Store it in the fridge as it’s much easier to handle when chilled!

Some of them these days are very realistic…until they get covered in dust. Don’t dunk them in water – they’ll die instantly!

Instead blow the problem away using the cool setting on a hairdryer. 

Works on dried and plastic flowers as well (though you can always wet-wash plastic).

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Clean the sugary deposits straight away. Sugar crystallizes on cooling and eats into the glass, leaving tiny pits in the surface.

Why is it that when the sun comes out every speck of dust is visible? And as for the television, no sooner have you been over it with the duster than it’s covered again with a fine layer (it’s because the static charge generated by the telly acts like a magnet for dust).

I do love a microfibre cloth, and in a glove form it’s a great way of dusting (I know, I need to get out more).

Using it, you can get the job done in a fraction of the time, and it also works well when wet for mirrors and glass, taps, fittings and worktops.

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You could be overloading the machine. The more you put in, the less room the clothes have; they stay in one position and dye gets drawn out of the creases.

Does the inside of your car need a major freshen-up after a damp dog has had a ride? Sort the problem in no time by wiping the air vents with a few drops of your favourite essential oil.

First, never wash leather – it’ll get damaged.

You really need to get it professionally dry cleaned, and the cleaner should re-oil and re-finish it to restore the colour and protect against weather and future stains.

Deal with superficial marks in the future by gently rubbing with a soapy sponge using a pure soapflake solution.

Wipe with a damp cloth and hang to dry away from direct heat.

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Do you ever play Lego with the younger members of the family and find the pieces get so stuck together it’s almost impossible to separate them? A quick squirt of WD-40 will see to the problem.

Dust it regularly and polish once or twice a year using a small amount of proper wax (not spray polish, as after a while you get build-up), buffing well to get a really good shine.

Treat any sticky marks in between with a chamois cloth wrung out in a solution of one part vinegar to six parts water.

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Don’t imagine a tumble drier is a necessity – I’ve never owned one. They take up a lot of space and are heavy on electricity. Here’s my quick guide to drier-free drying…

A long outdoor washing line is best, but if you’re short of space a rotary line is fine (though clothes on the inside take longer to dry).

Run a damp cloth over the line before using.

Strong sun will fade bright colours, so dry away from direct sun.

When drying inside, ensure the room is well ventilated otherwise you’ll end up with mould and damp problems.

A clothes airer is better than radiators (though rails that hook over radiators are good). Avoid untreated wood – it can stain wet washing.

Don’t fold items or overstuff the rack as clothes will take longer to dry and can get smelly.

An old-fashioned dolly airer (hanging from ceiling) is very good, but needs to be in a room away from the kitchen, otherwise the washing will take on cooking smells.

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