Latest news with #NancyBirtwhistle
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
The 35p hack to banish flies from your home this summer mixing kitchen staple with soap – it works in minutes
EXPERTS have revealed a 35p hack to banish flies from your home this summer. Summer is finally here, and according to the , a 2 flies can be a real pain in the summer Credit: Getty 2 Flies are attracted to the scent of vinegar Credit: Getty However, although there are so many positives to summer, from warm weather to longer days, it also has its downsides, such as the emergence of Fruit flies are also a real problem during summer, as they are attracted to foods which decay quicker in heat. Chasing them around with rolled-up newspapers and makeshift fly swatters can seem an endless task, and can ruin your summer's evening. Read more pest stories However, according to experts there is a simple purse friendly hack you can use to banish the critters. All you need is some big standard washing up liquid and some vinegar. Healthline writes: 'A mixture of vinegar and dish soap can help you trap flies such as fruit flies .' To try out the hack, simply mix equal parts water and vinegar in a glass. Most read in Fabulous Then, add a few drops of washing up liquid to the mix. Cover the glass with clingfilm, and then poke some small holes in the top. I'm a plumber and your spider problem could be caused by your toilet 'Flies will be attracted to the vinegar in the glass and will fly through the holes", Healthline said. "However, the dish soap causes the flies to sink instead of being able to land on the vinegar.' Flies are attracted to the scent of the vinegar as it is similar to that of decaying fruit. Vinegar also contains acetic acid, which is a chemical that builds up during fermentation. Keep pests out all summer IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know. Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay. Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent. Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents. Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass. You may already have a bottle of vinegar in the kitchen, but if not, you can pick it up from Sainsbury's for as little as 35p. If you don't want your home to smell of vinegar, This Morning pro, Nancy Birtwhistle, recently shared a "They [flies] hate the smell of citrus and they hate the smell of cloves," she said, explaining how easy it is to keep them at bay. With this in mind, she suggested creating a DIY method to deter the pesky insects. All you need to do is cut a few lemons in half and then stick the cloves into the juicy part. Although the fresh scent is lovely for us humans, the flies can't stand it and will find somewhere else to go.
The Sun
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
The 20p hack that makes flies turn around and fly back out of your house – they hate the smell & it lasts for weeks
SOAKING up the sunshine is one of the best parts of summer, but with the hot weather comes a whole host of pests to deal with. One of the more common pests households deal with are flies, which can take over gardens and homes. 2 2 Luckily, you don't have to spend a fortune on gadgets to try and get rid of them, this simple trick will work wonders. It was shared by This Morning pro, Nancy Birtwhistle, and at just 20p you can't go wrong. Her hack is perfect for keeping bugs at bay, and better yet, it's an eco-friendly option that won't harm the environment. First, Nancy warned to keep food away from areas flies might gather, including waste in bins, which can be covered with a lid. "They [flies] hate the smell of citrus and they hate the smell of cloves," she said, explaining how easy it is to keep them at bay. With this in mind, she suggested creating a DIY method to deter the pesky insects. All you need to do is cut a few lemons in half and then stick the cloves into the juicy part. Although the fresh scent is lovely for us humans, the flies can't stand it and will find somewhere else to go. "They just hate it," the pro said as she explained how she keeps a just one in her conservatory, and in other rooms around her house. "My husband just didn't believe this until he saw a fly come in, see this, turn around and fly out," she added. 6 ways to get rid of slugs and snails After around a week, the lemon scent will begin to fade, so you can take the cloves out and reuse them with fresh lemons, to keep your home smelling fresh and keep the flies out. And since a bag of lemons from Asda will set you back just 99p, as will a bag of cloves, this back works out at just pennies. If, like most people, you like to leave windows and doors open during the warm summer months, you could also stick one of the clove lemons there too, to deter them from coming inside. "But two easy solutions can be to regularly pour hot water down your drain (every three-five days) which will effectively clean the drains and kill the eggs, larvae and any adult flies." What are house flies? House flies got their name by being the most common household fly. With their hairy black bodies and translucent wings, these insects can be found worldwide. They generally live for between 15 and 25 days and can survive without food or water for two to three days. What causes a lot of flies in the house? House flies are highly attracted to manure, and can often be found around farms. They generally stay within a mile or two of their birthplace, but they have been known to travel up to 20 miles. House flies enjoy being in the sun, and will perch in sunny spots around your home. Bright lights at night can also attract flies. IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know. Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay. Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent. Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents. Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass.
