instructions as the correct set-up will depend on the mode you are using.

But as the temperature in my home office had reached almost 28°C, despite having the window and curtains closed all morning, I knew I was all about the cooling mode.

The Cirro portable air conditioner is definitely significantly quieter in cooling mode than the very first portable air conditioner I tried that sounded like a dustbin lorry. I clocked the Cirro at a maximum of 62dB when it was in active cooling mode, dropping to 59dB in super quiet mode. It gets even quieter (around 53dB) when the room reaches the target temperature, and the compressor turns off.

Those decibels might not mean much to you on the face of it, but it's the equivalent of gentle background noise. For me, it's comparable with a fan on one of it's higher speed settings. I could hear that it was on, but it wasn't so loud that I couldn't work, watch TV or sleep with it on. For those who need silence when trying to get to sleep or when they are concentrating, some ear buds may be needed.

In terms of it's cooling power (I tested the 12,000 BTU model, which is suitable for rooms between 20-30m2), it made quick work of cooling my home office from 27.8°C to 25.6°C in just ten minutes, getting to the target temperature of around 22°C in about 25-30 minutes. Within the first minute of turning it on in cooling mode, I could leave a lovely cool breeze coming out, and I put the louvres on swing to maximise the reach. When I left the room, with the door closed, and came back 10 minutes later, it felt like walking into a supermarket during a heatwave — it was blissful, instant cooling relief. Once it reached the target temperature, the compressor turned off, which made it even quieter, and when the temperature rose again, the compressor kicked back in to keep things cool.

The Meaco Cirro also has a fan only mode, but I'd definitely say this should be considered a bonus mode rather than the primary function. The fan is fine, but after testing other fans from Meaco, including the Meaco Sefte pedestal air circulator, the fan mode on the Cirro isn't a patch on it's range of dedicated fans.

The same can be said for the dehumidifier mode. While it's a nice to have, it doesn't feel as effective as a dedicated dehumidifier. But as I'd want a portable air conditioner for it's cooling properties above all else, and live in a house that fortunately doesn't suffer with excess moisture, this wasn't too problematic for me.

Running costs

Using 1350W of power in cooling mode, the Meaco Cirro will cost roughly 35p per hour to run based on the July 2026 energy price cap.

While it's not as cheap to run as a fan, there are ways that you can ensure you are using it in the most energy efficient way. Firstly, make sure you buy a suitably powered model for the size of room you are looking to cool, and keep doors and windows shut when it's in use. Trying to keep the sun out of the room will also mean your appliance doesn't need to work as hard to cool the space down, which can mean it uses less energy.

Cleaning and maintenance

There is a little bit of maintenance required when using the Cirro portable air conditioner, which may depend on the mode you use.

In cooling mode, there's not much needed. It's a good idea to keep it as dust-free as possible, check and clean the filters regularly, and look out for a full tank symbol on the display screen after long periods of use, which means the tank needs to be emptied.

If you use it in dehumidifier mode, it will need to drain continuously, so you will need to attach the drainage tube to the corresponding port on the back and have a container ready to capture the water.

Who should buy this product?

The Meaco Cirro portable air conditioner will be ideal for those looking for a quiet and effective cooling solution. With models ranging from 12,000 to 16,000 BTU, there's something in the range to suit any size room. I tested a cooling only model, but there are models in the range that offer both heating and cooling, which is well worth trying if you want maximum value for money.

If the Cirro is out of your budget, and you are prepared to wait for stock to be replenished, then the Dreo 318S portable air conditioner is a good alternative, with similar noise levels.

Given that portable air conditioners are pretty much sold out everywhere, I think it’s fair to say that many of those reading this article will have a new shiny appliance at home, keeping them cool during the UK’s ‘third heatwave’.

The best portable air conditioners have proved their worth this summer, if sales are anything to go by (and Meaco’s bestseller has just come back into stock, FYI). These powerful cooling appliances are brilliant at making sweltering temperatures bearable, but if you don't use them the right way, they can not only be unsafe but also pose a fire risk.

As with any electrical appliance, there are a few safety concerns to be aware of when using your appliance. Here are four portable air conditioner mistakes safety experts have spotted this summer.

1. Plugging your appliance into an extension lead or overhead socket

First of all, if your air conditioner is currently plugged in via an extension cord, then you’ll need to unplug it. Portable air conditioners are powerful appliances, and extension cords are not designed for them.

‘This is one of the most dangerous mistakes you can make. Portable air conditioners draw significant power, and extension cords and multi-outlet adapters are not designed to handle that load,’ adds Anton Neike, Energy Expert and CEO at Taupia.

‘Using one can cause the cord to overheat, melt, or spark, and in the worst cases, even start a fire.’

2. Using it in a wet room or bathroom

Just as you shouldn’t use a dehumidifier in a bathroom, you definitely shouldn’t use your AC in one either. It’s quite simple. Water and electricity don’t tend to mix well.

‘One of the biggest mistakes is assuming that because an air conditioning unit is portable, it can be used anywhere in the home. Portable does not mean suitable for every room,’ says James Roberts, Director of Sanctuary Bathrooms and qualified plumber.

‘A standard portable air conditioner should not be used in any bathroom or other wet, steamy room as a quick cooling fix. Bathrooms combine water, steam, and electricity, which is why they have stricter electrical safety considerations than bedrooms or living rooms, and most portable AC units are designed for dry living spaces, not splash zones, wet floors, or heavy condensation.’

3. Leaving your air conditioner unattended

If you have errands to run this week, you’d be forgiven for wanting to return to a cool home, especially seeing as temperatures are soaring outside. But leaving your appliance unattended is another big no-no.

‘Portable air conditioners should never be left running in an empty home. Electrical cooling equipment, if poorly maintained, can overheat and cause a fire when used continuously for long periods,’ says Anton.

‘Always turn the unit off and unplug it before leaving the house. It’s also wise to check your model against any active product recalls, as shorter compressor power cords can lead to arcing and fire.’

4. Placing it too close to curtains, towels, bedding or furniture

Where you position your portable air conditioner is really important. You don’t want to block airflow, so it’s important to avoid areas of clutter or even your curtains.

‘Portable AC units need clear airflow around the vents. If the air inlet or outlet is blocked by curtains, towels, bedding, walls or furniture, the unit will be less effective and may have to work harder than it should,’ says James.

‘It should be placed on a stable, level surface with enough space around it for air to circulate properly.’

Beat the heat

While most portable air conditioners are sold out, here are a few in-stock and well-reviewed cooling appliances that can help beat the heat.

Portable air conditioners are brilliant but do need to be used safely. So, do take these four mistakes into consideration when you use yours.

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!

Meaco's brand new Cirro portable air conditioner is coming back in stock this week after unprecedented demand saw the range sell out in record time.

Despite only launching last month, the new Meaco Cirro range which includes six smart models across 12,000, 14,000 and 16,000 BTU sizes, has already sold out once, but some retailers are due to get more stock over the next few days. But with temperatures set to exceed 30°C again this week, and demand for the best portable air conditioners still high, it's going to sell out fast.

Another huge draw of this particular range is that it operates at just 45dB, which is twice as quiet as Meaco's previous range of portable air conditioners.

While Meaco's stock has sold out again, I've also spotted the Meaco Cirro range will be available at John Lewis from Tuesday 14 July.

Meaco has also announced that it's expecting fresh stock of certain models to arrive with Currys and AO (where you can currently sign up for a stock alert) from around 10 July, but that it can't be sure exactly when that new stock will be available on the retailer websites.

Once this stock is sold out, however, Meaco says it won't be replenished again until late September (for the MeacoCool and Cirro Cooling and Heating models), and 2027 for the Cirro Cooling Only models. According to a video shared on Instagram by Meaco's founder Chris Michael, despite ordering 40% more stock than in 2025, the heatwaves we've experienced in the UK so far in 2026 have seen stock fly off the shelves.

If you don't manage to get your hands on one of the last remaining portable air conditioners, a misting fan like the Dreo TurboCool Misting Fan 765S (£199.99 and in stock at Amazon) is a good halfway house between a fan and a portable air conditioner.

While smaller homes can be cosy, they can also become incredibly cluttered due to a lack of space and storage. And when you have things everywhere, small homes can look (and feel) even smaller than they are, making life incredibly stressful.

Naturally, knowing how to declutter when you’re overwhelmed is a great place to start, as you can regularly get rid of items that no longer serve you or your smaller home. But the reality is that those who live in smaller homes often still need the same amount of practical items as those who live in bigger homes - which means that organisation is key.

As Hester Van Hien, a Home Decluttering and Organising Consultant from Tidylicious, explains, ‘Without a complete overhaul or a full-on decluttering session, there are other, simpler things you can do to make a small space feel less cluttered.’ So, it’s well worth taking inspiration from the organising rules and hacks that professional organisers use for smaller homes.

1. Keep floors and surfaces clear

One of the best ways to create order in small homes with limited storage is to make the most of vertical space, as this keeps floors and surfaces clear. And Shannon Murphy, Professional Organiser and Founder of Simpl Living Co, echoes this. She says, ‘One of the simplest ways to make a small home feel bigger is to get as much off the floor as possible.’

She adds, ‘The more visible floor space there is, the larger and calmer a room naturally feels. Wall-mounted storage, floating shelves and furniture raised off the ground can all help create this effect.’ The same goes if you follow in the footsteps of people with consistently tidy worktops, as any clear area creates the illusion that a space is bigger than it is.

However, every room can benefit from clutter-free floors and surfaces, which is why it’s well worth investing in small-space-friendly storage solutions. This could be as simple as using these 60PCS Self-Adhesive Cable Clips (£9.99 at Amazon) to hide messy wires, to in-cupboard organisers and even larger pieces of furniture for storage.

2. Elevate and move your furniture

While permanent fixtures such as sofas and cabinets are necessary in any home, smaller homes need to be more strategic about the type and placement of this furniture. In fact, Kate Dufton, Professional Organiser and Declutterer at Ace Your Space, suggests opting for multi-purpose furniture to make a small home feel bigger.

‘Multi-functional furniture with storage lets you reduce the number of pieces in your home, so that your small home doesn't feel overfilled,’ she explains. But since it’s often not practical (or financially viable) to replace your furniture, Kate also suggests that elevating and moving your existing furniture can still have a huge impact.

She says, ‘You can often transform a space simply by moving the taller furniture to the far side of a room, so it gives you a clear sightline and feeling instantly more spacious.’ And if you have low-slung pieces, using furniture feet like these Adjustable Feet for Furniture (£14.99 at Amazon) can help raise furniture to make a small room look bigger.

3. Follow the one-in-one-out rule

There are so many decluttering methods out there, but those who want to make a small home look bigger could definitely benefit from using the one-in-one-out rule. This allows you to continue buying new items for your home - such as decor or household essentials - without overcrowding your limited space.

Kate explains, ‘Rather than letting clutter build up, every time you bring something new and additional into your home, you need to let something go. Set up a charity basket somewhere you pass often and that is easily accessible, so you can just drop in your unwanted items as you go.’

This should also help you save money in the long run, as you’ll become more intentional with purchases. And instead of buying something on a whim and adding clutter to your home, you’ll have to decide whether you love it enough to replace it with something else in your home. If you don’t, you probably don’t need it - and you’ll avoid adding another unwanted item to your small home.

4. Hide with intention

Modern homes and families require many ugly but practical items that can quickly clutter a small space and make it look smaller. And while you don’t need to get rid of them to make a small home look bigger, it could be worth hiding them with intention. A handy clutter bucket (or two) can help with that.

A clutter bucket is also often called a ‘drop zone’ for these necessary items that you don’t want on show. Hester explains, ‘Do you have a few bits and bobs on your kitchen counters? Pop these loose items into a bowl, and your kitchen will immediately look neater, calmer and more spacious. You can do the same for the sideboard in the hallway, where a variety of items usually collect.’

For larger, uglier items, a clutter bucket with a lid can help you hide them while keeping them nearby when you need them. However, as Kate warns, ‘The key is to regularly empty it and put everything away, or you’ll end up with lots of doom baskets instead!

Will you be trying any of these hacks in your small home?

Skirting boards have always been one of those things I never ever questioned in a house. They’re in every room you go into, so constant you don’t often register them. It was only when we finished lime plastering our 300-year-old cottage guest room with incredibly wobbly walls that we realised that skirting boards just weren’t going to be an option.

