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Poor Prince Harry taken to the cleaners on live TV

<p>The Duke of Sussex engaged in a thrilling penalty shootout with Germany's defence minister, Boris Pistorius, during a live television broadcast to promote the 2023 Invictus Games – however, Prince Harry's quest for victory ended in disappointment as he failed to score a single goal in six attempts.</p> <p>This friendly (yet competitive!) soccer challenge took place as part of the promotion for the 2023 Invictus Games, which Prince Harry attended in Düsseldorf, Germany. The Duke, aged 38, appeared on the popular German TV show, <em>Das Aktuelles Sportstudio</em>, following the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games.</p> <p>In a clip shared on social media, Prince Harry, alongside Pistorius, Angelo Anderson, and Jens Niemeyer, took turns attempting to kick a soccer ball through one of two holes in a wall on the studio set. The game, known as a shootout, has been a long-standing tradition on the show.</p> <p>Prince Harry jokingly inquired about the consequences of a zero score before being informed that he'd have to don a German jersey if he lost. Undeterred, he stepped up to take his shots, but his first three attempts missed the mark.</p> <p>Pistorius then managed to score twice during his turn, and after other participants took their shots, Harry missed three more times.</p> <p>In the end, rather than a German jersey, Prince Harry was presented with a scarf from the local German club, FSV Mainz 05, which he sportingly wore to the applause of the audience.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="de">Prinz Harry, Bundesverteidigungsminister Boris Pistorius, Angelo Anderson und Jens Niemeyer stellen sich der Herausforderung an der <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sportstudio?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sportstudio</a>-Torwand. <a href="https://t.co/liwmkz0zg0">pic.twitter.com/liwmkz0zg0</a></p> <p>— ZDF (@ZDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZDF/status/1700637221273862535?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>During the show, Prince Harry also discussed the profound impact of founding the Invictus Games, describing it as a lifeline. He reflected on the shared experiences and stories within the veterans' community, something that resonated deeply with him due to his own military service in the British Army, which included two tours in Afghanistan.</p> <p>The Invictus Games, created by Prince Harry in 2014, are a global sporting event for veterans and service personnel, and this year's edition marked the first time it was hosted in Germany. Previous events were held in London (2014), Orlando (2016), Toronto (2017), Sydney (2018), and The Hague (2022). The 2025 Invictus Games are scheduled to take place in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada.</p> <p>This year's event, running from September 9 to September 16, featured over 500 athletes from 21 countries competing in 10 different sports, representing six continents.</p> <p>In a video message ahead of the event, Prince Harry expressed his excitement about having participants from every continent except Antarctica, humorously adding that they were still working on getting representation from there.</p> <p>At the opening ceremony, Prince Harry gave a speech touching on self-discovery, teamwork, and family life. He welcomed Colombia, Israel, and Nigeria as first-time participants and humorously mentioned that since Meghan Markle discovered her Nigerian ancestry through a genealogy test, the competition might get more competitive in their household.</p> <p>Harry also emphasised the importance of the Invictus Games as a platform for veterans to be part of a supportive community and overcome societal perceptions about disabilities and limitations. He quoted a South Korean competitor, Mr. Na, who shared, "We overcome perceptions of ourselves in society." For Harry, these games were not just about winning medals but about breaking down self-imposed barriers and redefining what's possible.</p> <p><em>Images: Twitter (X) / ZDF</em></p>

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5 tips for getting off gas at home – for a cleaner, cheaper, healthier all-electric future

<p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/trivess-moore-12580">Trivess Moore</a>, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a></em>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/alan-pears-52">Alan Pears</a>, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a></em>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nicola-willand-441807">Nicola Willand</a>, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a></em></p> <p>Burning gas in our homes to cook food or heat air and water has become a contentious issue. Gas is an expensive, polluting fossil fuel, and there’s mounting evidence to suggest it’s also <a href="https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2022/december/health-risks-from-indoor-gas-appliances">bad for our health</a>.</p> <p>Five million existing Australian households will need to <a href="https://grattan.edu.au/report/getting-off-gas/">get off gas</a> within the next 30 years. But for homeowners, the upfront cost can be a major barrier to action. Renters rarely get a say over the appliances installed in their homes. And apartment owners can struggle to make individual changes too.</p> <p>In most cases it’s worth making the switch, for the energy bill savings alone. For example, analysis suggests a household in Melbourne switching from gas to electricity can save <a href="https://theconversation.com/all-electric-homes-are-better-for-your-hip-pocket-and-the-planet-heres-how-governments-can-help-us-get-off-gas-207409">up to A$13,900</a> over a decade.</p> <p>If you’re contemplating upgrading gas appliances in your home, or even disconnecting from the gas network altogether, here are a few handy tips and resources to cut through the confusion.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2JuZgXz6zNo?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption><span class="caption">Homes must switch away from gas by 2050, says policy think tank (ABC News)</span></figcaption></figure> <h2>Tip 1 – Find trusted, independent information</h2> <p>There is no shortage of information on how to make the switch from gas to all-electric appliances. The challenge is finding <a href="https://theconversation.com/we-need-a-lemon-law-to-make-all-the-homes-we-buy-and-rent-more-energy-efficient-204369">trusted and independent information</a>.</p> <p>Not-for-profit organisation <a href="https://renew.org.au/">Renew</a> has compiled a range of <a href="https://renew.org.au/resources/how-we-can-help/efficient-electric-homes/how-we-can-help-going-off-gas/">presentations, guides, case studies and research</a>. <a href="https://www.choice.com.au/">Choice</a> provides independent reviews of household appliances, including operating costs. The Australian government’s <a href="https://www.energyrating.gov.au/">Energy Rating website</a> provides information on appliances to help consumers compare performance. Some <a href="https://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/services/take-climate-action">local councils</a> and <a href="https://totallyrenewableyack.org.au/">community groups</a> also provide information, support and bulk-buying schemes.</p> <p>You could also visit some of the all-electric homes open to the public for <a href="https://sustainablehouseday.com/">Sustainable House Day</a>. This can help you learn what works from people who have already made the change.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/MyEfficientElectricHome">My Efficient Electric Home</a> group on Facebook is another active and helpful forum.</p> <p>If you are going all-electric as part of a wider retrofit, consider an independent <a href="https://www.homescorecard.gov.au/">Residential Efficiency Scorecard assessment</a>. This will help you understand what to else you can do to maximise <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-other-99-retrofitting-is-the-key-to-putting-more-australians-into-eco-homes-91231">thermal comfort, environmental benefits and financial outcomes</a>.</p> <h2>Tip 2 – Plan your approach</h2> <p>Once you understand what to do, the next step is planning how to go about it. Think about what is most important to your household. What is driving the change? If it’s your health, you might like to start by eliminating indoor air pollution from the gas stove. Or if you want to save money, start using reverse-cycle air conditioning to heat your home, rather than gas.</p> <p>There are three main ways to go all-electric:</p> <ul> <li> <p><strong>Replace all your gas appliances at once</strong>. Making the change quickly minimises disruption to your home. You may save money on installation costs by doing everything in one go. You will avoid ongoing fixed gas supply charges once you disconnect from the gas network, but you may be required to pay an “<a href="https://energy.act.gov.au/switching-off-your-gas-connection/">abolishment fee</a>” for permanent disconnection. That fee can vary significantly, depending on your location and gas provider. Costs <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/environment/sustainability/would-you-pay-1000-to-get-off-gas-consumer-dismay-over-disconnection-cost-20230223-p5cmw9.html">could be up to $1000 (or more)</a> but some states like Victoria have capped the price a <a href="https://reneweconomy.com.au/fossil-gas-death-spiral-regulator-sets-exit-fee-to-socialise-cost-of-mass-disconnection/">household can be charged at $220</a>. Renters wouldn’t be able to permanently disconnect without permission from the landlord, so they would still be open to paying the daily connection fee even if they found alternative electric options for everything else.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Replace your gas appliances one at a time</strong>, as finances allow. However, there will come a point where <a href="http://www.ata.org.au/wp-content/projects/CAP_Gas_Research_Final_Report_251114_v2.0.pdf">financially you will be better off</a> replacing all the remaining gas appliances. This is largely because it will not be affordable to keep paying the daily connection cost for gas if you just have one gas appliance remaining.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Just stop using gas appliances</strong> in favour of existing electric appliances that do the same job, such as a <a href="https://reneweconomy.com.au/the-traps-laid-by-the-fossil-gas-industry-for-uninformed-households/">reverse cycle air conditioner for space heating</a>. You may have – or can buy – plug-in electric alternatives, such as a microwave ovens, portable induction cooktops, air fryers and heaters. These can be a good option for renters when landlords won’t make changes.</p> </li> </ul> <p>You could even borrow portable appliances to see how they work before committing to buying your own.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tLjWZicC4mE?wmode=transparent&amp;start=2" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption><span class="caption">Households share their electrification journey (Renew)</span></figcaption></figure> <h2>Tip 3 – Access available rebates and resources</h2> <p>Most states offer various rebates for households to reduce the upfront cost of replacing gas appliances. These could reduce costs by thousands of dollars. Some rebates also target rental housing. Here is a list of key rebates available in different states:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.epw.qld.gov.au/about/initiatives/household-energy-savings-program">Queensland</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/households/rebates-grants-and-schemes">New South Wales</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.climatechoices.act.gov.au/policy-programs/home-energy-support-rebates-for-homeowners">ACT</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/for-households/victorian-energy-upgrades-for-households">Victoria</a></li> <li><a href="https://recfit.tas.gov.au/household_energy/energy_saver_loan_scheme">Tasmania</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/energy-and-environment/using-saving-energy/retailer-energy-productivity-scheme">South Australia</a></li> </ul> <p>Some not-for-profit organisations (such as the <a href="https://www.bsl.org.au/services/energy-assistance/">Brotherhood of St Laurence</a>) offer financial and other support for lower-income households struggling to pay their energy bills.</p> <h2>Tip 4 – Wait for a sale or negotiate a better deal</h2> <p>It might sound simple but you can always save money by waiting until these electric appliances are on sale. If you are buying multiple appliances you can try to negotiate a better price. Factory seconds outlets offer lower prices as well.</p> <h2>Tip 5 – Know the issues</h2> <p>While the shift to all-electric will likely provide many benefits there are some things you need to consider:</p> <ul> <li>The carbon emissions from electricity are falling fast, and many homes have rooftop solar. Combining <a href="https://grattan.edu.au/report/getting-off-gas/">all-electric with solar panels</a> will maximise returns.</li> <li>You may have to adjust to how new technologies operate and perform. For example, you may need <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/goodfood/tips-and-advice/do-you-really-have-to-buy-new-cookware-all-your-burning-questions-about-induction-cooking-answered-20230810-p5dvd0.html">new, metallic cookware for an induction cooktop</a> and become familiar with their fast response. Additionally, some people find heat from reverse cycle air conditioners to be drier and/or draughtier than gas heating. Floor-mounted units heat more effectively.</li> <li>It is not just the energy performance of appliances that matters. For example, noise from heat pump hot water services can vary across different brands. They can also require more space for installation.</li> <li>Undertaking a wider energy retrofit (for example, increasing insulation in walls, ceiling and underfloor, upgrading windows to double glazing) may mean you can buy a smaller, cheaper reverse cycle air conditioner when replacing gas heating.</li> <li>Electric appliances also need maintenance to make sure they perform optimally. For example, reverse cycle air conditioners have filters that must be regularly cleaned. While this can be done by households, it can be hard for people with mobility issues.</li> <li>Depending on the capacity of your electricity switchboard or wiring, extra electric appliances may require upgrades.</li> <li>For renters, while you could use portable appliances, you may not be able to disconnect from gas completely, meaning you would still have to pay a daily connection fee.</li> <li>Gas and electricity prices can change over time, for many reasons. For example, if fixed gas distribution costs are spread over fewer customers.</li> </ul> <h2>A worthwhile investment</h2> <p>Australian states and territories have started banning gas in new builds. Victoria and the ACT will soon require <a href="https://theconversation.com/cooking-and-heating-without-gas-what-are-the-impacts-of-shifting-to-all-electric-homes-210649">new housing and major renovations to be all-electric</a>. Others are likely to follow.</p> <p>For people in existing housing around Australia, it can be daunting to make the switch. Many of us have grown up with gas in our homes and when one appliance breaks, the easiest thing to do is replace like-for-like. But the weight of evidence shows it’s worth taking the time to look at the alteratives and invest in upgrading to all-electric appliances. The benefits far outweigh the costs. <!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/211261/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/trivess-moore-12580">Trivess Moore</a>, Senior Lecturer, School of Property, Construction and Project Management, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/alan-pears-52">Alan Pears</a>, Senior Industry Fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nicola-willand-441807">Nicola Willand</a>, Senior Lecturer, School of Property, Construction and Project Management, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/5-tips-for-getting-off-gas-at-home-for-a-cleaner-cheaper-healthier-all-electric-future-211261">original article</a>.</em></p>

