…place a strip of brown parcel tape over the dust, whip off and you’re left with a dust-free surface.

Heat in the microwave for a few seconds to loosen the wax. Or place in warm water and gradually increase the temperature until you’ve warmed the wax enough to float it out.

They much prefer raisins, peanut butter or chocolate. Traps don’t always work, and a few rodenticides used together may be more effective. Mouse-proof entry points by blocking holes with wire wool sprinkled with peppermint oil.

Biological detergent could be to blame. It contains enzymes, which attack wool and silk. (It says on the box you shouldn’t use it for these.) Always wash these items in a detergent for delicate fabrics.

Douse with salt to absorb the liquid, then scoop up with kitchen roll.

Take it outside on a sunny day, turn upside down, bash with a broom then flip over and vacuum. Repeat until you’ve removed the loose dirt then give it a scrub with a stiff brush and warm soapy water. Hose down and leave to dry.

Lots of bits and pieces get caught up in the filter and clog up the works. Fill the kitchen sink with hot soapy water, immerse the filter parts and, with a washing-up brush, remove all the grot. Rinse and replace.

If you have a cat or dog, drop a little vegetable oil into its clean bowl and rub it over the surface with a sheet of kitchen paper. It will be so much quicker to clean after your pet’s eaten, plus the animal’s coat should benefit too!

Dip a tiny amount of lighter fuel on cotton wool and dab carefully, working around the oily area.

Squirt lightly with WD-40, then blot with paper towel. Work from the outside in, dabbing gently to avoid pushing the stain deeper in. Repeat until it’s gone.