So, we went about looking for alternatives to wood or plastic that wouldn’t look out of place alongside engineered wood flooring in a cosy cottage guest bedroom.

After looking into the different options, including tile, plaster or a completely bare wall, we’ve installed a bit of a rogue choice - rope! I know it sounds awful, but it honestly looks really good.

Why do most houses use skirting boards?

Traditionally, skirting boards perform two functions. One, it allows ground floor rooms to have a moisture gap between the floor and the plaster itself and two, it hides the often ugly joint between plaster and the floor.

‘Skirting boards became popular during the 18th and 19th centuries, when they became an important part of home design,’ begins Natalia de Arteaga, an Interior Designer at Planner 5D. ‘In older houses, they were not only practical but also decorative. Their detailed and elegant designs helped make rooms look more beautiful and gave spaces better proportions.'

‘Today, skirting boards are still an important part of interior design. They create a clean transition between the floor and the wall while also protecting the lower part of the walls from bumps, scratches, and everyday wear,' she adds.

‘In many of my own homes, I think of the skirting as the 'red thread' that runs throughout a home,’ adds Interior Designer Wendy Morrison. ‘It is one of the few elements that can remain consistent from room to room, quietly connecting different spaces into a cohesive whole.’

If I’m honest, I kind of dislike the look of skirting boards in general and definitely resent the price and the effort to install them - and I don't think I'm the only one! More modern alternatives to skirting boards have seen the rise of shadow gaps, whereby a layer of plaster boards is fitted a centimetre or so off the ground and skimmed for a contemporary finish. Unfortunately, the added cost for materials and labour for this style means it is out of the picture for many, including me, and it just wouldn't be possible with the cosy aesthetic I was going for.

‘I do believe every home should respect its architectural story rather than follow trends. The finish will be much more authentic,’ continues Wendy Morrison. ‘Georgian homes often suit taller, more decorative skirting because that's how they were originally proportioned, while Victorian interiors frequently feature deeper profiles with richer detailing. In cottages, simplicity often feels more real.’

Why couldn’t we use normal skirting boards?

After removing the damp-creating concrete render from our stone walls, I replastered using an insulated lime and a fine finishing plaster. I love wibbly-wobbly cottages, so I followed the stones’ form fairly closely, only building up mass where I really needed to. The result looks soft and lived-in, but the only truly straight, flat wall in the room is a stud wall we built.

'I would say imperfection is one of the greatest luxuries in an old home,' says Wendy Morrison. 'Crooked walls, uneven floors and centuries of movement tell a story that no new build can replicate. Rather than trying to straighten every line, I prefer to work with the character, using natural materials and craftsmanship to celebrate its individuality.'

Once the engineered wood flooring was down and scribed to the wall, we really took in just how distorted any skirting would have to be to fit and even then it wouldn’t look great.

What have we used instead?

Traditionally, old workers’ cottages like ours would not have had the wall panelling that grander houses of the Jacobians and Tudors used before skirting. The lime plaster would have reached the flagstone floor, and any board would have wicked up the moisture and created damp.

While there are some fantastic design alternatives to wooden boards, including tile, wainscoting and plaster-made skirting, we liked the idea of representing the cottage’s humble origins and leaving the lime plaster going all the way to the floor.

‘Plaster skirting boards are made directly on site, so they can be shaped to fit perfectly between the wall and the floor, or even between the wall and the ceiling,’ explains Natalia de Arteaga. ‘They can also be customised with almost any profile or design, making them a great choice for traditional or historic homes.’

That being said, our flooring needs an expansion gap between the wall and the edge. Our solution to this is using a mid-sized rope. Rope is often used in conservation projects such as ours and allows for the joins between flooring and wall to be more visually appealing.

Now, bear with me. We haven’t gone for a fully nautical-themed room, completely with blue and white stripes and a porthole so it doesn’t look all that twee. In fact, I went for a deliberately fun colour - Naples Yellow by Edward Bulmer - to counter the heritage look.

Natalia adds: ‘This is one of the most affordable and creative options. Because it's flexible, it can easily follow walls that aren't perfectly straight. It also adds a warm, natural, and rustic feel to a space.’

What is the verdict now the room is complete?

While I think the rope trim looks really effective in this room, I’m not sure I’m going to continue it elsewhere in the cottage. This room was by far the most wibby-wobbly in its walls, and we’re not using engineered wood - and therefore no expansion gap - anywhere else.

‘Skirting boards may seem like a small detail, but they can completely change the look and feel of a room. Their height, thickness, material, and design all have an impact on how a space looks,’ says Natalia de Arteaga. ‘That's why it's important to choose skirting boards that fit the style of your home. When they're chosen well, they don't look like something that was added later, they feel like they belong and help tie the whole design together.’

‘I would be inclined to retain skirting where possible, even in an old cottage,’ argues Wendy Morrison. ‘The profile doesn't need to be elaborate, but I see skirting as an important architectural element that grounds a room and creates continuity throughout a home.

‘Alternative materials can work beautifully in older homes where walls and floors have settled over time, but they should always feel sympathetic to the building's character.

‘For me, the most successful period homes are those where every detail feels intentional. If you're introducing an unconventional alternative to traditional skirting, it should enhance the architecture rather than become a novelty. Natural materials tend to age more gracefully and allow the character of the building to remain the focus.’

While this look worked for my lime-plastered spare room, it has not persuaded me to give up on skirting boards completely.

Shark has a few carpet cleaners to its name, but the brand's newest release, the Shark CarpetForce Upright Carpet Cleaner EX500UK (£179.99 at Shark), definitely stands out from the crowd as it's officially their lightest model to date.

Of course, you probably don’t need me to tell you that the best carpet cleaners are big, bulky and heavy. This often makes them difficult to manoeuvre and even more difficult to store - especially in smaller homes where cupboard space is limited. And while renting a carpet cleaner is always an option, Shark has made buying one more accessible than ever.

The Shark CarpetForce Upright Carpet Cleaner is designed to be compact, lightweight, and seriously convenient, delivering full-size power in a ‘fun-size’ form that’s easy to use and store. At just £179.99, it also takes the cake as one of the cheapest carpet cleaners I’ve come across.

Coming in at just 6.9 kg, the Shark CarpetForce Upright Carpet Cleaner is officially lighter than any other full-size carpet cleaner in my guide - and it even comes with a removable wand that makes it smaller to store in tighter spaces.

In fact, my number-one-rated model, the VAX Platinum SmartWash carpet washer review, weighs 8.9kg, and the hefty Rug Doctor Deep Upright Carpet Cleaner comes in at a whopping 14.25kg. And while some of them do fold down, they are nowhere near as compact as Shark’s new model.

But while I’d initially questioned whether a lighter, smaller carpet cleaner could successfully clean carpets, Shark claims that the CarpetForce offers up to six times deeper cleaning than traditional vacuuming, using its DirtDistrupt brush roll to get deep into carpet fibres and lift, loosen, and remove all kinds of debris.

The 3.8-litre clean water tank capacity is also what you’d expect from a full-size carpet cleaner, and it’s compatible with Shark’s Deep Clean Pro Formula (£14.99 at Shark), which is specifically designed to refresh carpets and remove odours from pets or even smoke.

But if that doesn’t quite suit your carpet-cleaning needs, it’s also compatible with the Shark Deep Clean Ultra With Stain Guardian (£19.99 at Shark), which is for more targeted spot cleaning and for protecting against future staining.

And while we all know that the most annoying part of cleaning carpets is waiting for them to dry, Shark’s Express Clean Mode supposedly offers a 50% faster dry time compared to the Deep Clean Mode. This means you can get on with your day much quicker.

On paper, the Shark CarpetForce Upright Carpet Cleaner definitely has a lot of perks - most notably the sub-£200 price point. But I always like to test these claims for myself, so keep your eyes peeled for a full review coming soon.

I do already love the idea of a compact, lightweight carpet cleaner though...

With daily spills, muddy footprints and the general chaos of family life, my carpets rarely stay clean for long. So when the new VAX Platinum SmartWash XL Advanced Carpet Cleaner promised hassle-free cleaning, larger water tanks and a self-rinse function, I was keen to see whether it could give my carpets a much-needed refresh.

I tested it on everything from well-trodden carpets to sticky ice-lolly spills to see whether it could compete with the best carpet cleaners on the market. Here's what I found.

In a nutshell

The VAX Platinum SmartWash XL is a carpet cleaner that gets the essentials right. It's fair to say it had its work cut out in my busy family home, and it did an excellent job of lifting everyday dirt and reviving my tired-looking carpets. While the transformation wasn't always dramatic, I was impressed with how much better-maintained my surfaces looked after testing.

There's no denying it's a big machine, but carpet cleaners aren't exactly known for being lightweight and compact. That said, its design feels practical rather than excessive. The large water tanks meant I wasn't constantly stopping to empty or refill them, and the self-rinse storage tray is a standout feature that helped to take some of the hassle out of post-cleaning maintenance.

It also includes a hose and hand tools, allowing it to double up as a spot cleaner. I found these especially useful for tackling upholstery, stairs and targeted stains, and I even used them to clean my toddler's buggy, which came up noticeably cleaner. While I can't see it replacing my dedicated spot cleaner, I can see the appeal of having one machine to handle multiple cleaning tasks around the home.

It isn't perfect, though. Its size means it's not the easiest to lift up and down stairs or to find storage space for. I also found its performance was strongest on everyday dirt, general refreshes and fresher stains, rather than deep-set marks that had time to settle in. Even so, for keeping carpets looking clean, fresh and well-maintained, it's an impressive all-round performer.

Specifications

• Weight: 9.4kg
• Number of modes: 3
• Clean water tank capacity: 3.8L
• Dirty water tank capacity: 2.7L
• Cord length: 9m
• Dimensions: 44D x 32.6W x 109H centimetres
• In the box: 2.5m hose, 2-in-1 antimicrobial tool, (bristle attachment and rubber attachment) SpinScrub^™ hand tool, accessories bag
• RRP: £379.99

How I tested

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

The VAX Platinum SmartWash XL arrived at my doorstep in an unmistakably large, branded box. I wasn't expecting it to be lightweight, and it did have two carry handles on either side, which made lifting it easier, but it's worth noting that if you have mobility issues, you might need a hand.

Opening the box, my initial reaction was slight overwhelm at the number of components inside. Everything was securely packed and neatly organised, although most parts were wrapped individually in LDPE 4 plastic, which typically can't be recycled through normal household collections.

I've previously tested the VAX ONEPWR Cordless Compact Carpet Cleaner, and comparatively, the packaging did feel more eco-friendly, with all the parts wrapped in paper rather than cardboard.

The contents included a hose extension, 2-in-1 antimicrobial tool, (bristle attachment and rubber attachment) SpinScrub^™ hand tool, accessories bag and user manual.

Set up was really straightforward. The main unit arrives in three parts, so the first thing I did was assemble it, which took less than a minute. All I needed to do was insert the handle into the main unit - which clicked into place easily - before placing the clean water tank onto the main base.

Once assembled, it was obvious it's not a lightweight, compact machine. At 9.4kg, it falls within the typical weight range for a full-sized carpet cleaner, but its generous dimensions make it one of the largest models I've tested.

Before plugging it into power, I took a couple of minutes to properly take in the design. It takes up more floor space than I was expecting, but the size feels practical rather than excessive. The floorhead and clean and dirty water tanks are very generously sized, suggesting they're designed to tackle large cleaning jobs with few interruptions for emptying and refilling. The two large wheels on either side of the machine are also prominent features, making manoeuvring easier.

It's a corded machine, but the cord length is probably the longest I've come across at nine metres, so you don't need to worry about switching sockets mid-clean. While I wouldn't describe it as sleek or stylish (or most carpet cleaners, for that matter), its robust, purpose-built design made me optimistic that it would be up to the task of cleaning my tired-looking carpets.

Using the VAX Platinum SmartWash XL Advanced Carpet Cleaner

To get started, I removed the clean water tank and filled it with warm water up to the indicated fill line, as instructed in the manual. There is a bottle of cleaning solution included in the box, though if you fill the water tank to capacity, it will use up most of the solution. As soon as I added the solution, the water immediately turned cloudy.