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11 polite habits house cleaners secretly hate – and what to do instead

<p><strong>The dos and don'ts of cleaning etiquette</strong></p> <p>Housekeepers are like lawyers. They see you at your worst – yes, mostly your home, but you too – and keep their lips sealed. With a cleaning confidante like that, it’s only natural to want to do little things to show your appreciation, like asking about their lives or even helping them clean. But despite your good intentions, these kind gestures can sometimes miss the mark.</p> <p>The house cleaners we spoke with revealed tales of extra (dirty) work they were “trusted with” but didn’t want to do, “helpful” cleaning tips that weren’t actually helpful and little etiquette mistakes that simply sucked time from what you hired them to do: clean your house. To be fair, there aren’t any hard-and-fast etiquette rules on this topic. That’s why we asked cleaning experts to give us the inside scoop on some of the thoughtful things people do that drive them crazy – and what to do instead.</p> <p><strong>Cleaning before they arrive</strong></p> <p>You may truly believe you’re helping by cleaning before your housekeeper arrives, and maybe you are. It depends on what you mean by cleaning. If you’re quickly passing a mop over a grimy kitchen floor or wiping your granite benchtops with a wet sponge and not drying them, cleaning pros say, “Thanks, but no thanks.” With the grime now further embedded into the floor or streaks on the countertops, it could actually take them more time to fix your mistake. And at the very least, they’ll have to duplicate your work anyway.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Do this instead</em></span>: focus on the clutter. “Taking things off the counters and clearing the floors can help us work much faster, and that means a better cleaning for the same amount of money,” says housecleaner, Gretchen Boyd. “Clear the clutter for a better clean, but leave the scrubbing to us!”</p> <p><strong>Talking to them while they're cleaning</strong></p> <p>After a while, your housekeeper becomes more like a friend. You ask them about their lives and their families, and they certainly know all about yours. It would be rude not to talk to them while they’re there. Plus, they’re doing all the tasks you don’t want to do, so the least you could do is make things less boring with a little chitchat, right? Nope! In fact, that ‘entertaining’ chitchat can really mess with their cleaning schedule.</p> <p>“Once, a client wanted to discuss a personal issue with me while I was cleaning their home. I was happy to listen, but it extended my cleaning time by about 15 to 20 minutes,” says cleaner Laura Avila.  “I enjoy getting to know my clients, but it’s important to keep in mind that my priority is to provide them with a clean space, and conversations can sometimes hinder that goal.”</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Do this instead</em></span>: spend a few minutes chatting when your housekeeper arrives, then let them get to work. “What I really appreciate is when clients give me some space to work in silence or maybe put on some music that we can both enjoy without having to chat the whole time,” says Avila. “That way, I can focus on doing a great job and getting everything cleaned up efficiently.”</p> <p><strong>Following them around while they work</strong></p> <p>You’re not hovering; you’re keeping them company. Nope, sorry – you’re hovering. Even if you think you’re being polite by showing an interest in their work or keeping them company, this polite gesture rarely comes across as you’re hoping. Instead, house cleaners say that having someone watching them while they scrub and scour the shower gives the impression that the client doubts if their cleaner even knows how to clean the bathroom at all. And having someone watching your every move can be distracting and unnerving.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Do this instead</em></span>: “I prefer when clients let me work on my own,” says Avila. If you have specific requests or concerns, talk them over when your housekeeper first arrives. Checking on progress or asking questions is fine, but minimise those types of interactions. That way, they can focus on doing the amazing job that you want them to do.</p> <p><strong>Offering agency workers extra pay for extra work </strong></p> <p>Who wouldn’t like to make some extra cash easily? Customers who go through an agency may think they are helping their house cleaner by offering extra payment for work that isn’t in the contract. What they don’t realise is that this may actually be against company policy, and their house cleaner could get in trouble. Beyond that, because professional cleaners allocate a set amount of time for each job, doing that additional chore could cause them to run late to their other clients’ homes, says Rachel Rios, a cleaning professional. All this also puts the cleaner in the awkward position of having to say no and disappoint the client.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Do this instead</em></span>: talk to the agency ahead of time if you have a special request. Agree upon any additional charges it may incur, as well as when the cleaning will take place.</p> <p><strong>Giving vague instructions</strong></p> <p>Sometimes, clients feel like giving too many instructions will insult the cleaning pro – after all, this is their job. Or they figure the cleaner knows to include tasks like cleaning ceiling fans and windows in their weekly routine, so they casually say something like: “Clean the living room.” The problem? Without specific instructions on which areas of the house to clean, which surfaces to focus on or what kind of cleaning products to use, a house cleaner is not sure what exactly needs to be done.</p> <p>There may also be confusion about whether “cleaning” entails a thorough wipe-down or a deep-clean. “Each client has different preferences and expectations,” says Hugo Guerrero, a certified house cleaning technician, “so it’s important to communicate clearly.”</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Do this instead</em></span>: provide a list with specific details about how each task should be completed. “Be specific,” says Guerrero. “That way, there are fewer misunderstandings and more satisfactory cleaning jobs.”</p> <p><strong>Moving items before they arrive</strong></p> <p>You might think you’re helping your house cleaner by moving sculptures, photographs, vases and other home accessories off table tops and shelves. But this ends up creating more work for them, as well as confusion. After all, now they don’t know where these items belong – and where they should put them once they’re clean. They might also knock them over if you put them in a strange spot or accidentally break them while moving them back in place.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Do this instead</em></span>: leave everything in its original position, and let the cleaners move the items themselves. “Doing so makes it easier for the cleaner, who is used to cleaning a certain way,” says Ahmad Jamal, a cleaning expert with Cleaners Advisor. “When clients move items around, I may need to move things back to their original place in order to clean properly.” Plus, those decorative items need to be dusted and cleaned as well, and there’s a specific way to do that. If you need anything in particular moved, let your cleaner know in advance.</p> <p><strong>Pre-soaking the shower or tub with bleach</strong></p> <p>Clients who don’t really know how to clean a bathtub the right way may think it’s helpful to pre-soak the shower or bathtub with bleach, but this can actually be incredibly dangerous for your house cleaner. If the area is not rinsed thoroughly, it could result in a chemical reaction with the cleaning supplies the cleaning pro is using in your bathroom. For example, when bleach mixes with ammonia, it produces an odourless, toxic gas that can cause respiratory distress and even death.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Do this instead</em></span>: “If you do decide to do any pre-cleaning before your house cleaner arrives, communicate which chemicals you used and where,” says Toby Schulz, CEO of Maid2Match in Australia. “And please remember to make sure the room is well ventilated.”</p> <p><strong>Leaving a key with a neighbour </strong></p> <p>Sometimes scheduling conflicts arise, and you need to arrange for your house cleaner to get a key to your home. Of course, you don’t want to cancel at the last minute and totally upend your cleaning pro’s schedule, and this is a good solution. Well, it is when it goes off without a hitch … which rarely happens. What if the neighbour isn’t home or doesn’t hear the doorbell?</p> <p>“This never seems to quite work as planned,” says cleaner, Olive Cantor. “Plus, the entire cleaning job runs late, and that can impact not only our client’s cleaning but also our entire day.”</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Do this instead</em></span>: work out a mutually agreeable option, like bringing your key to your house cleaner earlier in the day or hiding it away in an uncommon place like under a driveway paver. If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, you might want to invest in a smart lock that lets you provide an employee with “digital keys” that work just for that day.</p> <p><strong>Providing your own cleaning products and tools</strong></p> <p>It’s a nice gesture to want to provide everything your house cleaner needs so it’s all right there waiting for them and they don’t have to lug it to your house every week. But insisting on the wrong tools and products can actually make the job harder, especially when you leave out all those items to “help.”