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Vinegar and baking soda: a cleaning hack or just a bunch of fizz?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nathan-kilah-599082">Nathan Kilah</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-tasmania-888">University of Tasmania</a> Vinegar and baking soda are staples in the kitchen. Many of us have combined them in childhood scientific experiments: think fizzy volcanoes and geysers. But people also frequently mix vinegar and baking soda to produce a reportedly effective household cleaner. Unfortunately, the chemistry behind the bubbly reaction doesn’t support the cleaning hype. The fizzy action is essentially <a href="https://theconversation.com/six-surprising-things-about-placebos-everyone-should-know-220829">a visual “placebo</a>”, formed by the combination of an acid and a base. So, how does it work, and is it worth using these chemicals for cleaning? To understand all this, it helps to know a little more about chemistry. <h2>What’s an acid?</h2> Foods with a sour taste typically contain acids. These include citric acid in lemon juice, malic acid in apples, lactic acid in yoghurt and <a href="https://theconversation.com/kitchen-science-everything-you-eat-is-made-of-chemicals-56583">phosphoric acids in soft drinks</a>. Most vinegars contain around 4–10% acetic acid, the rest is water and small amounts of flavour chemicals. There are other naturally occurring acids, such as formic acid in ant bites and hydrochloric acid in our stomachs. Industrially, sulfuric acid is used in mineral processing, nitric acid for <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-ammonium-nitrate-the-chemical-that-exploded-in-beirut-143979">fertiliser manufacturing</a> and the highly potent hydrofluoric acid is used to etch glass. All of these acids share similar properties. They can all release hydrogen ions (positively charged atoms) into water. Depending on their potency, acids can also dissolve minerals and metals through various chemical reactions. This is why vinegar is an excellent cleaner for showers or kettles – it can react with and dissolve mineral deposits like limescale. Other common acidic cleaning ingredients are oxalic acid, used for revitalising timber decks, hydrochloric acid in concrete and masonry cleaners, and sulfamic acid in potent toilet cleaners. <h2>What’s a base?</h2> In chemistry, bases – the opposite of acids in many ways – can bind, rather than release hydrogen ions. This can help lift and dissolve insoluble grime into water. Bases can also break apart fat molecules. Baking soda (also known as sodium hydrogen carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, or bicarb) is a relatively weak base. Stronger common bases include sodium carbonate (washing soda), sodium hydroxide (lye) and ammonia. <a href="https://theconversation.com/spill-at-a-nuclear-facility-shows-potential-burn-risks-from-a-household-chemical-112763">Sodium hydroxide</a> is a potent drain cleaner – its strong base properties can dissolve fats and hair. This allows blockages to be broken down and easily flushed away. <h2>Mixing a base and an acid</h2> Mixing vinegar and baking soda causes an immediate chemical reaction. This reaction forms water, sodium acetate (a salt) and carbon dioxide – the fizzy part. The amount of carbon dioxide gas that is produced from baking soda is remarkable – one tablespoon (around 18 grams) can release over <a href="https://www.chemedx.org/JCESoft/jcesoftSubscriber/CCA/CCA8/MAIN/8/06/2/4/movie.html">five litres of gas</a>! But only if you add enough acid. Reactions in chemistry often use equal quantities of chemical reagents. A perfect balance of acetic acid and baking soda would give you just water, carbon dioxide and sodium acetate. But the majority of vinegar and bicarb cleaner recipes use a large excess of one or the other components. An example from TikTok for a DIY oven cleaner calls for one and a half cups of baking soda and one quarter cup of vinegar. Crunching the numbers behind the chemical reaction shows that after the fizz subsides, over 99% of the added baking soda remains. So the active cleaning agent here is actually the baking soda (and the “elbow grease” of scrubbing). Ovens can be cleaned much more rigorously with stronger, sodium hydroxide based cleaners (although these are also more caustic). Many modern ovens also have a self-cleaning feature, so read your product manual before reaching for a chemical cleaner of any sort. <h2>What about the sodium acetate?</h2> Devotees of vinegar and baking soda mixtures might be wondering if the product of the fizzy reaction, sodium acetate, is the undercover cleaning agent. Unfortunately, sodium acetate is an even weaker base than baking soda, so it doesn’t do much to clean the surface you’re trying to scrub. Sodium acetate is used in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vABpel-11Nc">crystallisation-based heating packs</a> and as a concrete sealant, but not typically as a cleaner. Fun fact: sodium acetate can be combined with acetic acid to make a crystalline <a href="https://theconversation.com/busting-the-myth-that-all-food-additives-are-bad-a-quick-guide-for-label-readers-82883">food additive</a> called sodium diacetate. These crystals give the vinegar flavour to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0hEutu_goY">salt and vinegar chips</a> without making them soggy. <h2>Sorry to burst your bubbles</h2> There are a few rare cases where mixing vinegar and baking soda may be useful for cleaning. This is where the bubbling has a mechanical effect, such as in a blocked drain. But in most cases you’ll want to use either vinegar or baking soda by itself, depending on what you’re trying to clean. It will be less <a href="https://theconversation.com/visually-striking-science-experiments-at-school-can-be-fun-inspiring-and-safe-banning-is-not-the-answer-195362">visually exciting</a>, but it should get the job done. Lastly, remember that mixing cleaning chemicals at home can be risky. Always carefully read the product label and directions before engaging in DIY concoctions. And, to be extra sure, you can find out more safety information by reading the product’s <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-new-tiktok-trend-has-people-drinking-toxic-borax-an-expert-explains-the-risks-and-how-to-read-product-labels-210278">safety data sheet</a>.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/225177/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nathan-kilah-599082">Nathan Kilah</a>, Senior Lecturer in Chemistry, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-tasmania-888">University of Tasmania</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/vinegar-and-baking-soda-a-cleaning-hack-or-just-a-bunch-of-fizz-225177">original article</a>.

Home & Garden

Announcing Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis should have been simple. But the palace let it get out of hand

