Andrea Blazquez

Gardeners are advised to dry used coffee grounds thoroughly, mix them with two or three spoonfuls of bicarbonate of soda, and place the mixture in a bowl on patios, windowsills or elsewhere around the home. The method is presented as a way to absorb unpleasant odours and deter mosquitoes, wasps, bees and other insects, with support attributed to WWNursery, TheKitchn and the US Department of Agriculture.

Black cars can become substantially hotter than lighter-coloured vehicles when parked in direct sunlight because dark paint absorbs more solar energy. The resulting higher cabin temperatures can make vehicles slower to cool, increase strain on air-conditioning systems and potentially reduce fuel efficiency. RAC and automotive experts recommend shading the car or using measures such as quality ceramic window tint, while noting that interior colour and window exposure also affect heat levels.