</p> <p>“This [makes] it hard to find my way around and determine the right way to clean each surface,” says Jenna Shaughnessy, a former professional house cleaner who’s currently a home decor and DIY expert. “While you may have excellent intentions, it might make cleaning harder and take more time.”</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Do this instead</em></span>: communicate your preferences in advance (like, maybe you only want natural cleaning products or your kid is allergic to a certain scent), and then discuss your house cleaner’s preferences as well. They’re the pros, after all, and they know what’s good! Perhaps they find a certain vacuum to be more effective or love a product that cuts their work time in half.</p> <p>You can also discuss whether they would like you to stock up on these items for them or if they would prefer to bring their own supplies. “That way,” says Avila, “I can be sure that I’m using things I’m familiar with and that I know will work well for the job.”</p> <p><strong>Offering 'helpful advice' while they're working</strong></p> <p>It’s your home, and it has some quirks. To be fair, so do you. And you know your house cleaner wants to do the job to your specifications, so if you happen to be in the same room and notice they could be doing something differently, you might want to offer your two cents, whether it’s about the best way to clean that tricky oven rack or how to scrub the stainless steel sink. But truly, resist the urge.</p> <p>Lauren Doss, owner of a cleaning business, notes that all the stopping, starting and direction-giving makes it difficult to work efficiently. With one client who wanted things done a very specific way and kept interjecting as she worked, Doss says it “added a lot of time to the job, as I had to double-check each step with them.” Not to mention that this behaviour shows a lack of trust, even if you aren’t quite as intrusive as that client was.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Do this instead</em></span>: Provide clear instructions to your cleaner before they start working, then let them do their job. “It’s important for clients to trust their housekeeping professionals and allow them to work without interference,” says Doss. “If there’s a problem, offer constructive criticism rather than nitpicking.”</p> <p><strong>Not wanting to burden your house cleaner with other home problems </strong></p> <p>House cleaners don’t need to know tiny details about every maintenance issue in your house. Too much information! However, let’s be clear: they sure appreciate your telling them about problems that affect their job. A burned-out bulb in the fridge is not important … but a clogged toilet definitely is.</p> <p>And that’s not the only potential issue here. “I had one client who failed to tell me that the door on their second oven was loose,” recounts Cantor. “I went to open the oven to clean it, and off came the door! Not only was that scary – and potentially dangerous – but I was then worried that I was the one who broke it.”</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Do this instead</em></span>: let your house cleaner know if something they are going to be cleaning or using is broken. If you won’t be home when your house cleaner arrives, leave sticky notes on problem places. In the case of the broken oven door, Cantor says, “a little heads-up would have saved a lot of stress for everyone!”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/11-polite-habits-house-cleaners-secretly-hate-and-what-to-do-instead?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p>

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13 clever house-cleaning hacks from professional cleaners

<p><strong>Don't forget the doormat</strong></p> <p>Doormats are your best friend when it comes to trapping dirt, so make sure you have two – one outside the house and one inside.</p> <p>This tip is especially helpful when there’s a lot of rain and you have wet, muddy shoes going in and out of the house.</p> <p>Just be sure to clean the mats regularly as dirty mats contribute to the mess.</p> <p><strong>Combine tasks</strong></p> <p>Kill two birds with one stone by doing similar cleaning tasks at the same time.</p> <p>“Clean your baseboards when you are vacuuming or washing floors, clean blinds when you are cleaning windows, etc,” suggests Becky Rapinchuk, owner of <a href="https://www.cleanmama.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CleanMama.net.</a></p> <p><strong>Skip the bucket</strong></p> <p>Sometimes moving around the mop bucket only makes more of a mess thanks to the dirty water splashing around.</p> <p>Leslie Reichert, founder of The Green Cleaning Coach and author of <em>The Joy Of Green Cleaning</em>, has a bucket-less mopping technique that works wonders: a spray bottle filled with diluted cleaning solution and a microfibre mop. Or choose a mop that allows you to fill the base with water and a little floor cleaner and spray from the handle as you go.</p> <p><strong>Stock up on products</strong></p> <p>No, a bathroom tile cleaner shouldn’t be used to wipe down your mirrors.</p> <p>“The right products that actually clean go a long way to getting the job done more effectively and efficiently for you,” says McGee.</p> <p><strong>Buy a soap dispenser dish brush</strong></p> <p>According to Dana White, founder of <a href="https://www.aslobcomesclean.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A Slob Comes Clean</a>, you can use a soap dispenser dish brush in your shower.</p> <p>“Mark it for the bathroom only with a permanent marker, and fill it with your favorite dish soap,” she says.</p> <p>“Hang it in the shower, and you can scrub the shower while you’re in it anyway. Dish soap does a great job cleaning the bathroom!”</p> <p><strong>Vacuum the right way</strong></p> <p>Rapinchuk recommends first vacuuming a room horizontally and then vertically to get all of the trapped dirt.</p> <p>Most cleaning experts agree that vacuuming slowly is also very important to ensure that vacuum picks up all the dirt particles.</p> <p><strong>Define "clean"</strong></p> <p>Everyone has a different idea of what “clean” actually means.</p> <p>Some think a sparkling floor is clean, while others are happy with just doing a load of laundry.</p> <p>Beth McGee, author of <em>Get Your House Clean Now: The Home Cleaning Method Anyone Can Master</em>, suggests asking yourself questions like how much stuff do I have and what type of home do I have to determine what clean and organised really means to you.</p> <p><strong>A pillowcase can be a cleaner</strong></p> <p>Obviously, you don’t want to use the pillowcase you sleep on every night, but using a pillowcase to clean your ceiling fans is a hack that you need to try ASAP.</p> <p>“The pillowcase holds the dust so it doesn’t fall on a table or bed,” says Reichert.</p> <p>“A very clean way to dust a fan.”</p> <p><strong>Create a cleaning plan</strong></p> <p>We all have those random cleaning bursts, but having a plan beforehand will make your cleaning process smoother.</p> <p>“Cleaning is really like a dance. You start high, work down and around, and carefully observe anything that needs attention,” says McGee.</p> <p>“As you move around, wipe light switches, door frames, baseboards, walls, working in a circle around a room and not back and forth from one thing across the room to another. Don’t get distracted, keep a smooth motion around your home.”</p> <p><strong>Use your dishwasher</strong></p> <p>Dishwashers are for so much more than just washing dishes.</p> <p>Reichert recommends using yours to dust off knickknacks like jars, toys and glass candle globes.</p> <p>Pretty much anything glass or ceramic should be fine going in the dishwasher, but you do want to stay away from putting meltable plastics.</p> <p><strong>DIY cleaning solutions</strong></p> <p>Want to know the secret to streak-free mirrors and windows? Well, it’s an easy at-home solution you can make yourself. According to Rapinchuk, all you need is:</p> <ul> <li>1 1/2 cups water</li> <li>1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar</li> <li>1 1/2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol</li> <li>3 drops peppermint essential oil</li> </ul> <p>Place in a spray bottle, and away you go.</p> <p><strong>Clean the toilet daily</strong></p> <p>If you swish your toilet every day with your cleaning brush, you’ll keep it relatively clean without a ton of hard labour.</p> <p>Use the water already in the toilet to swish the entire toilet bowl.</p> <p>Your bathroom probably gets dirtiest the fastest and is the hardest to clean.</p> <p><strong>Skip the polish</strong></p> <p>Of course, you need to polish your wooden furniture and hardwood floors every once in a while (once or twice a year, or when they begin to look foggy), but all you really need to keep them shiny is a dry microfibre cloth.</p> <p>“Your furniture will actually get less dusty without using furniture polish,” says Reichert.</p> <p><strong>Prioritise</strong></p> <p>“[Start] with scrubbing areas such as kitchens and baths, then moving on to de-cluttering, dusting, bedding, and finally floors,” McGee advises.</p> <p>“Look at your home carefully to determine what needs most attention to bring it to your idea of clean.”</p> <p><strong>Speed clean</strong></p> <p>Maybe you just found out your in-laws are coming over and you need to quickly tidy up the place – knowing how to speed clean will be your saviour.</p> <p>Make sure you hit the places that are most visible first like kitchen countertops and the bathroom.</p> <p>You can skimp on things like the top of the fridge and behind the coffee maker.</p> <p><strong>Purchase a paintbrush</strong></p> <p>Reichert uses a stiff paintbrush around her furniture to pull the dirt out without having to move all the furniture around.</p> <p>“You are brushing it out away from the furniture so the vacuum can suck it up,” she says.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/home-tips/clever-house-cleaning-hacks-professionals-swear?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p>

