Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas...

... and a Happy New Year from Dri-Pak

We hope Santa brings you everything you wish for... and helps with the clean up!

Christmas Dinner Clean Up

Did you know that pouring untreated fat down the sink can lead to fat deposits building up and blocking drains, leaving you with a costly visit from the plumber in the New Year? Equally putting the roasting tin straight into the dishwasher can cause congealed fat (yuck!) to catch in the filter of the machine, causing it to block and spoil the performance of the wash. 

Soda Crystals can dissolve fat and prevent it from sticking to the insides of pipe work and causing blockages. They can also be used to unblock any build up of food and gunk that has accumulated as a result of the Christmas day feast. To unclog drains, pour a generous amount of Soda Crystals down the plughole followed by a kettle full of boiling water.  

Oh, and Soda Crystals also make light work of washing the roasting tin!

After stuffing yourself with lunch and all the trimmings, who wants to spend the rest of the afternoon scrubbing the grease from the roasting tin?! Once the meal is over, pour any liquid fat into a used jar and throw in the bin, or wipe the excess fatty residue off with kitchen towel. Sprinkle the tin with a cup of Soda Crystals before pouring boiling water over them and leaving to soak for an hour. Pour away the water and then wash the tin with washing up liquid or put it in the dishwasher.

What will you be cooking this Christmas dinner?

The Dishwasher - Your best friend

In the second of our Christmas preparation posts, we’re tackling a much loved appliance that can keep you sane through all the washing up that comes your way over the festive period!

If you’re lucky enough to have a dishwasher, you’ll know it’s one of the most used (and most valuable) appliances in the kitchen, especially over Christmas. However it does need a little tender loving care to keep it in tip top condition, after all a breakdown on Boxing day can leave you with a mountain of hand washing up to do!  

Remove and clean the dishwasher filter periodically to get rid of any scraps of food that can clog up the dishwasher. To clean the inside of the machine, remove limescale build up, and cut through odours, position two bowls of White Vinegar on the top and bottom racks of the empty dishwasher, return the drawers and run the machine on a long, hot cycle.

Even after Christmas is over, you may want to continue using White Vinegar in the rinse compartment of your dish washer - it removes water marks from glasses with ease!

In our next Christmas preparation post, we'll be tackling the aftermath of Christmas dinner, and making sure our roasting tin is spick and span! 

Christmas Preparations - The Fridge

Preparing for the Christmas period may have you head spinning will all the things that need to be organised, but a bit of preparation before the mayhem begins can make the difference between a hectic or a relaxing Boxing Day! We’re here to help with advice to get your kitchen clean and organised all throughout December, so stay tuned for top tips and festive ideas from us (you can subscribe to our posts by entering your email to the left of the blog page!). Today we’re tackling the fridge!

Have a party!

You’re going to need a lot of spare room for all those extra treats, festive leftovers and tipples this Christmas, so start to either eat up or throw out anything you’re not going to eat over the holiday period. If you've still got lots of ‘bits’ why not make a night of it and invite a few friends or family over for a pre-Christmas get together and make some nibbles out of the surplus? Don’t forget to compost any old leftover fruit and vegetables.

Clean and deodorise

Once the fridge is empty, switch off the power, take out the removable shelves and draws and wipe them down with a 50/50 solution of deodorising White Vinegar and water, then do the same to the inside of the fridge. Some parts can be very fiddly to wipe, so use an old toothbrush to reach the hard to clean areas. For any stubborn marks, spray with a regular Soda Crystals solution, leave for a few minutes and then wipe clean. 

Nasty niffs

By placing a small dish of Bicarbonate of Soda on a shelf to absorb odours, you can make sure your fridge continues to smell clean and fresh throughout the holidays.

Plan ahead

Once you've cleaned an organised the fridge, planning meal times and being efficient with leftovers will keep it that way, as well as helping you save you money. Stock up on storage containers that you can write the date on to keep leftovers safely, and don’t forget the golden rules about storing food like raw meat – always keep raw meats in the bottom of the fridge to avoid any drips contaminating food below and whereas ‘best before’ dates can be exceeded, make sure ‘use by’ dates are followed to avoid bad tummies.

FREEZE!

Inevitably everyone splashes out and buys too much food over Christmas, but overfilling you fridge uses up a lot of electricity to keep it cool, whereas freezers are actually more efficient when they are full!