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/victoria-fielding-236389">Victoria Fielding</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/saira-ali-1522239">Saira Ali</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a> The British royal family is famous for its carefully curated media image. That’s why it was a surprise to see them lose control of the narrative in the wake of what we now know is a serious health crisis befalling Catherine, Princess of Wales (or Kate Middleton as she’s popularly known). It is clear the nearly 1,000-year-old institution of the monarchy and its tradition of “<a href="https://news.northeastern.edu/2024/03/14/kate-middleton-photo-pr-crisis/">never complain, never explain</a>” is being tested by social media and its power to spread rumours and misinformation. The palace’s public relations team has underestimated how difficult it is to manage relationships with social media audiences. Their reactive attempts to rein in speculation has turned Catherine’s health challenge into a PR disaster. Social media, with its lax regulations and freer environment, offers a more open forum for users to say whatever they like about the royals. It’s served as a hotbed for Catherine conspiracies, particularly on TikTok. These theories are as wild as they are ridiculous, from Catherine being a prisoner in the palace to her hiding in <a href="https://www.prdaily.com/kate-middleton-stanley-alabama-retail/">Taylor Swift’s London home</a>. What should have been a simple announcement to a sympathetic public about a popular royal having cancer turned into a spider’s web of competing conspiracy theories across social media. How did it all go so terribly wrong? <h2>I’ve lost track, what happened?</h2> All was well with the Prince and Princess of Wales when they were filmed attending church on Christmas Day. As usual when royals are out in public, the scene was picture perfect with everyone dutifully smiling for the cameras in “<a href="https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a46227698/kate-middleton-royal-blue-christmas-day-church-service-prince-william-kids/">co-ordinated</a>” outfits. Two weeks later, Kensington Palace announced Catherine had undergone planned abdominal surgery, with <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/princess-kate-hospitalized-after-planned-abdominal-surgery-palace/story?id=106441561">palace sources</a> telling media the surgery had been “successful” and she would need two weeks to recover. On January 29, the palace announced Catherine had returned home to recuperate. <a href="https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a46569739/king-charles-discharged-from-hospital/">Unlike King Charles</a> when he released news of his cancer diagnosis on February 5, Catherine was not photographed leaving hospital. This was the first PR misstep. She had appeared outside hospital soon after giving birth to her three children, but this time she remained uncharacteristically out of the public eye. Almost a month later, when Prince William <a href="https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/prince-william-pulls-memorial-godfather-211406977.html?amp;guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAG6tOzuXsqZXP6G2nLLd-lnWzZhYKHVJ5TJ-w5XCCfgMjerRrR8v1R8unjtcoQTbvPDsVt3mtTcZ_g0os6zwOuEFfMKCh0kfEExvz-dB2FG0uqcy6-GoryjvG99TEhMli66hNZLjLENmMhq1mwoV7GmM0AYezMDsZtZVtONH9C1b&guccounter=2">unexpectedly withdrew</a> from his godfather’s memorial citing “personal reasons”, social media users started asking “Where is Princess Kate?”. Used to a steady stream of content about the royal family, the public were unsurprisingly questioning if there was more to Catherine’s abdominal surgery than they were being told. In a rare reactive move, the palace tried to quell questions about Catherine’s whereabouts by releasing a <a href="https://people.com/palace-responds-kate-middleton-conspiracy-theories-online-surgery-recovery-rare-statement-8602191">statement</a> reiterating that she would not be returning to public duties until Easter. On March 4, US outlet <a href="https://www.tmz.com/2024/03/04/kate-middleton-seen-spotted-public-first-time-mystery-hospitalization/">TMZ published</a> a paparazzi photo of Catherine driving with her mother. Social media audiences asked if it really was Catherine. Over the next week, conspiracy theories about Catherine’s absence reached frenzied levels. To show everything was fine, Kensington Palace released a <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/1766750995445387393?s=20">Mother’s Day photo</a> of Catherine and her children on their social media accounts. Social media users spotted apparently edited flaws and global news agencies announced “<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kate-princess-photo-surgery-ca91acf667c87c6c70a7838347d6d4fb">kill orders</a>”, saying the image had been manipulated. The next day, Catherine <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/1767135566645092616">apologised</a> on social media for editing the photo. Although royals have been <a href="https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a60191061/royal-photoshop-history/">editing their pictures</a> for centuries, it seems particularly digitally naive of the palace’s PR team to release such an obviously edited image into an already cynical social media environment, creating fodder for more conspiracy theories. Mainstream news outlets then joined social media users in asking questions about Catherine’s absence. Although this media attention did not legitimise wild conspiracies, in some ways it fuelled them. Days later, TMZ <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erWJNmbrECs">published footage</a> of Catherine and William shopping. At this point in the media chaos, many social media users claimed it was fake. This intense public speculation finally ended on March 23, when Catherine <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/1771235267837321694?s=20">released a video</a> explaining her extended absence after abdominal surgery was caused by the surgeons discovering cancer. During a crisis, the public crave transparency, authenticity, honesty and reassurance. These elements were missing in the royal PR team’s carefully worded statements made directly to mainstream media along with reactive, overly curated social media posts. By providing scant details, the palace seemed to believe they could control public perception. But public image is increasingly difficult to control. <h2>The double-edged sword of social media</h2> After Princess Diana’s death in a paparazzi-chase car accident, privacy laws and <a href="https://time.com/4914324/princess-diana-anniversary-paparazzi-tabloid-media/">media regulations</a> forbade the most invasive breaches of the royal family’s privacy, particularly for her children, princes William and Harry. However, tabloid appetite for uncontrolled access soon returned once the princes became adults. Recently, Harry and his wife Meghan have been involved in <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/prince-harry-his-many-lawsuits-against-press-2023-12-15/">several lawsuits</a> against media companies over breaches of privacy, including phone hacking. The rise of social media has typically been viewed as a tool that gives royals more control over their image through the curation of their own personal content. Previously, the fact Catherine was the one <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kate-middleton-cutest-family-photos-2018-5">taking photos</a> of her children was seen as a sign of authenticity and being down to earth (as much as a princess could be). Yet, social media is both a blessing and a curse for the management of public reputations. The perpetuation of contested facts and theories on social media in the wake of Princess Catherine’s unexplained absence shows how difficult it is to curate a controlled image using social media. Lack of verified information in mainstream media helps fuel speculative flames. While <a href="https://www.thedrum.com/news/2024/03/22/where-the-palace-lost-the-plot-and-what-we-can-learn-about-pr-and-empathy-kategate">PR experts</a> believe it is understandable and appropriate for Catherine and her family to have privacy during this time, more timely, direct and honest communication would have gone a long way to prevent relentless gossip. Once rumours and conspiracies gained momentum, the palace perhaps thought the less information provided, the better. However, silence during a crisis just fuels more speculation because the lack of information makes it look like there is something to hide. Catherine’s personal video announcing her cancer diagnosis helped end the social media frenzy. This shows a simple, clear statement posted by Kensington Palace to social media weeks ago would likely have avoided the PR disaster and provided Catherine the privacy she so clearly needs. The palace is now <a href="https://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/2986509/kate-middleton-cancer-pr-disaster/">being criticised</a> for complicating a situation that was relatively simple in retrospect. Many social media users are also upset Catherine took public blame for the photoshopping incident. Any organisation that deals with the media to maintain positive reputations, including the British monarchy, has no choice but to adapt to all kinds of media, including social media. The long-time practice of keeping calm and carrying on amid controversy and the 24-hour gossip cycle doesn’t work in the era of TikTok, X and YouTube. In the absence of trusted information, social media will do what it does best: take mostly innocuous online chatter and amplify it until it goes viral.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/226490/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/victoria-fielding-236389">Victoria Fielding</a>, Lecturer, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/saira-ali-1522239">Saira Ali</a>, Senior Lecturer in Media, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/announcing-kate-middletons-cancer-diagnosis-should-have-been-simple-but-the-palace-let-it-get-out-of-hand-226490">original article</a>.

Caring

9 tricky ways to clean your house while you sleep

1. Soak a showerhead Mineral deposits can clog a showerhead and affect its pressure over time. To clean, fill a plastic bag with vinegar. Place the bag around the showerhead, submerging it in the liquid. Secure the bag to the neck of the showerhead with a twist tie and leave overnight. The vinegar will break down the buildup by morning. 2. Remove stains on pots and pans If a batch of cookies left your baking sheet gunky, let a dryer sheet clean it overnight. Place the sheet on the pan and fill with warm water. Cleaning agents in the dryer sheet will help loosen stuck-on grime and stains. In the morning, easily wipe off with a sponge. 3. Polish stove grates Cleaning greasy, food-splattered stove burners can be a tiresome chore. Before you go to bed, seal each burner in a large plastic bag with ¼ cup of ammonia. The overnight soak will make it easy to wipe off the surface with a sponge the following day. 4. Banish rust on tools If your rusty tools have seen better days, fill a tray with Coca-Cola. Submerge the tools, allow to soak overnight, and scrub clean with a stiff brush in the morning. The soda’s phosphoric acid will help loosen the gunk. 5. Eliminate wet messes If your sofa or carpet became the victim of an icky, wet mess (say, vomit or urine), mix a paste of baking soda and water to soak it up. Use a spoon to spread the paste over the soiled area. Allow to dry overnight, then vacuum in the morning. 6. Descale a kettle Limescale can build up from calcium carbonate deposits in water, leading to an off-white, chalky deposit in your kettle. To clean, cut a lemon into large slices, place in the kettle, and add water. Bring to a boil, then take the kettle off the heat and leave overnight. The lemon’s citric acid will loosen the limescale. Toss the fruit and water mixture in the morning and rinse before using your newly cleaned kettle. 7. Clean bath toys To make grubby rubber duckies, boats, and other bath toys new again, mix one gallon warm water with ¾ cup vinegar. Soak the toys overnight. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry. 8. Make diamonds sparkle Quickly polish a diamond ring by filling a bottle cap with Windex. Soak the ring overnight and dry with a soft cloth in the morning to remove grime and add shine. 9. Remove red wine stains If red wine marked up your favorite garment, sprinkle the stain with salt and cover with club soda. The salt absorbs the stain while the club soda’s carbonation and sodium helps lift it. Leave overnight before laundering. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/diy-tips/9-ways-clean-house-your-sleep" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Home & Garden

