Re. TIPS FOR YOUR HOME

[SteveH]

A new thread for tips around the home and house.............

Warning over 7 spring cleaning home hazards that could kill your pet
Keep dogs and cats away from these dangerous everyday items

Spring-cleaning season is here, and a burst of energy fuelled by better weather has us sorting, clearing and getting busy with the duster. But did you know there are things in your cupboards and cleaning baskets that could be fatal should they fall into the wrong paws?

From knowing the dangers of an open bin or window, to not storing items properly, charity PDSA has identified seven everyday ways we could be putting our furry friends at risk. Here's what to look out for:

cont https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/warning-over-7-spring-cleaning-home-hazards-that-could-kill-your-pet/


Experts on the one simple mistake making mould worse in your home
Spring can actually be the point when your home is most at risk of mould, as the warmer weather encourages its growth

Even as the weather stars becoming warmer, mould can remain a problem for many households. In fact, it commonly emerges during the transition from winter to springtime.

Energy expert Gordon Wallis, from Your NRG, shares the simple household changes you can make to avoid mould growth in your home.

Read more..... https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/experts-one-simple-mistake-making-28977092?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589

[SteveH]

Mould, damp and mildew: Here's how to identify and get rid of them
Experts explain why condensation can lead to a host of problems, so grab your marigolds and get cleaning

This spring's dismal weather may have long lasting repercussions. Nobody wants to fling open their windows to let in the fresh air while it's so wet and windy.

But stagnant moist air can cause problems in your home. The terrible trio of mould, damp and mildew can lead to peeling wallpaper, discoloured paintwork and the dank musty smell of an unloved house ? as well as making health conditions worse.
cont https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/mould-damp-and-mildew-heres-how-to-identify-and-get-rid-of-them/


How to stop flies coming into your home
The summer months act as a multiplier for fly populations, allowing them to breed, and live free of cold, thus resulting in increasing numbers of flies across the UK.

Now we've entered spring, you can expect to find them in your home.

There are practical measures you can take to deter house flies, such as thorough cleaning which can get rid of breeding spots, and removing potential areas for flies to lay eggs, as they can reproduce very quickly.
cont https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/24268499.stop-flies-coming-home-fly-season-looms/

[SteveH]

I currently live in a rented property and when I moved into my first post-uni house, I was grateful for the already installed washing machine.

But over time, I?ve discovered it?s not the best working appliance and trying to keep one of the world?s worst smells at bay has become tiring.

I?ve tried all sorts of products at various prices to target different parts and while some might get rid of it after a few washes, it always comes back.

However, enough was enough and I refused to put up with a smell I can only describe as a rotting-something blasting me in the face every time I opened the washing machine door.

cont https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/24283530.tried-16p-hack-got-rid-bad-washing-machine-smell/

[SteveH]

Anyone drinking from a plastic water bottle this summer has been warned of the "hidden health risks" of sipping it when it's warm.And as temperatures rise, it's important that we stay hydrated and healthy.

"Do not drink bottled water that has been left in the sun or a hot environment, like a car," according to Sarah Lawson, a food safety expert from Storage Box Shop.

Sarah continued: "The heat can cause harmful chemicals to leach from the plastic into the water.”
https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/24374750.ok-drink-warmed-bottle-water-expert-issues-warning/


Dog lovers have been issued a warning about letting their four-legged friends onto the bed with them.
As we approach summer and the weather begins to get warmer, experts at bed and mattress retailer Happy Beds have revealed why you should avoid sharing a bed with your furry friends.

Dogs and cats will soon begin shedding hair, as they lose their heavier winter coat for their lightweight coats.

Experts at Happy Beds said: “The loose hairs in the bedding can cause a lot of irritation to not only yourself as the owner but your pet too. This fur can also harbour bugs and germs that can be passed onto you as you sleep.
cont https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/24374753.dog-owners-sharing-bed-pets-issued-warning/

[SteveH]

More of an advert, but informative?

'Always Pan' makers launch 6-in-1 Ninja 'air fryer' rival in UK that sold out in 8 days in US
The new Our Place Wonder Oven is set to be the most coveted kitchen appliance of the year having already flown off shelves in the US

cont https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/shopping/always-pan-makers-launch-6-29340484?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589

[SteveH]

Six home maintenance tasks you should be doing now to avoid future headaches
Experts say taking these steps now can save you money down the line

Spring and summer aren't just great for sunny afternoons and barbecues, they’re also the perfect time to give your home some TLC. The colder months can cause problems like blocked gutters and leaky roofs, which can lead to costly repairs if ignored.

By tackling these issues now, you can save money and avoid headaches later on............  cont https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/six-home-maintenance-tasks-you-should-be-doing-now-to-avoid-future-headaches/

[SteveH]

An expert has issued a warning about eight "overlooked" and "dangerous" bacteria hotspots in British kitchens.

Keeping the items we use everyday sparkling clean is "crucial" to protect ourselves and keep our families safe.