In our next post we’ll be sharing how to keep you best friend (the dishwasher) happy and smell-free! Read it here!

Top Tips for Pet Owners!

1,2,3....Awwwwwwwwwwwwwww!

Britain is indisputably a nation of animal lovers but, as much as we love our pets, there are inevitably aspects of owning a pet that are, shall we say, less than desirable! Bad odours and stains caused by your beloved pet are not always easy to get rid of, but help is at hand using the cleaning and deodorising power of naturally safe Bicarbonate of Soda and White Vinegar.

Accidents

When cleaning up accidents, it is important to remove the odour as well as the stain, as the smell will encourage your pets to return to the same place. White Vinegar is a tried and proven ingredient that aids in removing both urine stains and the odour for good. To remove stains and odours, soak a clean cloth in a White Vinegar solution (50/50 White Vinegar and water)*, and dab affected area. When the area is dry, wipe with a clean cloth and warm water, before covering with naturally deodorising Bicarbonate of Soda. Leave overnight before vacuuming.

Pet Bedding

Bicarbonate of Soda can also help to eliminate odours from pet bedding. Simply sprinkle the area liberally with Bicarbonate of Soda, wait 15 minutes (or longer for stronger odours), before vacuuming.

Discouraging climbing

Keeping your cat off certain surfaces in your home can also be a problem, as cats tend to favour high areas such as tabletops, kitchen counters, bookshelves, window sills, and even fireplace mantles. Discourage your cat from perching in such places by spraying surfaces with White Vinegar.

*Always test White Vinegar on a small, inconspicuous patch of fabric before use on large areas.

Keep your car interior clean and fresh

Many of us take pride in keeping the exterior of our car clean and looking its best, but making sure the interior is clean and smells fresh is equally important. Tackling the inside of your car doesn't have to mean buying pricey specialist cleaning products - natural household cleaning products like White Vinegar and Bicarbonate of Soda are inexpensive and just as effective at clearing away the everyday dirt and mess.

Steering Wheels & Gear Sticks

Often forgotten about in a regular interior car clean, steering wheels and gear sticks can harbour nasty germs that are easily transferred to the home. To remove the dirt and grime without damaging the leather, add a capful of Liquid Soap Flakes to 200ml of warm water and using a microfibre cloth rub over the whole wheel and gear stick. Rinse the cloth and repeat the process until no more dirt comes off, then wipe with a clean damp cloth.

 

Windscreens

Keeping the inside of your windscreen clear and streak-free is essential for safe driving. To keep it clean, spray White Vinegar directly on to the glass and buff to a shine using a microfibre cloth. White Vinegar can also be used to remove any unwanted stickers on the windows. Simply soak a kitchen cloth with White Vinegar and place onto the sticker for 10 minutes. Remove the cloth and wipe the sticker away with ease. 

Spills

Food and drink accidents can happen on journeys back from the supermarket, but liquid spills like milk leave a sour odour that is particularly difficult to remove. Naturally deodorising White Vinegar and Bicarbonate of Soda can eliminate odours effectively. Begin by soaking up the milk using a dry cloth, and then spray the area with White Vinegar. Dab the area with a clean cloth until it is dry then sprinkle with Bicarbonate of Soda. Leave for 24 hours before vacuuming it away.

Find out where to buy Dri-Pak products here!

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.

How to make Spooky Halloween Slime!

Looking for some fun Halloween activities to do with the kids that don’t involved lots of sugary sweets? How about making some spooky slime using Soap Flakes! This simple recipe is great for kids of all ages and can be used as hand soap after playtime has finished.

You will need:

25g Soap Flakes

1 Litre Boiling Water

Food Colouring

A Bucket

Add the Soap Flakes and boiling water to the bucket and stir until the flakes are dissolved. Add the food colouring and mix thoroughly, then leave to set for up to five hours. Here’s our video of the recipe (make sure your speakers are on!!):

Why not make different coloured slime or add plastic spiders and eyeballs for an extra spooky effect!  

Soap Flakes are available from Booths, Boots, Tesco, independent stores, and educational resource suppliers such as TTS.

Please note that the recipe does take up to five hours to set, so you may want to make it the day before you plan to use it.

Soda Crystals, White Vinegar & Bicarbonate of Soda on offer at Wilkinson stores!

Bargain hunters will be very pleased to hear that Wilkinson stores currently have some great deals on Dri-Pak products!

