Win the War against Limescale!

There’s nothing like putting your feet up at the end of a long day with a lovely cup of… limescale?!

If you live in a hard water area you’ll know what a pain limescale can be. Not only does it ruin your tea, it leaves water marks everywhere, stops your shampoo from lathering properly, reduces the efficiency of appliances and can even contribute to them breaking down.

Luckily we’re here to arm you with clever tips and tricks to defeat that gunk!

Know your enemy

Here comes the science bit, concentrate!

Limescale is essentially alkaline mineral - calcium bicarbonate - suspended in water. It’s actually very good for us to drink this water because of the rich minerals in it, but it can play havoc with appliances that heat water like your washing machine, kettle, dishwasher, iron etc.

A lovely lump of limescale!

This is because the minerals are attracted to heating elements. When the soluble calcium bicarbonate minerals are heated they become calcium carbonate – a poorly soluble substance that therefore ‘sticks’ to the element. As more and more limescale builds up on the heating element, it requires more and more energy to heat the water and may eventually lead to the appliance breaking down.

So now you know what it is, how can you stop it ruining your stuff?

 

Prevention is better than cure

Water softeners use sodium to replace the calcium in the water - the same principle applies when we advise using Soda Crystals in each wash. Soda Crystals are also known as sodium carbonate, and work to soften the water in your washing machine, making laundry detergents work better and preventing limescale from sticking to heating elements. Soda Crystals also help to remove stains on clothing, as well as detergent build up in the machine. Use between 25g-50g in each wash and you will also find that you don’t need to use as much detergent too – pretty cool huh!

Different areas of the country have harder water and so require the full 50g, whereas areas with softer water won’t necessarily need as much. This map highlights the areas of hard water in England and Wales.

 

Fight fire with fire!

Because limescale is alkaline, acidic cleaners like White Vinegar and Citric Acid work best at removing it. Below are a few methods for removing limescale from surfaces and appliances.

Dishwashers

Draining Boards

Coffee Machines

Kettles

Shower Screens

Irons

So don't let limescale ruin your next cuppa - fight it head on with your army of traditional and natural products!

Part 2 - Spring Cleaning with the Experts!

 

Last month we shared Green Mop’s Racheal Hughes professional Spring Cleaning advice with you, and we promised you even more hints and tips from Splash Clean expert Colleen Skinner this month! Well wait no longer – here are Colleen’s top tips for a stress-free Spring Clean…

Expert Advice

Colleen owns professional cleaning company, Splash Clean in the Winchester and Alresford area, and she knows that being prepared to tackle the mountain of work is very important.

“The mere thought of spring cleaning can drain every last drop of energy out of some folk, take it easy and try to rope in a friend to help with the task and arm yourself with a good supply of tea!”

Clear that clutter

Clearing out the clutter is a must before any major cleaning can start.

“Start at the top of the house and work your way down. Place all the things that need to go to other parts of the house in boxes labeled ‘bedrooms’, ‘living room’, ‘charity shop’, etc and put any recycling and rubbish into black bags.”

“Be ruthless - if you have not used it for more than a year, re-home it via charity shop, freecycle or ebay. Try and get everything cleared out on the same day, and check the opening times of recycling centres & charity shops so you don’t end up with a daunting pile of bags & boxes at your front door!” Colleen advises.

Let the cleaning commence!

Dusting can be a great way of visually monitoring your progress – the dirtier your cloth gets, the cleaner your home gets!

Colleen explains “I start by using a long duster to dust from the ceiling down and then work my way around the room with a damp microfibre cloth dusting all surfaces, and sides of furniture. Then I use a damp microfibre cloth to wipe down light switches, door frames, window frames, skirting boards etc.”

Cleaning products

 “I have always been very aware of the many chemicals we come into contact with on a daily basis, often without even thinking about it. I don’t like the idea of coating my home in products that come with warning labels! Traditional Dri-Pak products like Soda Crystals work equally well, if not better, and are far more economical, especially as the products can be used across the home for a variety of tasks. It also leaves you feeling rather virtuous and domesticated!”

Handy tips

Colleen uses natural Bicarbonate of Soda throughout the house: “Freshening carpets and getting rid of odours is so simple, just sprinkle the carpet with Bicarbonate of Soda, leave for 30 minutes and then vacuum. In bathrooms, Bicarbonate of Soda, followed by White Vinegar can be poured into plugholes to help clear any buildup. Dri-Pak Limescale removeris also fantastic on taps and fittings, it not only leaves them shining and streak free, but also smells limey and fresh!” 

Spring Cleaning in Waitrose Weekend!

If you pick up a copy of the current Waitrose Weekend in store you’ll find a rather lovely spring cleaning feature from our friends Colleen Skinner and Racheal Hughes! Look out for Colleen’s advice in the next E-newsletter out this Friday.

We'd like YOUR opinion!

“At Green Mop we use products that are simple but effective. Grabbing a bottle labelled ‘kitchen cleaner’ is all too easy, but it’s only when you look on the back that you find a long list of unpronounceable chemical names that are just not necessary to clean your home with”
Racheal Hughes, Green Mop

Why do you prefer to use traditional and/or natural cleaning products? Is it because they are more versatile or economical, or maybe you are committed to using sustainable products? 

 

Whatever the reason we’d love to know! Please post your comments below or on our Facebook page, and you could win a Dri-Pak goodie pack!

 

Terms and conditions apply, closing date is 9am 2nd April, the winner will be posted on the Dri-Pak Facebook page. 

 

 

Happy Springtime!

 

Spring has officially sprung, the sun is shining and we’re looking forward to scoffing those Easter eggs in a couple of weeks! Did you know that it’s also National Spring Cleaning Week? What better motivation to roll your sleeves up and get down to some good old fashioned cleaning!