“Restaurants, bars, and other establishments in the hospitality industry have very high cleaning standards for a reason, and your kitchen should be no different," Guy Cooper, Managing Director at Mitchell & Cooper, commented.

Guy continued: "Bacteria can grow at a rapid rate leading to illness, disease, and even death in extreme cases.

"So, roll up your sleeves, put on your cleaning gloves, and get ready to rejuvenate your kitchen. Your future self will thank you for it".

cont https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/24399262.clean-bacteria-kitchen-8-hotspots/

[SteveH]

It’s vital that our pets stay cool when the weather gets warmer but can you give ice cubes to your dog?

Doing so is a cheap and easy way to keep your dog cool but there has been talk of ice cubes being dangerous for dogs to play with or have put in their water bowl when they’re hot.

However, PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing has revealed that dogs can in fact enjoy the coolness of an ice cube when the weather gets hot.

Nina said: “Advice circulates on social media every summer claiming that the cold temperature of ice cubes can trigger a pet’s heat-regulating system, which results in their body warming up – however, this is untrue.

cont https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/24411975.can-dogs-ice-cubes-pdsa-vet-nurse-says-safe/

[SteveH]

Power cuts can occur at any point of the year and as the UK experiences storms and bad weather regularly, you've probably experienced one or you could be about to.

Having said this, they don’t happen too often so you might be unaware of how to deal with one and what to do if you temporarily lose power.

While it’s a good idea to know where your torch is, there’s more to dealing with a power cut than you might think.

To help you out, the Met Office has outlined steps to take when you experience a power cut ..............

cont......https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/24446144.power-cut--contact-prepare/

[SteveH]

Experts have issued warnings to anyone thinking about attempting some DIY at home this summer - and listed some of the most common mishaps that can leave you out of pocket. Thousands across the country will be trying their hands at DIY projects over the next few months but, as experts have warned, things can often go wrong.

Tackling your own home improvements without the necessary research, tools, or knowledge can quickly unravel, leaving you with a ruined plan and sometimes a financial burden. Beth Boulton, marketing director at leading home improvement specialists Eurocell, has listed some of the most common DIY mishaps that can leave you thousands of pounds out of pocket.

cont https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/brits-warned-over-common-diy-mistakes-that-can-end-up-costing-thousands?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589

[SteveH]

Do you understand care labels on clothing? Know your dots, lines and crosses
Chanelle Georgina reveals the secret language of washing and drying instructions

Understanding the labels, sewn into side seams or necklines, involves decoding essential information. Alongside details about the fabric, a range of symbols will explain the particular way the item should be washed, dried and ironed – or not.

cont https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/do-you-understand-care-labels-on-clothing-know-your-dots-lines-and-crosses?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589

[SteveH]

If you use the Royal Mail regularly to post letters and parcels, you'll be familiar with the service's stamp system.

While most will know about the pricing and delivery times associated with these 1st and 2nd class stamps, many may be unsure about how long these last before expiring.

If you're thinking about sending some items through the post but are worried your stamps may not be valid anymore, here is everything you need to know.

Do 1st and 2nd class Royal Mail stamps expire?   cont   https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/24502841.can-1st-2nd-class-stamps-royal-mail-expire/

[SteveH]

It may sound bananas but Tesco says FREEZING the fruit is best way to stop waste
If it drives you bananas when they go all brown and mushy

How often have you thrown away bananas because they're over-ripe? It seems to happen overnight; one minute they're a little too green, then suddenly the skin has turned brown and they've gone mushy.

The perfect banana is a glorious golden yellow, with just a few dark speckles, and makes a satisfying snap when you peel back the skin. As they ripen, bananas get sweeter, softer and browner, and then fruit flies may start circling.

If you've bought too many bananas, the grocery giant has a simple solution to save them from becoming over-ripe - freeze them to enjoy at a later date. Tesco recommends peeling your bananas before putting them in the freezer, either whole or sliced up.

read more https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/it-may-sound-bananas-but-tesco-says-freezing-the-fruit-is-best-way-to-stop-waste?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589

[SteveH]

The public are advised to collect repeat prescriptions before the start of the three-day weekend and ensure that household first aid kits are thoroughly stocked to deal with minor ailments at home.

The Trust has recommended people use the NHS 111 Wales website to check symptoms or call 111 if they remain uncertain about their condition.

cont https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/24533094.welsh-ambulance-services-plea-safer-bank-holidays/

[SteveH]

While rodents have been scurrying around the UK all year, it’s officially rodent season and a gardening expert is warning homeowners to take steps to keep them away from their gardens.

Experts at Garden Buildings Direct are encouraging people to try some simple hacks such as closing any potential entry points and removing food sources to keep rats away from their gardens.

They said rats tend to breed between March and October and are most active between September and November.

The experts said that during their active periods, rats like to infest homes, garages and sheds as they search for food to stockpile for the winter.

cont https://puzzles.bestforpuzzles.com/games/syllacrostic