The perfect cuppa!

We don't know about you, but we think a rich, tasty cup of coffee in the morning is the only way to start the day! Our hard-working coffee machine does a great job, but when it came to cleaning it, we were a little stumped. We thought we'd give Citric Acid a try because the natural plant-based acid is a great cleaner and descaler.

To use the Citric Acid we removed the filter and added two tablespoons of the granules dissolved in cold water to the machine. Then we switched on the machine and let half of the solution filter through, then switched it off for about half an hour to let the Citric Acid work on all the internal parts of the machine. Then we let the rest of the solution filter through, before running it though another couple of times with fresh, clean water.

Our morning cuppa tastes better than ever!

The dreaded task - oven cleaning!

There's no cleaning job we hate more than cleaning the oven! Greasy, baked on food can be a nightmare to shift, and a lot of the commercial cleaning products on the market use really harsh chemicals that have a list of safety precautions as long as your arm! Of course, we know that soda crystals dissolve grease excellently, and that the ingredients that make up soda crystals are far better for us and the environment, but do they do the job as well?

We sprayed liquid soda crystals all over the inside of the oven and left it for a good hour or so. When we came back a lot of the nastiness wiped off easily, and the bits that didn't just reuired another squirt and a bit of scrubbing with a scourer - and hey presto - a sparkling oven, you could eat your dinner off - or at least cook your dinner in!

It's still a nasty cleaning job, but using liquid soda crystals did made the process slightly less unpleasant. For starters we didn't have to wear industrial boiler suits, goggles and gas masks just to get a clean oven - give it a try!

Queen of Clean!

We were thrilled when we heard that Helen Simpson from Hipswell, North Yorkshire had won the title 'Queen of Clean', for her cleaning fantastic tips (including using White Vinegar and Bicarbonate of Soda to clean tiles!). Well done Helen!

http://www.metro.co.uk/news/831339-woman-who-spent-quarter-of-her-life-cleaning-crowned-queen-of-clean

Kids Fun Page!

Want to know how to make a rocket fly? Or even how to make an exploding volcano? Check out our Kids Fun Page for some brilliant kids activities to do this Bank Holiday weekend!

Spring Clean for your Washing Machine!

Do you ever open the door to your washing machine expecting the smell of freshly washed clothes but are instead met by the smell of mould and damp? Smelly washing machines are not only unpleasant but they can also transfer bad smells to clothes, meaning they would have to be rewashed wasting valuable time and money. But fear not, as there is a easy, inexpensive and environmentally friendly way to eliminate bad smells from your machine; traditional Soda Crystals, Citric Acid and White Vinegar!

Washing machines omitting bad odours are often the result of a build up of bacteria, normally resulting from using cooler wash temperatures and gentler washing powders. And hot summer weather will only make it worse, causing bacteria to grow more easily.

To eliminate smells, scum, detergent and grime from your machine simply add half a bag of soda crystals, split between the detergent drawer and the drum and run the machine empty on a 60 degree cycle, or higher if there is a significant smell. If you are in a hard water area, it is recommended to repeat this process using either 500ml of White Vinegar or a packet of citric acid to remove limescale build up and complete the cleaning process.

Not only will Soda Crystals, White Vinegar and Citric Acid eradicate bad smells in your washing machine, they will not damage the environment and lower the power consumption of the machine by descaling the element.

Spring Clean for Outdoors!

The unpredictable British summer is fast approaching, which means many of us will be venturing outside for a spot of alfresco dining when the sun finally appears. However, after being stored in the shed over the winter months, stubborn stains, mould and dirt are likely to have accumulated on your patio furniture and barbeque. Removing them needn’t be a long and difficult task, with the use of an old cleaning favourite – Soda Crystals!

Soda Crystals are available in solid and liquid formats from Dri-Pak. To remove old dirt and grime from plastic patio furniture, simply with spray Liquid Soda Crystals or apply a diluted Soda Crystals solution to the affected area, and leave to work on the dirt and grime for half an hour. Then wipe away with a clean cloth and water. This will effectively remove any lingering stains without excessive elbow grease. Please note, although Soda Crystals contain no enzymes, bleach or phosphates, it is recommended to use rubber gloves when cleaning with them to ensure skin is not irritated by prolonged exposure.

Why not save time and clean your Barbeque as well? The most effective method of cleaning a dirty grill would be to add Soda Crystals to a large bowl with hot water and leave to soak for half an hour before washing in the usual manner with a cloth. If your grill is too large to fit in you washing up bowl, the alternative is to simply spray both sides of the grill with liquid Soda Crystals, leave for 10 minutes and then wash away with hot water and a wet cloth. Whichever method you use, remember to rinse the grill thoroughly so that there is no residue to stick to the food the next time. Remember to do this every time the BBQ has been used, and there will be no need to hang around cleaning it the when the next sunny day arrives

Soda Crystals and Liquid Soda Crystals are very economical and are available from supermarkets and independent stores.

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.