Dying husband and wife spend their final days holding hands

A married couple have spent their final days holding hands in hospital, after their beds were pushed next to each other so they could be side-by-side as they both passed away. The couple from Tennessee, Tommy and Virginia Stevens, both 91, were both admitted to the Vanderbilt hospital for unrelated medical issues. Tommy, who was suffering with Alzheimer’s disease, had been struck down with aspiration pneumonia and sepsis, and was transferred to the hospital's palliative care unit. The same morning, Virginia suffered a fall as she sustained six broken ribs, a spinal fracture, and a hip injury, and was admitted to the hospital's trauma unit. As Tommy and Virginia's family were struggling to split time between the two wards, hospital staff were able to pull strings for the longtime lovebirds to be roomed side-by-side. Virginia was moved into a room near Tommy’s in the Palliative Care Unit, and her hospital bed was scooted against his so she could comfort him as his health continued to get worse, the hospital said. “He was awake when she came in,” their daughter Karen Kreager said. “His eyes were open. He wasn’t communicating a lot — just in small whispers. But he knew that she was there and that she was going to be right beside him. They haven’t stopped holding hands the whole time. She won’t let go of him.” “It reminds me of why we do this work,” Mohana Karlekar, MD, medical director of VUMC’s adult Palliative Care Program told local news station <a href="https://www.wsmv.com/2023/09/19/she-wont-let-go-him-vanderbilt-helps-hospitalized-wife-comfort-dying-husband/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WSMV</a>. “We take care of people — husbands, wives, mothers, fathers — not patients. We brought this family together during one of their most difficult times with little effort on our part. It involved a call, seeing an extra patient that day and some conversations.” “From the time we brought Mrs. Stevens over, she held her husband’s hand and fussed in a very loving way with him,” Karlekar said. “She was able to tell me Monday that she was at peace with what was going on, and she wanted to be there until the end.” Tommy died on September 8th, just a day before the couple’s 69th anniversary, and Virginia died a few days later on September 17th. Image credits: Vanderbilt University Medical Center and The Stevens Family

Caring

What your hands say about your health

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/adam-taylor-283950">Adam Taylor</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/lancaster-university-1176">Lancaster University</a> Your hands reveal a lot about the state of your health. This is something that has been recognised since at least the time of Hippocrates – the father of modern medicine. The ancient Greek physician <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/1150736">first described “clubbing”</a> in a patient with empyema (where pus fills the space between the lungs and the membrane around it) in the fifth century BC. Clubbing is where the nail looks like an upside-down spoon, and it is still recognised as a sign of disease. Although nowadays, clubbing is linked to more than just empyema. It is also <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24474-nail-clubbing">linked to</a> cystic fibrosis, cirrhosis of the liver and thyroid conditions. Another nail change that can signal disease is Lindsay’s nails. This is where one or more nails are half white and half reddish brown. Around <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ccr3.4426#ccr34426-bib-0007">50%</a> of people with <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmicm1406572">chronic kidney disease</a> have nails like this. But it can also be a sign of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8183706/">cirrhosis of the liver</a> and <a href="https://journal.chestnet.org/article/S0012-3692(15)41065-7/fulltext">Behcet’s disease</a>, a rare condition that causes inflammation of the blood vessels. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/13153107/">Terry’s nails</a>, where <a href="https://www.ccjm.org/content/ccjom/81/10/603.full.pdf">one or more fingernails</a> have a ground-glass appearance, can also be a sign of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6025669/">cirrhosis of the liver</a>, but they are also associated with type 2 diabetes, kidney failure and HIV. And sounding a bit more medical and a bit less like a high street nail bar is <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559136/">Muehrcke’s nails</a>, which is where one or more horizontal lines run across the fingernails. This nail pattern indicates a decrease in the most abundant protein in the blood: <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459198/">albumin</a>. These nail markings can be an indicator of <a href="https://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343(10)00297-4/fulltext">kidney disease</a>. But sometimes changes in nail colour and pattern are not sinister and are merely signs of ageing. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3038811/">Neapolitan nails</a>, so called because of their three distinct colour zones, are often seen in people over the age of 70 and are nothing to worry about. <h2>Palms</h2> Nails aren’t the only part of the hand that can reveal ill health, though. The palms can tell a story too. If you find your palms are becoming sweaty in the absence of nervousness, hot temperatures or exercise, it could be down to faulty nerve signals causing the sweat glands to become active. This can be benign, in which case it is called primary hyperhidrosis. But unexplained sweaty palms – and face, neck and armpits – can be a sign of thyroid problems. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279480/">Hyperthyroidism</a> is where the thyroid gland in the neck produces too much <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500006/">thyroxine</a>. Excess of this hormone causes bodily processes to speed up and can be the cause of sweaty palms. Thankfully, this condition is easily treated with the right drugs. A more concerning palm change is the appearance of small areas of red or purple discolouration on the palms of the hands and fingers. This can be a sign of bacterial <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/endocarditis/">endocarditis</a> (inflammation of the inside lining of the heart), which has a high <a href="https://bmccardiovascdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12872-021-01853-6">mortality rate</a>. These discolourations come in two forms: <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3603816/">Osler’s nodes</a> and <a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.112.127787">Janeway lesions</a>. Osler’s nodes are typically painful <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11739-014-1063-x">red 1mm-10mm</a> coloured nodules on the fingers appearing for hours to days, whereas Janeway lesions are <a href="https://heart.bmj.com/content/91/4/516">irregular shaped with varying sizes</a> and typically seen on the palms and are not painful, lasting few days up to a few weeks. Both these palm patterns are very serious and urgent medical attention should be sought. <h2>Pins and needles</h2> If you experience pins and needles in your hand that you can’t shake off, it might be a sign that you have <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/">carpal tunnel syndrome</a>. This is where a major nerve (the median nerve) in the wrist is being compressed, causing numbness, tingling or pain. It usually gets better without treatment, but a wrist splint can help to relieve pressure on the nerve. People who are overweight or pregnant are at greater risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. Pins and needles in the hand can also be a sign of diabetes. Raised blood sugar in diabetes causes <a href="https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/peripheral-neuropathy-risk-factors-symptoms">nerve damage</a> that manifests as <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41572-019-0092-1">tingling or numbness</a> in the extremities, such as the hands. This condition is called “diabetic neuropathy”. Everyone experiences pins and needles at some point, but if you get it a lot or it lasts a long time, you should see your doctor. <h2>Finger length</h2> The length of your fingers can give you some indication of your risk of developing certain diseases in later life. The length of the index versus ring finger varies in men and women. In women, they are fairly equal in length, but in men, the ring finger is typically longer than the index finger. This is believed to be due to <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5296424/">exposure to hormones in the womb</a>. <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/539916/original/file-20230728-21-ku5ia8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/539916/original/file-20230728-21-ku5ia8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=343&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/539916/original/file-20230728-21-ku5ia8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=343&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/539916/original/file-20230728-21-ku5ia8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=343&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/539916/original/file-20230728-21-ku5ia8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=431&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/539916/original/file-20230728-21-ku5ia8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=431&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/539916/original/file-20230728-21-ku5ia8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=431&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="Finger length comparison" /><figcaption>Your finger length can reveal how much testosterone you were exposed to in the womb. <a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/different-length-finger-index-ring-2132603433">logika600/Shutterstock</a></figcaption></figure> This longer ring than index finger relationship is associated with better performance in a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16403410/">number of sports</a> in men and women, but also a risk of <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18163515/">developing knee and hip osteoarthritis</a> in women. There is nothing you can do to change your finger length, but you can help stave off osteoarthritis by keeping a healthy weight, staying active and controlling your blood sugar levels. In fact, if you stick to that advice, you can stave off most illness.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/209704/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/adam-taylor-283950">Adam Taylor</a>, Professor and Director of the Clinical Anatomy Learning Centre, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/lancaster-university-1176">Lancaster University</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-your-hands-say-about-your-health-209704">original article</a>.

