How to Remove Sunscreen Stains

If you’re going to be out in the sun, you have to protect your skin – it’s as simple as that. The only downside is that the oils, colours and active ingredients in some sunscreens can stain your clothes. Now you can say goodbye to even the most stubborn of these stains with these easy stain removal tips.

 

Treating Fresh Marks and Spills

Remove excess cream from the garment with a kitchen knife or spoon, and then blot any remaining liquid with a clean dry cloth. Sprinkle the stain with Bicarbonate of Soda and give it 15 minutes to absorb any excess oil.

Shake off any excess Bicarb, then rub the stain with Liquid Soap Flakes, while working the soap into the stain well. 

Rinse and repeat this process before leaving the garment to soak in a mixture of Liquid Soap Flakes and the hottest water the garment can tolerate for up to 30 minutes. Then rinse well and wash the item as usual. The faster you deal with this type of stain, the better the result.

Treating Stubborn Stains

Combine Soda Crystals Laundry Boost with some water to make a paste. 

Use the steps listed above and alternate between using Liquid Soap Flakes and Soda Crystals Laundry Boost with the same rubbing and soaking method until the stain is removed. 

This process also works for difficult make-up stains like foundation streaks on clothing. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions and carry out a test on an inconspicuous area to check the colourfastness of the fabric. Here’s an extra tip:

 

How to Get Powder Foundation Out of Your Clothes:

First of all, don't rub it in! Excess powder can simply be dusted off, but a ground-in stain is harder to deal with. Instead, mix up a solution of White Vinegar and water to remove the smudge — test it on an inconspicuous spot first for colourfastness. 

This mixture also works well to get rid of dried-up stains on the bathroom countertop.

 

Ensure Your Cycling Kit Delivers Peak Performance

Summer is a great time to get out and enjoy some cycling. When you do however, seasoned cyclists will tell you that you should be prepared for some crazy weather - one minute it’s raining, the next minute the sun’s out! So it’s best to be prepared by taking some tried and tested gear with you. We recommend gloves, arm warmers and light rain jackets – all perfect for rigging up or taking off easily - if you find conditions changing while you’re out and about.

Cyclists need to be prepared for changing weather conditions when out riding.

Light rain jackets can resist water without trouble but, if you’ve been caught in a downpour and your jacket needs a little more care, you can wash it using Liquid Soap Flakes. They’re great for treating waterproof jackets as well as your cycling shorts as they offer gentle cleaning power. 

 Liquid Soap Flakes rinse out well – this is important as it goes towards maintaining water repellency. Plus, they will not compromise the ability of the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) layer. As an added bonus, Liquid Soap Flakes are inexpensive and just as good as the leading brand!

When it comes to washing your rain jackets and cycling shorts, it’s best to exercise care. These items tend to be expensive and if you wash them frequently, you risk wearing them down and removing the DWR layer. Air them on the washing line in between washes so they don’t smell too funky! When you do wash them, use a quick cycle with Liquid Soap Flakes and then air dry the items. Once your jacket is dry, respray it with the Tesco Expert Outdoor Clothing Waterproofer – the more you treat the jacket, the more you improve it’s ability to repel water. 

 

Tesco's Expert Outdoor Clothing Waterproofer works perfectly with Liquid Soap Flakes. Use it to top-up the DWR layer on your waterproof jackets. 

The Tesco proofer is budget-friendly and it recently received a rave review.

So get out there and have a great time cycling!

Banish that Bad Taste in your Kettle

Recently, there's been lots of talk in the media about a bad taste in your cuppa from certain kettles. Here's our advice to find out if it's the water or the kettle, and if anything can be done about it.

1. Try boiling the water in a pan to see how it tastes. If you can determine that the taste has come from the kettle - and it's a new kettle - then boil it four or five times to see if the peculiar taste goes away. There may be manufacturing chemicals present. If it doesn't, then pour in half a box of Bicarbonate of Soda and leave to treat for an hour. Then add water, boil it and pour away. Boil it once more using just water and then discard. If the taste still lingers then it’s time to return it to the retailer!

2. If it tastes bad from the pan AND the kettle, then buy some bottled water and try that. If the taste IS from the tap water, then contact your water company and they will investigate. Ask the neighbours if they've noticed a change as well.

3. If it's an existing kettle and the water tastes fine with pan boiled water, it may be time for a clean and descale. If so, follow these tips: http://www.dri-pak.co.uk/kitchen-cleaning-tips/kettles.html#.VVsVpvAeriE

Ready Steady Snow!

If you’re taking to the slopes for a skiing or snowboarding holiday this year, here are some tips on how to keep your gear fresh and gleaming.

Did You Know?  

Waterproof garments have a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) layer on the surface. Washing them with regular detergents can remove this layer which unfortunately, stops the garment from repelling water, leaving it feeling cold and heavy.  

Use Liquid Soap Flakes on your outdoor gear as it offers great cleaning power that doesn’t compromise the ability of the waterproof layer.

Salopettes and ski jackets that have been stored for some time can smell somewhat stale. Wash them in Liquid Soap Flakes to freshen them up.

Treat your base and mid layers to a gentle clean using Liquid Soap Flakes. Popular merino wool layers can be hand washed in pure soap, while most technical base and mid layers will benefit from a gentle wash with Liquid Soap Flakes. You can use the same product on woollen ski socks.

Here's a video on how to wash waterproof clothing.

