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.

My golden rule for keeping my home tidy is never to go upstairs or downstairs empty-handed. And leave items at the bottom of the stairs to take up next time (though somehow male family members can be blissfully blind to this!). 

If your fridge seals have turned black and mouldy, try Milton Sterilising Fluid. Dilute and wipe down the seals, paying attention to the folds and allow to air-dry – no need to rinse.

Check you’re storing it properly – it’ll be sticky or hard if damp. If it’s okay, the drawer’s water jets may be blocked. A water softener (eg Calgon) will help protect the heating element and other parts, but won’t stop limescale forming on the jets if you have hard water. To clean, mix equal parts clear vinegar and water. Remove drawer and scrub the solution on to the compartment roof, then run an idle wash (empty drum, hottest programme, maximum dose detergent).