Soda Crystals are now just 70 tiny 
little pennies for a full 1 kg bag!

White Vinegar now has 50% extra FREE!

Bicarbonate of Soda is also on 
offer at larger Wilkinson stores!

Click here to find your nearest Wilkinson store!

Top 5 Student Cleaning Tips!

Let’s be honest, student accommodation doesn’t have a great reputation for being kept clean and tidy, but by using some old-fashioned cleaning tips your Grandma would be proud of, and some cheap and cheerful products, you can have your new student digs looking like a palace in no time! Here’s how to tackle the most common student cleaning tasks quickly and cheaply!

1. Blocked, smelly sinks are awful to deal with, but before you call the maintenance team, try pouring a large mug of Soda Crystals into the plughole, and then sluice it down with a kettle full of hot water. It’s also a good idea to invest in a sink strainer so you can catch food and other nasties before they block the sink!

2. Whereas Mum obviously appreciates you bringing back your dirty laundry back for her every term, washing out stains can be done quickly and easily by spraying with Liquid Soda Crystals. Just spray the stain and throw in the washing machine – easy peasy!

3. It’s no secret that that communal fridges are rarely cleared out and can really start to hum if old food is kept past its use by date. Once it’s been thrown away, spray any sticky spills with naturally deodorising White Vinegar and wipe away. You can also leave an open box of Bicarbonate of Soda on a shelf to absorb smells once it’s clean! 

4. Does that greasy, blackened oven make you want to order take-away for the sixth time this week? Tackle it head on - invest in a pair of rubber gloves, a heavy-duty scourer and a bag of Soda Crystals. Soak the racks and tray in a strong, hot Soda Crystals solution (1 cup to 500ml water), then spray the interior of the oven with the same solution, or try Liquid Soda Crystals in a handy trigger spray bottle. Wait for half an hour for the Soda Crystals to start to dissolve the grease and gunk and scour away the burnt on mess!

5. Finally, cleaning rotas do seem dull but they really work! Organising it so that each person takes responsibility for a single area (e.g. the bathroom), then switching areas each week means that everyone pulls their weight without one person being left to clean everything!

Look after your Golfing equipment for a hole-in-one!

If you're a keen golf enthusiast, walking a course or practicing at the driving range in all weather conditions will undoubtedly help to improve your game, but what effect is it having on your equipment?  Rain and mud during the winter months, as well as dust and dirt during drier periods, can all take their toll and cause irreversible damage if equipment is not maintained regularly. Here's a few tips to help keep your gear in tip top shape.

Golf Clubs

To bring the sparkle back to your clubs, wash off any dirt with a clean cloth and warm soapy water – a toothbrush is perfect for cleaning the grooves on the club heads.  Once clean take care to dry thoroughly.  Then add some White Vinegar to a microfibre cloth and polish to make them look as good as new.

Towels

Soda Crystals can also be used to clean your golf towel.  Add the towel to a warm, mild Soda Crystals solution and soak for ten minutes before rinsing thoroughly.  Once rinsed, wash the towel as usual but add half a cup of White Vinegar to the fabric conditioner section of the draw.  Finally, rinse, spin and dry thoroughly.

Shoes

Your golfing shoes are probably the second most important piece of kit you own - after your clubs.  They need to be comfortable and most importantly, waterproof, especially for those extra long 18 hole courses.  Liquid Soap Flakes are ideal for cleaning the delicate leather uppers and as they do not contain enzymes or optical brighteners they will not remove any protective sealants on the shoe.  For those winter months when play is limited, you can deodorise your shoes by placing a few tablespoons of Bicarbonate of Soda into two clean socks, tied at the top, and placing one in each shoe.  Any smells will be absorbed by the Bicarbonate of Soda and will disappear without the need for artificial perfumes or expensive sprays. 

Waterproof Clothing

Liquid Soap Flakes are also ideal for cleaning delicate waterproof clothing.  Many golfers own waterproof coats, wind beaters or water proof trousers all of which work to repel moisture and protect you from the wind.  By washing these clothes in a washing machine you risk damaging their special fabrics.  Normal washing powders and fabric conditioners can also cause a build up of detergent which damages the coating of a garment and reduces its long term performance.  Using Liquid Soap Flakes in hand wash will clean your waterproof clothing without removing any of their protective layers.

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Bicarbonate of Soda – what is it?