According to the National Spring Cleaning Week website, 27% of Britons feel under pressure to keep a clean & tidy home. Here at Dri-Pak, we know that clearing out years of stuff and making everything spick & span can be a pretty stressful experience. That’s why we’re doing everything we can to help keep you motivated and on track this springtime!

For starters, we’ve asked our expert friends to share their professional cleaning advice. The lovely Racheal from Green Mop has already given us her top tips for de-cluttering and deep cleaning in the last Dri-Pak E-Newsletter and previous blog post, and Colleen from Splash Clean will be sharing her advice in the next instalment!

We also tweet and post cleaning tips on Facebook and Twitter every day about how to use our natural and traditional cleaning products in clever ways to make your jobs a bit easier.

If you're spring clean is more domestic nightmare than domestic goddess, or if you’re just plain stumped when it comes to a specific cleaning task - we can help! If you have any cleaning or laundry questions, feel free to tweet, post, comment or email us and we’ll be happy to share our expert advice!

Happy Cleaning from Dri-Pak!

For Horse Lovers!

Owning a horse can be a fantastic, if expensive, hobby! From the horse itself to stabling, vets bills and tack, everything costs money but are essential to the well being of you and your four-legged friend. But there are a few ways you can cut down on costs, without having to comprise on performance or peace of mind.

There are plenty of purpose-designed cleaning products promising the earth and as well as commanding a high price to do so, but did you know that traditional cleaning products, such as Soda Crystals, Soap Flakes and White Vinegar, which are versatile, sustainable and usually cheaper than the specifically-designed alternatives?!

For example, to remove any ground in grease or stubborn saddle stains, just dissolve Soda Crystals in hot water and wash your tack with a clean cloth. Soda Crystals will remove stains just as effectively as a specially-made saddle cleaner.

White Vinegar has a multitude of functions, including being used as a cooling spray after exercise due to its ability to absorb moisture quickly, and being mixed with other liquids to create a homemade fly spray. Soap Flakes, which contain no added perfume, enzymes, bleach, phosphates or additives, have traditionally been used to wash delicate clothes.  However, they can also be used to wash your horse’s mane, tail and coat, as well as being made into homemade saddle soap by being combined with neat’s foot oil and melted beeswax.

Louise Barrington-Earp has worked in the equine industry for over 20 years, and is now the Equestrian Technical Sales Advisor at Mansfield Sand.  Louise began using traditional cleaning products when she worked as a groom, and now uses them on her own tack and riding equipment.

“Many people assume you need to buy products that have been specifically designed for a particular job. However, if you look around you realise that there are a lot of multi-purpose products on the market that will do exactly the same job but at half the price!” explains Louise.

“I've used Soda Crystals for many years to remove grease and scurff from leather work.  As well as being an effective cleaner, it's also extremely gentle so the leather remains supple and doesn't become brittle,” continues Louise.  “Obviously, the welfare of the horse should be first and foremost, but if you use a little bit of common sense, traditional cleaning products can save you a lot of money in the long run.”

So if you're looking to save money, without compromising on performance, why not try our traditional products to look after your horse and equipment!

Start your Spring Clean!

If the thought of the dreaded spring clean leaves you in a panic, don’t worry - we’re here to help! Over the next couple of months we'll help guide you through the ups and downs of becoming a domestic goddess with a little help from our friends!

We’ve asked two lovely cleaning experts to offer their professional advice to help get you motivated for the big Spring Clean! Today Racheal Hughes from cleaning company Green Mop is going to share her expert Spring Cleaning tips with us - we do spoil you!!

Spring Cleaning with the Experts!

Racheal Hughes set up the award-winning green cleaning company, Green Mop, in the Brighton, Cheltenham and Worcester areas in 2007, and knows that starting such a big project is not an easy task.

“Facing the big Spring Clean can be daunting. My mantra for cleaning my own home is to do little and often, but some chores are regularly missed out in my normal routine and saved for The Big Blitz!”

Where do I start?

“A tidy house is much easier to clean so the first chore is to de-clutter! Sort through all the things you’ve previously piled up to sort out ‘later’… because ‘later’ is NOW!” advises Racheal.

‘The Big Blitz’

Once the clutter has been cleared away, it’s time to get down to some good old fashioned cleaning!

Racheal suggests splitting the work down into tasks: “Rather than doing the work room by room, I prefer to break it down into tasks. For example, do the dusting in every room first, then the vacuuming, followed by any wet cleaning. That way, you’re not lugging everything from room to room.”

Cleaning Products

“At Green Mop we use products that are simple but effective. Grabbing a bottle labelled ‘kitchen cleaner’ is all too easy, but it’s only when you look on the back that you find a long list of unpronounceable chemical names that are just not necessary to clean your home with” says Racheal.

Tackling those forgotten about areas

Windows, as well as dusty shutters and blinds are some of the main areas that often get overlooked. Racheal explains, “All you need is a damp microfibre cloth, some Liquid Soda Crystals, a bottle of White Vinegar, and a bucket of warm water for rinsing. Squirt a little of the Soda Crystals onto your damp cloth and wipe across the blind - the grime lifts off the slats in one wipe. White Vinegar is great at tackling mildew and mould, simply squirt and wipe the window frames to shift it. Whilst I’m there, I’ll give the inside of the windows a clean and buff up with White Vinegar too.”

A big thank you to Racheal for sharing her tips with us! Next time Colleen Skinner from Splash Clean will be offering her Spring Cleaning advice. You lucky people!

Got a few great tips of your own? Why not share your natural and traditional cleaning tips on our Facebook page or here on the Dri-Pak Blog!