Isobel Pankhurst

Cayenne pepper, chilli flakes or chilli oil are presented as inexpensive natural deterrents for rats and mice because strong smells can irritate their sensitive noses. The article gives a recipe using chilli, water and washing-up liquid, explains where to spray or scatter it around potential entry points, and advises reapplying after rain. It also warns that chilli can seriously irritate children and pets, so treated areas should be kept out of their reach.

Isobel Pankhurst compares own-brand instant coffees from Co-op, Morrisons and Sainsbury's with her preferred Costa Instant Smooth Medium Roast. Sainsbury's Gold Roast is the strongest supermarket alternative, earning 3.5/5 for its balanced bitterness, aroma and low price. Co-op scores 2.5/5 for a slightly harsh flavour, while Morrisons receives 1.5/5 because of its burnt taste and lingering aftertaste. Costa remains the favourite at 4.5/5, but Sainsbury's offers a considerably cheaper option for black-coffee drinkers.

Natural methods suggested for deterring fruit flies include placing cloves in half a lemon in a fruit bowl, since limonene and eugenol may disrupt flies’ ability to locate food. Additional recommendations include keeping fresh mint near windows, sprinkling cinnamon around bins, and simmering lemon, rosemary, cloves, lemongrass and essential oil in water to maintain a strong scent.

Cleaning expert Anna Louisa recommends adding five to ten drops of peppermint or tea tree oil to water when cleaning windows and doors, as spiders are said to dislike the scents. She also suggests placing cinnamon sticks or conkers around the home and adding orange oil and dishwashing liquid to mop water to deter spiders and other insects. The advice is presented as a simple, fragrant way to prepare homes for spider season.

Rising temperatures can make trampoline mats and springs more elastic, potentially increasing bounce height and the risk of awkward landings. Parents are advised to allow only one child at a time, supervise use, check that anchors remain secure as dry ground shifts, and inspect wooden, plastic and metal play equipment for cracks, warping, loose fastenings and dangerously hot surfaces.

Citric acid is recommended as a cheap alternative to bleach for removing stubborn toilet limescale. The article explains that limescale consists mainly of calcium carbonate left by hard water, which reacts with citric acid. It advises adding approximately 500g of citric acid to a toilet bowl containing warm water, leaving it for at least an hour or overnight for severe deposits, brushing lightly and flushing. Weekly use is suggested to help prevent stains.

Explains the differences between raisins, sultanas and currants, outlining how each is produced and how their varying flavours, colours and textures make them suitable for different culinary uses.

Several consumer products sold through major retailers were issued ‘do not buy’ warnings after Which? testing identified safety or performance failures. Kinderkraft’s Mink Pro 2 car seat, Red Kite’s Push Me Explor stroller, Braun’s ExactFit 5 Connect blood pressure monitor, Konsung’s home cholesterol analyzer, Silentnight’s Airmax 800 air purifier and the House of Marley Jammin speaker all received failing assessments. Manufacturers responded by defending their testing processes or reviewing potential issues, while Which? provided recommended alternatives across each product category.

A reviewer who usually shops at Sainsbury's explains why Tesco’s £3.75 ready-made macaroni cheese is the one product worth a longer trip, praising its taste and convenience compared with less appealing versions from Sainsbury’s and Co-op. Regular promotions make it good value, and despite being an occasional indulgence, it remains their go-to choice when craving mac and cheese without cooking from scratch.

Nigella Lawson shares a warm, mustard-based potato salad recipe that avoids mayonnaise and draws on family tradition. She highlights steaming potatoes as essential for optimal texture and offers optional additions such as anchovies, hard‑boiled eggs or crisped bacon. The recipe includes a mustardy, pickle‑infused dressing and fresh herbs, with guidance on seasoning and storage.