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13 ways you’re shortening the life of your vacuum cleaner

<p><strong>You don't remove clogs</strong></p> <p>Do a quick visual check for clogs to the hose and wand after every time you use your vacuum cleaner. Unclogging your hoses not only improves suction power, but it can help the vacuum run more efficiently and last longer.</p> <p>If you can’t reach the jammed debris with your hand, use a mop handle or a gardening stake to push it through. An easy test: After detaching the hose and wand, try sliding a coin through them. If it gets stuck, you know it’s clogged.</p> <p><strong>Not winding up the cord after you've finished</strong></p> <p>It’s easy to get lazy and leave the power cord out to get stepped on by family and pets. But by winding the cord into a tidy coil after vacuuming, you can prevent damage, while also avoiding potential hazards including electrocution for family pets or inquisitive crawlers who like to chew.</p> <p>If you don’t have time to wrap up the cord, at the very least, you should always unplug it.</p> <p><strong>You're not detangling brushes</strong></p> <p>Most vacuum cleaners have rotating brushes at the intake port that kick dust and dirt loose from the carpet so they can get sucked up by the air stream. But when hair, pet fur, or loose string gets trapped in the brushes, they can’t work as effectively.</p> <p>Using a small pair of scissors, gently cut through the debris to free up the brushes, then use a comb to smooth them out.</p> <p><strong>Not replacing the bag or emptying the canister</strong></p> <p>Whether your vacuum uses a bag, canister, or cup, an overfilled unit will run less efficiently and not last as long. While it’s easy to tell when a bagless unit is full, it can be harder to tell when a vacuum bag needs replacing.</p> <p>If you notice a drop in suction, it could be a sign it’s full of lightweight, fluffy material such as pet hair. For maximum performance and to make your vacuum last longer, replace the bag or empty the canister or cup when it is half to two-thirds full.</p> <p><strong>You're not changing out or cleaning the filters</strong></p> <p>Each vacuum is different, but your manual should indicate how often filters need to be replaced or cleaned. Many vacuum models come with an accordion-shaped paper filter and a sponge-like ring filter. For units with washable filters, be sure to follow the washing guidelines from the manual.</p> <p>Of course, the frequency will vary depending on how often you vacuum and how messy your floors are. If the filter looks dirty, it’s time to switch it out or clean it.</p> <p><strong>You're not replacing the drive belt</strong></p> <p>This belt wraps around the beater brush allowing it to turn. If it’s not working correctly, the beater brush won’t loosen dirt and debris from the carpet fibres.</p> <p>By flipping the power-head over, you can glance at the belt, looking for tears or cracks. If the belt looks loose, that’s another sign it’s time for a new belt.</p> <p><strong>Using the wrong setting</strong></p> <p>Most vacuum cleaners have different settings depending on the type of flooring you are cleaning, i.e. wood or carpet. If you’re using the wrong setting, this can render the vacuum cleaner less effective and may shorten the life of your unit.</p> <p>“Setting your vacuum on the lowest setting may not be the best option to get enough airflow for the suction action,” reports Angie’s List.</p> <p><strong>Storing attachments separately</strong></p> <p>Attachments usually come with a storage spot, either on the vacuum itself or in a separate box or bag, yet it’s easy to get lazy. Sometimes, we leave a dusting brush or an upholstery tool on the side table instead of walking it down to the hall cupboard.</p> <p>Not that big of a deal, right? Until it gets lost or stolen by your puppy for her new chew toy. By storing the attachments together with the vacuum cleaner in a safe spot, parts are less likely to be damaged or get lost.</p> <p><strong>Not pre-cleaning the areas</strong></p> <p>To stretch out the life of your vacuum cleaner, give the room a once-over. Move backpacks, socks, or clothing with drawstrings to prevent them from catching in the belt. While you can turn off the vacuum and pull them out, over time it could loosen the belt and shorten the life of your vacuum cleaner.</p> <p>Next, check for fallen food items like chips or cookies or small toys like building bricks. Scoop them before vacuuming the area.</p> <p><strong>Not stopping when there's smoke</strong></p> <p>This might seem really obvious, but sometimes we get into turbo-mode – pushing the vacuum beyond its limits. Then even when we smell smoke, we optimistically assume we can fit in just one more room before problem-solving. But prevention is key.</p> <p>“When stress to the motor is present, the motor heats up and usually burns the belt, causing smoke,” suggests Do It Yourself. They advise cutting the burnt belt off with scissors, then replacing it before continuing to vacuum.</p> <p><strong>Using it too often</strong></p> <p>Think about what’s making your floors dirty in the first place, then try to circumvent it so you can use your vacuum cleaner less frequently. Try storing your shoes in a bin by the front door, for instance.</p> <p>Other tricks: Instead of taking snacks to your TV-room, eat at your kitchen table so you don’t get crumbs everywhere, and brush pets outdoors on a regular basis to decrease the amount of pet hair on your floors and furniture.</p> <p><strong>Not using a surge protector</strong></p> <p>These aren’t just for your computers or TVs. A surge protector can “prevent an electronic shortage from spurts of electricity that go beyond the voltage limits.”</p> <p>The stronger the burst, the more likely your vacuum can get damaged. Causes of power surges vary from downed power lines to lightning storms.</p> <p><strong>Not reading the manual </strong></p> <p>Many people skip reading the manual until there is a problem, but by then it might be too late. Each company’s manual contains important safety instructions and warnings, such as “Do not handle the machine or plug with wet hands.” Pretty obvious – sure – but it could save your life.</p> <p>They also give troubleshooting tips for how to care for and maintain your vacuum cleaner along with warranty information, which is especially important if you are switching to a new brand.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/home-tips/13-ways-youre-shortening-the-life-of-your-vacuum-cleaner?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p>

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Professional cleaner shares her holy grail products

<p dir="ltr">A professional cleaner has shared her holy grail products, revealing what she would never use to clean with and what she would use for alternatives. </p> <p dir="ltr">The 22-year-old cleaner and business owner hit the cleaning aisle of her local supermarket to suggest swapping out some popular products for “better results” and to make cleaning “simple, cost effective and less toxic”.</p> <p dir="ltr">She would never use products like Ajax Spray N' Wipe, Windex glass cleaner, Easy Off soap scum remover and White King two-in-one mould and soap scum remover.</p> <p dir="ltr">The cleaner, who owns <a href="https://www.spotoncleaningsydney.com/">Spot On Cleaning Sydney</a>, first suggested swapping Ajax Spray N' Wipe for Morning Fresh washing up liquid mixed with water. </p> <p dir="ltr">She said that mixing a small amount of dishwashing liquid with water would produce better results on commonly used surfaces. </p> <p dir="ltr">She also said the solution works better than Windex to get glass surfaces sparkling without the need to buy different products. </p> <p dir="ltr">Her next tip was to swap Easy Off soap scum spray for Bar Keepers Friend, which is a 'better alternative for built up soap scum and water stains'.</p> <p dir="ltr">The woman also recommended swapping out White King two-in-one mould and soap scum spray for Selleys rapid mould killer for better, longer lasting results. </p> <p dir="ltr">Her followers were thrilled with the cleaning hacks, with one person calling her a “life saver” after following her cleaning tips. </p> <p dir="ltr">Another follower said, 'Yes! Dishwashing liquid is literally so great for cleaning so many things. Surface cleaners only leave residue when not wiped off after spraying.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite the flood of praise, others were concerned that using dishwashing liquid won’t have the same germ-fighting results as sprays. </p> <p dir="ltr">“But dish liquid won't kill surface germs like surface spray?” one woman asked.</p> <p dir="ltr">However the cleaner assures her it “absolutely” will, “after all it is designed to clean dishes and kill bacteria,” she wrote. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: TikTok</em></p>