Body

Outrage after renters confronted with cleaning “scoring system”

An Australian real estate agent has come under fire for their “demoralising” scoring system for tenants during routine inspections. One fired up renter said they were shocked to receive a scorecard from the agent after they complied with an inspection, and shared their feedback on Reddit. The scorecard rated the tenant’s efforts cleaning the property in 17 different rooms and areas, marking them on cleanliness, and if the areas were damaged or required maintenance. The renter was then also given an overall rating out of five stars, based on the upkeep of their rental home. The Reddit user showed that they received just three and half stars, despite being marked down in only one area due to a light globe not working. In their post, the tenant said they had made every effort to clean the home, adding that the rating was “demoralising”. “I’ve been renting a long time, and my deep cleaning routine is based around inspections,” they explained. “I go all out - every room in my little 3x2 villa is given a spring clean, every surface is washed including walls, doors, lights, windows, carpets etc.” “Had my latest inspection a few weeks ago and just received the report. Despite the agent commenting once again that she never sees houses as clean as mine, and taking 112 (!) photos of every single thing that shows how great the condition of the house is - having one light globe not working is so terrible that I’m scored three and a half out of five.” The renter went on to say that they had only recently discovered that the broken light globe was the real estate’s responsibility to replace, and does not warrant such a severe marking down in their “score”. “The globe in question is a downlight fitting. We have so many downlights that I don’t even use this particular one,” they continued. “I can’t replace the globe itself, I need to get into the roof to replace the whole unit. Thanks to people here I’ve learned this isn’t even my responsibility to fix!” The renter’s post sparked a huge outrage online, with many up in arms over the current state of the rental market and unrealistic expectations of estate agents. One person said, “I fully believe that the average renter keeps a home to a higher standard than an owner, and it seems deliberately demoralising that someone could be marked down for having a light out.” Another added, “This is ridiculously petty, and more importantly, totally irrelevant to the purpose of a periodic inspection. Which is to identify whether any maintenance is needed.” A third person took their anger out on the entire system, summing it up by writing, “I sort of wonder what little lightbulb clicks in your mind and you wake up one day and ask yourself, ‘How can I be a massive c*** who offers no value to society? I know! I will get into real estate.’” Image credits: Getty Images / Reddit

Real Estate

How to clean these bathroom items that get overlooked

Cleaning the bathroom will not only make your house feel nicer for but it is important for your hygiene as so many bathroom items are used on a daily basis. Even if your bathtub, shower, tiles and sink is clean, these bathroom items deserve your frequent attention. 1. Toothbrush and toothbrush holder For obvious reasons keeping your toothbrush and toothbrush holder clean is vital to your mouth health. To keep your toothbrush clean, make sure you rinse it well after each use to avoid a build-up of toothpaste. Frequently you should do a deep clean of your toothbrush and this can be done by leaving it in a cup of vinegar for 30 minutes. The vinegar will remove the build of bacteria on your toothbrush. Remember to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months and then you can use your old one for cleaning. A toothbrush holder can be cleaned thoroughly by putting it in the dishwasher or you can rinse it out in hot water and dish soap to remove the build-up of gunk. 2. Loofah Loofahs do a great of cleaning bodies but it is important to remember to clean them as well. Your loofah can be cleaned by submerging in a 50/50 mixture of hot water and vinegar for an hour. Then leave it to dry. This method can also be used on sponges or wash cloths. 3. Razors It is important to clean your razor as a wet razor can become rusty and a moist blade can cause ingrown hairs and irritation when shaving. To keep your razor in top condition, put some rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad and swipe across your razor. Dry your razor with a towel once you are done and store your razor in a dry place in your bathroom. 4. Toilet brush To give your toilet brush a thorough clean, rest the brush between the toilet bowl and seat after cleaning the toilet. Spray the brush with a disinfectant and then let it sit as it drips for ten minutes or so. Then rinse the brush in very hot water and allow it to drip dry again. The brush holder should also be cleaned with disinfectant and then leaving it for ten minutes and rinsing with hot water. 5. Plunger After each use of the plunger, spray it with a disinfectant and leave for ten minutes and then let it air dry. It is helpful to store your plunger with a plastic bag so that way, after you use it you can put in the bag and then take it somewhere to clean to avoid any dripping. Don’t re-use the plastic bag. Image: Getty

Home Hints & Tips

What your hands reveal about your health

A weak grip predicts a higher risk of heart attack or stroke and lower chances of survival, according to a new Lancet study of more than 140,000 adults in 17 countries. Finger length: Arthritis risk Women with ring fingers that are longer than their index fingers, typically a male trait, are twice as likely to have osteoarthritis in the knees, according to an Arthritis & Rheumatism study. Low oestrogen levels may be a factor. The same feature has been linked to higher athletic ability and verbal aggression in both genders. In men, a significantly longer ring finger (indicating an in-utero testosterone surge during the second trimester) is associated with having more children and better relationships with women – but a higher risk of prostate cancer. Shaky hands: Parkinson’s disease Trembling hands could be the result of too much caffeine or a side effect of certain medications like antidepressants. But it’s a good idea to see your doctor if the issue recurs. A tremor in just one hand can be a first symptom of Parkinson’s disease, or it can indicate essential tremor, a treatable disorder that causes uncontrollable shaking. Nail colour: Kidney disease When Indian researchers studied 100 patients with chronic kidney disease, they found that 36 per cent had half-and-half nails (the bottom of a nail is white, and the top is brown). The nail condition may be caused by an increased concentration of certain hormones and chronic anaemia, both traits of chronic kidney disease. See your doctor right away if you notice half-and-half nails or a dark, vertical stripe beneath the nail bed – this can be hidden melanoma, a skin cancer. Grip strength: Heart health A weak grip predicts a higher risk of heart attack or stroke and lower chances of survival, according to a new Lancet study of more than 140,000 adults in 17 countries. Grip strength was a better predictor of death than was blood pressure. Researchers say grip strength is a marker of overall muscle strength and fitness, and they recommend whole-body strength training and aerobic exercise to reduce heart disease risk. Sweaty palms: Hyperhidrosis Overly clammy hands may be a symptom of menopause or thyroid conditions, as well as hyperhidrosis, in which overactive sweat glands cause far more perspiration than necessary. Most people with the condition sweat from only one or two parts of the body, such as the armpits, palms, or feet. A doctor may prescribe a strong antiperspirant to decrease sweat production. Fingerprints: High blood pressure When UK researchers studied 139 fingerprints, they found that people with a whorl (spiral) pattern on one or more fingers were more likely to have high blood pressure than people with arches or loops. The more fingers with whorls a participant had, the higher his or her blood pressure was. This article first appeared in Reader’s Digest. Images: Getty