I also underestimated how big the tank was until I'd filled it and noticed how much heavier it felt. That said, it was still easy to secure it back in place on the machine.

To activate the machine, you first need to press the handle release pedal located on top of the left wheel, and then press the power button at the top of the handle. This took a little getting used to, as the cleaner won't start unless the handle is reclined before the power button is turned on.

There are three cleaning modes: the default 'Wash Dry' setting for everyday cleaning, 'Spot' for tackling stubborn stains and spills, and 'Dry Only', which is designed to leave carpets dry in as little as one hour.

I started by giving my living room carpets a general refresh. While I try to keep on top of spills, because I live in a busy household, it doesn't take much for them to start looking tired. With no specific stains to target, I opted for the 'Wash Dry' mode for an overall clean.

There's no denying the machine is loud - noticeably more so than a regular vacuum - but that's fairly typical for a full-sized carpet cleaner. Using it like a vacuum, I began by making slow forward and backwards passes across the carpets. It felt much heavier than the VAX Compact Cordless, but it was still manageable to manoeuvre and smoother to push than I was expecting.

The SmartWash Motion Sense technology automatically senses whether you are pushing forward to dispense solution or pulling back to extract. As I moved the machine forward, it released the cleaning solution onto the carpet, and the LED display read 'Wash'; pulling it back switched the display to 'Dry' as it vacuumed up the residue.

While I generally try to limit the use of harsh chemicals where possible, one of the first things that struck me was how fresh my carpets smelled almost immediately. It was also incredibly satisfying (not to mention embarrassing) to see just how much was being extracted. After only a couple of passes, the carpets looked noticeably cleaner, brighter and fresher. My usually very unobservant husband even commented on how much better they looked afterwards, before I'd even pointed it out!

Despite the carpets in my toddler's nursery being the newest in the house, they were looking worse for wear after a late-night Calpol mishap. Admittedly, I didn't tackle it straight away, and the spill had become trodden in, leaving behind a sticky, dark patch that I was desperate to remove.

I sprayed the affected area with the pre-wash solution that's included in the box, and left it to soak for five minutes. I then turned the cleaner on, switched to 'Spot' mode, and made a few passes over the stain. The patch looked noticeably better almost immediately, but it was clear that a deeper clean would be needed to lift the remaining residue. Rather than continuing to soak the surrounding carpet, I decided to switch to the hose attachment for more targeted cleaning.

The hose compartment is neatly concealed behind a cover on the front of the machine, which pulls down to reveal the connection port. As I was focusing on a stubborn stain, I opted for the SpinScrub hand tool attachment. It was straightforward to attach; I connected the tool to one end of the hose and inserted the opposite end into the machine's connection port.

The 2.5m hose length felt generously long, so I was able to comfortably reach the stain without repositioning the machine. After switching on the power, I pressed the trigger on the forward stroke to release the solution. The spray pattern initially took me by surprise, as the water sprayed outward in both directions rather than directly ahead, so I had to adjust my positioning to make sure I covered the area.

As its name suggests, the SpinScrub tool rotates continuously, so I didn't have much to do other than guide it over the stain. The rotating brush helped lift more residue from the carpet, noticeably improving the appearance of the affected area. While it didn't completely remove the stain, the remaining mark was subtle enough that it would be difficult to spot unless you knew where to look.

The testing period also coincided with the recent UK heatwave, so a blackcurrant ice-pop spill on my carpets was aptly timed.

Unlike the Calpol stain, I tackled this straight away using the SpinScrub brush attachment, and the results were much more impressive. After the first pass, most of the spill had already disappeared, and I didn't need to apply any pressure or scrubbing. It also left my carpet only lightly damp.

As part of how we test carpet cleaners at Ideal Home, we carry out a number of controlled tests. One of these involves squirting tomato ketchup onto a carpet sample to assess how well the carper cleaner can remove it. For this test I left the ketchup to sit for a good hour before tackling it.

Using the SpinScrub brush attachment, I could see the solution was making a difference, although the results were not as immediate as they had been with the fresh blackcurrant stain. I needed to apply more pressure, and spend a couple of minutes scrubbing the area before most of the ketchup lifted.

The carpet sample was also noticeably wetter as a result of repeatedly spraying the area. After around four hours it was completely dry, but although it was lighter, the stain was still fairly visible. I suspect a second treatment would have improved the results further, but it did suggest that the Platinum SmartWash XL performs better when stains are treated as quickly as possible.

I was also keen to see how it tackled upholstery, so I used the 2-in-1 antimicrobial tool on my sofas, which were in need of a general refresh. It attaches via the hose in the same way as the SpinScrub tool, so all I had to do was swap over the attachment. My sofa easily shows marks as it's a light-coloured fabric, and there were a couple of visible marks I wanted to tackle.

The results genuinely surprised me. I wasn't expecting the difference to be as noticeable as it was with the SpinScrub, but the attachment glided effortlessly over the fabric. Once dry, the sofa looked fresher, brighter and generally much cleaner than before.

Finally, I used the VAX Platinum SmartWash XL to tackle a job I'd been putting off - cleaning my toddler's buggy. As well as looking generally grubby from everyday use, there were a couple of chocolate marks on it so I was keen to put it to the test here.

As I was dealing with specific stains, I initially used the SpinScrub tool. However, the buggy's awkward fabric and crevices made it difficult to extract much of the cleaning solution, so I switched to the 2-in-1 hand tool instead.

This proved to be a better option. It was much easier to manoeuvre around the buggy's different surfaces, and into tighter spaces, and it successfully removed the chocolate marks. Once dry, I was impressed with how much cleaner and fresher the fabric looked, and the buggy as a whole felt more revived.

Cleaning and maintenance

One of the features that sets the VAX Platinum SmartWash XL apart from its competitors is its self-rinse and storage tray, which flushes hair and debris from the brush roll. It's something many vacuum mops have, and I've always found it to be a genuinely practical and useful feature - especially when it comes to keeping maintenance to a minimum.

Naturally, I was keen to see how it worked on a carpet cleaner. Before running the cycle, the dirty water tank must be emptied as usual, and the clean water tank must be filled with warm water. I did get caught out at this stage, as I'd underestimated how much cleaning solution would remain in the tank, so I had to pour half of it down the drain, which felt quite wasteful.

The machine slots onto the plastic storage tray, at which point the 'self-rinse' indicator light illuminates on the LED screen. I pressed this to activate the cycle. It is incredibly loud as the rollers are rinsed and dirt and debris are flushed into the dirty water tank, and the process lasts around three minutes before the icon switches off once the cycle is complete.

Some additional manual maintenance is required to keep the Platinum SmartWash XL Advanced performing well. While the self-cleaning cycle does a good job of cleaning the system after each use, after a few cleaning sessions, I noticed a build-up of debris and dirt in the floorhead nozzle. Thankfully, cleaning it is simple - it unclips from the front of the machine and can be rinsed under warm water.

I also occasionally needed to remove bits of debris caught in the brush rolls. They detach easily enough from the floorhead, although I found refitting them slightly fiddly. The end caps need to slot in first before brushes can be aligned on either side.

How does it rate online?

The online feedback for the Platinum SmartWash XL Advanced is among the best-rated I've seen for a product review. On the VAX website, it holds an impressive five-star rating and has 24 customer reviews. Customers praise its ease of use and performance, with the majority of users impressed by the results. The self-cleaning function is also noted as an additional useful feature.

It's a similar story on Amazon; there are 17 customer reviews and a 4.9-star rating. Although many users point out its large size, it doesn't seem to be a drawback, with the majority noting how easy it is to use.

How does it compare to similar models and its predecessors?

The Platinum SmartWash XL Advanced builds on previous popular VAX models, including the VAX Platinum SmartWash and the VAX Spotwash Home Cordless – which our Ideal Home reviewers awarded 5 stars and 4.5 stars respectively. The biggest difference comes down to convenience - the Platinum SmartWash XL features larger tanks and a spot mode for boosting cleaning power when tackling stubborn stains.

It's also worth mentioning the ONEPWR Compact Cordless Carpet Cleaner - the most notable difference being that it's cordless (the UK's first cordless carpet cleaner, in fact). The ONEPWR Compact Cordless is much lighter, making it easier to manoeuvre and move between rooms, but the trade-off is that the water tanks are smaller and it lacks the self-rinse function and storage tray. In terms of performance, they deliver similar results on targeted stains, but the Platinum SmartWash XL has the edge for general refreshes.

I've previously tested the Rug Doctor Deep Upright Carpet Cleaner, which feels quite comparable in overall size, though at over 14kg, it's still heavier than the Platinum SmartWash XL. It does have the edge when it comes to performance.

Verdict: Should you buy the VAX Platinum SmartWash XL Advanced Carpet Cleaner?

If you're looking for a carpet cleaner that can revive tired-looking carpets, the VAX Platinum SmartWash XL Advanced Carpet Cleaner is a solid choice. It delivered consistently good results through testing, lifting everyday dirt and leaving carpets looking noticeably cleaner and fresher. The large-capacity tanks also make it well-suited to bigger cleaning jobs, as you won't be constantly stopping to refill or empty water.

One of its biggest selling points is its versatility. The included hose and hand tools mean it can tackle upholstery, stairs and spot-cleaning jobs as well as whole-room carpet cleans. While I still prefer using a dedicated spot cleaner for stubborn stains, if you're looking to invest in a single appliance that handles a range of cleaning tasks, the Platinum SmartWash XL makes a strong case.

For homes with limited storage space or for anyone with mobility issues, a more compact, lightweight option might be better suited. It's a sizeable machine, and carrying it between floors can be a bit of a workout. There are also more effective carpet cleaners if you need something to tackle deeper stains.

Overall, its strengths lie in routine carpet maintenance and larger-scale refreshes, rather than intensive stain removal. If that's what you're looking for, the Platinum SmartWash XL offers plenty of useful features and delivers impressive results.

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?

Shoes are the biggest contributors to clutter in every home, and they tend to pile up in a messy heap in the most inconvenient spots. This is even worse when space is limited, and it can be a major source of stress for those who want to maintain a tidy hallway… or just want to stop having nightmares about shoes every day.

That’s why it’s well worth looking towards our Swedish space-saving saviours for handy IKEA shoe storage hacks, and I’ve found one that turns even the smallest of nooks into a useable space for a whopping 20 shoes. In fact, as soon as I spotted Ali from @shemadehome turn a tiny space in her hallway into the ultimate shoe storage area, I knew she was onto a winner.

Not only is this IKEA shoe storage hack extremely practical, but Ali managed to create that built-in look on an incredible budget of under £85. This is how she did it.

Like many looking for shoe storage ideas for small spaces, Ali was inspired to bring this IKEA shoe storage hack to life when the jumble of shoes in her family home had become too much.

She told me, ‘As a family of five, we have a lot of shoes. We wanted to maximise this dead space in our porch, and found that the Ikea BISSA units fit perfectly.’

And while these BISSA units are already marketed as shoe storage thanks to the different pull-out compartments, Ali wanted to take her hack one step further. So, she bought two different sizes - the smaller BISSA Shoe cabinet with 2 compartments (£30 at IKEA), and the slightly larger BISSA Shoe cabinet with 3 compartments (£45 at IKEA).

She then stacked the smaller cabinet on top of the larger one, attached them to the wall to prevent toppling, and added some decorative trim to enhance the built-in look. This cost her just a few pounds from Wickes.

To finish it off, she colour-drenched the units in the same colour as the rest of her hallway - Little Greene’s Clay Mid Paint, which starts at just £5 depending on the pot size. And as you can imagine, Ali was over the moon with the result, especially as she turned what was previously dead space into a stylish shoe storage solution for up to 20 pairs of shoes.

She told me, ‘The result is a huge amount of shoe storage, on a shoestring budget, that looks incredible too.’ However, she’s not the only one who has turned to IKEA’s BISSA units for an organised hallway.

Ideal Home’s Editorial Assistant, Maddie, recently moved in with her boyfriend and raved about her IKEA Bissa shoe storage too. And while she didn’t add trim or paint it like Ali, it still totally transformed her hallway - and she hasn’t had to deal with shoe clutter since.

But if IKEA hacks aren’t quite your style, it’s still possible to buy ready-made shoe storage for smaller spaces. These are my picks as an Ideal Home Editor.

You just can't go wrong with an IKEA hack!