From glass-making to preserving the dead, Bicarbonate of Soda is a much more than an ingredient in a baker’s cupboard. But what is Bicarbonate of Soda, what is it not, and why should we use it to clean with?

Preserving the dead!

Bicarbonate of Soda has been used for centuries for a number of applications. The Ancient Egyptians used Natron which contains Bicarbonate of Soda, in the mummification process because of its dehydrating and deodorising properties. They mined it from the dry lakes beds by the River Nile and used it in a number of other applications including cleaning teeth, exfoliating the skin, curing indigestion, as well making soap and glass!

What is Bicarbonate of Soda?

There are many names for Bicarbonate of Soda including:

• Its official title - Sodium Bicarbonate
• The American name - Baking Soda 
•  Bread Soda – food grade Bicarbonate of Soda marketed as a bread raising agent
• The chemical formula - NahCO3

 

Those who paid attention in chemistry class will see that Sodium Bicarbonate is made from the elements sodium (Na), Hydrogen (H), carbon (C) and oxygen (O)! It is slightly alkaline with a PH of around 8, making it safe to handle and consume.

Bicarbonate of Soda is derived from the naturally occurring mineral nahcolite. It can be mined by dissolving the minerals in warm water, and evapourating it. Early methods of manufacture also include passing water through the ashes of burnt plants.

What it’s not!

Baking Powder is often confused with Bicarbonate of Soda, but not without good reason! Baking Powder contains Bicarbonate of Soda, but also other ingredients like cream of tartar and cornstarch which are designed to react with one another and make baking recipes rise.

Soda Crystals have a stronger alkalinity than Bicarbonate of Soda and consequently have stronger cleaning properties for removing stains and everyday cleaning tasks like cleaning a greasy BBQ.

Why should we use it in our homes?

Bicarbonate of Soda is a simple but effective cleaning product with no added chemicals. 

It has excellent deodorising properties. Try leaving an opened box in the fridge to absorb smells, or filling a sock with Bicarb, tying at the top and placing into trainers to leave them smelling fresh.

Bicarbonate of Soda also makes a great scouring paste for tough marks on tiles, sinks and other surfaces. Try it by dipping a damp cloth into the Bicarb and rubbing across marks.

The alkaline properties of Bicarbonate can also be used to react with acidic substances like White Vinegar. To clear blockages in drains, pour three tablespoons of Bicarb into the plug hole, followed by 100ml White Vinegar. The fizzing reaction will often dislodge a blockage and allow the drain to work properly again!

So there you have it, Bicarbonate of Soda is much more than a baking ingredient! Check out our video below showing more of the brilliant cleaning uses of Bicarbonate of Soda: 

NB Dri-Pak Bicarbonate of Soda is not food-grade and therefore not suitable for consumption.

Make your Nail Art last longer!

We love seeing all the women athletes with their nails done in team colours! Check out Rebecca Adlington’s tidy talons.

If you want to show your support for Team GB with patriotic nail art, a wipe with White Vinegar on a cotton wool pad before the base coat gives the ideal surface for nail varnish. Your colourful creation will last longer and be less prone to chip!

Why not give it a go and post your photos on our Facebook page?

5 time-saving tips to make cleaning easier

Let’s face it, although we all like to live in a clean, tidy environment, very few of us actually enjoy cleaning. In our busy lives it can be difficult to find time to dedicate to keeping a clean home, but there are some handy tips (as well as some downright cheats) to help save time when it comes to housework. 

Here are 5 of our top time-saving tips, please feel free add your own on the comments or via the Dri-Pak Facebook page.

1. Wipe it up

Facial wipes are a brilliant at removing make-up and dirt from your face at the end of the day, but don’t throw them straight away once you’ve cleaned your face – give your sink, shower or any bathroom surface a 10 second rub with a used one to remove dust, hair, toothpaste and soap scum.  This works great as an everyday task until you have the time to clean it properly with a squirt of Soda Crystals!

2. Don’t let your hard work go down the plughole

We’re sure most people have seen these sink strainers to collect the food before it falls down the kitchen sink and blocks the pipes? Well who says you can only use them in the kitchen! Pop one in the shower and bathroom sink to collect hair and gunk then simply wipe it with a tissue after each shower and ta-da, no need for plungers and drain snakes, just an occasional cup of Soda Crystals and boiling water to keep the drain totally clean and clear!