Body

Dog lovers rejoice after "greedy" serial puppy farmer handed life ban

A serial puppy offender has faced sentencing over 17 charges of animal cruelty, with both a lifetime ban and thousands of dollars in fees included in her punishment. The 51-year-old woman from Bullsbrook, a northern suburb in Perth, had been breeding sick dogs in squalid conditions while charging their potential new owners thousands of dollars, and has now been banned from owning or breeding any more dogs for the rest of her life. For her cruel actions, the Perth Magistrates Court handed her a “10-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, $25,000 in fines and an 18-month Intensive Supervision Order.” Additionally, the repeat offender - who has been in custody since April 14 after breaching the conditions of her bail - was also ordered to pay $24,279.11 in legal costs, as well as care and treatment costs totalling $18,241.01. The charges were in relation to 23 dogs who were seized from her property in June 2020 - with sought-after breeds including the likes of Maltese, shih-tzus, poodles, and cavalier King Charles spaniels among them. It wasn’t her first offence - instead her fourth - but her most recent was in 2014 when the RSPCA found 50 dogs at her former home, with 12 of the animals “hidden in a bunker three metres underground”. This time around, she had been trying to conceal her crimes. As the court heard in December, she has been moving the dogs between three different Bullbrook addresses in a bid to avoid detection. It was a display of “callous disregard or at least wilful blindness,” Magistrate Janie Gibbs said. RSPCA WA had launched their investigation into her after a member of the public reported their concerns - they had been trying to purchase a puppy through Gumtree, and had grown suspicious when they were informed they couldn’t visit the dog at home. From there, RSPCA WA seized 32 dogs from the woman’s property - of which there were four adult males, 19 adult females, and nine puppies - with the majority of them showing signs of being “underweight, unkempt, or unwell”, and nearly all of them suffering from “ear infections and/or dental disease and … matted, overgrown hair”. Two did not survive, and five of them were pregnant, giving birth to 22 more puppies in the weeks to follow. All have been in the foster care of RSPCA WA while the case went on. As RSPCA WA Executive Manager Animal and Enforcement Operations Hannah Dreaver explained, the woman responsible had been operating a profit-driven business, and had been placing her income well above the welfare of the dogs in her care. “This included using several locations to hide this operation from both authorities and potential puppy buyers,” she added. “All were popular breeds selling for thousands of dollars. These dogs were making her a fortune and she was treating them as nothing more than money-making machines, having litter after litter without proper care. “Please, if you want to get a dog, consider adoption from the RSPCA or another reputable rescue organisation first. If you do decide to buy a puppy, never buy online and never buy sight unseen. “Always meet your new puppy and its mum in the home where it’s being raised.” Images: RSPCA WA

Family & Pets

77-year-old woman takes a happy marriage into her own hands

When it came time to walk down the aisle on her big day, Dorothy ‘Dottie’ Fideli had every box checked - except one. No partner stood waiting at the end to exchange vows with her, and that was just the way she wanted things. The 77 year old was, after all, marrying herself in an emotional ceremony at her O’Bannon Terrace Retirement Community, surrounded by her loved ones for her big day. Her reasoning was very simple, as she told Today, “I said, ‘you know what, I’ve done everything else. Why not? I’m going to marry myself’.” She wasn’t entirely alone at the altar, of course, needing someone there to oversee her all-important vows. And she had just the person in mind, turning to her home’s property manager, Rob Geiger, to do the honours. “I came in here and I told Rob,” she explained. “I said, ‘Rob, you’re going to marry me’.” He was surprised at first, but after Dottie explained what it was she was setting out to do, he was all too happy to step in and lend a hand. “She is a very incredible woman and she is full of life,” he said. “She has always thought of others.” Dottie’s daughter, Donna Pennington, was possibly her mum’s biggest fan, and eager to make her mum’s big solo dream come true. As Dottie explained, Donna had been right onboard from the very beginning, offering to get whatever was required, including Dottie’s dress. Donna even made sure that the wedding was properly catered and decorated, seeing to both aspects by herself, from doing all of the cooking to putting up a balloon arch in the home’s community room. As all good weddings should, Dottie had a cake - two-tired and covered with red roses - and heart-shaped cookies, as well as finger sandwiches shaped like wedding bells. When it came to the day itself, Dottie admitted to feeling nervous, but ultimately “really happy”. Initially, she’d intended for it to be something her nearest and dearest had come to expect from her in her quest to make sure everyone else was smiling - though things had taken an emotional turn as the significance of her message of self-love sunk in. As she explained it, “I do some crazy things around here just to make people laugh. When I see them all down in the dumps, I go get one of my outfits on and dress up and come down, and they smile.” It wasn’t Dottie’s first wedding, with her first occurring back in 1965, though the former hadn’t exactly been what she’d consider “formal”. She and her then-husband had exchanged their vows, before dashing off to home and work respectively. Dottie even noted that they’d been “doomed” from the start, as she’d opted to wear a black dress that day. She’d gone on believing that it was too late for her to experience her big dream wedding, until her daughter proved her wrong, to Dottie’s eternal gratitude. And now, Dottie plans on continuing on her journey of self-love, telling Today, “I’m at the point in my life where it’s about me now. “My kids are all good, and my grandkids, one of them’s going to have a baby … and I have a set of triplets that have all graduated from college. “So, it’s my turn to do what I want to do.” Images: Today

Relationships

How to deep clean your kitchen bin

Cleaning the kitchen bin is household chore that can be easily overlooked until a stench begins to creep into your home. To rid your bin of the odour, follow these deep cleaning steps so that you can have a fresh-smelling and clean kitchen bin. 1. Put on your rubber gloves Cleaning a bin requires you to handle an object that has been full of food scraps and questionable liquids, it is best to wear some rubber gloves to protect you from the germs. 2. Empty the bin Begin by emptying your bin and ensuring that there are no lingering food particles in the bottom. Your main objective is to remove any gunk that can be seen. 3. Wash the bin If you have access to an outside area, take your bin outside and hose it down. If you can only clean your bin indoors, then you can do this in the bathtub. Once the bin has been rinsed, pat it down with paper towel. 4. Spray with disinfectant Using a disinfectant cleaner of your preference, generously spray down the inside and outside of your bin. Also include the top and bottom of the bin as you spray. 5. Scrub the bin Use a toilet brush or other long-handled nylon bristle brush to scrub your bin thoroughly. After you have finished scrubbing all over, let the disinfectant cleaner sit for five minutes. 6. Rinse and dry After the five minutes has passed, rinse the can thoroughly. Depending on what you prefer, let the bin dry in the sun or dry it with a towel. Once you have deep cleaned your bin, maintain your hard work by wiping down the inside and outside of the bin with disinfectant spray every time you empty the trash can. Image credits: Getty Images