Since the last heatwave proved that my home really struggled to keep heat out, I’m currently putting cooling measures in place already for the next one. One of the biggest investments I'm planning to make is a new cooling appliance, and Ideal Home’s resident air conditioning expert recommended the DREO TurboCool Misting Fan (£199.99, Amazon) as one of her preferred ways to keep cool when the mercury spikes.

Right now, the best portable air conditioners and some of the best fans are sold out everywhere. And with manufacturers stating that stock may not be replenished until later this month, I’m looking for high-quality cooling appliances that are still in stock for next week’s high temperatures.

The DREO TurboCool Misting Fan is not only recommended by Ideal Home’s cooling expert Sarah Handley, but it also has over 100 positive reviews online. Here’s everything you need to know.

If you’ve struggled to find a portable AC in stock, a misting fan is a pretty good alternative. These release a fine mist of water, which makes you feel instantly cool and refreshed. You can snap up handheld models (like this rechargeable Amazon bestseller), which are a lifesaver on sweaty commutes, while larger models use evaporative cooling to cool a room.

Misting fans work by spreading a steady stream of air alongside the ultra-fine spray, which evaporates in the warm air, cooling it in the process. As the droplets are so fine, you don’t have to worry about you or your home feeling wet.

This DREO model uses ultrasonic atomization to produce 17μm ultra-fine mist. This means it delivers practically moisture-free cooling, but unlike a typical fan, which blows around warm air, it will feel cool. DREO claims this fan can reduce perceived temperature by six degrees in just one minute.

It has a 6L tank to enable up to seven hours of turbo cooling, or 30 hours on a low speed. The DREO TurboCool Misting Fan actually offers three-in-one functions, integrating cooling, a fan and humidifying.

‘This Dreo TurboCool 765S misting fan easily bridges the gap between a fan and a portable air conditioner, creates a lovely cooling breeze and won't leave your furniture soggy,’ says Sarah.

Sarah’s currently in the process of testing it, so you can expect a full review soon. However, the DREO misting fan’s online reviews have been equally positive.

‘This is one amazing product! Really quiet, dry water vapour, it gets the job done. I've got a 4m x 8m bedroom, and it keeps the room nice and cool. The water tank is a good size and doesn't need constant topping up. I keep it on a low setting,’ says one.

‘I'm giving this 5 stars because, although it was a little expensive (the price fluctuates regularly) it does what it's designed to do. However, be aware that if your air is already quite humid, like it can get sometimes in the UK, then if you use misting, which adds more moisture into the air, then it can start to feel quite tropical. The instructions describe when not to use the misting, and the display shows how humid the air is currently. Basically, it's not an air con, but it is a good fan, and the product quality is good,’ says another.

Amazon is currently saying that the DREO TurboCool Misting Fan is usually dispatched within two to three days, so in the meantime, you can turn your current fan into a makeshift air conditioner using a bowl of ice or Amazon’s clever misting attachment. Alternatively, here are a few more cooling appliances I’ve found in stock and online.

If you’re still scrambling to find a good fan in stock, we have tried and vouch for the DREO TurboCool Misting fan

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.

I recently undertook my very first upholstery project - creating a bespoke headboard and upholstering it from scratch, and it's safe to say it's given me the bug.

So, I decided a footstool for my living room was the next DIY project on the agenda. I've long admired upholstered footstools, mainly in designer fabrics, but with prices starting from £500 and going up to £1000, I knew that trying it myself was the only option.

After watching countless DIY tutorials on YouTube, I decided to buy a worse-for-wear £20 footstool from Facebook Marketplace to use as the base for my project. I sourced everything else needed secondhand apart from the tools, which ended up costing me around £100. Here's how I did it, and what I learned.

What you'll need

• Staple gun & 10mm staples (Amazon)
• Air compressor (Amazon) (optional)
• Ruler (Amazon)
• Upholstery foam (Dunelm)
• Polyester wadding (Amazon)
• Piping cord (Amazon)
• Sewing machine (John Lewis)
• Flexible metal tack strips (Amazon)
• Pliers (Amazon)
• Staple remover (Amazon)
• Cardboard back tacking (Amazon)
• Spray adhesive (Amazon)
• 2m fabric of your choice (I got mine on Vinted)

1. Strip the footstool

I found this footstool on Facebook Marketplace, and aside from the unappealing brown colour, it was also stained, so it had to be fully ripped apart.

I started by unpicking the staples and peeling back the layers of fabric, foam and wadding underneath. I will warn you - this was a long part of the process, so leave plenty of time to fully take it apart. I was tempted to cut corners, but I knew the result would be better by fully unpicking all the staples.

The staple remover was essential for this part. You can pick one up from Amazon for around £5, it's worth it for how much it will save your nails.

At this stage, I also removed the feet and left them aside for later.

2. Adhere the foam and poly wadding

Once the footstool was stripped back to the wooden base and hessian top, it was time to add my own foam and polyester wadding. You can buy these from upholstery wholesalers online and high street stores like Dunelm, but I found a bundle of each on Facebook Marketplace for around £10 each.

Using spray adhesive, I glued the base and the foam top then pushed down to adhere the foam to the base. I then cut the excess foam off using a sharp knife so that it fit the size of the base perfectly.

Polyester wadding is then used to create the soft edges that you see on footstools. I simply laid this over the foam top then used my staple gun to staple beneath the top section, to create the shape. I then stapled along the very bottom of the wadding and base.

3. Attach the top fabric panel

Now for the fun part! I used Linwood's beautiful Helter Skelter fabric for my footstool. I found around 1.5m of this on Vinted for £13, which was an absolute bargain and covered most of the footstool. The rest I sourced directly from Linwood. 2m overall should be enough - but you may need more if you have an intricate pattern that requires matching.

I laid this over the footstool, making sure to position the pattern evenly. I then used the staple gun to tack it in place on either side, before repositioning and stapling all along the edge to secure.

You will need to pull the fabric tightly, but make sure that you are checking how the pattern looks each time you do this.

4. Create the piping

After trimming the excess fabric away, I set to work on creating the piping. I cut out 4 x 2.5 inch strips which I measured along the edges of the footstool.

Placing a length of piping cord within each of these 2.5 inch strips, I then sewed along the edge to secure the cord with a sewing machine.

It was then a case of attaching this piping to the footstool. I positioned it piping side-up, as shown above, making sure to cover the raw edge of the top fabric. I then stapled it down.

5. Attach the side panels

The side panels were the trickiest part. Matching the squiggle detail of Helter Skelter meant carefully lining up the fabric before cutting each panel, and then folding over and pinning in place.

This is the fiddly part - using the cardboard tacking strip, place this within the folded down edge and staple along, as close to the piping as possible. This prevents there from being any gaps between the piping and the side panels.

Keep checking that the pattern matches as you staple along, adjusting as you go.

6. Secure the sides

When I unpicked the footstool in step 1, there were these metal tacking strips in each corner, so I decided to reuse them.

When creating the seams between each corner, you staple down the right side of the tacking strip which sits on top of one piece of fabric. After trimming the opposite side, you then fold this over the left of the tacking strip and hammer down (make sure to hammer over a towel).

This creates a super neat seam on the corner and means you don't need to handsew it closed.

7. Attach the base & feet

The final step is to attach the backing fabric and screw on the feet. I bought this roll of black upholstery backing from Amazon which I cut to size, then stapled along the edges of the base.

I pierced a hole using scissors in the same place that the original foot-hole was, then hammered in the back plate and screws. It was then a case of simply screwing the wooden feet back in.

The finished product

And voila! Is it a little rough around the edges if you look closely? Sure. But for the sake of saving £500, if not more, I am thrilled with the result.

It feels super plush and comfortable to rest your feet on, but looks equally as chic styled up with my Addison Ross tray.

It goes to show that it's entirely possible to create something that looks shiny and new using only secondhand resources. I didn't include my tools in this cost as I already owned them, but you can buy a staple gun for around £20 from B&Q, or head to your local Library of Things to borrow one.

Shop the project

There are so many resources online to learn the skill of upholstery - I particularly loved Pucci Upholstery on Instagram and picked this project up by following her videos.

Having just escaped the sweaty embrace of one heatwave, already another is on the horizon, which is why I’m using this week to ensure I have all the cooling solutions I need in place. And Aldi's new portable cooling range is making this so easy.

I’m sure you’re probably already well aware that the best portable air conditioners and some of the best fans have pretty much sold out everywhere, with many brands not restocking until later this month.

While there are still air coolers available on Amazon, what attracted me to Aldi’s range is the incredibly affordable prices and small but mighty nature. Perfect for home working, spaces and taking on the go, here’s everything you need to know about Aldi’s new cooling range.

As someone who is both short on space (I have a small, one-bed flat) and works from home a lot, let me tell you the past heatwave was genuinely horrific. It reached 36 degrees inside, making both working and sleeping a near-impossible task.

My singular tower fan sadly wasn’t up to the job of keeping me cool, which is why I’ve vowed to buy an air conditioner as soon as they come back into stock. In the meantime, I’m torn between buying Aldi’s £14.99 Air Cooler and the XTTANK Portable Air Conditioner (£56.55, Amazon) to keep me cool.

As I’m not blessed with space, bulky appliances and tall pedestal fans are a bit of an inconvenience. Yet, Aldi’s air cooler is compact enough to sit on my desk. Available in three different blue colourways, it is compact and stylish, and most importantly, won’t take up loads of space.

The air cooler has three speed levels and built-in LED motion and colour-changing modes. It has a removable water tank and can be used both indoors and outdoors. For the same reason, we love the Shark HydroGo Misting Fan (it’s portable); this air cooler is great for taking on the go, whether that’s relaxing on your patio, taking to a BBQ or even on a camping trip.

Also up for grabs is the Globe Fan with Multi-direction (£39.99), which is very similar to the Meaco 1056 Desk Fan (£100, Argos). This Aldi fan has three modes: natural wind, sleep and drying mode, 10 speed settings, and claims to circulate a cold breeze throughout your entire room. You can also set it to a timer for up to eight hours. While the Meaco fan has almost 500 glowing reviews, it is currently out of stock - so it might be a good idea to test out Aldi’s desk fan.

Alternatively, here are a few more well-rated, in-stock cooling products to buy before the heat hits again.

If heatwaves past are continuing to haunt your memory, Aldi’s affordable cooling range could be exactly what you need to prepare you for the next one.

As a small home dweller with very little built-in storage, I know firsthand just how difficult it can be to live in a cosier space with a lot of stuff. And no matter how hard I try to keep things tidy, it always looks cluttered. I know I’m not alone in this struggle, either, which is why I wanted to call on the professionals to help.

Over the years, I’ve started investing in clever clutter busters for a tidier home, but I still know I’m a long way from professional-level organisation. And when I asked three professional declutterers and organisers where other small home dwellers and I were going wrong, they all said the same thing: we’re not taking advantage of our vertical space.

As Shannon Murphy, Professional Organiser and Founder of Simpl Living Co, explains, ‘When storage is limited, the key is to make your home work harder for you while still keeping it visually calm and manageable.’ So, this is how to make the most of vertical space in smaller houses, so you can maintain a tidy, organised home.

1. Add shelves to the walls

In small homes, walls are often the biggest (and clearest) areas of the house. So, making use of this vertical space is a no-brainer - and shelves can help you do that. Especially as they increase storage without encroaching on usable floor space.

The beauty of shelves is that they can also be used in any room of the house, no matter whether you want to maintain a tidy bedroom or a tidy bathroom. Hester Van Hien, a Home Decluttering and Organising Consultant from Tidylicious, says, ‘A shelf above the bathroom door could store toilet paper, cleaning products and other bathroom-related items.’

She adds, ‘Shelves installed about 30cm from the ceiling can be great for storing books, saving you the need for a bookcase, which takes up floor space. One of my neighbours stored all her books in this way in her hallway, and I very much liked how it became a feature, really adding character to her entrance.’

Of course, it’s always advisable to use the best decluttering methods to have a clear-out before you add anything to your shelves, so you don’t fill them with items that you no longer want or need. And if you don’t like seeing these items on your walls, you can use decorative storage baskets and boxes for a cleaner look.

2. Make the most of doors

Many people ignore their doors, but the pros say that doors are invaluable in small homes. In fact, Kate Dufton, Professional Organiser and Declutter at Ace Your Space, told me, ‘I’m always surprised at how many people don’t utilise the back of their doors; it is such an underrated space and one of my favourite quick wins.’

