1 week agoBlogsComments Off on I worked in a 5-star hotel – this is the cheap cleaning product we swear by, it does everything
LUXURY hotels always look immaculate, but the secret to keeping them spotless isn’t expensive cleaning products or high-end solutions.
According to an ex-hotel cleaner, the real secret weapon used in five-star hotels is a cheap £1 supermarket staple.
GettyA former hotel cleaner says staff swear by bicarbonate of soda[/caption]
Speaking to Hyperion Tiles, specialists in flooring and maintenance, the former hotel cleaner revealed that bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) is a go-to cleaning essential across high-end hotels.
And that’s all thanks to its versatility, stain-removing power, and odour-neutralising properties.
The handy product can be used to lift stains from carpets and upholstery without the need for harsh chemicals.
It also neutralise odours in rooms, bathrooms, and even inside mini-fridges.
You can even use it to keep bathroom grout and tile looking fresh by removing built-up dirt.
Other uses include gently polishing metal fixtures without scratching surfaces and absorbing moisture in humid environments to prevent musty smells.
According to Hyperion Tiles, bicarbonate of soda is particularly useful for cleaning high-end tiles and flooring, as it breaks down grime without damaging delicate materials—something many chemical cleaners fail to do.
And they say this is perfect for luxury hotels focusing on long-term maintenance, as they can avoid harsh chemicals that can damage surfaces over time.
Many professional cleaners find that commercial cleaning sprays leave a sticky residue or strong chemical odours, whereas bicarbonate of soda cleans gently and absorbs unwanted smells without overpowering fragrances.
So if you want to clean like a luxury hotel professional, here’s some baking soda tricks you can try at home:
Carpets & upholstery: Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the fabric, leave for 30 minutes, then vacuum to remove trapped odours.
Grout & bathroom tiles: Mix bicarbonate of soda with a little water to form a paste, apply it to grout lines, let sit for 10 minutes, then scrub with a brush.
Fresh-smelling fridges & bins: Place an open container of bicarbonate of soda inside to absorb lingering odours.
Scuff-free floors: Lightly sprinkle on marks or stains, wipe gently with a damp cloth, then buff clean.
A spokesperson for Hyperion Tiles added: “Bicarbonate of soda is one of the most effective and affordable cleaning solutions, and it’s surprising how many high-end hotels rely on it.
“It’s proof that expensive doesn’t always mean better when it comes to cleaning.”
1 week agoBlogsComments Off on Dodgers’ Mookie Betts sheds light on latest position change to shortstop
The Los Angeles Dodgers have impossibly high expectations. After a historic postseason and another high-spending offseason, it is World Series or bust for Los Angeles. The move that started this spending spree was a trade for Red Sox superstar Mookie Betts. Two World Series titles later, the future Hall of Famer is starting the season […]
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Recently, NBA legend and current Los Angeles Lakers player LeBron James launched an E1 Series powerboat racing team, which includes Rusty Wyatt and Catie Munnings. The former. had high praise for the Lakers star. Speaking to TMZ, Wyatt praised James for his involvement in the series. Given his stature, there will be eyes on anything he […]
1 week agoBlogsComments Off on Crowd reactions to Celtics’ Jaylen Brown failing to identify star musicians are priceless
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1 week agoBlogsComments Off on Major broadband and mobile provider with 18.3million customers to hike bills up to £36 in weeks
A MAJOR broadband and mobile provider is to hike bills by up to £36 in a matter of weeks.
A number of Vodafone‘s 18.3million customers will see prices increase come April.
ReutersVodafone will increase products[/caption]
The price hike comes as part of the firm’s annual mid-contract price rise, which meansbillswill go up automatically for many customers.
It follows similar increases from Sky, BT and EE with some providers hiking bills by as much as 13%.
If you signed your Vodafone contract before, July 2 2024 your price rise will be based on December’s Consumer Prices Index (CPI) which hit 2.5%.
There will also be an additional 3.9% increase set by the company.
Now for customers whose contracts started before July 2nd 2024 their average broadband contract will increase by £22.73 to £378.
Meanwhile for customers whose contracts started after July 2 2024 their annual bill will rise by £36 to £391.
Vodafone mobile customers – who started their contract before July 2 2024 – will see their £284.40 yearly bill rise by £15.90 to £264.
While those who started after, excluding Vodafone Basic customers, will see their bill rise by £21.60 to £270.
The new pricing system follows anOfcomcrackdown on mid-contract price rises that catch customers out.
As of January 15, providers have banned from doing this in percentage terms and now have to include an exact pounds and pence figure in your contract – but this will still mean customers have to pay extra.
