Make A Splash With Dri-Pak When You Deep Clean Your Bathroom

 

 

A recent report in The Daily Mail highlighted some of the most germ-laden spots in the home. Unsurprisingly, the bathroom emerged as a hotbed of bacteria and according to Sarah Humphreys, executive editor at Real Simple magazine, who was interviewed for the article, she said, “When it comes to the bathroom the scariest invisible spot is the wall by the toilet.”

Picture this – “If you watch a toilet flush in slow motion, it looks like a fireworks display and microbes can go 20 feet.” - Disgusting don’t you think?

Walls and Tiles

So how do you go about giving your bathroom a thorough deep clean?

For a start, clean your wall and the tiles with a regular Soda Crystals solution, or use Liquid Soda Crystals to get them clean and sparkling.

Grouting

If your grouting is looking dull and dingy, Liquid Soda Crystals are just the thing that will have it looking fresh and new. First, prep the area by wiping it down with a wet cloth. Spray on Liquid Soda Crystals and leave it to set for a few minutes before scrubbing with an old toothbrush. Then rinse well.

Toilets

Flush some Soda Crystals down the bowl to clean and freshen it up, and to help prevent blockages. Soda Crystals can also be used to clean the toilet brush.

Baths, basins and showers

When it comes to the sanitaryware, Liquid Soda Crystals are your best bet. They’re great for cutting through grease, limescale and soap scum. Simply spray on leave to treat for a few minutes and then wipe down. This should leave the bath, basin and shower glistening brightly.

Shower head

Research in America suggests that the slime that builds up inside a shower head is a breeding ground for bugs linked to lots of diseases. The easiest and cheapest way to kill the bugs and get rid of limescale deposits is to soak your shower head in warmed White Vinegar for 20 minutes. Alternatively, you could pour a required amount of White Vinegar into a plastic bag, enough to fully submerge the shower head nozzle. Then tie the bag in place and leave it to soak overnight. Remove it in the morning and run the water to rinse.

Floors

To tackle the floor, try Liquid Soda Crystals. Ceramic or vinyl tiles will clean up beautifully but approach polished wooden or vinyl floors with caution as their coating can be removed with Soda Crystals.  

Sponges, flannels and combs

If you’ve used a sponge to carry out your cleaning tasks, rinse it after each use in a hot solution of Soda Crystals. Wring it out, and let it dry in a ventilated soap dish. Flannels and combs can be soaked in a regular hot solution of Soda Crystals which will help to refresh them.  

Traditional Laundry Methods are Alive and Well at The Vintage Wash House

Linda Peake set up The Vintage Wash House at Skipton’s Handpicked Hall in May of 2013. As of March 2014, the shop is now located at 3 Court Lane, Skipton. The 1940s-inspired stall sells nostalgic homeware gifts and a range of traditional cleaning and laundry products, from the former Sunwin House department store. 

From her stall, complete with authentic washboard and mangle, and blitz-style paper-tape crosses on the windows, Linda demonstrates the household duties of a typical 1940s housewife, using traditional products like Soap Flakes and Soda Crystals.

Linda explains, “I wanted to set up a totally unique stall showcasing vintage laundry methods and demonstrating how traditional products can work just as well, if not better, than their modern equivalents. Soap Flakes, for instance, clean effectively and efficiently but contain no perfumes or allergens, making them perfect for delicate laundry and cleaning without aggravating skin conditions.”

After demonstrating her nostalgic laundry methods, customers are able to buy from the range of traditional and natural cleaning and laundry products, including Linda’s own hand-knitted 100% cotton dishcloths, as well as vegetable Soap Flakes, Soda Crystals, White Vinegar, Bicarbonate of Soda, Borax Substitute and Laundry Starch.

The traditional products, made by family-run Derbyshire manufacturer, Dri-Pak, are experiencing something of a revival of late, thanks to their simple and effective cleaning power. The allergen-free alternatives to modern cleaners are made from sustainable sources and are extremely versatile, as Linda explains: 

“Soda Crystals alone have hundred 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, they really are a true multi-purpose product”.

The nostalgic atmosphere of the Vintage Wash House stall often encourages people to share their own experiences of washdays gone by, as well as sparking questions from the younger generations, as Linda explains:

“I really enjoy people sharing their memories of using the old washboards and mangles, and it’s great teaching the younger generations how we used to do things. Many of the people I speak with agree that a lot of the simpler, old-fashioned products deserve place in the 21^st century home!”

The Vintage Wash House at 3 Court Lane, Skipton (BD23 1DD) is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. 

Find out more about the History of Soda Crystals and Soap Flakes on the Dri-Pak website.

Cleaning Winter Sports Gear is Snow Joke!

Preparing for the holidays can be an expensive and time consuming task. For some, it means an exciting trip to the mountains for a spot of skiing or snowboarding. If you’re one of the lucky few going on a winter holiday, don’t forget to keep your ski and snowboard apparel in tiptop condition before you take off for the hills.

Winter sports clothing is made to protect you from the cold, keeping you warm, dry and protected whilst repelling moisture. Ski jackets and snowsuits are designed to pull sweat away from the body, enabling perspiration to evaporate quickly. Be careful though, as washing machines can damage the special construction of these garments, while strong fabric conditioners and washing powders can wear them down, reducing their general effectiveness and their useful life. There are however, specialist alternatives designed for the routine care and maintenance of ski and snowboarding apparel - but they can be costly. This isn't’t a great option if you’re already paying for a holiday!

Dri-Pak’s Liquid Soap Flakes are a gentler, more cost-effective solution. They can be used on the micro-fibres of specialist outdoor clothing without damaging the protective sealants that help you stay warm and dry. This makes Liquid Soap Flakes a good choice when it comes to washing athletic and sports apparel. Plus, when using Liquid Soap Flakes, the clothes can be washed in cold water, meaning less energy is consumed. Simply add one or two capfuls to your detergent drawer and wash according to the garment’s label instructions. Alternatively, if you prefer a more traditional method, Liquid Soap Flakes are ideal for hand washing. 

Ski and snowboard boots provide additional protection in extreme conditions. With a bit of preventive care and some simple steps, you can keep them working at their best. First, remove the boot liners and dry them out completely. Once they’re dry, place them back in the boots and fasten the clips on a loose setting. Use a pair of clean socks and fill them with two tablespoons of Bicarbonate of Soda. Tie up the ends of the socks, place them in the boots and leave them there overnight. The Bicarbonate of Soda will work effectively to deodorise the boots without the use of any overpowering chemicals - it doesn’t need much effort but it certainly provides brilliant results. You can also use a few drops of essential oil with the Bicarbonate of Soda to leave the boots smelling clean and fresh.

And now, you’re all ready for your session on the slopes. Have fun freestyling!

HyperSmash