Again, you can utilise the door space in any room of a small house, making the most of handy (and affordable) additions such as hooks and over-the-door organisers to store towels, coats, shoes, accessories, and more. This will stop piles of clutter from taking up space on your floor, stairs, or chair of doom.

Kate says that doors are particularly handy if you want a tidy hallway, as you can ‘use hooks on the wall for coats and bags to free up floor space. Alternatively, hanging shoe storage on the back of a door also works well.’ But if you don’t want to use the actual door, Hester suggests you still use the space behind it.

She says, ‘Could you fit a narrow bookcase behind your door? I’ve attached a towel rail with moving arms behind my bedroom door. On this, I hang up the clothes that I’ve worn but can get another wear out of (worn clothes, too clean to wash).’

3. Don’t forget the inside of cupboards

Creating and maintaining order in a small home with limited storage is all about utilising that vertical space that you wouldn’t normally use, and the insides of your cupboards can work just as well as your doors. There are many ways to do this, too.

If you want to be like people with consistently tidy kitchen cupboards, it’s well worth buying additions that turn your previously unused cupboard doors into extra storage space. Hester explains, ‘On the inside of kitchen cabinets, you can attach containers to the inside of the door to store pan lids, rolls of bin bags, and cling film.’

But the cupboard itself can also be utilised further, with Kate suggesting, ‘An easy win for your kitchen is to add extra shelves in your cupboards if you only have one shelf per cupboard. This simple, low-cost solution can give you up to 30% more storage space.’

These are also low-maintenance and non-permanent additions, as you can chop and change your cupboard layouts depending on what you’re storing at the time. But if you’re able to store more in your cupboards - whether that be in your kitchen, living room or even your bedroom - there’s less visible clutter on show. So, it’ll make your entire home feel tidier.

Who said small homes with limited storage had to be cluttered?! Not us!

As Ideal Home’s House Manual Editor, it’s literally my job to test cleaning products. And as I test so many, it’s become pretty hard to impress me - let alone create a product that I’ll willingly use in my own home for months on end. But Philips did just that when they launched the Philips OneUp 5000 Series Electric Mop (£149.99 at Amazon) last year.

For years, the best mops have been fairly repetitive in terms of design and delivery. And while I wouldn’t use the word ‘old-fashioned,’ I do think the mop world needed to be shaken up. This happened when this battery-powered model thrust me into my electric mop era eight months ago.

I was impressed back then, but I’m not someone who continually recommends something without following up. So, as I’ve used this electric mop multiple times a week for the past eight months (I worked out that I’ve used it over 100 times, in fact), I thought I’d share what I love - and the things I don’t love - about this viral floorcare product.

1. The water tank drains quite quickly (but the cleaning solution lasts ages)

The main USP of the Philips OneUp Electric Mop is, unsurprisingly, the patented OneUp technology that continuously pumps clean water onto the floor while simultaneously sucking up the dirty water it leaves behind. And while the 281ml clean water tank is fairly large, I have found that it empties quite quickly.

Philips claims that one tank should be enough to cover 125 square meters, and I personally find it suitable for a quick once-over of my three-bedroom home. For deeper, weekly cleans in the winter, however, I often needed to top up the tank to clean all my hard flooring.

Despite this, a positive is that very little water is wasted during the mopping process, which is a nice change from traditional mops and buckets - especially as I’m on a water meter and extremely conscious of how much water I use.

And while I may have to fill up the tank a little more than I’d like, I love that the cleaning solution lasts ages. Philips says each cartridge offers up to 40 cleans, but I’ve found I can stretch that further by lowering the dosage for my lighter cleans. So, I’ve only just had to buy a replacement for the bottle that originally came with the electric mop.

2. The run time surprised me (in a very good way)

On paper, the Philips OneUp 5000 Electric Mop has a runtime of up to 70 minutes, depending on the setting you use (and there are two to choose from). But just like how a washing machine lies to you, I’ve found that the run time of the Philips OneUp also surprised me.

On one occasion, I managed to rack up 79 minutes of cleaning time on one charge. And while I don’t want to make false promises or suggest you’ll be able to do the same, I’ve personally thought I’d have to charge it way more than I have.

I also think the 4-hour charge time is pretty respectable, as I’ve never had an occasion when I needed to mop my floors within four hours of cleaning them the first time. I’ve also rarely had to use it for more than 15 minutes at a time, so I’ve found that I can go a couple of weeks without charging it.

The Philips OneUp 3000, which is slightly cheaper, does have a shorter battery life of 50 minutes - but even that would be enough if you’re willing to charge it more often. Just be warned that it also has one fewer power setting and takes twice as long to charge.

3. The mop head is quite sturdy (but not invincible)

I’ve tested so many mops over the years, and one thing I will tell you is that choosing a mop with the right mop head matters a lot. Some are incredibly flimsy during cleaning, which makes it harder to get into nooks, crannies and corners, and this also makes it harder to clean a mop head.

However, the mop pad of the Philips OneUp 5000 is sturdy and solid - though, I guess it has to be to encase the components required of the OneUp technology. And because the mop pads are reusable, I haven’t noticed any reduction in cleaning quality or mop functionality while I’ve been using them, as they’ve stayed solid throughout.

In fact, the only problem I’ve encountered over the past eight months is that these mop pads aren’t invincible. While they can be washed in the washing machine, there are limitations to this - and I haven’t found my experiences to match up with Philips’ claim that one mop pad can last up to six months.

I’ve found that it lasts around four months before it starts to disintegrate in the washing machine, most noticeably when the blue foam comes off in tiny pieces. This is a little annoying, but I love the mop so much that I’m willing to overlook it and buy the replacement pads when needed. This is something to consider if you don’t want to shell out £35 every few months, though.

4. It’s expensive (but I do think it’s worth it)

As part of my job, I test so many different floorcare tools - from regular mops and buckets to the best vacuum mops. And while there’s no denying that the Philips OneUp Electric Mop is on the premium end of the price spectrum, I do think it’s worth it. After all, I wouldn’t still be using it in my own house if I didn’t.

And while I’d always recommend those with a bigger budget to splurge on a proper vacuum mop for more efficient, multi-purpose cleaning, I do think the Philips OneUp offers a nice middle ground for those who find that regular mops just don’t offer the results they’re after.

The battery power and OneUp technology allow it to clean floors effectively (without leaving them too wet) while ensuring that all dirt is removed. This is a major step up from some non-electric mops that can simply spread dirty water around the floor without actually combating the issue.

I’ve also tested the similar Kärcher EWM 2 Electric Wipe Mop, which has a higher RRP than the Philips, and still found the Philips OneUp to be superior. It’s easy to use and easy to maintain, and it offers the clean you’d expect from a product at this price point.

Yep, I'm still firmly in my electric mop era...

Thousands of homes in England and Wales will be eligible to receive a £9,000 grant to switch to a heat pump this summer, the Government has announced. This is an increase from the previous £7,500 grant that was available to help homes switch from fossil fuel buringing boilers.

Heat pumps are becoming a more popular heating choice due to the fact that they’re a more energy-efficient choice compared to a standard gas boiler, with lower running costs. They’re already hugely popular in countries with colder climates such as Norway, Finland and Sweden.

Heat pumps are powered by electricity rather than fossil fuels such as oil or gas, and this latest increase in the government's boiler upgrade scheme funding is to help rural households in England and Wales make the move to a heat pump and protect them from fossil fuel spikes. Here’s everything you need to know.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant

On 26 June, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero announced that from 21 July, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant is increasing by 20%, from £7,500 to £9,000, to help rural households switch from heating oil to heat pumps.

The Government says this grant will electrify families’ heating, meaning they are protected from future fossil price spikes and providing greater certainty over energy bills. If the latest Price Cap Announcement has left you worried about your energy bills, investing in a heat pump can be a smart choice if you’re looking to make your home more energy efficient and save money in the long run.

Leaflets about the scheme will be posted to 200,00 eligible households across England and Wales this week (week commencing 29 June), providing more information on how to claim the extra funding. You can also check your eligibility via the Gov.uk website, on the Apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme page.

‘This government is determined to bring down energy bills, but I know the war in the Middle East has hit households on heating oil especially hard,’ said Minister for Energy Consumers Martin McCluskey.

‘We have already taken action to support these households through confirming over £50 million in support for vulnerable customers on heating oil.

‘Now, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme will help thousands of families across England and Wales switch to clean heat to protect them from volatile fossil fuels.’

‘The Boiler Upgrade Scheme continues to play a vital role in supporting households to adopt heat pumps, and this £1,500 uplift will make the transition significantly more affordable for the thousands of oil-heated homes,' says Charlotte Lee, CEO, Heat Pump Association UK.

‘Many of these households have faced considerable price uncertainty in recent months, without the protection of the energy price cap, and this £9,000 grant will help shield families from volatile fossil fuel costs, by using home-grown electricity, in the years ahead.’

If you’ve been considering installing a heat pump, you should check to see if you’re eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. They are an expensive investment, costing £12,500 on average according to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme statistics. But the new increase in the grant available to certain households makes it a more affordable and accessible option.

Hoover is an iconic brand within the vacuum cleaner space, regularly dropping new models to tackle specific problems. And the Hoover HF3 Pet DynamicClean Vacuum Cleaner? Well, this new cordless vacuum is competing to become one of the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair.

This new model promises to tackle all the cleaning problems pet parents face on a daily basis, but at a price point that works for every household. So, Barney (my dog) and I decided to test these claims for ourselves. And this is everything we found out along the way.

In a nutshell

Retailing at just £199, the Hoover HF3 Pet DynamicClean Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is one of the cheapest pet vacuums on the market - but it doesn't scrimp on cleaning power. Like many other cordless vacuums, this model is ideal for grab-and-go cleaning, but it has the added bonus of being one of the lightest I've ever tested at just 2.5kg.

Offering 150AW of power, its suction power was more than enough for everyday cleaning in my pet hair and dander-filled home, and the 0.7L dust bin coupled with the 30-minute runtime in Standard mode (or 60 minutes in Eco mode) allowed me to vacuum my small three-bed Victorian terrace without running out of juice or having to empty it mid-clean.

Of course, this might not be enough for those who want more suction power or for larger homes that struggle with tougher messes. For the everyday UK household, though, I do think it ticks a lot of boxes. Plus, the additional attachments - including the pet tool that I used almost daily - allow for more targeted cleaning when needed.

The only real downside is that you are buying a cheaper model, so you can't expect it to be perfect. It's also on the louder side of the sound spectrum (92dB in Standard mode), which is something you should definitely consider if your pets are scared of louder appliances.

Specifications

• Weight: 2.5kg
• Suction power: 150AW
• Run time: 60 mins (Eco mode), 30 mins (Standard mode)
• Charge time: 4 hours
• Bin volume: 0.7L
• Modes: 3 (Eco, Standard and Turbo)
• Noise level (tested by us): 92dB in Standard mode
• In the box: Main unit, pet hair removal tool, crevice tool, dusting brush, wall mount and charger
• RRP: £199.99

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

I test a lot of vacuum cleaners in my role as Ideal Home’s Certified Expert in Vacuums, so I’m used to big, bulky boxes landing on my doorstep. As a result, I was pleasantly surprised by the lightweight box the Hoover HF3 Pet DynamicClean came in.

In fact, at just 2.5kg, it’s one of the lightest models I’ve ever received - and it’s on par with the extremely popular (and lightweight) Dyson V12 cordless vacuum cleaner, which is significantly more expensive than the Hoover.

Because of this, it was easy enough for me to carry over the threshold myself, and everything was encased in a solid cardboard scaffold to protect the smaller components from damage. My only niggle here was that they were also individually wrapped in LDPE 04 plastic, which is not widely recycled in kerbside collections. Instead, I had to take it all to the supermarket to dispose of it.

Despite this slight delay, I then got to work assembling the Hoover HF3 Pet DynamicClean, which took just a few seconds. I simply slotted all of the components together and kept the tools separate to test out later.

I then popped it onto charge before using it for the first time, and took a step back to assess both the design and the feel of the cordless vacuum - and I was impressed. It feels lightweight yet not cheap (despite its affordable price point), and I loved the sleek black-and-gold colourway.

