Charlotte Smith

Bathroom retailer CEO Brian Toward warns that baking soda’s abrasive texture can scratch mirrors, shower doors, windows, natural stone and acrylic bathtubs, while repeated use may wear down grout. He recommends vinegar-and-water for glass, hydrogen peroxide or vinegar solutions for grout, pH-neutral cleaners for marble and granite, and mild soap for acrylic surfaces. Homeowners are advised to test any cleaning solution on a small area first.

Tourists in Italy may face fines of up to €500, along with confiscation of their belongings, for leaving towels, chairs, parasols or other equipment overnight on public beaches to reserve a spot. Coast Guard and police operations have removed hundreds of items across Campania, Sicily, Molise and other coastal areas. Briefly leaving the beach while still using it is treated differently, but travellers are advised to take all belongings with them at the end of the day or reserve a space through an authorised lido or official booking system.

Liverpool is presented as a leading UK cultural city-break destination, offering a concentrated mix of music history, maritime heritage, architecture, museums and sporting landmarks. Five recommended experiences are visiting the Royal Albert Dock, exploring Beatles-related sites, taking a cruise on the River Mersey, seeing Liverpool Cathedral and visiting Anfield. Tour operator CEO Hazel Rickett argues that Liverpool provides a rich and accessible alternative to larger destinations such as London and Edinburgh.

Experts recommend adding baking soda to washing machine loads to prevent clothes and towels from becoming stiff when dried outdoors. The method works by balancing water pH and reducing mineral and detergent buildup. Tesco’s inexpensive bicarbonate of soda is cited as an effective option. Additional tips include shaking items before hanging and removing them promptly once dry to maintain softness.

Chef Paul Mason recommends tossing parboiled potatoes in semolina before roasting to create a crisp, golden exterior and fluffy interior. Semolina’s coarse texture absorbs moisture and forms a crunchy coating, enhancing both texture and flavour. The ingredient also offers nutritional advantages over refined white flour, including higher protein, fibre and key vitamins.

A Ryanair flight from Thessaloniki to Memmingen returned to the airport after a window dislodged in flight, partially pulling a passenger out before others pulled him back inside. The Boeing 737-800, operated by Malta Air, landed safely and one passenger received medical assistance. Footage showed a shattered window and deployed oxygen masks. The aircraft burned fuel before landing, and a replacement plane later completed the route. Technical explanations of engine malfunctions and emergency procedures were also provided.

A 14-year-old boy suffered a severe leg injury after hitting submerged wire while jumping into a lake near Burtonwood, Cheshire, leading to a necrotising fasciitis infection that required extensive surgery and nearly resulted in amputation. Quick intervention by a nearby fisherman helped prevent life-threatening blood loss, and multiple surgeries were performed to remove infected tissue and reconstruct his leg. His mother is urging greater awareness of the dangers of open water, while Jacob is recovering and warning others to avoid hazardous swimming areas.