Katherine Mcphillips

Rubbing the inside of a shelled walnut over minor scratches in a wooden floor can make them less visible by applying natural oils that darken and fill superficial marks. The floor should first be vacuumed or swept and completely dried, then the walnut should be rubbed along the wood grain, left for about five minutes, and polished with a clean cloth. The method does not repair deep gouges or serious damage.

Boiling water is presented as a simple, inexpensive way to kill weeds growing through patio and path cracks without using chemicals, vinegar, bicarbonate of soda or salt. The heat damages the foliage and roots, although deep-rooted weeds may require repeated applications over several days. Readers are advised to pour the water carefully, protect themselves and keep children, pets and desirable plants away because boiling water can cause serious burns and plant damage.

Pest-control specialists at Safeguard recommend hanging strips of tin foil around gardens to deter pigeons through flashing reflections and movement. The foil can be attached to fences, trees and railings, while old CDs, pie dishes and reflective pinwheels may serve similar purposes. Because pigeons can become accustomed to the deterrent, it should be moved regularly and combined with netting or bird spikes.

Baking soda can help remove baked-on grease and food residue from ovens without harsh chemical cleaners. The recommended method combines baking soda, washing-up liquid and warm water into a paste, which is spread over the oven and left for 8 to 12 hours before being wiped away and gently scrubbed. White vinegar can help remove remaining residue. The process requires about 10 minutes of preparation and 20 minutes of cleaning the following day, while electrical components, the fan and heating element should be avoided.

Cucumbers may remain fresh for two to three weeks when washed, thoroughly dried, placed in a glass container lined with a paper towel, and stored in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer. The paper towel absorbs excess moisture that can otherwise become trapped by plastic wrapping and encourage mould, bacteria, and softening; it should be replaced when damp. A brief soak in cold water with white vinegar is also recommended before storage.

A fabric-softener cleaning spray is recommended to reduce dust sticking to blinds and windowsills, particularly during dry summer weather. The suggested mixture combines one teaspoon of liquid fabric softener, 120ml of white vinegar and 240ml of water. Users should spray it lightly onto closed blinds, wipe each slat with a microfibre cloth or fuzzy sock, treat stubborn stains for about five minutes, and dry the surfaces afterward.

Cleaning a kitchen sink drain daily by pouring boiling water down it may help prevent flies by killing concealed insects and larvae and breaking down food residue and grease. Additional measures include using soda crystals, setting an apple cider vinegar trap, storing fruit in the fridge, and replacing bin bags regularly. Katherine McPhillips reports that this combination kept her kitchen fly-free for about 10 days while allowing her to leave the windows open.

Dry August conditions can make it difficult for robins to find worms and berries, while breeding, feeding chicks, defending nests and growing new feathers increase their energy needs. Gardeners are advised to offer small pieces of soft fruit, occasional grated cheese or grapes, specialist bird food, mealworms, unsalted bird peanuts and seeds. Bread, cakes and baked goods should be avoided because they provide little nutrition, while suet balls may melt in hot weather and foul birds’ plumage.

Bedrooms can become especially dusty in summer because open windows allow pollen and airborne particles indoors, while bedding and other fabrics collect and release fibres. Removing rugs, throws, blankets, tapestries and other unnecessary textiles, then washing them, may reduce dust. Additional measures include washing bedding weekly, vacuuming the mattress monthly, cleaning curtains and lampshades, and reducing clutter.

Regularly cleaning kitchen sink drains can help prevent house flies and drain flies from breeding in warm, moist organic buildup. The article recommends pouring boiling water down the plughole, optionally using washing-up liquid or soda crystals, and cleaning drains weekly or daily during an infestation. Wiping surfaces, sweeping floors, covering fruit, emptying bins and avoiding dirty dishes further reduces food sources and odors that attract flies.

Bicarbonate of soda is recommended as a simple way to remove patio moss without harsh chemicals or vigorous scrubbing. The article advises sweeping the patio, applying a liberal amount of baking soda during dry weather, leaving it for at least two hours or overnight, and rinsing it away. The substance is said to dehydrate moss and raise the patio’s pH, with visible results within 24 hours, although heavily affected areas may require repeat treatment.

Bathrooms can become especially humid in summer, creating conditions that encourage mould and mildew, particularly when ventilation is poor. The article recommends using moisture-absorbing houseplants as a chemical-free supplementary measure, highlighting snake plants, peace lilies, orchids, ferns, aloe vera and English ivy. It also notes that reducing humidity and preventing mould depends on managing steam and dampness in the first place.

Epsom salt is presented as a natural lawn-care supplement that may help grass produce chlorophyll, retain moisture and recover from hot weather. The recommended application is one tablespoon dissolved per litre of water, applied in the morning or early evening and no more than once every six weeks. It should supplement rather than replace fertiliser, since excessive nutrients can damage soil.

Leaving a washing machine’s door and detergent drawer open after every cycle helps moisture evaporate and prevents mould, bacteria and musty smells. The article also recommends spraying distilled white vinegar on the detergent drawer and rubber seal, wiping after five minutes, and occasionally running an empty hot wash with vinegar to remove existing buildup. Warmer summer conditions increase the risk of mould because damp surfaces and detergent residue encourage fungal and bacterial growth.

