Latest news with #Anna
Scottish Sun
9 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
How to wash your pillow to kill bacteria & keep them fluffy in hot weather with 35p hack
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WHILE you likely wash your bedding regularly, chances are you aren't cleaning your pillow often enough. A budget-friendly hack can help to kill bacteria and leave your pillow feeling fluffier than ever in the hot weather. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 A cleaning expert revealed the budget ingredient she uses to wash her pillows (stock image) Credit: Getty Experts recommend washing your pillows a few times a year as they can accumulate everything from sweat and oils to dead skin cells and dust mites. And with the current bout of scorching weather, now is an ideal time to give them a freshen up. TikTok user Anna Louisa (@anna_louisa_at_home) shared the tip with her followers, revealing the budget item she uses to fully tackle bacteria. She explained that someone told her "half the weight of people's pillows is dead skin cells". The reason why your pillow may be getting heavier over time recently shocked This Morning viewers. And while the statistics of bacteria on pillows varies by case, this was still enough to kick the cleaning pro into action. "Apparently pillows should be washed at least [every] three to six months to keep them fresh and free of bacteria, skin cells, dirt, oil, and dust mites," she told her followers. She shared her go-to method for anyone who was also inspired to take immediate action. Anna recommended keeping your pillows in a pillowcase or pillow protector when putting in the washing machine. She explained that this can help to protect them during the cycle and avoid ripping. Cleaning whizz shares two-second 13p trick to get all the pet hair out of your laundry in seconds To keep the washing machine balanced and guarantee an all-round clean, the TikToker suggested only washing two pillows at a time. For the best results, Anna advised her audience to select a delicate or gentle cycle when washing. She also suggested using a small amount of normal detergent and replacing fabric conditioner with vinegar to "make your pillows fluffy and to neutralise any odours". You can pick up a bottle of distilled vinegar for just 35p from Tesco. And you can even speed up the drying process by adding an extra spin to the washing cycle. Laundry tips Catherine Green, sustainable cleaning expert at smol shared her laundry tips. How often should you be remaking your bed? When it comes to your bed, maintaining a hygienic sleep setup can actually improve your sleep quality, helping you start every day better. Most people shed 500 million skin cells per day and a lot of that ends up in bed for dust mites to feed on. And those with asthma or allergies might see symptoms worsen by sleeping on dirty sheets! You want to be washing your sheets once a week - or every 10 days if you don't suffer from allergies and wear nightclothes. Bedding builds up with sweat, skin cells and oils quickly, even if it doesn't look dirty. Using an effective detergent like smol's will still give you a great clean on a 20°C cycle - that's better for the planet and your energy bills! What temperature do smol recommend then? For your regular weekly washes I recommend washing most loads at 20°C for 30 minutes. It's gentler on fabrics, slashes energy use, and still delivers excellent stain removal with the right detergent. A colder wash can actually be more effective if you opt for a bio detergent as its enzymes need cooler water; too hot and they lose their ability to digest stains. A wash at 60°c (unless you have silk sheets) every now and again can help kill off dust mites and other nasties. What's the difference between bio and non-bio detergent? Bio detergents contain enzymes, which are especially good at breaking down tough stains like food, grass, or sweat. It's best used in mid to low temperature washes (ideally between 20-40°C) as anything hotter can cause them not to work effectively. Non-bio skips the enzymes, which in turn makes it more suitable for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Although non-bio doesn't contain enzymes, it's still great at removing stains and keeping your clothes clean, you just may need to use a slightly higher temperature setting to aid with the cleaning process. Make sure you allow the pillows time to fully dry to avoid any bacteria or mould growing. And remember to always check your pillow's care label and follow the directions accordingly when it comes to washing and drying. According to Anna, most pillows can be washed in the washing machine using this method, including scatter cushions. A laundry expert revealed the top ways to wash each type of pillow at home. There is also a step-by-step guide available for washing your pillows and duvets. Or you can opt to wash your pillows without putting them in your machine.