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The benefits of steam cleaning your home

<p>Steam cleaning is fast becoming the preferred method for keeping homes dirt and grime free. As well as saving you money, it is easy, non-toxic and highly sanitary.</p> <p>As we age we can sometimes become more susceptible to germs, allergies can be more common and cleaning thus becomes all the more important. Here are the many reasons why you should consider steam cleaning.</p> <p><strong>Non-toxic:</strong> Not only is steam cleaning an effective way to clean, sanitise and deodorise almost every surface in your home, it will also kill 99 per cent of bacteria and doesn’t require the use of toxic and potentially harmful chemicals such as bleach or ammonia. Only heat and water are used, so as a result your house remains free from chemical residue and pollution. Say goodbye to E.Coli, salmonella, and staph, as well as dust mites and bed bugs.</p> <p><strong>Easy peasy:</strong> Most steam cleaners are lightweight and therefore easy to maneuver so you can easily clean hard-to-reach areas and also clean cushions, pillows, pet bedding, curtains and other soft furnishings.</p> <p><strong>Child and pet friendly:</strong> The non-toxic nature of steam cleaning makes your home a much safer environment for children and pets.</p> <p><strong>Allergies:</strong> As steam cleaning only uses water and heat to create an all-natural steam that removes dirt and grim from any non-heat sensitive surfaces, it won’t aggravate allergy symptoms or cause respiratory issues.</p> <p><strong>Penny pinching:</strong> On top of the initial purchase, the only money outlay for steam cleaning is for the water and electricity used to heat it. Thus, it can end up saving you money in the long term that you would’ve spent of detergents, cleaners and other products used throughout the home.</p> <p><strong>Effective:</strong> Steam cleaning, unlike bleach, will actually kill mould in your bathroom, which could otherwise cause all sorts of healthy problems. While bleach just turns mould white so it blends in with the surface, steam cleaning kills the mould from the cracks and hard to reach places.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

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Cleaner shares six structural tips to make your house easy to clean

<p dir="ltr">A professional cleaner has shared six things to avoid when building a house in order to make your home easier to clean. </p> <p dir="ltr">Kacie from The Big Clean Co in Melbourne shared the tips in a TikTok video which racked up over 600,000 views in less than 14 hours. </p> <p dir="ltr">She recommends choosing alternative style solutions rather than opting for blinds with small slats, freestanding bathtubs, square sinks and black tapware. </p> <p dir="ltr">Kacie said that blinds with smaller slats accumulate much more dust, making it a long task to individually clean each one. </p> <p dir="ltr">She also said that while free-standing bathtubs are a chic and modern styling option, it's important to avoid placing them right beside the wall because it becomes difficult to clean the tight gap. </p> <p dir="ltr">“You need to be able to clean in there,” she said.  </p> <p dir="ltr">Kacie recommends opting for a round or oval sink in kitchens and bathrooms, as corners of square sinks are “so annoying to clean”. </p> <p dir="ltr">She also suggested not to install “sensitive” black tapware unless you are “really sure it's durable” because over time the black coating fades, exposing the bronze brass underneath.</p> <p dir="ltr">When choosing kitchen cabinetry, Kacie recommends minimising the space between the cupboards and ceiling as she said “it's just a shelf to catch grease on”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Her video was flooded with praise in the comments, with one person writing, “Fellow cleaner here! COMPLETELY AGREE!”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: TikTok</em></p>

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Cleaner admits to killing 92-year-old client

<p>A Sydney cleaner has admitted to killing her 92-year-old client in a frenzied attack after "blacking out". The young woman claims she's only guilty of manslaughter because she can't remember a thing.</p><p>Hanny Papanicolaou said she doesn't recall bashing Marjorie Welsh with her own walking stick after arriving at her Ashbury home, in Sydney's Inner West, on a day she was not rostered to clean in January 2019.</p><p>She also said she has no memory of stabbing Mrs Welsh with a kitchen knife or smashing her over the head with crockery. Mrs Welsh died from her injuries six weeks after she was attacked.</p><p>Ms Papanicolaou told a NSW Supreme Court jury on Wednesday that all she remembers is waking up in a pool of blood and seeing Mrs Welsh's body on the ground after she was "woken up" by an alarm.</p><p>"I wake up surrounding by blood, I wake up surrounding by knife,' she said in the witness box.</p><p>"Marj was in front of the fridge with a lot of blood… I just grab the cloth and I just run.</p><p>"I just want to see my son… I was in shock I didn't know what was happening."</p><p>When asked why she attacked her client she said, "I don't know .. every day I asking myself … I don't know."</p><p>Her statements of memory loss were at odds with what she told police in an interview following her arrest.</p><p>During a three-hour interview, she told officers she acted in self-defence after Mrs Welsh accused her of stealing $50 and pulled a knife on her.</p><p>"I try to get knife … I was kicking her … and I then I just say, 'give it to me give it to me'," Ms Papanicolaou said in an interview room at Sutherland police station.</p><p>"She tried to get up and she hit her head into the fridge," she said before stating Mrs Welsh fell on broken crockery.</p><p>The 38-year-old admitted she gambled until the early hours of January 2, 2019 at Canterbury-Hurlstone RSL before driving to Mrs Welsh's Ashbury home. It's the Crown case she went to Mrs Welsh's Holden Street home to steal money – thinking she was away - but attacked her when after realising she was home.</p><p>She admitted to carrying out the attack but denied rummaging through the house for cash, despite leaving a blood smear on the inside of Mrs Welsh's cupboard.</p><p>Under cross examination Crown prosecutor Chris Taylor asked: "You killed Marjorie Welsh didn't you?"</p><p>"Yes, I plead guilty for manslaughter," Ms Papanicolaou replied.</p><p>"You beat Mrs Welsh with her own walking stick?" Mr Taylor asked.</p><p>"I don't know," she replied.</p><p>"You're pretending that you've forgotten that you beat and stabbed Mrs Welsh. You're pretending, aren't you?" he asked.</p><p>"No," she said.</p><p>Despite partially recalling the actions of the attack, she told the court more than 100 times "I don't know" and "I don't remember" in relation to questions over the brutal assault.</p><p><em>Images: 9 News</em></p>

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“You can’t unsee it”: Pro cleaner reveals the FILTH inside our mattresses

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A professional cleaner has taken to social media to share what kind of dirt can lurk in your mattress – and why you should always vacuum it.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kacie Stephens, who runs a cleaning business called The Big Clean Co, shared a clip on TikTok of what came out of a mattress she deep-cleaned using a vacuum cleaner and a black cloth.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Warning. Once you see this, you can’t unsee it,” she captioned the video, which has racked up over 420,000 views.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I’m going to show you how to test how clean your mattress is. Get a black piece of material and wrap it at the end of your vacuum – that is going to act as your filter for the dust and skin cells.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After vacuuming the two-year-old mattress, Ms Stephens unravelled the cloth to show the dirt, dust, and dead skin cells it had collected.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845778/vacuum1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/887cc7c1c5d94920affbb8e11663f62d" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: @thebigcleanco (Instagram)</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“A mattress that isn’t cleaned regularly contains a build-up of allergens including dust and skin cells, as well as spots and stains from body fluid and sweat,” Ms Stephens told </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/home/diy/cleaner-shares-why-you-should-always-vacuum-your-mattress/news-story/4731db10551f1e5d70acea3a4b6701c6" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">news.com.au</span></a></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“If you’re game enough to get your face right up to it, the mattress will have a musty smell.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ms Stephens also revealed how often she believes people should vacuum their bedding – and the frequency might surprise you.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Mattresses should be vacuumed every single time sheets are changed – and sheets should be changed once per week,” she said.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CWNXgLogw5Z/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CWNXgLogw5Z/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by The Big Clean Co - Est 2017 (@thebigcleanco)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As for the “best technique” for cleaning, she said it involves just vacuuming your mattress.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Don’t attempt the technique of covering the mattress in bicarb and vacuuming it up, as particles are bound to be left on the mattress where they can then cause issues with the mattress fibres over the long term – not to mention it can also damage your vacuum [if you use bicarb],” she said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But, she did have some advice for tackling marks on your mattress, recommending you “spot clean” with “plain water on a cloth – and if that doesn’t work, use a little 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, which is available in the pharmacy”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ms Stephens also recommended </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">against</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> steam cleaning – a task she says should be left to the experts.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Most people don’t even think about having their mattress steam cleaned – but this is easily done by professional carpet and upholstery cleaners and is a great way to keep dust mites and bacteria at bay,” she explained.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Often people look for a DIY steam cleaner but as commercial steam cleaners we see that these machines leave fibres wet for extended periods, creating the perfect environment for fungal and mould spores to thrive inside your mattress.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Steam cleaning is a job for the professionals.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Many viewers of her mattress-cleaning video shared their shock after trying the technique themselves.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I tested this. I vacuum my mattress every week and oh my god. It was so bad,” one woman shared.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I sell vacuums for a living and people don’t understand how much stuff gets put into those mattresses when you sleep,” another commented.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“This is gross but we need to do this. Thank you for sharing,” a third said.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: @thebigcleanco (Instagram)</span></em></p>

