Clean your Makeup Brushes using White Vinegar

Investing in a good set of makeup brushes can make a real difference when it comes to looking fabulous! Unfortunately, makeup brushes accumulate dirt, dead skin cells and dust, enabling the growth of bacteria which can clog pores and aggravate underlying skin conditions. Residue from gels, powders and creams left on the bristles can also affect absorbency and how effective the brushes are, so keeping them clean and well-maintained is important.

Professional makeup brush cleansers are pricey, but a simple solution of natural White Vinegar and water can clean and sterilise brushes for a fraction of the cost!

To clean your makeup brushes, mix a 50/50 solution of White Vinegar and warm water in a tumbler. Leave the brushes to soak in the solution for 1 minute before working it deep into the bristles with gentle circular motions. Rinse the brushes thoroughly with warm water until the water runs clear. Reshape the brushes into their natural form and lay them flat to ensure the bristles are not bent and that water doesn’t leak into the handles. Avoid using a hairdryer or the radiator to dry the brushes, as heat can cause damage to the bristles. Once the brushes are dry simply store it upright or place in a make up bag or roll away from other cosmetics.

Simple cleaning and laundry products can provide relief for eczema sufferers

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a fairly common skin complaint that can affect people of any age. It causes dry, red, itchy skin that can be very painful to live with, especially if the eczema spreads or starts to blister or flake. Finding the root cause of eczema is often a case of trial and error as symptoms can be triggered by any number of factors. However some sufferers have found relief by switching to simple cleaning and laundry products from Dri-Pak.

Mateja Simic first started to look into the potential causes of eczema when her 2 month old son Anton, developed severe eczema that did not respond to the usual myriad of creams supplied by the doctor.

“I was frustrated with the lack of relief the prescription creams provided so I started to look into the many possible causes of eczema. I came across research suggesting that residues from additives such as fragrances, foaming agents, enzymes and optical brighteners in household products like laundry detergents may irritate sensitive skin,” explains Mateja.

“With this in mind, I started to look for practical alternatives that did not contain these additives and came across a range of traditional, allergen-free cleaning and laundry products from Dri-Pak, which looked like they could provide a solution” explains Mateja. “Products like Dri-Pak Liquid Soap Flakes are made only from pure soap with no extra ingredients, and leave no residue behind on fabrics that could irritate the skin.”

“After washing Anton’s clothes and bedding with Liquid Soap Flakes for a couple of weeks I was delighted to see his eczema starting to ease, so I looked into using Dri-Pak’s other allergen-free products around the home,” says Mateja. “The Dri-Pak website provided lots of great tips and advice about how to use simple, traditional products like White Vinegar and Soda Crystals for laundry and cleaning, which I now use in place of modern household cleaners and detergents.”

“Not only are the products free from allergens, they are also very versatile and simple to use. For instance I use White Vinegar in place of fabric softener, to deodorise textiles, to clean windows and mirrors as well as remove limescale from appliances! However, what’s best about Dri-Pak’s allergen-free range is that I can be sure that there are no additives in the air or on household surfaces that could trigger Anton’s eczema” continues Mateja. “Although getting to grips with using traditional products has been a learning curve, it’s been worth it - Anton is now completely eczema-free!” 

Have you or a member of your family found relief from skin problems by switching to Dri-Pak products? We’d love to hear from you, get in touch on Facebook, Twitter or email laura@freestyleuk.com

Traditional and Economical: How products from yesteryear can help you save money!

Soda Crystals Box from 1955

There is a wealth of money saving hints and thrifty ideas around to help us weather these austere times, but this is not the first time the people of Britain have had to tighten their belts and be careful with their pennies! During the Second World War, British families had to carefully plan their outgoings and ‘make do and mend’ the possessions they had. Luxuries were rare, and even basic supplies like soap were rationed, so cleaning products like Soda Crystals became favourite alternatives for laundry and cleaning tasks.

Soda Crystals Packing Factory

Soda Crystals are once again gaining popularity due to their effective cleaning power, sustainability and versatility, as well as their economical value. For under a pound for a 1kg bag, Soda Crystals have hundreds of uses around the home, from unblocking a slow-draining sink, to clearing a driveway of moss, and removing laundry stains like grease, ink and blood.