The Irish Sun
9 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
How to wash your pillow to kill bacteria & keep them fluffy in hot weather with 35p hack
WHILE you likely wash your bedding regularly, chances are you aren't cleaning your pillow often enough. A budget-friendly hack can help to kill bacteria and leave your pillow feeling fluffier than ever in the hot weather. Advertisement 2 A cleaning expert revealed the budget ingredient she uses to wash her pillows (stock image) Credit: Getty Experts recommend washing your pillows a few times a year as they can accumulate everything from sweat and oils to dead skin cells and dust mites. And with the current bout of scorching weather, now is an ideal time to give them a freshen up. TikTok user Anna Louisa ( She explained that someone told her "half the weight of people's pillows is dead skin cells". Advertisement The reason why your And while the statistics of bacteria on pillows varies by case, this was still enough to kick the cleaning pro into action. "Apparently pillows should be washed at least [every] three to six months to keep them fresh and free of bacteria, skin cells, dirt, oil, and dust mites," she told her followers. She shared her go-to method for anyone who was also inspired to take immediate action. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Anna recommended keeping your pillows in a pillowcase or pillow protector when putting in the washing machine. She explained that this can help to protect them during the cycle and avoid ripping. Cleaning whizz shares two-second 13p trick to get all the pet hair out of your laundry in seconds To keep the washing machine balanced and guarantee an all-round clean, the TikToker suggested only washing two pillows at a time. For the best results, Anna advised her audience to select a delicate or gentle cycle when washing. Advertisement She also suggested using a small amount of normal detergent and replacing fabric conditioner with vinegar to "make your pillows fluffy and to neutralise any odours". You can pick up a bottle of And you can even speed up the drying process by adding an extra spin to the washing cycle. Laundry tips Catherine Green, sustainable cleaning expert at smol shared her laundry tips. How often should you be remaking your bed? When it comes to your bed, maintaining a hygienic sleep setup can actually improve your sleep quality, helping you start every day better. Most people shed 500 million skin cells per day and a lot of that ends up in bed for dust mites to feed on. And those with asthma or allergies might see symptoms worsen by sleeping on dirty sheets! You want to be washing your sheets once a week - or every 10 days if you don't suffer from allergies and wear nightclothes. Bedding builds up with sweat, skin cells and oils quickly, even if it doesn't look dirty. Using an effective detergent like What temperature do smol recommend then? For your regular weekly washes I recommend washing most loads at 20°C for 30 minutes. It's gentler on fabrics, slashes energy use, and still delivers excellent stain removal with the right detergent. A colder wash can actually be more effective if you opt for a bio detergent as its enzymes need cooler water; too hot and they lose their ability to digest stains. A wash at 60°c (unless you have silk sheets) every now and again can help kill off dust mites and other nasties. What's the difference between bio and non-bio detergent? Bio detergents contain enzymes, which are especially good at breaking down tough stains like food, grass, or sweat. It's best used in mid to low temperature washes (ideally between 20-40°C) as anything hotter can cause them not to work effectively. Non-bio skips the enzymes, which in turn makes it more suitable for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Although non-bio doesn't contain enzymes, it's still great at removing stains and keeping your clothes clean, you just may need to use a slightly higher temperature setting to aid with the cleaning process. Make sure you allow the pillows time to fully dry to avoid any bacteria or mould growing. Advertisement And remember to always check your pillow's care label and follow the directions accordingly when it comes to washing and drying. According to Anna, most pillows can be washed in the washing machine using this method, including scatter cushions. A laundry expert revealed the top ways to wash each type of pillow at home. Read more on the Irish Sun There is also a step-by-step guide available for Advertisement Or you can opt to 2 According to the TikToker, your pillow gets heavier over time as it accumulates your sweat and dead skin cells (stock image) Credit: Getty
Filipino Times
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Filipino Times