The article recommends spraying a mixture of peppermint oil, water and washing-up liquid around windowsills, corners, baseboards and other entry points once a week during August to deter spiders. It says the scent fades after five to seven days and advises cleaning the home and reducing flies as additional preventive measures. White vinegar is suggested as an alternative for households with cats or dogs, while readers are warned that essential oils may distress or harm pets.

Citric acid is recommended as an inexpensive way to remove limescale and improve the hygiene and appearance of bathroom taps. The article explains that citric acid binds to calcium and magnesium deposits, then provides instructions to mix one tablespoon with warm water, soak a cloth, wrap it around the tap for about 10 minutes, lightly scrub, rinse and buff dry. Lemon juice can be used instead but is less concentrated and therefore less effective.

The article explains how to clean burnt-on oven grime using a paste made from bicarbonate of soda and water, avoiding harsh commercial chemicals and extensive scrubbing. The paste should be applied to the oven interior, left for at least an hour—preferably overnight—and then wiped away. White vinegar or hydrogen peroxide can be sprayed afterward to loosen remaining residue, but the two should never be mixed because they can produce harmful peracetic acid. س

Citric acid is recommended as a cheaper and more effective alternative to bleach for removing stubborn toilet-bowl limescale. The suggested method is to add about 500g of citric acid to a bowl containing warm water, leave it for at least an hour or overnight for heavy deposits, then brush and flush. Weekly use is advised to help prevent stains, while boiling water should be avoided because it may damage porcelain.

Strong‑scented herbs including peppermint, lavender, oregano, sage and basil can deter rats by overwhelming their sensitive noses and masking food smells during summer, when young rats are most likely to enter gardens. Planting these herbs near entry points creates a natural barrier that encourages rats to leave without traps or poison, with peppermint considered the most effective option.

A daily 10‑second routine of pouring boiling water down the sink can prevent flies from breeding in warm, damp drains. The method kills larvae, removes grease and reduces food smells that attract insects. Complementary steps include using soda crystals, apple cider vinegar traps, storing fruit in the fridge and keeping bins clean. These combined measures helped eliminate a persistent summer fly problem.

A gardening expert recommends pouring boiling water on patio and driveway weeds as an effective, eco‑friendly way to destroy both the plant and its roots. The hot water kills the weed quickly, causing it to wilt within minutes and die fully by the next day, with minimal effort and no chemical use. Larger weeds may require a second application, and the method is free, fast and safer for wildlife.

Extractor fans accumulate grease and dust during summer, increasing fire risk and creating odours, but can be cleaned easily using washing-up liquid, white vinegar and a Tesco bathroom soap bar. Cleaning expert Wendy Mallins recommends bathroom soap as an effective surfactant that helps loosen grease without scrubbing. The process involves soaking the filters, wiping the hood with soapy lather, rinsing, drying and reassembling. A thorough clean takes about 10 to 15 minutes and should be done at least once each summer to maintain safety and improve kitchen hygiene.

Warm and wet summer weather increases the risk of black spot disease on roses, making regular inspection essential to prevent defoliation and weakened plants. Gardener Ish Kamran recommends planting salvias around rose bushes to improve airflow and inhibit fungal growth, along with proper watering and pruning. Early‑stage infections can be treated with commercial sprays such as Rose Clear or a homemade bicarbonate‑of‑soda solution applied weekly. Removing infected leaves and consistent spraying help maintain healthy, flowering rose plants throughout the summer.

White vinegar is recommended as an effective natural method for removing mould from silicone sealant due to its acidic properties that penetrate and dissolve spores. Applying it generously and leaving it for at least an hour, or overnight, allows the mould to loosen for easy removal with a brush before rinsing and drying. Regular use prevents buildup, and combining vinegar with baking soda and tea tree oil increases effectiveness.

Four cooking methods were tested to determine the best way to prepare bacon, comparing frying pan, microwave, air fryer and oven results. The oven delivered the most consistent texture and richest flavour despite taking the longest. The air fryer offered convenience but uneven cooking, while the microwave produced edible but unimpressive results with considerable mess. Frying in a pan was quick but overly greasy with lingering odours, making it the least preferred. The oven was deemed the clear winner for producing crisp, evenly cooked bacon.

Epsom salt is recommended as a natural supplement to keep lawns green and healthy during summer heat. Its magnesium content helps boost chlorophyll production, supports photosynthesis, strengthens root systems and improves water retention. Gardeners are advised to dissolve a tablespoon per litre of water and apply it in the morning or evening, no more than once every six weeks, as a supplement rather than a fertiliser.

Dust can be reduced for up to a month by wiping skirting boards and blinds with tumble dryer sheets, which contain an anti‑static coating and waxy film that repels dust. Cleaning specialist Kerry recommends vacuuming and drying surfaces first, then wiping them with dryer sheets to prevent static buildup and dust accumulation on commonly affected areas such as blinds, skirting boards, windowsills and bookcases.