Other traditional products like White Vinegar have also been used for centuries for cleaning. Remember Granny’s tip of cleaning windows and mirrors with White Vinegar and newspaper? Well it works a treat, and can also be used for removing limescale from taps, shower screens and draining boards or even as a fabric softener and dishwasher rinse aid!

Old Lux Soap Flakes Ad

Before washing machines were an essential part of every kitchen, laundry was a long and laborious task making use of wash boards, wooden dollys and soap flakes. Whilst these old-fashioned items are no longer necessary, easy to use Liquid Soap Flakes are especially good for washing delicate items like silk, lace, wool, and outdoor clothing, as well as cleaning leather, wooden floors, and natural stone.

These simple, multi-purpose products are just as effective as one-task modern-day products and their versatility means there’s more room in the cupboard and more money in your pocket! 

Have you switched to traditional products to save money?

7 (often forgotten) dirtiest areas of the home!

What’s the dirtiest area of your home? The floor? The toilet? 

In actual fact the dirtiest places of the home tend to be the commonly used places that are often overlooked during the day-to-day cleaning routine. These areas that get used on a daily basis could actually be the dirtiest and harbour the most bacteria!

Here are a few reminders of places in the home you may have missed in your general clean…

1. Light Switches, door knobs & handles  

Used everyday by everyone in the house! Keep these areas clean to prevent nasty colds and tummy bugs from spreading, particularly around this time of year.

  

2. Kitchen sponge

The kitchen sponge gets used everyday to wipe down surfaces, clean up spills and wash dishes, but you don’t have to start with a new one each week – most can be put in the dishwasher or thrown in the washing machine with the tea towels.

3. Remote Control

The lounge is spotless, the cushions are plumped and the TV is gleaming, but what about the remote control? You might want to give those germy buttons a wipe before the next movie night. Popcorn anyone?

4. Computer keyboard & mouse

We all like to snack at the computer, but make sure you clean the keys and mouse thoroughly in your regular clean or germs will build up and can easily be transferred to your mouth!

5. Kitchen sink & drain 

Left over food stuck in the drain can spread germs back up the plughole to where you’re washing your dishes, especially if it gets blocked or drains slowly. Make sure it’s kept clear, by pouring down a cup of Soda Crystals followed by a kettle of boiling water.

6. Telephone

Phones pick up grease, make up, hair, dead skin and all kinds of nasties, so make sure you wipe the buttons as well as the ear and mouth piece thoroughly.

7. Bin

You empty the bin on a regular basis, but spills and splits in bin liners can lead to a very stinky, bacteria ridden area of the kitchen. Make sure you wipe any part of the bin you touch and rinse out the inside of the bin with a regular Soda Crystals solution whenever you can. Sprinkling a cup of Bicarbonate of Soda in the bottom of the bin will also help to absorb smells.

We'd like YOUR opinion!

“At Green Mop we use products that are simple but effective. Grabbing a bottle labelled ‘kitchen cleaner’ is all too easy, but it’s only when you look on the back that you find a long list of unpronounceable chemical names that are just not necessary to clean your home with”
Racheal Hughes, Green Mop

Why do you prefer to use traditional and/or natural cleaning products? Is it because they are more versatile or economical, or maybe you are committed to using sustainable products? 

 

Whatever the reason we’d love to know! Please post your comments below or on our Facebook page, and you could win a Dri-Pak goodie pack!

 

Terms and conditions apply, closing date is 9am 2nd April, the winner will be posted on the Dri-Pak Facebook page. 

 

 

Making natural Bicarbonate of Soda modelling clay for kids!

Here's a great recipe for making natural Bicarbonate of Soda modelling clay! We've had so much fun playing with it, it's sure to keep kids occupied for hours!

Earth Day 2010

Today is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day!

Earth Day was set up to raise awareness about environmental issues, and to encourage appreciation for the many things nature provides for us that we often take for granted.

Many of us already try to take steps to reduce our impact on the environment, but perhaps today we could all spend a little extra time thinking of ways to cut back on the damage we cause. From little things - like remembering to take those reusable bags you often forget to take to the supermarket with you, to knowing your election candidate’s environmental policies, all make a difference. We all have a personal responsibility to do what we can to keep our planet from harm.

Dri-Pak products do not contain harmful chemicals, enzymes or phosphates. The natural ingredients are biodegradable and so do as little damage to the environment as possible, so when we say they don't cost the earth - we're not just talking about the price.