From delivering ice to becoming a veteran triathlete: August Benedicto bags Bagong Bayani Award
Long before the finish lines, medals, and global competitions, August Benedicto's story began on a bike, not racing, but delivering blocks of ice under the heat of the Tarlac sun. With eight siblings and a family struggling to make ends meet in Paniqui, young August knew that education was a luxury he had to fight for. So he peddled through early mornings, balancing schoolbooks with sacks of ice, chasing dreams that, back then, seemed far from the Ironman banners he'd one day cross. Now 41, Benedicto has become one of the most enduring names in Philippine triathlon. At the recently concluded Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 Subic Bay, held under grueling 40-degree heat, the Ireland-based Filipino veteran dug deep once again, finishing second overall with a time of 4 hours, 40 minutes, and 58 seconds. His performance earned him the Bagong Bayani award, a special recognition given to elite Filipino athletes who continue to raise the flag in international endurance sports. The course, brutal by any standard, featured a 1.9-kilometer swim, a 90-kilometer bike ride, and a punishing 21-kilometer run. Benedicto split 31:19 in the swim, 2:30:06 on the bike, and capped it off with a 1:33:59 run—yet another strong showing in a career that has spanned over two decades. From school to international tracks It's a journey built on quiet sacrifice. His first foray into competitive sports came at 14, when he was discovered for his raw talent in long-distance running. From school-level track meets to eventually earning a slot in the Palarong Pambansa, Benedicto made each opportunity count. He took on his first duathlon in 2003 and finished near the bottom of the pack. But the fire had been lit. By 2005, he was part of the Philippine Sports Commission's training pool and represented the country at the Southeast Asian Games in Pattaya, Thailand, clinching a bronze medal. It was there that he met British triathlete and future Ironman legend Chrissie Wellington, who encouraged him to try his hand at the sport that would later define his athletic life. He joined his first Ironman 70.3 in 2009 in Camarines Sur and finished as the fourth Filipino to complete the course. In 2012, he made history by clinching his first Filipino Elite title at Cobra Ironman 70.3, a feat he repeated in 2014, 2015, and 2016. 'I was so excited for this year's race,' Benedicto said after the event. 'Just imagine, I'm already 41 and I'm still competing with younger athletes, national team members, and elite triathletes. But I focused on my training — 10 to 15 hours a week, every week. One hour swimming, one hour running, and 100 kilometers of biking every weekend.' Sights on World Championships Dedication, it seems, is the fuel that keeps Benedicto going. He credits his wife Anna and longtime friend Cesar Manlikmot as pillars of support through the highs and lows. 'This award is for my family. For Anna. For everyone who stood by me,' he said with pride. As the finish line at Subic fades into memory, a new goal already looms: the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Mabea, Spain, this November. Benedicto is training for that with the same fire that once drove a teenage boy to deliver ice — not just to help his family, but to carve out a future no one thought possible. Also shining in Subic was Iriga City's John Patrick Ciron, who won the men's elite title with a time of 4:37:28, while Indonesia's Dea Salsabila Putri topped the women's division in 5:26:22. Erika Nicole Burgos, another Filipino standout, placed third in the women's elite category with 5:32:30, earning her a Bagong Bayani award alongside Benedicto. — Alona Cochon
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I was fed up of birds pooing on my kids' trampoline so came up with a genius hack to stop them for £3.24
You've probably got everything you need in the garage too POO KNEW? I was fed up of birds pooing on my kids' trampoline so came up with a genius hack to stop them for £3.24 Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MUM has been praised after coming up with a £3.24 hack to stop birds pooing on her kids' trampoline. Anna admitted she was fed up with the constant messes on the outdoor play equipment, so ordered one of the spiky wire strips that can go on top to stop birds from sitting there. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 A mum has been praised for sharing a genius hack to stop birds pooing on her kids' trampoline Credit: extremecouponingandbargainsuk/facebook 3 While her kids love their trampoline, the messes that are left on it are a pain for both those bouncing and those left to clear it up Credit: Alamy However, when she started using cable ties to attach it to the trampoline, she had a brainwave. "On putting them up with cable ties and thinking I'll cut them to add extra spikes, it dawned on me that I could have just used cable ties all the way round set at different angles and heights," she wrote alongside her post on the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK group on Facebook. "So a hack if your fed up of the bird poop as well without spending £25!" People in the comments section were quick to praise Anna for coming up with the genius hack, with one calling it a "fabulous idea". "What a great idea," another added. "I paid a fortune for real metal spikes to stop pigeons tap dancing on my Reiki Therapy Summer house." "Brilliant idea, I have a trampoline to put up but haven't yet because of seagulls and the other birds," a third commented. "They are getting to be a pain now." "That's a fantastic idea!" someone else said. And as you can get a pack of 100 cable ties for just £3.24, the hack won't break the bank either. The secret Alexa hack that's helping parents to get their kids to eat anything & it makes bedtimes loads easier too While others defended Anna against the trolls slamming her for the idea, suggesting that it could end up harming either her children or the birds. "Watch out you will get the bird police on your back!" one wrote. "I asked for advice on a gardening group on here to prevent birds sitting on our fence and causing serious damage with their pooping and I got full on abuse. "I have no problem with wildlife I love nature but not when it stops my children from using our own garden." "Anyone would think you've put razor wire up with the comments your getting!" someone else added. "As she has stated it's soft plastic to try and deter birds sitting on there. More parenting hacks IF you want to make your life easier as a first-time mum, here's nine hacks you won't want to miss. 1. Routine Charts Create visual charts for daily routines. Use pictures and stickers to make them engaging for younger children. 2. Meal Planning Plan meals a week in advance to save time and reduce stress. Involve your children in meal prep to teach them cooking skills. 3. Toy Rotation Keep a portion of toys stored away and rotate them periodically. This keeps playtime fresh and exciting without the need for constant new purchases. 4. DIY Cleaning Solutions Make child-safe cleaning solutions using vinegar and baking soda. It's effective and keeps harsh chemicals away from little hands. 5. Time-Out Jar Create a time-out jar filled with calming activities written on slips of paper. When emotions run high, children can pick an activity to help them settle down. 6. Educational Apps Utilise educational apps and websites to make screen time productive. Look for ones that offer interactive learning in subjects your child is interested in. 7. Command Centre Set up a family command centre with a calendar, key hooks, and a bulletin board. It helps keep everyone organised and aware of daily schedules. 8. Emergency Kit Keep a small emergency kit in the car with essentials like snacks, water, first aid supplies, and a change of clothes. It's a lifesaver for unexpected situations. 9. Label Everything Use labels for clothes, school supplies, and lunch boxes. It makes it easier to keep track of belongings, especially in shared spaces like schools. "Kids can get hurt simply tripping over a shoe lace. It's not the end of the world. "Get a grip people. A pogo stick is 100x more dangerous than them soft plastic spikes around the top of the trampoline!" Anna also defended herself, writing: "These are not nails. They are not sharp! "It's a 12ft trampoline and they are sitting on the top - I've jumped on it as high as I can. "And due to the nature of the slope on the netting and bars, I go nowhere near them. "I'm hardly setting my kids up to impale themselves. Seriously! And some people used the comments section to share their own tips and tricks for keeping birds off their trampolines. "Put a fake owl on your trampoline and birds won't go near it!" one said. "Two years we have had no birds since putting up the owl." "I use bunting and works well," another added. "Try spraying neat white vinegar, keeps them off mine," a third commented.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I was fed up of birds pooing on my kids' trampoline so came up with a genius hack to stop them for £3.24