Daily Mirror
11-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
Four-ingredient homemade spray keeps slugs away for good
Great British Bake Off winner Nancy Birtwhistle has shared how to make a homemade spray that will keep slugs away from your garden for good - and you only need four ingredients Summer gardens are currently in full bloom, boasting vibrant flowers and nearly ripe crops - but slugs pose a real threat, as these hungry pests can decimate plants virtually undetected until the evidence appears on tattered leaves. Nancy Birtwhistle, former Great British Bake Off champion and household expert, has come to the rescue with an easy homemade solution to banish these slippery garden invaders for good. She explained: "Even the keenest eyes can oversee bugs and pests and if left untreated can soon damage your favourite roses, shrubs and veggies. "I have spent time reading and trying various natural bug treatments over the past two years. "Some potions had no effect whatsoever and after much trying and failing, trying and failing I consider the following two recipes to be effective." DIY pest repellent for blooming gardens You'll need: 500g of rhubarb leaves (not the stalks) One litre of cold water 20 drops of clove bud oil One or two drops of eco-friendly washing-up liquid Firstly, shred rhubarb leaves using scissors, next pour one litre of cold water into a saucepan, drop in the leaves, and let it simmer for half an hour, reports the Express. Allow the concoction to cool down in the pan before straining. Transfer the liquid to a large spray bottle. For the finishing touch, add a couple of drops of washing-up liquid and 20 drops of clove buds oil. Give it a good shake before spraying around your plants to keep pests at bay. However, it's worth noting that oxalic acid is toxic which is why it shouldn't be used on crops and should be avoided if you have pets, but there is another alternative homemade spray you can use. Nancy stated: "This spray contains oxalic acid which is a poison and for that reason, I will not be using it on my edibles - fruit, vegetables etc. Add the boiled leaves to the compost heap." How to keep pests away from your vegetable and fruit crops You will need: 60g of nettles 600ml of cold water Six drops of clove bud spray One or two drops of eco-friendly washing-up liquid Chop the nettles into two or three inches and then place them in a large pan or bowl with a lid and pour over 600ml of cold water. Stir the mixture ensuring the nettles are completely submerged in the water, then place the lid on and leave the mixture outside in your garden. Forget about the mixture for at least a week but it is better to wait two weeks, then take off the lid, stir the mixture and strain it. It should be noted that this nettle homemade repellant will smell "really awful" according to Nancy which is why it works so well to deter pests from eating your plants. However, brace yourself for the smell when you open the lid. It might be best to wear gardening gloves and an apron to ensure the liquid does not get on your clothes. Pour the liquid into a spray bottle and add two drops of eco-friendly washing-up liquid and six drops of clove bud oil, then give it a good shake and spray. Nancy explained: "This spray I will use on my vegetables as it not only kills aphids, the clove bud oil will deter insects, the washing up liquid helps it to stick to the leaves and not run straight off and the foul-smelling nettle water is adored by plants and will give them a welcome liquid feed. "I would not harvest any vegetables until two days after spraying and wash well." She also stressed the importance of timing when applying these homemade solutions, highlighting that evening is the best time to avoid harming beneficial daytime pollinators like bumblebees. Nancy went on to advise: "Always spray after the sun has gone down, when the weather is still and dry. Never spray during the day when our important flying insects - bees, wasps, butterflies, ladybirds etc are out doing their best."
