Wednesday 22 May 2013

Is your BBQ dirtier than your toilet?!


A recent study has found that the average British barbecue contains twice as many germs as a toilet seat! Filled with a staggering 1.7 million microbes per sq cm, which works out to 124% more than a toilet seat, the study also found that just 36% of people clean their outdoor grills more than twice a year!!! Read all about it on the Daily Mail site here!



When it comes to the most effective deep-cleaners, the oldies are definitely the goodies. A hot, strong dose of Soda Crystals solution will get your outdoor grill at its working best and food tasting as good as it looks. Just remember to clean it every time you use it. Here's how:


Once the barbecue has cooled enough to be handled safely, disconnect from the gas (if relevant) and remove the grills, fat tray and other components to be washed. Place the parts in a large container before sprinkling liberally with Soda Crystals and pouring on hot water. Spray the rest of the barbecue with a strong Soda Crystals solution and put your feet up! After 2 hours simply scrub the grill and barbecue with a scourer and rinse with clean water.


Saturday 11 May 2013

Vintage Dri-Pak Salt Shaker!

We were thrilled to see a photo of this retro Dri-Pak salt shaker from the 1960s sent in by Twitter follower @garbie1974. 



As an independent family run business, quite a few of our team remembered using them! If you have any retro Dri-Pak packaging lying around, we'd LOVE to see!

Tuesday 7 May 2013

5 Vintage Spring Cleaning tips

We know, that you know, that traditional cleaning methods & products are just as good (if not better) than modern ones! So to help kick off your Spring Clean, we’ve put together 5 of our top Vintage Spring Cleaning tips tackling the jobs that often get forgotten in the regular cleaning routine.





Spray White Vinegar onto windows and mirrors, & buff with scrunched up newspaper for a streak-free finish.


Line a tub with tin foil and add a strong Soda Crystals solution before immersing silverware or jewellery for 15 minutes. Watch as the dirt dissolves away, before buffing with a soft cloth.*


Soak fabrics in a mild Soda Crystals solution before carefully hand washing with Liquid Soap Flakes.


Mix 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon White Vinegar and apply to wood with a soft cloth using a circular motion. Leave to air dry before buffing.


Sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda on carpets and rugs and leave overnight before vacuuming, for a fresh smell. 

*Not recommended for jewellery with plated silver or soft opals