3. Foiled again!

Lining the grill pan with tin foil will prevent and spills from cementing themselves to the tray. Once it’s cool, scrunch up the foil and use it to brush any bits of food from the grill and make it easier to clean.

4. Clean as you go

We’re not sure what to think of these ‘slipper mops’ which are supposed to clean up messy floors, but we like the idea behind them! Gadgets that help you multi-task like automatic vacuum cleaners have to be a good thing. 

 
We’ve even found this joke baby suit for when the little one starts crawling! At least we think it’s a joke….

5. Find a cleaning routine that works for you and stick to it

Some people have a weekly routine by dividing rooms or cleaning tasks into days. Some people prefer to clean little and often. Whatever fits around the things you like to do works best for you, for instance frugal lifestyle blogger A Thrifty Mrs, swears by her 3 minute rule. She gives herself the 3 minute ad break when watching TV to do a small task like emptying the bins, or putting the dishes away, etc. It’s surprising what we can do when we put ourselves under a little bit of pressure, and as they say ‘every little helps’.

What top cleaning tips do you use?

Calling all Outdoor Enthusiasts!

We’ve teamed up with New Zealand merino wool clothing specialists Chocolate Fish Merino to offer one lucky outdoor enthusiast the chance to win a 100% New Zealand Merino Wool T-Shirt and a 750ml bottle of Liquid Soap Flakes!

Chocolate Fish top quality merino wool outdoor and travel wear sells online to adventure enthusiasts from Ireland to Japan, Finland to Cyprus. The high-performance New Zealand merino wool double jersey fabric they use provides natural insulation for both summer and winter wear.  Soft on the skin, with odour-resistance and high performance moisture vapour transport, double jersey merino not only keeps the wearer comfortable, it looks good too. In order to care for and protect their garments, Chocolate Fish Merino recommends easy to use Liquid Soap Flakes.

Both Chocolate Fish Merino and Dri-Pak know that well-cared for apparel will provide comfort and performance for longer. Liquid Soap Flakes gently clean fabrics like merino wool without damaging or coating delicate fibres, allowing the wool to maintain its natural insulating and breathable properties. Made simply from pure soap, Liquid Soap Flakes contain no enzymes, detergents or fragrances, also making them ideal for people with sensitive skin as well as outdoor enthusiasts. They are made from palm oil alternatives, rapeseed and sunflower oil, do not contain any animal products and have not been tested on animals.

Chocolate Fish Merino and Dri-Pak have teamed up to offer one lucky outdoor enthusiast the chance to win a 100% New Zealand Merino Wool T-Shirt and a 750ml bottle of Dri-Pak Liquid Soap Flakes by sharing their greatest outdoor adventure! 10 runners up will also receive a 100ml travel size Liquid Soap Flakes bottle. Terms & Conditions apply.

Finally some BBQ weather!

Everyone loves a BBQ! When the sun is shining and your friends around there’s nothing better than alfresco dining, even if the Great British weather system likes to play tricks on us. But after the fun and food, the last thing you want to do is tackle the greasy gril!

Keeping your BBQ clean is important to preserve the flavours of food, as well as keeping you safe from any germs but scrubbing fiddly grills and greasy work surfaces is never a fun job. Well we’ve put together a few tips to make the chore a little easier without having to resort to using strong chemical cleaners.

 

Before you start

Burnt on food is one of the hardest things to remove, but coating the grill with oil prior to cooking will help prevent food sticking and becoming burnt in the first place. Before starting the barbecue, use a brush or cloth dipped in cooking oil to smooth over the top and bottom of the grill.

Loosen the gunk

Once the barbecue has been used and is cool enough to handle, use a wire brush, or scrunch up some left over tin foil and rub up and down the grill, paying extra attention to the joins of the bars. This will remove larger pieces of food and loosen grease and gunk.

Cleaning

Soak the grill and utensils* in a strong hot Soda Crystals solution in a large container. Spray the rest of the barbecue with Liquid Soda Crystals or mix up a strong Soda Crystals solution and leave overnight to dissolve the grease and soften remaining food. In the morning simply wipe with a scourer and rinse with clean water, ready for the next garden party!

So what are you waiting for – grab your apron and tongs (and possibly a large umbrella) and get cooking!

* avoid soaking wooden handles

Protecting your Vintage Clothes

Fashion from yesteryear was made to last, but as garments get older the fibres begin to weaken and many modern-day washing techniques and products can cause damage. By following these gentle maintenance techniques using traditional products, you can preserve your favourite vintage items and enjoy wearing them for years to come!

