Amber O'Connor

People dealing with mould at home are advised not to brush or vacuum it because this can release spores and increase the risk of breathing problems. Oxford City Council recommends wiping small affected areas with a bleach-based mould remover and discarding the cloth, while larger infestations may require specialist treatment or an approved fungicidal wash. Damp and mould can contribute to asthma, chest infections, eczema, fungal infections and mental-health problems, with babies, children and pregnant women particularly vulnerable. Renters should report the problem to their landlord promptly, since landlords are generally responsible for investigating and repairing the underlying cause.

Which? advises against storing cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, bread and bananas in the refrigerator because cold or moisture can damage their texture, taste or freshness. Cucumbers and tomatoes are best kept at room temperature, onions in a cool, dry place, bread in a bread bin or freezer, and bananas in a cool cupboard or fruit bowl. Cut onions can be refrigerated in a sealed container. Social-media users offered mixed reactions, with some saying refrigeration helps bread last longer.

Royal Mail advises customers to write “return address” on the back of every envelope or parcel, followed by their own address, so undeliverable items can be returned. It also recommends clear addresses, black ink, contrasting labels for coloured envelopes, and correct formatting for UK and international mail.

The British Hedgehog Preservation Society is urging UK households to leave shallow bowls of fresh water in gardens during prolonged hot and dry weather, helping hedgehogs, birds, insects and other wildlife. Pebbles should be added to allow insects to perch safely, and water should be refreshed daily. The RSPCA advises against leaving milk or bread for hedgehogs, recommending meaty cat or dog food and suitable biscuits instead. The heat has also contributed to a sharp rise in baby hedgehogs needing rescue, while garden owners can help by creating small gaps or tunnels between gardens so hedgehogs can move safely away from roads.

Harpic Power Plus Toilet Cleaner Original is presented as an inexpensive solution for heavy toilet limescale, particularly in hard-water areas. Customer reviews on Ocado praise its ability to remove severe staining when left overnight, while a second Harpic limescale remover is also highlighted as a discounted alternative. Both products are described as effective for routine toilet cleaning, though the article relies primarily on retailer claims and shopper testimonials.

A cardiologist warns that symptoms such as breathlessness, reduced exercise tolerance, and chest discomfort should not be dismissed as signs of ageing, as they may indicate heart disease. She advises patients to compare their activity levels to six months prior and seek medical assessment if they notice major changes. The article outlines coronary heart disease symptoms and treatment options, and highlights the importance of controlling blood pressure to prevent long-term damage and heart failure.

Warm weather increases the risk of fruit fly infestations, but experts recommend pouring boiling water from a kettle down kitchen drains to kill eggs and larvae. Additional advice includes keeping drains, bins and recycling clean, storing fruit in the fridge and removing overripe food to reduce breeding sites. Fruit flies are described as potential health hazards due to their ability to transfer bacteria such as salmonella, E. coli and listeria.

Dunelm promotes a £7 Two Layer Drain Storage Box designed to keep food fresher for longer and improve fridge organisation. Customer reviews are largely positive, praising its functionality, ease of cleaning and value, though some users find it takes up too much fridge space. Dunelm also offers a £5 Storage Box with Lid as another space‑saving option for storing produce and meal‑prep items.

Recommendations emphasise washing duvet inserts at least three times a year using mild detergent and cold water, avoiding overloading the machine or using top‑loader spindles to prevent damage. Bedding should be washed weekly, especially in summer, to prevent odours, allergens and dust‑mite buildup. Expert guidance highlights that unwashed sheets can accumulate sweat and skin cells, harming sleep quality and bedroom comfort.

Manchester Airport advises travellers to choose the left security lane, as most right‑handed passengers tend to favour the right, potentially reducing queue times. Both Manchester and London Stansted airports recommend simple clothing and easily removable shoes to speed up security checks, while FastTrack paid lanes offer additional time savings. Guidance stresses preparing in advance, checking airport websites and using practical layers for comfort during flights.

Avocados ripen most predictably and taste best when stored in a cool, dark place and checked daily for firmness. Mary Claire Britton found this natural method superior to using the fridge, countertop or a paper bag, though the bag method speeds ripening if needed. Once ripe, avocados can be refrigerated to extend freshness. Additional guidance from BBC Good Food highlights avocado varieties, nutritional benefits and storage recommendations.

Natural household ingredients such as lemon juice and coarse salt are highlighted as effective methods for removing odours from bathroom drains. Additional options include essential oils for temporary masking and enzyme-based cleaners to break down organic build-up. Plumbing specialists emphasise simple, low-cost remedies while noting that persistent sewage-like smells may require professional assistance.

A TikTok creator named Carrie shows how empty tomato puree tubes can be cleaned, flattened and embossed to create decorative picture frames, sparking widespread positive reactions and encouraging shoppers to save their tubes for DIY craft projects.

Forecasts indicate a return of heatwave conditions in the UK, with temperatures potentially reaching up to 30C in parts of England. Health authorities advise people, especially those with heart conditions or other vulnerabilities, to stay hydrated and eat cold foods to reduce risk. Shoppers are encouraged to prepare by stocking up on drinks and suitable cold items ahead of the hot weather.

British Airways advises passengers to carry a copy of their medication prescription to avoid delays at security or customs and to keep essential medication in under‑seat hand luggage in case checked bags are delayed. The airline warns against storing medication in larger cabin bags, which may be moved to the hold on busy flights. UK government rules allow essential medicines over 100ml in hand luggage with proof of prescription, and controlled drugs must be carried with documentation. Travellers are urged to confirm rules with their airline before flying.

Passengers flying with Jet2 can save £5 by pre-ordering champagne, with the airline reiterating restrictions on bringing hot food or personal alcohol onboard. The article highlights available in‑flight drink options, safety rules regarding alcohol consumption, and legal consequences of being intoxicated on a plane, alongside health guidance from Drinkaware and the NHS.

MoneySavingExpert advises booking hotels and car hire with free cancellation to rebook at lower prices if rates drop, a method supported by user examples reporting savings on accommodation, car rentals and trips abroad. The guidance notes that free-cancellation options may cost more upfront but offer valuable flexibility for securing better deals.