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Surviving winter with steam breathing

<p>The WellO2 breathing exercise device is a non-medical device,<span> </span><strong>brand new to Australia!</strong><span> </span>Cold weather can be tough on all of us, but if you have asthma, winter can literally take your breath away. Asthma causes the airways to swell and narrow. When people with asthma are exposed to triggers — which make asthma symptoms worse — they might cough, wheeze or have trouble breathing. For many people, cold air is a common asthma trigger.</p> <p>For many people, asthma is harder to control during winter months, for a few reasons. First, the cold, dry air can irritate your airways and cause the muscles inside to spasm. Then there’s all those cold and flu viruses going around. A cold or respiratory tract infection can exacerbate asthma symptoms.</p> <p>Steam has been used to loosen tight phlegm from the airways for years – anyone who has been told to breathe over a bowl of warm water- or sit in a sauna – will know that steam is helpful in alleviating congestion. Steam plus RMT has been shown to help improve respiratory fitness and overall health and wellbeing.</p> <p>Start training with your WellO2 device today. Many people report seeing the benefit of using their WellO2 in two to four weeks!</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:324.67532467532465px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842666/rd_2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/cf8fc5e57fb6450f930588ab05253074" /></p> <p><strong>5 Ways to get lung fit!</strong></p> <ol> <li><strong>Stay hydrated</strong><span> </span>– It might seem simple but keeping well hydrated helps maintain the health of the mucosal lining in the lungs.</li> <li><strong>Slow relaxed breaths</strong><span> </span>-Deep breathing helps you to expand and allow your lungs to reach their full capacity.</li> <li><strong>Nasal Breathing</strong><span> </span>– Our nose is an important part of the respiratory system. It warms and humidifies the air we breathe and helps protect the airways from allergens, pollutants, and pathogens.</li> <li><strong>Sit straight, stand tall and breathe with the diaphragm</strong><span> </span>– Our lungs are soft structures, so making room for them to expand and contract as we breathe is incredibly important. Breathing patterns become abnormal with excessive use of the upper rib cage, which leads to insufficient use of the diaphragm while breathing.</li> <li><strong>Invest in a WellO2</strong><span> </span>– Breathing exercise devices, such as WellO2 are beneficial not only for those experiencing ongoing respiratory concerns, but for individuals looking to engage in conscious breathing for everyday general wellness.</li> </ol> <p><strong>Hear from some of our very happy customers, WellO2 really can change lives!</strong></p> <p>“I have been using the Well02 for just over two weeks now and I’m starting to see a real improvement with my Asthma, which is always at its worst in Spring. For the first week, I used the breathing device for 5 minutes in the morning then 5 mins at night. I must say, it was a very strange feeling when I first started using the device and I did notice that it would make me cough, which I understand is normal. Due to the coughing, I did take a few free breaths between each inhalation which helped. By the second week I was using the device 10 minutes x 2 a day. I am no longer coughing and have adapted very well. I found the set up of the device very easy but I did watch the YouTube video to make sure I was doing it correctly. I am pleased to say, since using the device, my use of ventolin has decreased. This alone is a huge advantage. I have also noticed I’m not as “puffed” out as I usually am on my nightly walks. I’m looking forward to seeing the continued benefits.” – Melissa H, NSW</p> <p>“I suffer from asthma and chronic bronchitis resulting in difficulty breathing and regularly coughing up thick mucus. The mucus is hard to cough up at times and makes it hard to breathe so I was expecting big things on my first use. It was much gentler than I imagined and although I felt slightly dizzy using it I did cough up a bit of mucus, my initial thoughts were I wanted it hotter and harder but I felt a bit more free in my chest after the first few days.</p> <p>After the first week I was really feeling it under my lower ribs like “real” exercise. I’m not sure if I am doing it too hard as sometimes it makes a whistling noise and I can’t find anywhere in the instructions or online if this is a good or bad thing.</p> <p>I’ve now upped it to level 2 and things are going well – this level seems better suited to me for some reason although I did miss a few days which resulted in an itchy throat feeling like I was getting a cold. The one thing I find difficult is finding the time to fill it, clean it and use it. I would prefer it just sat in the room and I could breathe it in as it did the work and I could do other things without having to hold it. I do love how small it is though – you can just store it away out of sight.</p> <p>Overall I highly recommend it as I’ve had some relief from my chronic symptoms – my chest and nose feel clearer, and breathing easier. I’m also not as affected by pollution and smokers as I was before.” – Rachel K</p> <p>“I am into my third week of using Wello2. My Asthma is Bronchial and generally comes on with the dampness or cold weather (particularly night air). Given my location in Qld, there are not too many very cold nights at this time of the year (October) although the humidity can also play a part at times, it isn’t too late. I have found the Well02 to be more beneficial to me now at night prior to going to bed, I think it helps open the airways and helps me relax a little more going to sleep. I did get up one night with a breathing problem and used the Wello2 at 3am to assist with breathing and I did find the steam did help and also helped me relax to return to sleep., I also find dismantling the parts for cleaning is much easier now than it was in the beginning, they were very stiff to move initially. I would certainly say that the device has been useful to me during the period I have been using it.” – Glenys Davison.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:324.67532467532465px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842665/rd_3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/59a1c231b898475495bade4760bcb51e" /></p> <p><em><strong>For a limited time, we are offering a discount of A$100 to Over60 readers for the WellO2 steam breathing device (normally RRP A$399) or the Travel Pack (normally A$450). We offer a 60-day money back guarantee and ongoing support for your breathing journey with our Breathing Club. Simply enter code ‘Over60’ at checkout.</strong></em></p> <p><span>If you would like any further information on WellO2, simply head to our website </span><a rel="noopener" href="http://www.wello2.com.au/" target="_blank">www.wello2.com.au</a><span> or contact us at hello@wello2.com.au</span></p> <p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z7-JL_06cL0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p><em><strong>This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with <a rel="noopener" href="https://wello2.com.au/" target="_blank">Well02</a>.</strong></em></p>

Body

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Professional cleaner reveals her MAJOR shower cleaning tip

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post-body-container"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>A cleaner has shared her major secret tip to get her showers sparkling clean.</p> <p>Under the TikTok account<em> <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thebigcleanco?lang=en" target="_blank">The Big Clean Co</a>,</em> a Melbourne woman has showed her method of using dishwashing liquid to get shower tiles, shower screen and metal shower handles absolutely spotless.</p> <p>“This shower gets cleaned weekly, if it was a deep clean, we’d brush these bits,” she wrote.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7841502/shower-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c9283a99d87146219aaecb6e7984a19c" /></p> <p>After wiping all of the shower surfaces down, she then showed how she rinsed the shower before drying it with a towel.</p> <p>“When we use dishwashing liquid, we don’t even need a glass cleaner,” she said.</p> <p>The clip has been viewed by more than two million people and left viewers excited to try the new cleaning hack out on their own showers.</p> <p>“This is so impressive,” one person wrote.</p> <p>“I love the tip! Thank you,” wrote another.</p> <p>A third said: “Going to clean my shower right now! Looks brilliant!”</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="post-action-bar-component-wrapper"> <div class="post-actions-component"> <div class="upper-row"><span class="like-bar-component"></span> <div class="right-box-container"></div> </div> </div> </div>

Home & Garden

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Mum touts Bunnings product as miracle shower cleaner

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>Not everyone is a fan of cleaning, but almost everyone is a fan of hacks that make those tedious chores a lot easier.</p> <p>Enter Aussie mum Tracey who has found her latest miracle find after "trying everything else" to remove stubborn soap scum from her shower.</p> <p>“Finally found the game-changer for shower glass," she shared on a Facebook group.</p> <p>“Easy to rub in and wash off. Found in Bunnings cleaning aisle. Have tried everything else before finding this."</p> <p>Her miracle product is Rain-X Shower door extreme cleaner, which can be found at your local Bunnings.</p> <p>“This unique product, specially formulated for use on glass shower doors, is ideal for removing soap scum, dirt, hard water build-up, calcium, lime stains and rust stains," the product description reads on the website.</p> <p>Other fans of the<span> </span><em>Mums Who Clean</em><span> </span>Facebook group loved the hack.</p> <p>“I’m an end of lease cleaner and this is what we use. I’ve cleaned some really bad showers. Like to the point the glass couldn’t been seen through. And I’ve used Rainx to clean it”</p> <p>Added another: “well worth the $20, game changer!”</p> <p>Said a third: “That is awesome stuff. My client that also has a house in America brought some back years ago you could only get it from the US at the time. So glad they have finally got in here.”</p> </div> </div> </div>