One thing I also appreciated was that it stood up on its own without needing to be propped up against a wall. However, the dust bin did look a little small to me, so I was eager to see how it would fare during testing.

Using the Hoover HF3 Pet DynamicClean Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

As part of how we test vacuums at Ideal Home, our process is twofold. First, we conduct tailored tests to assess a vacuum cleaner’s ability to pick up debris. Then, we use it as naturally as possible in our homes as our everyday vacuum cleaner.

So, to start, I threw some rice, flour, porridge oats, and pet hair on the hard flooring in my three-bedroom Victorian terrace home. And as you can see from the video, it picked up every speck of debris within one forward and one backstroke of the vacuum. You can even see the pet hair being sucked into the floorhead before it even touches it.

I then repeated the process on carpet, and it was just as impressive. This is all thanks to the 150AW of suction power, which puts it on par with top-rated models such as the Dyson V8 Cyclone and the Shark PowerDetect Speed - the latter being the model that I choose to use in my home when I’m not testing another vacuum.

After it passed this test with flying colours, I took the Hoover HF3 Pet for a spin around my home, using it to vacuum both the downstairs (all hard flooring with some rugs) and the upstairs (fully carpeted). One thing I really loved was the white lights on the floorhead, which allowed me to see invisible dust and hair that couldn’t be seen to the naked eye.

As it’s so compact and lightweight, it was also incredibly easy to manoeuvre around corners and between rooms. The Double Edge Cleaning feature also meant that every edge received the same treatment as the rest, and I was able to clean right to the edges of the skirting and baseboards.

On carpet, I was genuinely impressed by the floorhead's ability to remove embedded pet hair from my woollen carpets - which typically hold a lot of hair between the fibres. I could see from the dust bin that it was not only filling up quickly with my dog’s hair, but also my own longer, blonde hair.

And while I was initially concerned about the 0.7L size of the dustbin, I thankfully managed to vacuum my entire house without needing to empty it halfway through. It was full by the time I’d finished, but I’m used to emptying it after every use anyway - so this suited me perfectly.

However, I will admit that the run time could be an issue for some. Although it has a maximum run time of 60 minutes in Eco mode, I tended to use Standard mode most, which only allows 30 minutes. This was enough to vacuum my small house, but those with larger family homes may struggle with that timeframe.

Another niggle I have is the noise level of this vacuum cleaner; at 92 dB, it’s significantly louder than other models I’ve tested.

This isn’t a dealbreaker for short cleaning bursts, and because Barney is used to me testing vacuums, but I did find that my dog was more scared of this model than he has been of other vacuums. So, you might want to be cautious if your pets are particularly sensitive to noise.

Using the attachments

It may seem like the Hoover HF3 only comes with two attachments, but the third - the dusting brush - is hidden within the vacuum itself. It’s revealed when you transform it into handheld mode, and I found this tool particularly handy for more delicate cleaning tasks like dusting my blinds and even my laptop keyboard.

As the crevice tool is fairly standard with every vacuum cleaner, there wasn’t anything too remarkable about this - but it’s still a great tool to have for those smaller nooks and crannies.

My favourite tool, however, was the pet hair removal tool. I love it when a pet vacuum cleaner comes with a separate motorised tool like this, as it allows for more targeted cleaning where pet hair is worse. In my house, that’s my carpeted stairs, a footstool and a sofa bed that my dog has claimed as his own.

The pet tool made light work of the footstool and the stairs, and while I’ve definitely had better results with other tools on my velvet sofa bed, it still removed almost all of the hair, dirt and pet dander. So, it’s a worthy inclusion.

Cleaning and maintenance

Like most cordless stick vacuums, the Hoover HF3 Pet relies on a one-touch emptying system to expel the debris from the dust chamber. And while this technically made things cleaner, it still resulted in a dust plume that hit me in the face as I emptied it into the bin. I also often found that some hair had got caught in the chamber, so I had to reach in to pull it out.

However, this is a common problem I often face with cordless vacuums as a pet parent, so I won't hold it against them too much. The bin filters are also removable and can be washed every month for easy maintenance.

This model also comes with a wall mount for easy storage and charging, and it even has space on the mount for the tools - which keeps them neat and tidy and stops them from going AWOL. The 4-hour charge time is also relatively average for this type of vacuum cleaner.

It’s worth noting that while it is also a freestanding model, Hoover only recommends parking it this way temporarily. If you are going to leave it unattended, the brand suggests storing it on the wall mount instead.

How does it rate online?

Despite being a relatively new addition to the Hoover lineup, the HF3 Pet DynamicClean already have many glowing reviews on the Hoover website. At the time of writing, there are 21 reviews, with an average star rating of 4.75 out of 5.

For the most part, customers love how lightweight and easy to use it is, and appreciate that it’s still powerful despite its affordable price point. Many pet owners have praised the floorhead and the pet tool for picking up more hair than they expected.

On the negative side, some have complained about the short runtime in Standard mode and noted that it’s much louder than models they have owned in the past.

Verdict: Should you buy the Hoover HF3 Pet DynamicClean Cordless Vacuum Cleaner?

For £199, I really do think the Hoover HF3 Pet DynamicClean is a worthwhile choice. It’s seriously affordable, but it’s not cheap. It still feels high-quality, offers impressive suction power for everyday cleaning, and is practical for storage and maintenance.

As it’s designed to be a pet vacuum, you’ll be happy to know that it’s also extremely effective at removing embedded pet hair from carpets and rugs, and the motorised pet tool helps you tackle smaller, more targeted cleaning jobs.

Just be warned that it’s not the most powerful model on the market, and it is incredibly loud, which may scare some pets if they’re used to quieter models.

Experts have revealed the five household appliances to switch off during a heatwave to help your home stay cool and save money on your energy bills,

If you’ve been wondering whether you should switch off appliances during summer, the answer is yes, you should. Not only do vampire devices cause your bills to add up, but many appliances emit excess heat, which is never a good thing in periods of hot weather.

Turning off household appliances you’re not using is a great, free way to cool your home. These are the five the experts say to turn off now.

1. Countertop appliances

While the best air fryers, microwaves, blenders and perhaps the viral Ninja Creami (£199.99 at Amazon), considering the weather, are great appliances to have on your countertops, they do produce unnecessary heat if not unplugged.

‘The kitchen can easily become the hottest room in the house, especially when cooking or with larger appliances such as washing machines or dishwashers running. This can become unbearable during heatwaves, so there are some small steps you can take to help reduce room temperature,’ says appliance expert at AO.com, Katie Lillywhite.

'Start with smaller worktop appliances, like microwaves, kettles, toasters and coffee machines. Some more modern varieties feature digital displays which can generate more heat alongside internal components. Switching them off at the outlet when they’re not in use can keep the space cooler.

2. Tumple dryers

You should also be avoiding your tumble dryer and drying clothes outside where possible. If you have a small garden or balcony, Argos Home’s £11 retractable line is great for small spaces.

‘Tumble dryers are among the greatest sources of indoor heat generated in UK households. Using tumble dryers produces a lot of warm air in the immediate environment, quickly making utility rooms, kitchens, and adjacent rooms very warm in no time,’ says Max Wilson, co-founder at Pocket Storage.

‘During times of heatwaves, it is worthwhile to make use of the weather and dry clothes outside whenever possible. It not only keeps your house cooler, but it also cuts back on your expenses.’

3. Standby electronics

Another big culprit for excessive heat is standby electronics. From TVs to game consoles, these all emit extra heat you don’t need during a heatwave.

‘Many people underestimate how much heat everyday electronics generate, even in standby mode. Smart TV’s, games consoles and streaming boxes continually draw power and release low-level heat which can subtly raise room temperature when combined with other appliances,’ says Katie.

‘Try to keep them unplugged when not in use on hot days, as this will not only cut energy consumption but also reduce heat that can make a room feel stuffy.’

4. Chargers and adapters

During the most recent heatwave, I was kind of worried my phone was about to explode whilst charging. It is an old model, but I couldn’t believe the heat coming off it - and experts say you should avoid leaving them plugged in when you don’t need them.

‘Mobile phone chargers, laptop chargers and adapters tend to remain connected to the wall socket at all times. If you've ever picked up an adapter that wasn't in use, only to find out that it was still hot to the touch, it's because it was still using some electricity,’ says Max.

‘As insignificant as the effect is by itself, their cumulative effects lead to energy wastage and generate unwanted heat. Unplugging them would be one way of saving some energy.’

5. Lights

Lastly, your lighting can be generating excess heat and wasting lighting. While layered lighting might be a popular lighting trend, ask yourself if you really need it during hot weather.

‘Lighting is something that is often overlooked as a means of generating unnecessary heat. Older bulbs, in particular, can give off a lot more heat when compared to LED alternatives. Be sure to keep lights switched off as much as possible throughout the day and consider swapping incandescent or halogen bulbs for LEDs,’ says Katie.

If you want to stay cool and save money, make sure you keep these appliances switched off when not in use.

Working, walking, eating, sleeping, being - it all felt rather impossible in this stifling heatwave. So, in a way to beat the heat, I’ve been trying the Alison Hammond-approved sock cooling hack, and it’s great for providing instant relief in hot weather.

I’m not one to usually complain about hot weather, but I’m not lying when I say my flat has felt like a furnace this week. It’s south-facing and stuffy, and I’ve been struggling to cool my home, even with the best cooling hacks at my fingertips.

Given that the best portable air conditioners are basically sold out everywhere, and my best fan is pretty much blowing hot air around my home, I’ve had to get creative. And that involves filling an old sock with rice and stuffing it in the freezer.

The rice and sock cooling hack

I’ve not lost my mind, I promise! But a sock filled with frozen rice has been a game-changer and is helping me stay cool this week. Simply pressing it to my wrists and neck has provided instant relief - especially when working from home.

I say it is Alison Hammond-approved because I first became aware of the hack when the presenter, who is a self-proclaimed genius at staying cool, revealed her trick during a segment on This Morning back in August 2020.

It is incredibly simple. You take a clean sock, fill it with rice and tie the end. Then pop it into your freezer for one to three hours. The result feels like an icy bean bag, which moulds easily to the contours of your body, providing instant relief.

This week, I’ve used the hack to keep me cool when working and when I’m trying to sleep. I’ve even taken to placing it on my pillow while I brush my teeth, so my pillow feels nice and cold when I lie down. Speaking to my mum, I found out she even uses this hack to help keep our elderly dog cool in hot weather.

The frozen rice is not harshly cold. Where putting an ice-pack straight to your skin can feel intense, offering a burning cold, the rice hack is far more subtle. It’s comfortable and cool from the get-go. It also feels completely dry, which surprised me. Unlike an ice pack, you don’t have to worry about water beading down your body or pooling around your home.

My main qualm is that the rice doesn’t stay as cool for as long as I’d like it to, and I find myself putting it back in the freezer around three times a day. Because of this, when payday rolls around, I will be treating myself to the Shark ChillPill (£129.99, Amazon) or the Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo Misting Fan (£149.99, Currys), which both offer hours of powerful cooling.

Having said that, I do think the rice hack is a great, practically free way to cool down, and is a great temporary solution if you don’t have any other cooling products to hand. However, if you plan on using this hack frequently, place your sock in a ziplock bag before putting it in the freezer to maintain good hygiene.

‘If you regularly put and take out the sock with wet rice in it from the freezer, you will eventually get mould, mildew, and a terrible musty odour in your drawers. In order to make this trick fully hygienic and prevent any moisture in your sheets, you have to place the rice-filled sock in a tightly closed Ziploc bag first before freezing it. The moisture becomes blocked off completely, making sure the rice remains perfectly dry,’ says Max Wilson, co-founder at Pocket Storage.

‘Finally, make sure the fabric is right. Only use socks made of pure, thick cotton. Synthetic materials, such as nylon or polyester, cannot tolerate cold temperatures and would lead to ice burns if placed directly on your skin.’

Shop cooling appliances:

As unconventional as a sock filled with frozen rice sounds, it has genuinely helped cool me down when temperatures have soared. I will be saving this trick for the next heatwave!

Let’s be honest: Dyson is kind of a big deal. This appliance brand has created products to tackle everything from our dirty floors to our wet, unstyled hair, but it’s also known for its impressive, high-quality fans and air purifiers. And the Dyson Find+Follow Purifier Cool (£549.99 at Dyson) is the latest model to be added to that lineup.