Home & Garden

10 tips for cleaning your car’s interior

<h2>Clear rubbish</h2> Before you pull out the vacuum and cleaning supplies, clear out all the obvious rubbish. Check everywhere thoroughly. There will likely be rubbish on the floor, under the seats and in the seat cracks. Toss out any wrappers, bottles, toys and other objects that your vacuum can’t handle. <h2>Tackle floor mats</h2> Pull the floor mats out of the vehicle and shake them out as much as possible. This will make vacuuming easier. Scrub them with soap and hot water or a foaming carpet cleaner and allow them to air dry completely before reinstalling them. <h2>Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum</h2> Vacuum both front and back seats, the floor and, if necessary, the boot. Vacuum every area of the vehicle where you can get the nozzle, including under the pedals and along the side door panels. <h2>Wipe away grime</h2> Now that the car is vacuumed, grab a soft cloth or cleaning wipes to wipe up all that dirt, sticky stuff and dust. You can also spray a small amount of car-specific cleaner over the console, steering wheel and the area between the seats to restore that new-car look. <h2>Clean cup holders</h2> Cup holders can harbour grime – and the residue from sticky spilled drinks. Try using a cotton swab dipped in a little cleaning solution to reach those difficult areas. <h2>Wipe windows</h2> Spray a window cleaner solution on windows and wipe clean with a paper towel or microfibre cloth. You can also mix one cup of water, two tablespoons of vinegar and one cup or rubbing alcohol for an effective homemade window cleaner. <h2>Attack stains</h2> If there are stains on the seats or on the carpet (and we guarantee there will be, especially if you have kids!) try this homemade solution. In a spray bottle mix two cups of water, one cup of vinegar and about a tablespoon of dish soap. Spray on the stains and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then wipe clean with a wet cloth. If the stain persists, try a stain remover. Spot-test in an inconspicuous area to make sure the upholstery fabric is colourfast. <h2>Remove pet hair</h2> If you have a dog, you know the pain of dealing with pet hair in the car. If the vacuum doesn’t remove all the fur, try using a rubber-dipped glove. Simply brush the hair away with your hand, and it sticks to the glove like magic! To protect your car’s interior from any future pet damage, try a waterproof seat protector. <h2>Get into crevices</h2> Grab a paint stirrer or two next time at you’re at the hardware store. Wrap an end with a microfibre cloth and use the stick to get into those hard-to-reach areas between the seats and around the centre console. <h2>Freshen up</h2> Create a homemade car freshener with one cup of baking soda and five drops of your favourite essential oil. Place both the soda and oil in a sealable plastic bag or glass jar for 24 hours. Then shake it up, sprinkle on the car’s floor and let it sit for 20 minutes. When the time has passed, vacuum up the baking soda. The scent will linger, making your car smell fresh and clean! Image credit: Shutterstock This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/food-home-garden/home-tips/10-tips-for-cleaning-your-cars-interior" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Home Hints & Tips

10 items you need to clean every week

Don’t let these household chores be bumped to the bottom of your to-do list. These are the items that need to be cleaned every seven days. 1. Laundry To prevent a huge pile of dirty clothes piling up, it is best to tackle the load weekly. 2. Bathroom surfaces Although your counter and mirror may look clean, it is important to clean with a disinfectant wipe once a week to remove bacteria and germs that build up from everyday use. 3. Carpets and rugs Carolyn Forte, the director of the Cleaning Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, said, “If you don't vacuum, heavy dirt gets ground in and light dust sits on top.” It is especially important to vacuum the areas around the front and back doors where dirt is carried in. 4. Dusty furniture Not only does dust look bad but it can be bad for your health and your furniture. Carolyn said, “Dust can be abrasive and can put fine scratches in the finish if something rubs against it.” Use a microfibre cloth to clean so you grab particles rather than spread them around. 5. Sheets If you have the time to wash them every week, it is important to do so as germs, sweat, and body oils build up quickly. 6. Kitchen appliances Clean your kitchen appliances with a disinfectant wipe each week to prevent a build-up of germs. "Kitchen appliances need to be cleaned of fingerprints and food bits,” Carolyn said. 7. Bathtub and shower These places collect mildew and scum. It is important to remove this material with a bath scrubber every week. 8. Toilet It is important to deep clean your toilet bowl every week. Carolyn recommends pouring a cup of bleach into the bowl and brushing it around the sides and under the rim. "Let it sit for five minutes as you move on to the next task.” 9. Kitchen floors Kitchen floors can collect liquids and food crumbs without anyone even noticing. To prevent this, clean your kitchen floors weekly. 10. Mirrors Clean mirrors will not only make your home look fresh but it will also make it easier to put makeup on. Images: Getty

Home & Garden

Woman’s “ultimate” cleaning hack for cruise cabins goes viral

An Aussie woman has shared her “ultimate” hack for keeping things clean in your cruise ship cabin, claiming her tips will “change your life”. Cruising fanatic Olivia believes there are few things worse when on a cruise than waiting around for dirty dishes to be collected and replaced. She has found a unique way to get around this problem with her “game-changing” hack, that only requires three items: a cheap sponge, dishwashing liquid and a reusable ziplock bag. In a now-viral clip that has racked up almost one million views, Olivia explained she came across the nifty hack on YouTube and was surprised to discover it actually worked. “Go to your local supermarket and purchase the cheapest sponge you can find or use a sponge you have already got at home,” she began. “Once you’ve done this, grab one to two sponges and cut them into little squares.” “Place them all on a plate, grab dishwashing liquid and make sure you drizzle it over sponge squares (evenly).” She then said to place the sponges outside in the sun to dry. “You want the dishwashing liquid to dry into the sponge,” she said. Olivia then demonstrated how it works, taking one of the squares and running it under water before using it to wash the dirty dishes. “Instead of having to wait for your mugs, plates, cutlery in your state room or cabin to be replaced every day or cleaned, if you are staying in a cabin with multiple people and they need to use it, you can (now) clean it so easily in no time.” She said the squares can be used multiple times before the dishwashing liquid is completely used up. “It will last for about a two-week cruise; it’s fantastic,” she said. While hundreds of thousands of people have viewed Olivia’s video, many people were torn in the comment section about the unusual tip. Some praised the unique trick, thanking Olivia for sharing the information. “Okay that’s actually really good,” one TikTok user wrote. “Thanks! Doing this with the wine glasses before I use them” said another. However, while many were impressed by the hack, some wondered why she was washing dishes on a holiday. “Great idea but no…,” one TikTok user wrote. “Girl, we’re not going on a cruise to do the dishes … margaritas and mojitos don’t go into cups,” another joked. Image credits: TikTok