Vodafonesaid back in June 2024 that it would no longer apply these price hikes for consumers and some small businesses.
However, the change will only affect new customers of those renewing a contract with the telecom provider after this date.
For instance, customers who sign a contract in August 2024 will have their bills adjusted in April 2025 and and then again in April 2026 by a predetermined amount.
This works out as:
From £1 more per month for mobile services
£3 more per month for broadband
Vodafone has previously said that price increases will not be applied to customers identified as financially vulnerable or those on social tariffs.
This includes customers on Vodafone’s social broadband tariff dubbed “Vodafone Essentials”.
Pay-as-you-go users won’t be affected by the change as they aren’t signed up to a fixed contract.
OTHER PROVIDERS ALSO HIKING PRICES
Vodafone is not the only broadband and mobile firm hiking bills for customers.
For example, BT which also owns EE and Plusnet, said that from March 2025, the price of mobile contracts will rise by £1.50 a month (SIM-only) or £4 (handset plans).
Broadband tariffs will go up by £3 a month and £2 for TV.
But, the provider has assured vulnerable customers on BT Home Essentials contracts that they will be exempt from any price rises.
For those who took out a deal before this, a 6.4% rise will apply (3.9% and December’s inflation rate, which was 2.5%).
Plusnet will also increase its broadband price by £3 per month from the end of March for contracts taken out after July 11, 2024.
For contracts started prior to this date, a 6.4% hike will apply.
While the new Ofcom rules require providers to specify future price rises in pounds and pence upfront, it only applies if they are linked to inflation.
Sky’s are not, so it can go ahead with a percentage increase.
For example, if you currently pay £39 per month for Sky TV, Netflix, and Full Fibre 150 broadband, your bill will increase by £2.42, bringing the total to £41.42 a month.
The same rises will apply to NOW Broadband, which is owned by Sky.
If you’re on a broadband and mobile social tariff, you won’t see an increase to your bills because Sky and Now has frozen its tariffs.
But don’t just switch contracts because the price is cheaper than what you’re currently paying.
Take a look at your minutes and texts, as well as your data usage, to find out which deal is best for you.
For example, if you’re a heavy internet user, it’s worth finding a deal that accommodates this so you don’t have to spend extra on bundles or add-ons each month.
In the weeks before your contract is up, use comparison sites to familiarise yourself with what deals are available.
It’s a known fact that new customers always get the best deals.
Sites like MoneySuperMarket and Uswitch all help you customise your search based on price, allowances and provider.
This should make it easier to decide whether to renew your contract or move to another provider.
However, if you don’t want to switch and are happy with the service you’re getting under your current provider – haggle for a better deal.
You can still make significant savings by renewing your contract rather than rolling on to the tariff you’re given after your deal.
If you need to speak to a company on the phone, be sure to catch them at the right time.
Make some time to negotiate with your provider in the morning.
This way, you have a better chance of being the first customer through on the phone, and the rep won’t have worked tirelessly through previous calls which may have affected their stress levels.
It pays to be polite when getting through to someone on the phone, as representatives are less inclined to help rude or aggressive customers.
Knowing what other offers are on the market can help you to make a case for yourself to your provider.
If your provider won’t haggle, you can always threaten to leave.
Companies don’t want to lose customers and may come up with a last-minute offer to keep you.
It’s also worth investigating social tariffs. These deals have been created for people who are receiving certain benefits.
1 week agoBlogsComments Off on Taxi driver & waiter arrested over Brit Campbell Scott’s ‘murder & kidnap’ as body found in sack miles from Nairobi club
POLICE have reportedly arrested two people for questioning over the alleged kidnapping and murder of British businessman Campbell Scott.
Scott, a senior director with the data analytics company FICO, was last seen in Nairobi on February 17 as cops launched an extensive search before finding his body dumped in a sack.
ficoCampbell Scott, a senior director with the data analytics company Fico, has reportedly vanished in Nairobi[/caption]
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
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1 week agoBlogsComments Off on Tragedy as woman and two dogs killed after fire rips through home
A WOMAN and two dogs were killed after a fire ripped through a Scots home.
Emergency crews raced to the property on Balnagowan Road in Selkirk, Borders, at around 5.30am on Saturday.
Jessie Dahill, 73, and two dogs were tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
Cops say the blaze is not thought to be suspicious following a joint investigation with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 5.30am on Saturday, 22 February, 2025, officers were made aware of a fire at a property on Balnagowan Road in Selkirk.
“Emergency services attended and Jessie Dahill, 73, and two dogs were pronounced dead at the scene.
“Following a joint investigation between Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Services, the fire is not thought to be suspicious.
“Enquiries are ongoing and a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”