Removing odours

Vintage items can have a musty smell due to long periods of storage, but this can be removed naturally and safely. Simply fill a bath tub 10cm deep with very hot water, and add 500ml White Vinegar, then hang the item above the bath as close to the water as possible without touching it. The White Vinegar steam will naturally deodorise the musty odour, and will also help any creases to drop out!

Washing

Make sure any repairs are made to the garment before washing, as the agitation from washing can worsen any pre-existing damage.

Some washing machines have a delicate setting which may be suitable for garments, but if you want to be as gentle as possible, hand wash delicate items.

Steer clear from modern laundry detergents as harsh chemicals can damage the fibres. Using a traditional product like Soap Flakes is ideal because they are simply pure soap with no fragrances, bleach, optical brighteners or detergents, in fact many of the vintage garments around today were probably originally washed in Soap Flakes! We now produce Liquid Soap Flakes which offer the same gentle cleaning power but in an easy to use liquid form. Add 1-2 capfuls of Liquid Soap Flakes to a large bowl or bathtub of warm water, press the garment into the water and gentle push and squeeze the soap suds through the fibres. Never vigorously rub or twist the garment as this may cause damage. Repeat the technique in clean water as many times a necessary to completely remove all the suds, or rinse the item using the shower head.

Drying

Heat is the main cause of damage for many older garments, so avoid tumble drying at all costs! Leave items to dry naturally laid flat on a drying rack or mesh, as drying on hangers can pull the fabric and misshape the garment.

If the garment needs ironing, take extra care. Use the lowest setting to start, and slowly increase the heat until the creases are removed. Some fabrics like velvet should never be ironed, so do your research before grabbing the iron!

Steaming garments is a preferable alternative as it doesn’t involve direct contact with heat. If you don’t have access to a professional steamer, try hanging the garment in the bathroom when you have a shower.

Storage

Storing delicate garments carefully is important to ensure they are kept free from harm. Always fold delicate garments rather than hanging, as it can stretch and cause stress to the fibres. Another no-no is using plastic to store items as it can damage fabric by trapping in moisture as well as affecting plastic buttons and embellishments. Wrapping the garment in acid-free paper is the best alternative.

Following our top maintenance tips will keep your prized vintage items looking great for longer! 

What's your favourite piece of vintage clothing?

It's Tea Time!

As all good Brits know, almost everything can be solved with a good cup of tea. From the first brew made in China over 5,000 years ago, people all over the world have relaxed, laughed, cried and put the world to rights over a brew. It’s really no surprise that tea is Britain’s most popular beverage.

But what if your kettle is encrusted with limescale that ends up floating to the top of your well-earned cuppa? There is a simple, quick, effective and natural way to get rid of that gunk and make sure your kettle makes great tea again, check out our video below…

Regularly descaling appliances like kettles helps them to be more energy efficient and means that they are less likely to break down. 

Click the pic to find out how to buy this AMAZING teapot!

So now the kettle is shiny and clean, it's time to address that dodgy looking brown film in the teapot. Tannin stains are notoriously difficult to remove, but by leaving a regular Soda Crystals solution to soak in the pot overnight and wiping the next day will make it much easier to remove.

So what are you waiting for - put the kettle on!

Microfibre cloths - we salute you!!

As you know, at Dri-Pak we love traditional products and old-fashioned cleaning tips because they work just as well (if not better!) than modern chemical cleaners. However there is one present-day product we simply don't know how Granny ever managed without - the microfibre cloth! 

These guys make light-work of almost any cleaning job due to the tiny microscopic fibres that trap dirt, dust and grime. Not only are they brilliant at cleaning, they are also eco-friendly because you can just shove them in the wash and they're good to go again and again and again! 

But some people have found that their effectiveness reduces the more times they are washed - a real shame as good quality microfibre cloths aren't cheap. The main reason behind a cloth loosing its effectiveness is because the tiny fibres become coated in the residue that fabric conditioners leave behind and their absorbency becomes reduced. 

If you’ve already washed your microfibre cloths with fabric conditioner, all is not lost. Just soak them in a washing bowl of 300g Soda Crystals and warm water for 30 minutes, then wash as normal replacing the fabric conditioner with White Vinegar. This will get rid of any conditioner residue and soften the fibres, making them the perfect cleaning cloth once again!