Cruising

Top tips to keep your home clean when living with pets

Even the most doting of pet owners will grimace at the domestic headaches furry friends can cause. Labrador tumbleweeds rolling through the living room, cat scratches on table legs and spilt food on the floor – these are the prices we pay for cohabiting with animals. But for those who want to have a clean home and keep their pets too, there are ways to keep these messes in check. Managing shedding No. 1, brush your pet regularly. This can go a long way to preventing moulting in the home, and has health benefits as well. “Grooming is not just cosmetic, it is an essential part of responsible pet ownership,” says Dr Liz Walker, chief executive officer of RSPCA Victoria. “Regular brushing gets out the knots that would become mats. And some dogs – poodle mixes in particular – don’t shed, so they need regular clipping.” Moreover, tangled hair can hide lumps and skin conditions, so keeping pooches well-groomed helps ensure they’re well. Deb Morrison, founder of national pet sitting and dog walking business PetCloud, says how frequently you should brush depends on your dog’s fur. “Short-haired dogs need a brush once a week,” Morrison says. “However, for dogs that have thicker, curlier or longer coats, like a golden retriever or a German shepherd, it’s important for them to be brushed every two days.” Which brush you use also varies according to fur type. Furminator makes a range of de-shedding tools available at Petbarn for both short and long coats that gently remove loose hair and the undercoat while protecting dogs’ skin. There are versions for cats too, who still need help despite their meticulous grooming habits – particularly medium and long-haired cats, which require daily brushing. Investing in a quality vacuum cleaner – plus a smaller handheld one for hard-to-reach places – will go a long way to keeping floors clean, and an adhesive pet hair roller can be used on upholstery or clothing. Protecting furniture If pets are deliberately wreaking havoc on your furnishings – scratching, chewing, et cetera – Dr Walker says this can be attributed to boredom. “Boredom and excess energy are two common reasons for behaviour problems in pets. This makes sense because they’re meant to lead active lives,” she explains. “Because we all lead busy lives, our pets often end up spending a good portion of their day home alone. If you give your pets tasks to do when they are home alone, they will be less likely to come up with their own ways to occupy the time – like unstuffing your couch.” Leave some chew toys around, including some stuffed with treats, to keep dogs occupied, and make sure they’re getting enough exercise each day. A scratching post will help remove old kitty nails to let new ones grow and is a way for them to mark their territory. When it comes to inadvertent damage, selecting pet-friendlier furniture can help. If pets are allowed on the couch, leather or faux-leather couches are easier to keep fur-free, and providing a blanket for them to lie on will prevent scratches and dirt. Minimising mess Pets that go outside can track dirt into a house, especially after some rough and tumble at the dog park. Morrison suggests keeping a towel handy near the door so muddy paws can be wiped clean before heading back inside. Place an easy-to-clean placemat under food and water bowls for pets that eat indoors to prevent mess on the floor, and if you have hardwood floors, regular manicures to trim nails will put a stop to scratches. Keep your home smelling fresh Aside from feverishly burning incense or lighting scented candles every time guests pop by, how can you exorcise those doggy and kitty odour-demons? For a start, stock up on natural cleaning supplies to scrub and tidy your house thoroughly and frequently. “Use a combination of bicarb soda and white vinegar, and enzyme-based sprays help to neutralise odours and take stains away,” advises Morrison. “This way pets aren’t at risk of absorbing chemicals through their paws.” Opening windows regularly will also help blow unpleasant smells away. When it comes to tackling the source of the smell, it pays to keep pets clean, but don’t wash them too much. “In order to ensure a dog’s coat and skin maintains their natural oils, we recommend only washing them once a month with flea control shampoo and just rinsing off their paws after walks,” explains Morrison. “Washing their bedding once a month will also discourage fleas.” <a href="https://www.petbarn.com.au/services/diy-dog-wash" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pe</a>tbarn DIY dog wash units can help you keep your pet healthy and happy. If you’d prefer to outsource to the experts, Petbarn also has a variety of grooming services on offer, from deluxe baths to coat conditioning treatments and bad breath fixes. Cat owners will need at least one kitty litter tray. These be should be placed somewhere private and out of the way, such as a laundry, but away from the cat’s food and water. Avoid moving them, as this will confuse and stress the cat. Sonia Trichter, president of rehoming centre Friends of the Pound, says cleaning litter trays consistently is crucial. “They should be scooped every time they’re used, and we use a double tray system so we scoop the bottom as well. Then if they’re too used, you empty the whole thing out, clean it, and start with fresh litter.” Written by Erin Munro. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.domain.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Domain.com.au.</a> Images: Getty

Home & Garden

Simple yoga moves that help with hand and wrist pain

Tracy Adshead is a yoga teacher specialising in yoga for seniors. She is passionate about bringing healing and healthy ageing to the community. As we age, tendonitis is one of the most common problems associated with the hands and wrists. If you are experiencing pain or having difficulty bending one or more of your fingers normally then you may have a tendon inflammation or irritation. The condition is usually short-lived but because many of our daily activities involve repetitive movements such as knitting, texting or typing, joints can easily become aggravated. Yoga helps us to engage in our daily activities in a less stressful way. We can address the cause of the injury by slowing down and observing our habitual movements, then think about how we can do things differently. <ol> <li>Stop whatever activity triggered the inflammation.</li> <li>After swelling has subsided, rest the hand(s) for 4 – 6 days.</li> </ol> Yoga is best used for helping with the healing process at this point when a very slow range of motion can be performed. Be careful not to stretch the muscles so much that you trigger any pain. This practice should be used to supplement conventional therapy, not replace it: 1. Lift up the injured hand in front of you, if possible straighten out all the fingers, finger-tips pointing towards the ceiling. If the fingers are not able to straighten then just move them to a comfortable position. With a slow count of five, little by little, draw the thumb in towards the palm – it may not touch the palm and that’s fine. Next the index finger for the same count. Repeat for each of the fingers. Open up the hand slowly. Now reverse it, small finger moves first towards the palm for the count of four, then all the rest of the fingers follow, thumb comes last. Open up the hand and repeat once more. 2. Spread all of your fingers out like a starfish. With a slow count of 10, begin to fold all your fingers down, closing the hand down into a fist or as close to. Then slowly, all the way open again spreading the fingers out like a starfish. Repeat five to seven times. When this practice becomes comfortable move into a really active hand movement by speeding up. 3. Bring the palms together into “namaste” or “prayer” position in front of the chest. Press the fingers and palms together as you gently lift up your elbows and stretch your wrists. Inhale, lift the elbows up for the count of three. Exhale, lower the elbows for the count of six. Repeat five times. Consult your doctor before starting any new forms of exercise. Images: Getty

Body

How to clean jewellery at home: 14 household items that work miracles

<h2>How to make your jewellery shine</h2> If you want to clean your bling but don’t want to shell out lots of money for a professional, fear not – there are lots of easy methods for how to clean jewellery right at home. You don’t have to save it for your most valuable cocktail rings or necklaces, either. Even the best affordable jewellery needs a cleaning every now and then, especially those delicate earrings that you never take off, even after they turn your skin green. <h2>What is the best home remedy to clean jewellery?</h2> These trusted everyday items are just as good as (if not better than) jewellery cleaner, and you probably already have most of them in the house. <h2>Alka-Seltzer</h2> Drop your dull-looking jewellery in a glass of fizzing Alka-Seltzer for a couple of minutes. It will sparkle and shine when you pull it out. <h2>Aluminium foil</h2> Here’s how to clean jewellery with aluminium foil: simply line a small bowl with it. Fill the bowl with hot water and mix in one tablespoon of bleach-free powdered laundry detergent. Put the jewellery in the solution and let it soak for one minute. Rinse well and air-dry. This procedure makes use of the chemical process known as ion exchange, which can also be used to clean silverware. <h2>Ammonia</h2> Brighten up your gold and silver trinkets by soaking them for ten minutes in a solution of 1/2 cup clear ammonia mixed with 1 cup warm water. Gently wipe clean with a soft cloth and let dry. Note: do not do this with jewellery containing pearls, because it could dull or damage their delicate surface. <h2>Baking soda</h2> To remove built-up tarnish from your silver, make a thick paste with 1/4 cup baking soda and 2 tablespoons water. Apply with a damp sponge and gently rub, rinse, and buff dry. To polish gold jewellery, cover with a light coating of baking soda, pour a bit of vinegar over it, and rinse clean. Note: do not use this technique with jewellery containing pearls or gemstones, as it could damage their finish or loosen any glue. <h2>Light-coloured beer</h2> Get the shine back in your solid gold rings (read: bands without any gemstones) and other jewellery by pouring a bit of light-coloured beer (not dark ale!) onto a soft cloth and rubbing it gently over the piece. Use a clean second cloth or towel to dry. <h2>Soda water</h2> Soak your diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds in club soda to give them a bright sheen. Simply place them in a glass full of soda water and let them soak overnight. <h2>Denture tablets</h2> Has your diamond ring lost its sparkle? Here’s how to clean jewellery using denture tablets: drop the tablet into a glass along with 1 cup water. Follow that with your ring or diamond earrings. Let it sit for a few minutes. Remove your jewellery and rinse to reveal the old sparkle and shine. <h2>Ketchup</h2> Let ketchup do the work of shining tarnished silver. If your ring, bracelet, or earring has a smooth surface, dunk it in a small bowl of ketchup for a few minutes. If it has a tooled or detailed surface, use an old toothbrush to work ketchup into the crevices. To avoid damaging the silver, don’t leave the ketchup on any longer than necessary. Rinse your jewellery clean, dry it, and it’s ready to wear. <h2>Toothpaste</h2> Put a little toothpaste on an old toothbrush and use it to make your diamond ring sparkle instead of your teeth. Clean off the residue with a damp cloth. <h2>Vinegar</h2> Is vinegar good for cleaning jewellery? Yes! Here’s how to clean jewellery with it: soak your pure silver bracelets, rings, and other jewellery in a mixture of 1/2 cup white vinegar and 2 tablespoons baking soda for two to three hours. Rinse them under cold water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth. <div> </div> <h2>Vodka</h2> In a pinch, a few drops of vodka will clean any kind of glass or jewellery with crystalline gemstones. So although people might give you strange looks, you could dip a napkin into your vodka on the rocks to wipe away the grime on your eyeglasses or dunk your diamond ring for a few minutes to get it sparkling again. But don’t try this with contact lenses! Also, avoid getting alcohol on any gemstone that’s not a crystal. Only diamonds, emeralds and the like will benefit from a vodka bath. <h2>Window cleaner</h2> Use window cleaner to spruce up jewellery that is all metal or has crystalline gemstones such as diamonds or rubies. Spray on the cleaner, then use an old toothbrush for cleaning. But don’t do this if the piece has opaque stones such as opal or turquoise, or organic gems such as coral or pearl. The ammonia and detergents in the cleaner can discolour these porous lovelies. <h2>Dish soap</h2> Dish soap can do a whole lot more than just clean your kitchen! It’s great for regular jewellery cleaning. All you need to do is mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water and let the jewellery soak in the solution for a few minutes. You can use this method for silver jewellery too, but you’re better off using a toothbrush or cloth to wipe down that jewellery rather than fully submerging it. Don’t forget to rinse! <h2>Shampoo</h2> A bit of mild shampoo – think baby shampoo – is a great way to polish your pearls. Stones like turquoise and opals will benefit from this treatment as well. To use this method most effectively, mix a little bit of shampoo with warm water and use a soft, clean brush like a makeup brush to polish each pearl with the mixture. You don’t want to risk damaging pearls by soaking them. Image credit: Shutterstock This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/food-home-garden/diy-tips/how-to-clean-jewellery-at-home-14-household-items-that-work-miracles?pages=2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Home Hints & Tips