Perfect Partners

To top-up the DWR on your waterproof garments, we recommend using Tesco’s Expert Outdoor Clothing Waterproofer  – it’s the perfect partner to Liquid Soap Flakes. 

We’ve tested this product for its water repellent ability and breathability, and the results prove that it’s just as good as the leading brand. Best of all, it comes at half the cost! It has a good environmental profile too – there’s no fluorine chemistry in this liquid.

Sort Out Your Smelly Ski or Snow Boots!

Sprinkle some Bicarbonate of Soda directly into your boots and leave for up 24 hours to help deodorise them. Then simply empty the boots and wipe them down with a damp cloth if necessary.

Simple, Sustainable Cleaning

Creating your own sustainable cleaner is as easy as raiding the kitchen pantry. Here are three everyday ingredients that get the job done. 

 

White Vinegar

White Vinegar is a natural cleaner that has been used safely for centuries. The active ingredient in White Vinegar is acetic acid which is derived from plants. It has cleaning, descaling and deodorising properties. 

Long regarded as a powerhouse cleaner which can kill bacteria, germs and mould. White Vinegar also breaks down soap scum and water stains. It leaves your windows and mirrors clean and streak-free. 

To eliminate soap scum and mildew in your shower, simply spray the affected area with White Vinegar, leave to treat for a few minutes and then wipe away. 

Bicarbonate of Soda

Bicarbonate of Soda is a traditional cleaning product that is favoured for its deodorising and mild abrasive properties - not to be confused with Baking Soda - which also contains sticky raising agents for baking.

Bicarbonate of Soda absorbs odours very well. Its gritty texture makes it the best soft scrub you can use. Deodorise your upholstery by sprinkling some Bicarbonate of Soda over your sofa, mattresses and rugs. Allow to sit for at least an hour or overnight and then vacuum off. 

Liquid Soap Flakes

Liquid Soap Flakes contain only pure soap with no additives or fragrances, making them a great choice particularly if you have sensitive skin. No residue is left on fabrics or in the detergent drawer making for simple cleaning power. 

Liquid Soap Flakes do not contain any animal products and have not been tested on animals, making them suitable for vegans. In addition, they do not contain palm oil – the soap comes from rapeseed and sunflower oil.

Make An All-Purpose Scrub Cleaner

Make an amazing scrub cleaner by mixing some all natural Liquid Soap Flakes with Bicarbonate of Soda to form a paste. Use this to scrub on the bottom of pans, sinks, tubs and areas that need a little extra help.

This soft scrub, made simply by combining some Liquid Soap Flakes and Bicarbonate of Soda is great for cleaning tasks.

 

How to Clean Leather Belts

Leather belts are such versatile accessories. They help you make a stylish statement and are perfect for tying everything together from a casual outfit to a more sophisticated ensemble. It doesn't take much to keep your leather belts in mint condition. To make things that much easier, you can use the same simple steps that we featured in last month's blog on How to Clean your Leather Handbags. 

The key product to use if Liquid Soap Flakes. 

Just as we recommended for leather handbags, you can hand wash your leather belts about once or twice a year. Liquid Soap Flakes contain only pure soap with no additives or fragrances, making them a great choice for those with sensitive skin. They do not contain palm oil as the soap is derived from rapeseed and sunflower oil. Liquid Soap Flakes is well-suited to washing leather belts as it doesn't dry out the leather.

You'll need a basin, a towel and some Liquid Soap Flakes. 

Method: 

1. If you look closely to its left, you can see that the belt we used had a grey fungal 'bloom'.

2. Use a basin in which you do your regular hand washing. Pour in a capful of Liquid Soap Flakes. Then immerse the belt in some warm water.
 

3. Wash the belt as you would a delicate fabric like silk or wool. You can remove light dirt stains by gently rubbing the soiled areas.

4. Almost immediately you will see spectacular results as the Liquid Soap Flakes goes to work and washes away the dirt. Once you are done washing the belt, rinse it in some fresh clean water.

5. Then dry it using a soft fluffy towel and leave it to air-dry overnight.

6. The finished article should look as good as new!

How to Clean a Leather Handbag

There’s nothing like a great leather handbag for an instant style boost. Aside from making a stylish statement, and whether it’s structured or slouchy, a great handbag can help you look pulled-together and do double duty for work or the weekend. Here are our money-saving tips on how to keep your tote in tip-top condition and get the best bag for your buck.

 

 

About once or twice a year, wash your leather handbag – and yes, we said wash, hand wash that is, in some Liquid Soap Flakes. Liquid Soap Flakes contain only pure soap with no additives or fragrances, making them a great choice for those with sensitive skin. They do not contain palm oil – the soap comes from rapeseed and sunflower oil. Liquid Soap Flakes is well-suited to washing leather handbags as it doesn’t dry out the leather.

Method:

Use a basin in which you do your regular hand washing. Pour in a capful of Liquid Soap Flakes. 

Then wash the bag as you would a delicate fabric like silk or wool. You can remove light dirt stains by gently rubbing the soiled areas. 

Once you’ve washed it, rinse the bag by dipping it in clean water to remove all traces of the Liquid Soap Flakes. Then leave it to air-dry overnight, or for as long as required and reshape the bag when you do so.

This should do the trick and keep your bag looking as good as new. Here are some final tips on storing leather handbags. 

• Do not store leather handbags in plastic, as they can dry the bag out or stick to the leather.  

• Stuff the bag with tissue paper or an old T-shirt to maintain its shape.  

• Place the handbag in the felt bag it came in or a pillowcase and store upright.