A MUM has been praised after coming up with a £3.24 hack to stop birds pooing on her kids' trampoline. Anna admitted she was fed up with the constant messes on the outdoor play equipment, so ordered one of the spiky wire strips that can go on top to stop birds from sitting there. Advertisement 3 A mum has been praised for sharing a genius hack to stop birds pooing on her kids' trampoline Credit: extremecouponingandbargainsuk/facebook 3 While her kids love their trampoline, the messes that are left on it are a pain for both those bouncing and those left to clear it up Credit: Alamy However, when she started using cable ties to attach it to the trampoline, she had a brainwave. "On putting them up with cable ties and thinking I'll cut them to add extra spikes, it dawned on me that I could have just used cable ties all the way round set at different angles and heights," she wrote alongside her post on the "So a hack if your fed up of the bird poop as well without spending £25!" People in the comments section were quick to praise Anna for coming up with the genius hack, with one calling it a "fabulous idea". Advertisement Read more Parenting hacks "What a great idea," another added. "I paid a fortune for real metal spikes to stop pigeons tap dancing on my Reiki Therapy Summer house." "Brilliant idea, I have a trampoline to put up but haven't yet because of seagulls and the other birds," a third commented. "They are getting to be a pain now." Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive "That's a fantastic idea!" someone else said. And as you can get a pack of 100 cable ties for just £3.24, the hack won't break the bank either. The secret Alexa hack that's helping parents to get their kids to eat anything & it makes bedtimes loads easier too While others defended Anna against the trolls slamming her for the idea, suggesting that it could end up harming either her children or the birds. "Watch out you will get the bird police on your back!" one wrote. Advertisement "I asked for advice on a gardening group on here to prevent birds sitting on our fence and causing serious damage with their pooping and I got full on abuse. "I have no problem with wildlife I love nature but not when it stops my children from using our own garden." "Anyone would think you've put razor wire up with the comments your getting!" someone else added. "As she has stated it's soft plastic to try and deter birds sitting on there. Advertisement More parenting hacks IF you want to make your life easier as a first-time mum, here's nine hacks you won't want to miss. 1. Routine Charts Create visual charts for daily routines. Use pictures and stickers to make them engaging for younger children. 2. Meal Planning Plan meals a week in advance to save time and reduce stress. Involve your children in meal prep to teach them cooking skills. 3. Toy Rotation Keep a portion of toys stored away and rotate them periodically. This keeps playtime fresh and exciting without the need for constant new purchases. 4. DIY Cleaning Solutions Make child-safe cleaning solutions using vinegar and baking soda. It's effective and keeps harsh chemicals away from little hands. 5. Time-Out Jar Create a time-out jar filled with calming activities written on slips of paper. When emotions run high, children can pick an activity to help them settle down. 6. Educational Apps Utilise educational apps and websites to make screen time productive. Look for ones that offer interactive learning in subjects your child is interested in. 7. Command Centre Set up a family command centre with a calendar, key hooks, and a bulletin board. It helps keep everyone organised and aware of daily schedules. 8. Emergency Kit Keep a small emergency kit in the car with essentials like snacks, water, first aid supplies, and a change of clothes. It's a lifesaver for unexpected situations. 9. Label Everything Use labels for clothes, school supplies, and lunch boxes. It makes it easier to keep track of belongings, especially in shared spaces like schools. "Kids can get hurt simply tripping over a shoe lace. It's not the end of the world. "Get a grip people. A pogo stick is 100x more dangerous than them soft plastic spikes around the top of the trampoline!" Anna also defended herself, writing: "These are not nails. They are not sharp! "It's a 12ft trampoline and they are sitting on the top - I've jumped on it as high as I can. Advertisement "And due to the nature of the slope on the netting and bars, I go nowhere near them. "I'm hardly setting my kids up to impale themselves. Seriously! And some people used the comments section to share their own tips and tricks for keeping birds off their trampolines. "Put a fake owl on your trampoline and birds won't go near it!" one said. Advertisement "Two years we have had no birds since putting up the owl." "I use bunting and works well," another added. "Try spraying neat white vinegar, keeps them off mine," a third commented. 3 Others shared their own hacks for keeping birds off the outdoor play equipment, with this mum saying that bunting has worked a treat on hers Credit: extremecouponingandbargainsuk/facebook Advertisement