Daily Mirror
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Make-up brushes will be dirt-free and 'fluffy' when cleaned with 2 ingredients
A former Great British Bake Off champion shared her homemade cleaning paste that can be used on just about anything - including make-up brushes Former Great British Bake Off winner Nancy Birtwhistle recently appeared on ITV's This Morning to sing the praises of a homemade cleaner that can be used for just about anything, including make-up brushes. Make-up brushes can harbour hidden bacteria when they aren't cleaned regularly or properly. This can lead to skin issues like acne, breakouts, and even infections. However, if you're unsure where to start, Nancy explained that a homemade paste made with just two household ingredients can do the trick. This handy paste doesn't just work for cleaning make-up brushes either. For cleaning kitchens, it can also be used as a degreaser. How to clean make-up brushes All you need to do is create a paste using baking soda and some eco-friendly washing up liquid in a bowl. Then transfer a small amount of the paste to a tea strainer or sieve, reports the Express. Nancy demonstrated how you can use this paste to clean your grubby make-up brushes. Take your make-up brush, one by one, and push the bristles into the paste. Gently push and twist the brush's bristles into the paste. This will help draw out any residue stuck on the brush. From stubborn stains to dirty make-up brushes, this quick hack is a game-changer and it's super simple too Nancy said: "And here again, make-up brushes, make-up grease, all that sort of thing, in with that paste. And then I use, you know, a tea strainer... And it just gets into... into those bristles." Host Rochelle Humes replied: "I wouldn't have thought it for a make-up brush." Nancy said: "Yeah, it is so good!" Baking soda is touted as a wonder product for cleaning make-up brushes due to its slightly abrasive nature, letting it scrub away clinging dirt and grime. The grainy paste is perfect for getting to grips with stubborn make-up residue, making rinsing a doddle. Besides its cleansing prowess, baking soda doubles up as an odour eliminator, nipping any funky smells in the bud - a marvel for anyone with a nose for freshness. sheds light on the topic, noting: "Moist areas are particularly prone to bacterial growth." Brushes used for liquid cosmetics should be first in line for a wash, but if your cupboard's bare of baking soda, Illamasqua has a DIY solution for you - olive oil and washing up liquid can whip up a handy cleaner. Illamasqua recommends mixing the two, with olive oil breaking down the makeup and the dish soap delivering a thorough clean.
Daily Record
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Banish dirt from wooden chopping board with Bake Off winner's two-ingredient tip
If you're not cleaning your board properly, then this chemical-free solution from 2014 Great British Bake Off winner Nancy Birtwhistle could be a cut above the rest Keeping chopping boards clean is vital when making food, but washing them properly isn't common knowledge. Baker and author Nancy Birtwhistle has explained how to deep-clean wooden chopping boards with just two domestic items. In an appearance on ITV's This Morning, the 2014 Great British Bake Off champion shared her simple, two-ingredient solution to banishing dirt and odours from the kitchen items – and these things are usually found in a baker's arsenal. Nancy demonstrated her hack to presenters Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard, who both looked rather amazed on seeing the trick unfold. She said: "You don't really want to be soaking a board because it can warp and crack. Definitely don't put them in the dishwasher. "But if they get a bit pongy, especially if you've sliced garlic or anything like that, then half a lemon dipped in salt and you've got a cleaner and scourer. This will neutralise any odour, get rid of any bugs and germs, and then I wipe down and just leave it to dry." When Cat asked: "And it's anti-bacterial as well?", Nancy confirmed it was, saying: "Yes, because it's a mild acid." A follower responded to the segment, saying: "Nancy's wooden chopping board tip works great! In addition, we also use a sharpie marker and draw a little arrow on the side of our boards. "The arrow facing-up side is used for savouries/strong odour foods (onions, garlic, etc) and the other side is used for all other fruits and veggies. That way our apple slices don't taste of onions if someone doesn't clean the board properly after use!" Another user offered their thoughts, saying: "I occasionally give mine a scrape while it's damp, with my big chefs knife. It takes a tiny bit of stained wood off. "I've had my board for about 10 years and it's still very thick and heavy. I love it. If I've cut something messy on it, I run boiling water over it into the sink then dry with kitchen paper." A third user shared: "I've had the same wooden board for 40 odd years and everything gets chopped up on it. It gets bleached and cleaned every time I use it... and I'm still alive." Another person added: "I just wash mine in a washing bowl with washing up liquid and drip dry – what's all the fuss about?" According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), chopping boards should last between one and five years, depending on use. The agency advised that boards should no longer be used when they become difficult to clean, very worn or have grooves. In addition, food website The Spruce Eats said: "Although all cutting boards can harbour germs, plastic ones are better than their wooden counterparts because they are nonporous. That makes them especially safer to use with raw meat. For even better hygiene, you should have separate cutting boards for different foods in your kitchen. "The USDA suggests using one for fresh produce and bread and a different one for raw meat, poultry and seafood. That can help prevent bacteria from raw meat getting spread to food that doesn't need to be cooked. "Buying different coloured boards can help you remember which is which, like using a green one for veggies and a red one for meat. Good cleaning can help extend the life of plastic cutting boards, but you still need to replace them regularly." Furthermore, Cat's query that lemons were anti-bacterial carried some merit as studies, particularly this one published in the journal Food Science & Nutrition, found that lemon juice concentrates "significantly inhibited" the growth of harmful bacteria.