Merging one of the best air purifiers with the best fans, Dyson quietly dropped the Dyson Find+Follow last month. But with minimal marketing and the excitement of the handheld Dyson Hushjet Mini Cool Fan launch overshadowing it, it seems as though the Find+Follow hasn’t been given the attention it deserves. So, allow me to explain - especially as fans are in short supply right now.

On the surface, this air-purifying fan looks very similar to other Dyson models. But this new release is smarter than ever, and solves the biggest problem I have with fans. Namely, the fact that fans don’t account for the ‘pockets’ of hot air you have to deal with when you move around your house.

Dyson has designed this new purifying fan to automatically track your movements in a room, so it can ‘follow’ you and ensure the cooling, purified air is always pointing towards you.

And if you share your space with others, the air projection system will detect this and automatically adjust the oscillation up to 350° so that the same purified air is shared between you, as long as you’re not in a space larger than 27m².

When it notices that you’ve left the room, it will stop moving and wait for you to return. And if you don’t return within the hour, it’ll switch to Auto mode to maintain the room’s comfort and air quality. Of course, throughout it all, you also get the benefits of using an air purifier during a heatwave, which is a little-known hack to cope with rising temperatures.

And as someone who tests air purifying fans and believes they are wholeheartedly worth it, I’m lucky to have a few in my house right now - especially with temperatures soaring and my husband’s hay fever wreaking havoc on his entire being.

However, one problem I’ve always had with fans is that they’re quite restrictive to where you’re sitting or standing in that moment, considering they don’t actually cool a room in the same way portable air conditioners do. And while an oscillating fan is always better than a static fan, oscillation isn’t exactly accurate.

Instead, you just have to hope that the oscillating breeze catches you exactly where you are at the time, distributing the ‘wind chill’ they produce in a way that makes you feel cooler. If it doesn’t, you’re thrust back into a pocket of hot air that UK homes are known for during the hotter months. But that’s where the Find+Follow can help.

Naturally, you may have concerns associated with smart AI technology that uses a camera and 17-point user detection to ‘track’ you around your own house. But to quell one of the biggest concerns I had when I heard about this new appliance, Dyson has confirmed that it is cyber-safe.

The brand explains, ‘Dyson’s Find+Follow AI vision system never identifies anyone and only detects presence. Images are processed instantly within the machine, deleted and never leave the device.’ So, you don’t have to worry about any images or personal data being shared elsewhere.

Despite all of the perks and tech features, though, it’s hard to ignore that an appliance like this comes in at a premium price. At £549.99, it’s not cheap, and it is definitely possible to find an air purifying fan for a lot less.

But if you already think Dyson fans are worth it, and you love new technology, unlike anything you’ve ever seen, it could be an investment worth making. If not, here are some other air purifying fans I’d recommend.

What do you think of Dyson's new air purifying fan? Could it be your new heatwave hero?

This year, I’ve made the fateful mistake of waiting too long to purchase an air conditioner, and now that the best models have sold out, I’ve been scrambling for ways to achieve a similar cooling effect in my own - and this £5.44 Amazon Fan Mister Attachment is what I’ve settled on.

It’s my own fault, I know. As summers are becoming increasingly hot and muggy, the best portable air conditioners are ever increasing in popularity - so much so, this week we’ve been tracking the stock levels of portable air conditioners.

If you don’t have one of these appliances, or a refreshing misting fan to hand (such as the Shark FlexBreeze, £149.99, Currys), here’s how this affordable fan attachment from Amazon can help.

Now, this mister attachment won’t exactly turn your fan into an air conditioner, but it will mimic the feeling it provides. It’s essentially any easy way to complete the viral DIY air conditioner hack, which consists of putting a bowl of ice in front of a fan.

This popular cooling hack works because, as the fan blows air over the ice, it evaporates and cools the air, creating an air conditioning effect. While it certainly doesn’t have the power of an air conditioning unit, it will provide the same relief.

The Amazon misting fan attachment works in a similar way. Included, you get a case to hold your ice, and four containers, where you can add water and freeze. The case attaches to your fan via a hook, and cold air blows directly over the ice.

Amazon states it offers four to six hours of consistent cooling. It also says it has a ‘frostbite-proof’ handle, and it is double-sealed to prevent leaks. The attachment is suitable for use on round, square and mesh fans.

Now, this isn’t going to cool your bedroom or living room - it’s simply too small. But if you work from home, or are looking for some personal relief, it is great for attaching to a desk fan and cooling yourself down.

I’m also keen to mention that, obviously, electricity and water do not mix. If you plan to use a mister attachment on your fan, you need to ensure that you are attaching and detaching it when the fan is switched off and unplugged to prevent any potential shocks. If you do get water in your fan, it is advised that you don’t try to use it.

Alternatively, you can use a misting fan. These spray fine droplets of water to help cool you down, without making you or your home feel wet. Then the moisture droplets will create a wind chill effect on your skin as the fan blows against it. Here are a few misting fans that are in stock, and you can shop online.

If you haven’t got a portable air conditioner, will you be testing this mister attachment instead?

In case you've been living under a rock (which would be cooler than where I am sitting right now), temperatures are soaring into uncomfortable territory, and lots of portable air conditioners are either sold out or carrying eye-watering price tags.

I've found myself recommending a different cooling appliance to friends and family this week: an air cooler. In fact, the Midea 5L Air cooler became an Amazon bestseller as we were all looking for a way to beat the heat, but on a budget, and I can see history repeat itself. With features like three speeds, 75° automatic oscillation, a 7h timer and minimal noise output, it's clear that it offers sweet relief from hot and humid weather.

If you've never come across one before, I'll give you a little explainer on them and how they differ from the best air conditioners and fans. Sitting somewhere between a fan and an air conditioner, air coolers are an underrated appliance that seem to fly under the radar until a heatwave arrives.

But after testing quite a few cooling appliances over the years at Ideal Home, I think they're one of the most affordable ways to stay comfortable when the mercury rises. Here's more on what they are and why you should get your hands on one, quicksnap.

What is an air cooler?

Unlike a standard fan, which moves warm air around a room, an air cooler uses water to help create a cooling-feeling breeze.

Emma Coleman, seasonal buyer at Robert Dyas, explains that unlike a fan, an air cooler releases cool air instead of circulating warm air, which will have a more noticeable effect on the temperature.

You fill an internal tank with cold water (and sometimes reusable ice packs), and as hot air passes through the appliance, it is cooled before a fan inside the unit circulates it around your room. In fact, it works a lot like this effective fan ice cube hack.

'This temperature will also be felt across the whole room, instead of the focus point that a fan cools. Some also have a heating function, making them useful in the winter as well,' explains Emma.

It's important to be clear, though, that an air cooler isn't a portable air conditioner by any stretch of the imagination. It won't dramatically reduce the temperature of an entire room in the same way a fitted AC unit can.

However, it will make the air blowing towards you feel cooler and fresher than a standard fan, which can make a huge difference on hot, sticky days.

Shop these in-stock air coolers

We haven't tested any of the models below; however, we have based our selection on brand reputation and shopper reviews.

If you see an air cooler that will suit your home, I wouldn't wait around for a deal, as I expect these coolers are going to sell out fast.

The biggest advantage is their affordability. While many portable air conditioners cost £300 to £600 or more, a good air cooler can often be snapped up for under £100. They're also much easier to live with, with no bulky exhaust hose to hang out of a window, no complicated installation, and they tend to be quieter and more energy-efficient than portable AC units.

Saying that, if you're expecting a more dramatic cooling effect, you'll probably be a bit disappointed, but if you're just looking for a way to cool yourself down during a heatwave, it's an option well worth considering, since there are a lot still in stock right now.

With more spells of hot weather forecast and air conditioners increasingly hard to get hold of, it's the cooling appliance I'll be recommending to friends and family for some quick relief.

If you're struggling to find an in-stock air conditioner, you can sign up for stock notifications for our best air conditioners on sites like Argos and AO.com. Or if you want a budget cooling alternative for right this second, a compact air cooler could just be the sweet spot.

It won't necessarily cool down your room like an AC, but it can make you feel a lot more chill, and I think that's what really counts in the middle of a muggy UK summer.

It’s a bit hot, isn’t it? And while sales of fans and portable AC units are going through the roof this week, I thought it only fair that one of my favourite appliances received some love, too. After all, I swear by this little-known air booster during a heatwave.

Of course, spring and summer are already the most popular months for the best air purifiers. But while many people shove them in the cupboard in favour of a fan or portable air conditioner when temperatures start to soar, I’m here to make the case that they undoubtedly do belong in your hot-weather toolkit.

However, I should preface this by saying that standalone air purifiers can’t cool down your house, and you’ll still need an air conditioner if you want to actively reduce the temperature. But it can make your house feel more comfortable, and choosing the right air purifier can almost certainly make you feel better - especially at night. So, this is how an air purifier can help during a heatwave.

1. It continually circulates the air

One thing you might not know is that fans don’t cool a room, either - only air conditioners do, as they have internal refrigeration components to actively push back against hotter temperatures. But a fan helps you feel cooler by continually circulating the air and creating a breeze (or ‘wind chill’ effect) that replaces the stuffy air with fresh air. And an air purifier works in the exact same way.

This is especially helpful during a heatwave when people often shut blinds and curtains to keep the warmer air out and the cooler air in, as an air purifier can continue to circulate the air even when there’s no fresh air coming in. This alone can make a room feel less stuffy and more comfortable during the hotter weather.

Of course, an air purifier doesn't have the same power as a fan, so I’d suggest using them together for the best results. Johnny Liang, Air Purifier Specialist at Levoit, also says that air purifier placement is key. He advises, ‘Leaving 30–50 cm of clearance around the air inlet and outlet helps ensure good circulation and prevents “short-circuiting,” where cleaned air is immediately drawn back into the unit without mixing into the room.’

2. It tackles indoor pollutants

The summer months also bring many airborne pollutants into the home, from tree and grass pollen to excess dust and even BBQ smoke. In fact, Lars Dunberger, Technology Development Manager at Blueair, says, ‘We spend around 90% of our time indoors, yet indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outside.’

And while there are so many unexpected uses of air purifiers, their main purpose is to capture these indoor pollutants and improve your home’s air quality. And this can make you feel more comfortable during a heatwave, too, as they remove irritating particles and release cleaner air that reduces a room’s stuffiness and makes it feel less stagnant. You should be able to notice this, too.

This is particularly helpful at night if you struggle to sleep during a heatwave. After all, a lack of pollen or dust can help you breathe easier, which will help you fall asleep quicker - and stay asleep for longer too. This is one of the reasons air-purifying fans are worth it: they can help you feel both cool and comfortable during the day and at night.

3. Multi-use air purifiers can do it all

Air purifiers aren’t a one-size-fits-all appliance. In today’s day and age, air purifiers come in so many different forms - from standalone air purifiers to sunrise alarm clock air purifiers, air purifying fans and even air purifier and dehumidifier combos. And if you opt for one of these multi-use air purifiers, they can really help you out during a heatwave.

I’ve already spoken about the benefits of air-purifying fans, but you can also buy appliances that solve your year-round temperature problems. This includes 3-in-1 purifying, heating, and cooling appliances such as the Blueair ComfortPure T10i Air Purifier and the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1 Purifying Fan Heater.

If you struggle with the humid, sticky air, an air purifier and dehumidifier combo like the MeacoDry Arete Two can combat stagnant, thick air by lowering the humidity and removing nasty pollutants - all while circulating the air at the same time. So, they’re well worth the investment.

To summarise, an air purifier won’t make your house cooler during the hot spells, but it’s still a worthy addition to your appliance roster as it can combat many of the other negative effects associated with the hot weather.

The UK is experiencing a massive heat wave this week, with record-breaking temperatures expected in some parts of the country. Already, the best portable air conditioners are selling out, so if you're getting by with just a couple of fans, you'll want to try this expert-approved trick for creating a DIY wind chill effect at home to cool your home down fast.

With many of us struggling with the heat, it’s absolutely no surprise that the best fans and portable air conditioners are selling out. But this fan positioning hack, when used correctly, can help cool a room quickly and effectively.

This DIY wind chill hack uses two fans to create a cross breeze in a room, which has a greater cooling effect than how you’d typically use a fan. Disclaimer: You will need to have one fan facing out of the window. Here’s how it works.

