Dilly Carter, star of the BBC reality programme Sort Your Life Out, has shared her professional advice for keeping a home tidy, saying that routine is the most important factor.
Speaking on a recent instalment of the How to Home podcast on 9 July, Carter explained that establishing a structure allows people to create a routine that prevents mess from accumulating.
'Put it away, not put it down'
Carter said: "I think routine is so important; I love routine. So I think once you've got that structure, then you can create that routine. It's putting it away, not putting it down, is key, okay."
She added: "So everything that you're doing every day, instead of just putting it down and thinking, 'I'll deal with that later', put it away. That saying is so important; 'Don't put it down, put it away'."
She illustrated the point with everyday scenarios, noting that shoes often get kicked off in the hallway and jackets dumped on the nearest chair. The real difference, she said, comes from resetting items to their designated spot as soon as you are finished with them.
Advice on toilet seat stains
Carter's comments follow a query posted in the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook group about yellow discolouration on toilet seats, with members cautioning against using bleach.
One warned: "Don't use bleach, it will make it worse." Another commented: "Brand new toilet and wiped with bleach, now it goes yellow all the time".
Others suggested natural remedies. One recommended: "White vinegar, leave it overnight. Maybe do [it a] couple [of] times until it comes [up] clean." A second contributor stated: "Loads [of] people do not understand that white vinegar, baking soda and lemon are all natural cleaning products for the toilet, sink, bath, kitchen, floors, etc. Superb. Toothpaste cleans taps too with a toothbrush."
Another advised: "Bicarbonate of soda and distilled white vinegar. Make I.T. into a paste, leave it for a bit, then wipe off."
Sort Your Life Out with Stacey Solomon airs on BBC One tonight, August 24, from 8pm to 9pm.