Home & Garden

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Mum's warning on ALDI cult cleaner

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>An ALDI shopper has issued a warning after noticing this important fact about a popular cleaning buy.</p> <p>Mum Anne shared the detail on Facebook, as she spotted the detail while reading the fine print on ALDI's Di San Pre Wash Stain Remover.</p> <p>The $1.25 product has a cult following as many use it to transform oven doors, jewellery and shower screens.</p> <p>But Anne has warned others to be careful when cleaning with the product after noticing that Di San’s back label reads “Do not mix with other chemicals”.</p> <p>“Warning, don’t mix Di San with other chemicals,” wrote Anne on the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1034012533313136" target="_blank" class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtflink">Aldi Mums</a> page.</p> <p>“I used this mix to clean grout on floor. Yes it worked.</p> <p>“But this mix of Di San and Mould Away gave me headaches and nausea and I did think about checking the labels!”</p> <p>She gave the warning as many use it to clean the grout on their tiles as they've combined it with other products, such as anti-mould spray.</p> <p>“Thanks for highlighting this,” said one. “It is so important to read labels. Ventilation is paramount too.”</p> <p>“Thanks for sharing and warning other members, I didn’t know either,” said another.</p> <p>Said a third: “A good general rule for all chemicals.”</p> </div> </div> </div>

Home & Garden

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Inside the story: The Trauma Cleaner - a beautiful meditation on death and decay

<p>Sarah Krasnostein’s <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34964868-the-trauma-cleaner">The Trauma Cleaner</a> has won many awards since it was published in 2017, including the Victorian Prize for Literature and the Australian Book Industry Award General Non-Fiction Book of the Year.</p> <p>While the title may speak of a provocative premise – <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/sep/28/i-started-dry-retching-the-compassion-of-a-trauma-cleaner">what is a trauma cleaner</a>? Are there really jobs like this? – it’s not just the content that makes it a wonderful read, it’s also the writing style. Every word, every sentence, is carefully considered, re-considered and re-considered some more, resulting in what can only be described as beautiful language.</p> <p>I was truly blown away by the power and precision of the prose. Sounds, tastes and smells emanate from the page, creating a visceral experience of protagonist Sandra’s extraordinary, often traumatic, life.</p> <p><strong>Orchestration of words</strong></p> <p>Krasnostein uses exquisite turns of phrase. Language is used to excavate facts and polish ideas that are hard to get rid of – things that stick. As Krasnostein writes, the book is “a catalogue of the ways we die physically and emotionally, and the strength and delicacy needed to lift the things we leave behind”.</p> <p>Introducing her subject, Krasnostein writes:</p> <p><em>During my time with Sandra, I met a bookbinder, a sex offender, a puppeteer, a cookbook hoarder, a cat hoarder, a wood hoarder […] I heard Sandra bend and flex language into words and idioms she made her own: “supposably”, “sposmatically”, “hands down pat!”</em></p> <p>It is this careful and playful orchestration of words – facts transformed into a scintillating narrative – that makes the book hard to put down. Every page lures you in, making you hungry for more.</p> <p>Beneath the beautiful language, resonance strikes and asks us to think of our own lives. Expressions hit like a sudden gust of wind. They bring tears to your eyes. We are not asked to feel sad, but to feel what was, and still is, being experienced by these people – to feel the complexity of the circumstances.</p> <p><em>Imagine Ailsa, the girl who loves to bake, the woman whose cakes are light and high and whose dark religion tells her to fear her effeminate son […] Imagine that baby as a boy frozen in his bed, straining to read the sound of a motor in the driveway over the noise of his own racing heart.</em></p> <p>Krasnostein’s language evokes in us the visceral aspects of a situation – the pain and pleasure of those involved. She says of Sandra, then still Peter, practising his female voice in the shower when wife Linda is out: “the refrain of thrumming along his veins that signifies his only certainty and which says: you don’t belong here”.</p> <p>Later, of his eventual parting from wife and children towards a new life as Sandra:</p> <p><em>When he steps around the food flung on the floor or smells the milk turning in bottles in the sink, or when cries momentarily shatter his sleep like a glass flung against a wall, he doesn’t really notice because in his mind he is dancing at [gay club] Annabel’s with Joe.</em></p> <p>Krasnostein is adept at laying out facts with no judgement or flourish, allowing their trauma to speak to us individually. She refuses to manipulate her readers, instead touching the facts lightly with a sense of perspective: “she will never fear what is ahead of her, only what is behind her”.</p> <p>From one trauma to the next, we learn of the murder of Sandra’s girlfriend, Maria, by a nightclub bouncer. Krasnostein uses repetition to speculate on his motives:</p> <p><em>Maybe he has it in for her. Maybe he has it in for dykes. Maybe he’s jealous of her. Maybe he’s jealous of the girlfriend. Maybe he’s repulsed that he’s jealous of either of them […] Maybe he just wants to feel the force of bone on muscle.</em></p> <p>Krasnostein gives us story perspective in a light, non-manipulative way. That last line is sparse yet stark, simple yet powerful.</p> <p>And then this, which winds all the facts into a clean knot that represents the very core of Sandra’s life journey: “Sandra does not need a physics lesson to understand that time dilates; life taught her early that some seconds are cruelly quick and others are tortuously slow”.</p> <p>Krasnostein pores over language, refining it until it says the most it can in the fewest words possible. “Something you might try to ignore, like a full bladder on a cold night”. “What chips some people like a mug cracks others, like an egg”. “The couch is a grave”.</p> <p><strong>Writing of writing</strong></p> <p>The Trauma Cleaner also speaks about the process of its being written, with authority and poignancy:</p> <p><em>I scrap draft after draft of my timeline and even when I am assisted in my task by Sandra’s recollection, the narrative remains a tangled necklace. Events link into one another only so far before they halt, abruptly, as some great knot where they loop over each other so tightly that some seem to disappear altogether.</em></p> <p>In some ways, the narrative arc of the book is not Sandra’s own journey, but Krasnostein’s understanding of Sandra and what she represents for all of us. This is achieved with a lightness of touch, the author never getting in the way of the reader’s own interpretations.</p> <p>Krasnostein writes at the start of the book:</p> <p><em>And here it hits me what it is we are doing by telling this story. It is something at once utterly unfamiliar and completely alien to Sandra: we are clearing away the clutter of her life out of basic respect for the inherent value of the person beneath.</em></p> <p>And then at the end of the book, after we have witnessed all of Sandra’s trauma, humour and resilience, an ordaining of our protagonist in language that is at once beautiful and beatific: “Sandra, you exist in the Order of Things and the Family of People; you belong, you belong, you belong”.</p> <p><em>Written by Craig Batty. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/inside-the-story-the-trauma-cleaner-a-beautiful-meditation-on-death-and-decay-127436">The Conversation.</a></em></p>

Retirement Life

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$1.25 ALDI find deemed “miracle worker”

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">No one likes a stain they can’t get out, whether it is mud at the bottom of our jeans or makeup clinging to our shirt collars. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Thankfully, one woman believes she has found a “miracle” saver at ALDI for just an unbelievable $1.25. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7831819/aldi-di-sanz.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f22cd448415a48af808b24324c92748f" /></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The ALDI Di-San stain remover is proving to be a hit, and is causing a stir online with people posting incredible before and afters of stained and dirty clothes looking fresh off the shelf!</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A woman said she was shocked at the outcome of her white pillowcases after she sprayed them with Di-san and left it for five minutes. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After soaking the linen in warm water for about an hour, she says the results shocked her as the items came out sparkling white. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7831818/aldi-di-sanz-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/a60383e3340d4d54ae1425db0e5d9788" /></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She also wrote the Lectric washing soda from Woolworths added to the water makes her pillowcases even whiter.</span></p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmichelle.calabresebrown%2Fposts%2F10158904170804012&amp;width=500" width="500" height="731" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">People on Facebook took to the comments to rave about their own experiences with the penny pinching product. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“This is brilliant I have a bottle in the kitchen for the floor tiles grout, lifts the dirt straight out. It lifts the oil stains out of hubby work clothes. Love all of Aldi laundry products,” one person said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Best thing ever! Has helped me with so many problems I couldn’t figure out on my own,” another wrote. </span></p>

Home & Garden

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The $4 ALDI item professional cleaners love – and promises a sparkling stove top every time