7 ways to clean your kitchen with simple household items

The folks at <a href="http://food52.com/blog/14173-7-kitchen-cleaning-tricks-that-really-work" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Food52</a> have exhibited some inspired thinking and shown how we can solve various household problems with simple household items. Some of these are way too clever. 1. Get rid of fruit flies in your kitchen Before you flood your kitchen with Mortein, consider this method. Simply halve a lemon, put both sides in your oven and leave the door propped open overnight. In the morning close the door and turn the grill on for a few minutes. Turn it off, let the oven cool, throw away the lemons, clean the bottom of your oven and voila, no more fruit flies! It sounds strange but it really works. 2. Remove hard water deposits using just vinegar Forget toxic chemicals, you can brings your dingy sinks back to their glory by simply applying vinegar. It’s not just good for fish and chips – it’s pretty much a ready-made, powerful household cleaner. 3. Clean kitchen cabinets with baking soda The perfect cleaner for your gunky kitchen cabinets is actually already sitting in your kitchen! Make a solution that’s one part vegetable oil, two parts baking soda and you can clean those gunky kitchen cabinets in no time at all. All you need is a sponge, toothbrush or even just your fingers. 4. Cleaning white sinks with lemons When life gives you lemons, you actually have the perfect tool for cleaning your sink. White sinks can look dodgy with the smallest bits of mess, so combine baking soda with a lemon half to kill germs and bring back shine. Sprinkle the soda in the sink and use your lemon wedge as a scrubber. 5. Toothpicks for mixers and machinery Electric mixers and other devices can open up a world of possibilities in the kitchen, but they get dirty fast. A good way to get around this is by using a toothpick to get into any cracks and crevices that may have opened up. Then simply wipe off the residue with a damp cloth. 6. Get rid of grout with baking soda and vinegar These two common household items combing to make a gentle solution that's very effective at getting rid of stains. Simple make a paste, apply it to the grout and let it sit for a little while. Before too long spray it with vinegar. It will fizz a little, then scrub with a toothbrush and voila – clean! 7. Clean the air in odd smelling kitchens Sometimes no matter how hard we try we just can’t get our kitchens to smell clean. But before you go all gung-ho with the bleach, try this solution. Simmer some vinegar on the stove. This will help you clean the air and restore it to a more neutral smell for cooking and cleaning. Images: Getty

Home Hints & Tips

10 amazing home cleaning tips everyone should know

Do you ever find that you can’t get certain items in your home quite as shiny-clean as you would like them? Try some of our tips below and then sit back and admire your handiwork. 1. Clean your oven racks in the laundry tub or bath. Add a cup of NapiSan while you fill the tub with hot water. Leave the racks to soak for two hours and the grease should wipe off easily. 2. Remove sticky labels from jars, windows or mirrors by pouring eucalyptus oil onto a cloth and wiping gently over the area. 3. Cleaning your dishwasher is quick and easy. After unloading the dishwasher, place a mug of white vinegar upright in the top rack and another one in the bottom rack. Run on a hot wash. It should then be easy to remove any grease or grime with a clean cloth. 4. Instead of having to clean the tops of your cupboards in the kitchen, place some newspaper on the top. Once a month, change the paper and give the top of the cupboards a quick wipe down. 5. If you’ve got a big area to vacuum, plug it into an extension lead. It saves time plugging in and re-plugging. 6. For a super shiny sink, boil a full kettle and then spray the entire sink with white vinegar in a spray bottle. Sprinkle over some baking soda and leave for ten minutes. Give the sink a good scrub (get an old toothbrush out if you need to get into tricky spots) and then pour over the boiled water. Spray with more vinegar and get any last bits of grime off. Dry off the sink with an old tea towel and then buff the sink with some olive oil on a rag. 7. If you break a glass, use Blu Tack to pick up the tiny shards. Simply throw away the Blu Tack when finished. 8. After using your blender, rinse it out and pour in a capful of washing up liquid and a cup of warm water. Place the lid back on (very important!) and turn on for around 15 seconds. Rinse well under warm water and the majority of the mess will be gone. 9. To clean your microwave, soak a sponge in warm water and place in the microwave for one minute. The steam will make it easy to wipe the inside of the microwave clean. 10. If your iron needs a bit of a clean, pop some toothpaste on an old toothbrush and give it a scrub before wiping clean with a damp cloth. Image credits: Getty Images

Home & Garden

How to clean your glasses the right way

Is there anything worse than dirty glasses? We already can’t see properly without them! Many people believe glass cleaner is the best way to clean your eyeglasses, but we’re here to tell you it’s not. Clean your eyeglasses with soap: Cleaning glasses with soap is scratch-free, cheap and easy. You need to wash them gently, but it’s a method that will not harm your eyewear. <ol> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Rinse your glasses in warm water</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Add a drop of gentle dish soap to the lenses</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Smear the soap on both sides, including the earpieces</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Rinse off the soap</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Dry them with a lint-free or microfibre cloth</li> </ol> Things to avoid: <ol> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Paper towels</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Tissues</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Shirttails</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Acetone</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Windex</li> </ol> Although Windex and other glass cleaners may seem like the best way, the chemicals in these formulas have the potential to remove coatings you’ve paid to put on your lenses. The safest, best way to give your glasses that brand-spanking-new shine is to use basic dish soap! Image credit: Shutterstock

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