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.

 

The Great Garden Tidy Up

If your garden is need of a boost, Soda Crystals are highly effective when it comes to tackling the build up of dirt to help restore garden ornaments and furniture, while some Bicarbonate of Soda goes a long way.

 

  

 

One of the materials that Soda Crystals can clean with ease is stone.  Stone plant pots and ornaments can be revitalised with a combination of Soda Crystals and hot water (half a cup of Soda Crystals to every litre of water) to help remove caked on grime such as mud.  Liquid Soda Crystals can also be sprayed and left on the stone surface to help remove extra-stubborn dirt. After leaving the solution to treat for an hour or so, brush vigorously with a stiff brush and rinse off. The same method can be used on terracotta and plastic plant pots to help banish unsightly marks and dirt. 

Soda Crystals are great for cleaning wooden decking too, which often collects algae and moss. Over time the algae and moss can build up and ruin an otherwise spotless garden. Using a mixture of hot water and Soda Crystals, evenly spread the solution over the decking and leave it for an hour. Then rinse off to reveal great results.

Dustbins can easily get very dirty and start to smell so it is important that they are cleaned regularly. Pour a solution of Soda Crystals and hot water into the bin and leave it to treat for an hour, then drain it and allowed to dry well. You can help remove foul odours with a generous sprinkling of Bicarbonate of Soda. 

 

Bicarbonate of Soda is also part of Dri-Pak’s useful cleaning range as it can deodorise fridges, shoes, carpets and much more. You can read up on its uses on the website, and find great information on our other products.