<p>A professional cleaner with over 30 years experience has revealed her favourite kitchen product, but there’s a catch as the coveted item is only available for a few weeks every year.</p> <p>The New South Wales woman was stunned after seeing the phenomenal results ALDI’s Green Action Smooth Paste Cleaner, which is similar to Gumption, gave her.</p> <p>And the best thing is, it only costs $3.99.</p> <p>“I’ve been a cleaner for over 30 years in both the commercial and domestic space,” she wrote on Facebook.</p> <p>“You know Gumption? Well this is pretty much the same but only costs $3.99 at ALDI.</p> <p>“Once a year they have it. Grab at least two or three tubs depending on how much you like cleaning.”</p> <p>She then shared two photos side-by-side for people to compare the difference, with the second photo showing a squeaky clean stove top after using the cleaner.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7828823/stove.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/67486bbfc0f3429a81129aec8ef0ab1c" /></p> <p>And according to her, the process involved very little scrubbing.</p> <p>“Wet the sponge that comes with it. Dab it around all stains and marks. While I was waiting for it to set I did the dishes,” she said.</p> <p>“Then get a soft scourer, not much elbow grease is needed, then wipe away with a clean sponge.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img style="width: 500px; height: 404.57413249211356px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7828822/product.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/99ddeaf843f042779c3db6f7dc18f56a" /></p> <p>“You may need to wipe a couple of times as it can leave a small residue.”</p> <p>Many of her followers were thrilled with the new discovery, as they had never heard of the brand before.</p> <p>“I love this product … it’s brilliant. I’ll have to see whether my local ALDI has it,” wrote one person.</p> <p>“I’ve been using this for a couple of years, it’s absolutely awesome,” said another.</p> <p>A second professional cleaner then gave her input, saying ALDI’s “Green Action” products were “hard to beat”.</p> <p>“Affordable, no strong fragrance and no toxic ingredients. I clean people’s houses on a part time basis and have tried quite a few products over the last two years. This brand is one of the best,” she said.</p> <p>“If it’s a really oily or filthy mess I resort to Ajax products but due to the strong fragrance I’d rather not. This Gumption-type product may do the trick!”</p>

Home & Garden

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The $4.80 cult buy from Bunnings that leaves your home SPARKLING

<div> <div class="replay"> <div class="reply_body body linkify"> <div class="reply_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>A $4.80 surface cleaner has fast become a cult buy for those who want to make the surfaces on their home shine to a whole other level.</p> <p>The Diggers Multi-Purpose Surface Cleaner is a bottle of lavender-scented methylated spirits which is designed to disinfect and deodorise kitchens, bathrooms, glass and floors.</p> <p>The product, available from Bunnings, has caused a rave online for its versatility and budget-friendly price tag.</p> <p>“Used this for the first time today...I have white bamboo floor boards in my lounge dining room. ...I will never use another product,” one online reviewer wrote. “Thank you so much for this time saving product. No streaking as advertised.”</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7825789/surface-cleaner.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ef51e2eaf7964a2984066770d308288c" /></p> <p>One mum said she uses the cleaner to clean not only her kitchen and bathroom, but her kid’s toys as well.</p> <p>“A simple and easy to use product, can be used to clean all hard surfaces in the home,” she wrote.</p> <p>The handy item comes in three scents, lemon, vanilla and their most popular, lavender.</p> <p>The solution seems to be a Godsend to those looking for a spotless home, and with a convenient pump spray and plenty of product in the bottle, what is not to love?</p> <p>Will you be purchasing the $4.80 surface cleaner? Let us know in the comments below.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Home & Garden

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The $11 Bunnings hack that is a surprisingly effective toilet cleaner

<p>A local Sydney woman had tried everything from Coke to citrus when she was scrubbing to clean her toilet.</p> <p>As the toilet hadn’t been cleaned since before she moved in three months ago, she had tried every hack available to try and get the stained toilet bowl nice and clean.</p> <p>The Sydney local had just about given up hope until she came across this $11 product from Bunnings and some steel wool. It worked so well she took to her Facebook page to document the success.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7822645/dirty-toilet.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/a509f5c33e074a4d8b1ad91ca041e43b" /></p> <p>“Tried Coke (nothing), tried citric acid (nothing), tried Scalex and it did change but it didn't help much.</p> <p>“Then yesterday I tried a very strong mix of Scalex and this steel wool thing,” she continued.</p> <p>“In less than 10 minutes (pretty hard scrubbing), it now looks like this.”</p> <p>Her friends rallied around her success as well as sharing some tips and tricks of their own.</p> <p>“Scalex works best if you add hot water to the toilet,” one woman stated before adding, “Your toilet looks great.</p> <p>“Mine is 25 years old and it's just starting to get harder and harder to clean now. But I love Scalex, it's a little bit of magic.”</p> <p>Another friend left a comment with a warning about using Scalex too much, saying, “If you scrub the glaze off the bowl it will stain quicker and make it harder to clean so be careful.”</p> <p>What are some tips and tricks you use to keep your toilet bowl clean? Is Scalex a product you’ve used before? Let us know in the comments.</p>

Home & Garden

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The parts of the home you’re forgetting to clean – according to a professional cleaner

<p>It’s the kind of advice you need, but don’t want, to hear:  What tiny nooks of the home are you forgetting to clean, and what are the subsequent hygiene issues associated with them?</p> <p>Of course, most floors get a mop and tables a wipe. But for every bench that demands a wash after dinner, there’s an equally-as-deserving shower curtain that has spent months, perhaps years, crunched in a corner and draped in festering human gunk.</p> <p>And therein lies the great inequality of all: not all parts of the home are made equal with regards to the ones we are willing to clean.</p> <p>In a recent <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/8qfm3u/professional_house_cleaners_of_reddit_what_do/">Reddit</a> thread that generated more than 7000 comments, professional cleaners shared the parts of the home most likely to be neglected when it comes to cleaning.</p> <p>According to the owner of professional cleaning service <a href="https://www.maidinmelbourne.com.au/">Maid in Melbourne</a>, Rita Dossis, the thread is “very accurate”.</p> <p>“Many of these things that you would assume people would be doing, they are not. Sometimes they look at the bigger picture and don’t notice the little things that need doing,” she says.</p> <p>We’ve summarised some of the most commonly ignored parts of the home, with Dossis telling us exactly what happens when they are left untouched for extended periods of time.</p> <p><strong>Mould in bathrooms, on walls and around windows</strong></p> <p>“There are spores that are not good for you,” Dossis says. “You need bleach to get rid of these and you should be keeping on top of it as they only multiply.”</p> <p>While it’s a simple tip, Dossis says not enough people are “opening [their] windows to get fresh air through the property” to avoid a build-up of mould.</p> <p><strong>Cleaning around door and cupboard handles and light switches </strong></p> <p>Considering how many hands are touching handles and light switches, it’s little surprise this one made the top of the list.</p> <p>“A simple quick wipe with a damp cloth [fixes] it up and is easier to maintain,” Dossis says.</p> <p><strong>Filters on your rangehood</strong></p> <p>When it comes to cleaning the filters on a rangehood, Dossis says they seem to fall in the old “out of sight, out of mind” bucket.</p> <p>“Put them through your dishwasher, they come out sparkling. If not [the] dishwasher, fill your sink with boiling hot water and detergent and then soak.”</p> <p><strong>Shower</strong></p> <p>A shower might clean you, but it certainly doesn’t clean itself, with Dossis noting it’s one of the most neglected parts of the home.</p> <p>“Clean this at least fortnightly, it keeps mould at bay and is much more pleasant to step into a clean shower. We had a client who thought his shower glass was opaque, after we cleaned it [spending over one hour on it] he called us to say he had not realised the glass was clear.”</p> <p><strong>Toothbrush holders</strong></p> <p>“Give it a good clean regularly, you don’t want to be putting your toothbrush into something that is breeding,” Dossis says.</p> <p>Shower curtains</p> <p>According to the professional cleaners of Reddit, shower curtains are one of the most neglected parts of the home when it comes to cleaning.</p> <p>“That’s the accumulation of body oils and fluids that has splashed off your body. You can disinfect and make a bathroom sparkle, however, the stench off the ripe curtain…,” the thread reads.</p> <p><strong>The dish drying rack</strong></p> <p>The dish drying rack, and particularly the bottom of it, is rarely considered in a major house clean.</p> <p>“Check the bottom of it,” Dossis suggests, saying, “soap scum and mould builds up”.</p> <p>“Replace your sponge regularly and wash your tea towels weekly,” she says. “Just because it does not look dirty doesn’t mean it’s not.”</p> <p><strong>Microwaves</strong></p> <p>Depending on how often you are using them, microwaves are also commonly forgotten when it comes to cleaning.</p> <p>Dossis says cleaning them takes only a handful of minutes.</p> <p>“Get a small bowl, put about one cup of water in it with maybe ½ cup white vinegar and then put on high for 4-5 minutes. Leave it for about 10-15 minutes, then open the door and wipe it out.</p> <p>“It’s quick, easy and gets rid of everything. If you use your microwave regularly just do this every few days. If you have put something in and it has splattered everywhere, clean it right then and there.”</p> <p><em>Written by Zara McDonald. Republished with permission of <span><strong><a href="https://www.domain.com.au/">Domain.com.au.</a></strong></span> </em></p>

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