How to create a wind chill at home

Unless you have an effective misting fan (such as the DREO TurboCool Misting Fan, £99, Amazon), it can feel like your fan is blowing hot air around your room, which doesn’t exactly have the cooling effect you’re seeking.

To create the wind chill effect you’re looking for, you’ll need two fans to create a cross breeze. This hack works by creating a funnel of cold air, rather than just circulating warm air around your room.

'Airflow is the key to creating a wind chill effect. Essentially, you need to use a fan to recycle the air. To do this, you need to place one fan facing out a window on the hottest side of the house to act as an exhaust. At the same time, open windows or doors on the opposite, shadier side of the house. The air being pushed out will be replaced by the cooler air being pulled in. You can use a second fan pushing the fresher air in to increase the effect,’ explains Meaco's co-founder Chris Michael.

‘This activity is best done late at night or early in the morning to take advantage of the cooler air outside.’

This hack is ideal if you already have a couple of fans to hand. Its main drawback is that it relies on the air outside being cooler than the air inside, so it is best done early in the morning or evening. For an even greater cooling effect, you can also add a bowl of ice to the mix.

‘For a further cooling effect, place a bowl full of ice cubes or frozen water bottles in front of the fan blowing toward you. As air passes through the ice cubes, it carries away some coolness before hitting you, providing a cooling effect, especially before sleeping,’ adds Max Wilson, co-founder at Pocket Storage.

‘A very common mistake when faced with a heatwave is to try cooling down the whole house. Of course, without an air conditioner, this will be extremely difficult. You need to concentrate your efforts on forming a special 'cool zone' in the coldest room in the house.'

Cooling essentials

Will you try creating a wind chill at home to help you see out the heatwave?

I don’t know about you, but I’m really struggling to keep my home cool. The best portable air conditioners are practically all sold out, and with temperatures set to reach record highs, I’ve been desperately seeking good news - and I’ve found it. Lidl’s affordable portable air conditioner is coming back to the middle aisle!

This week, the Ideal Home team has been diligently tracking the stock levels of portable air conditioners and believe me, they’re selling like hot cakes. If you haven’t managed to find a good deal online, the Lidl Tronic 3-in-1 Air Conditioner (£149) is landing in the middle aisle tomorrow (25 June).

While only available to shop in-store, based on its popularity last year, we predict it will sell out fast. Here’s everything you need to know before you rush out and buy.

Many homes are ill-equipped to handle the extreme heat we’ve experienced over the last few years. While you may be considering whether installing air conditioning is worth it, a portable AC offers many of the same benefits at a more affordable price point.

At £149, the Lidl Tronic 3-in-1 air conditioner is unbelievably affordable. It has three operating modes: air conditioning, fan cooling and dehumidifying. It also has two fan speeds and transport wheels, making it easy to move around your home so you can cool a bedroom in the evening and keep your living space cool in the day.

The model looks very similar to the portable air conditioner Lidl dropped last summer. So, I expect it will also work best for rooms between 30 and 45m³, like the previous air conditioner. Last year’s air conditioner’s dehumidifying function was able to collect up to 1.5L in a room that’s 30 degrees with an 80% relative humidity, so again, I would expect this year’s model to do the same.

I will say that Lidl’s portable air conditioner is likely to be a more basic model, compared to the higher-end products such as DREO 12000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner (£599, Amazon), or the Bush 9K Portable Air Conditioner (£375, Argos), which is also happens to be the last air con unit in stock at Argos.

However, I do think it is worth testing. I often find Lidl’s middle aisle is a bit of a treasure trove, and I’ve picked up plenty of miscellaneous items from cookware to gym equipment and been impressed each time. I’ve also made the mistake of waiting too long to invest in a portable air conditioner, so you can expect to see me in my local Lidl tomorrow looking for the unit!

As well as the portable air conditioner, Lidl is also selling a £14.99 air cooler, a selection of fans and cooling bedding. Alternatively, here are a few more cooling options that you can shop online.

I believe that the Lidl portable air conditioner will sell out fast. So, if you’re keen to get your hands on one, run, don’t walk.

With summer heatwaves more commonplace, it's no wonder that more and more people are looking for the most effective ways to stay cool at home.

And one of the most effective has to be a portable air conditioner. But when these appliances can set you back hundreds of pounds, it helps to have a deeper insight into how well it works, what it's actually like to use, and ultimately whether it's right for your home.

I've tested the Dreo 318S Portable Air Conditioner in my own home over a few weeks, including during a heatwave. This is how I got on and whether I think it's worth your money.

In a nutshell

It's hard to beat a portable air conditioner when it comes to cooling your home, but not all portable ACs are created equal, with size, noise, looks and cooling capacity all varying between brands.

Fortunately, the Dreo 318S portable air conditioner ticks multiple boxes, which makes it a very good buy indeed. With a cooling capacity of 7500BTU, it's best for smaller spaces (up to 20m2) and as such it's quite a compact for a portable air conditioner. It's really effective too, quickly dropping the temperature in my home office from 24°C to 20.5°C in about 20 minutes. It also does it relatively quietly too. Portable ACs are not whisper quiet like some fans are in their lower speeds, but the Dreo 318S is definitely quieter than portable ACs I've used in the past, that sounded like a bin lorry in the house.

My only niggle really, is the length of the exhaust tube that you use to vent it out of the window, it felt a touch too short and so it was a bit tricky to get it effectively vented out of the window.

Specification

• Cooling capacity (BTU): 7500BTU
• Recommended room size: Up to 20m²
• Noise levels in cooling mode: 62dB
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 38.5cm x 63cm x 35.5cm
• Weight: 22.5kg
• Wattage: 800W
• Functions: Air conditioner, fan, dehumidifier
• Other features: Timer, 'night' mode, remote control
• Window kit included: Yes

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

With a weight of 2.5kgs, it was tricky to manoeuvre the package from the front door further into my house, especially as I was by myself when it arrived, so I'd definitely recommend waiting until you have an extra pair of hands. Fortunately, I have laminate flooring and managed to push the box upright into my living room.

I loved that the cardboard packaging had instructions on the outside of exactly how to unpack it safely. Once I'd removed the heavy duty plastic bands, I opened the top of the box to remove the accessories, and then I just needed to lift the cardboard sides away from the base. That's all very easy and requires no heavy lifting. But you will need to lift the appliance out of the base packaging (which is polystyrene and cardboard), and that is not easy to do single handedly, especially when you need to keep the portable AC upright.

There is plastic packaging included, which can't be recycled at home, which is a shame.

Once the portable AC is out of the packaging, that's half the battle won. Then it was time to set up the window kit. You get two window kits in the box, one for sliding windows and a universal fabric one that should work on most other types of window. To set this up takes a bit of time as you have to stick Velcro all around the window frame and again around the casement. I'm very glad I set this up before the heatwave hit as it takes about 10 minutes. Then I needed to attach the fabric to create the window seal, which probably took me another 10 minutes or so.

I then moved the portable AC into position (it's on wheels so this is really easy if you have hard floors, although it's a little bit more difficult on carpet). If you want it upstairs, definitely do not attempt to do it alone. I set it up in my home office, which measures roughly 12m2. When the exhaust hose is attached, it doesn't sit flush against a wall (you need space around it for adequate air flow, so you'll need to clear a suitable space for it to do it's thing). As you need a window kit in order to vent it out of the window, if you want to be able to move it from room to room, you will need to move the window kit along with it. It's relatively easy to move from room to room on the same floor, but it's heavy to take up and down stairs, so I found it easier to leave it in a specific room.

Once in position, I used needed to attach the exhaust hose to the back of the unit, and vent it out through the window seal (although there is also some accessories to vent it through the wall if you would prefer, although remember this is a permanent change. This should have been easy, but the length of the exhaust hose, combined with the height and depth of my window cill, meant that it only just reached to the window.

What’s it like to use?

Once the window kit and exhaust hose were set up, I decided to hold off on setting up the app control and instead went straight in with the remote control to get it up and running. The remote control is pretty easy to use, although I did find it helpful to have the instructions nearby to start with.

I tried it in fan mode first, which is fine, but not a patch on the best fans out there. There are four speeds (low, medium, high, auto) and I found that if you have the louvres on swing mode, it'll feel like a natural breeze. It's not quite though, even in the lower speed. But realistically, I view this as a bonus function that I'm not likely to use that often. I have other fans that are quieter and more compact, and they would be by go-to for air circulation.

The pièce de résistance is definitely the cooling mode. When I first switched to this mode, I was a bit confused as it defaulted to Fahrenheit which, to be honest, does not compute in my brain. Is 75°F hot or cold? Who knows? While it wasn't initially obvious how to switch it to °C, it fortunately does explain how to do it in the instructions (long press the + and - buttons). I found it best to do this on the remote as when I did it on the unit itself, it went back to °F when I changed a setting. But doing it on the remote changed it to default to °C.

I'd put the portable AC in my home office, and measured a temperature of 24°C, and turned on the cooling mode with a target temperature of 18°C. I then shut the door and left the room for about 20 minutes. When I went back, my thermometer was showing 20.5°C and it felt much cooler and fresher in there. I'd left the louvres on swing too which I think helped distribute the cool air more effectively. It was blissfully cool.

Once I'd got the settings to my specific liking, I appreciated that the unit remembered them when I came back the next day and turned it on again.

I was initially surprised by how quiet the Dreo 318S was (bin lorry being my yardstick), it's not silent, but it's definitely not obnoxiously loud. Using my decibel reader, I clocked it at 59dB in the lowest fan speed, and at 62dB at top speed, which is the equivalent of between gentle background noise and a chat with friends. I could definitely cope with that in a bedroom setting! It also offers a sleep function in cooling mode, which not only mutes all beep sounds, turns off the display and decreases louvre swing to reduce noise, but also gradually increases the temperature to compensate for body temperature lost during sleep (which you can customise in the app).

In addition to fan mode, this portable air con also has a dehumidifier mode. But given I'm fortunate to not suffer with moisture issues in my home and it wasn't particularly humid when I was testing, this isn't a mode that I would use often. However, if your home does struggle with excess moisture, then the dehumidifier mode that can extract 2.5L per hour, will be right up your street. In that mode, it does require continuous drainage, so bear that in mind.

After using it for a couple of weeks via the remote control or on-board control panel, I decided to set it up for app control. It was easy enough to download and register on the Dreo app, taking only a minute or so. You can do exactly what you can do on the remote through the app, with the added extra of being able to set up schedules.

Running costs

Using between 800W and 2.2kW of power, this Dreo portable air conditioner will cost you between 21 and 57p per hour to run, based on the July 2026 energy price cap.

To help reduce running costs, the appliance does have a customisable Eco mode, where you can adjust the compressors start/stop frequency from 10-30% to reduce energy consumption. Bear in mind though that this will affect it's cooling capacity.

Cleaning and maintenance

To keep the Dreo318S in good working order, it's important to keep it as free from dust as possible. Wiping over the exterior with a dry cloth regularly is a good start, and the instructions state how to clean the air filters and remove any build up there.

Maintenance will largely come down to the removal of excess water which will vary depending on the mode you use. If you only use it in cooling mode, then DREO's patented algorithm, sensors and pump evaporate excess water automatically eliminating the need for drainage in environments of up to 90% humidity. This was great for me as I only really need to use it for cooling purposes.

However, if you use it in dehumidifier mode, you will need to drain it continuously whenever that mode is selected.

Who should buy this product?

If you're looking to keep a smaller room cool in the heat, then the Dreo 318S will be ideal. It cools quickly and effectively and is easy to use. While it's not exactly whisper quiet, it's quiet enough to be used in a home office or bedroom with ease, and the Sleep Mode will help reduce any overnight distractions.

It's a good option too if you want an air conditioner and dehumidifier in a single unit.

However, at 7500BTU, this portable AC won't suit you if you are looking to cool a larger space. Fortunately, the DREO 516S portable air conditioner (£599.99 at Amazon) offers all the same functionality in a 12,000BTU powered unit, which can serve rooms up to 37m2.

While the Dreo 318S portable air conditioner is near the low-mid point in terms of price range, if you want something more affordable you could consider the Vonhaus portable air conditioner. Although for a lower price, you will have to make a bit of a sacrifice on quietness.