Erika’s Reviews > The Home Handbook > Status Update

Apply stain removers from the wrong side of the fabric. Applying them on the right side means the stain is merely pushed further into the fabric.

According to CATRA (Cutlery Allied Trades Association), leaving stainless steel cutlery in tap water overnight causes as much corrosion as three or four months of normal use.

Always wash cast iron by hand, not in a dishwasher, otherwise it will rust. After washing, dry immediately and coat lightly with vegetable oil.

Spray ceramic tiles lightly with vinegar and polish dry with a soft cloth to remove any limescale and make tiles extra shiny.

To iron sleeves: Use a sleeveboard if available. If not, roll up a towel and insert in the sleeve to iron.

Before putting clothes in the machine, button sleeves to the front of blouses and shirts to prevent them tangling up.

Always leave the washing machine door open when it is not in use. This allows any water inside to evaporate, so it cannot stagnate and breed bacteria.

While the bath is emptying, squirt a little household detergent into the water, quickly wipe the bath with a cloth and allow the water to drain away. Rinse quickly with a blast from the cold tap or a hand-held shower.

Though often derided as the sign of a control freak, the best way to keep bedclothes anchored to the bed, especially if you prefer blankets to duvets, is the hospital corner.

Empty aerosol cans completely by turning upside down and pressing the nozzle so all the propellant is used up. Then put in the recycling bin or in the dustbin.