Shoes and clothes
Shoe problems: fix it, replace it or live with it
A triage table for common shoe problems, from smell and scuffs to worn soles and heel rubbing, with a fix, replace or live with it verdict for each.
Chloé Petit2 min read
Chloé Petit
Writer
Writes the clothing, shoe and everyday body fixes.
Articles by Chloé
Shoes and clothes
New shoes rubbing your heel: stop blisters before they start
New shoes rubbing your heel? A step-by-step fix with a free test, a heel lock lacing trick, simple padding and a clear rule for when to take them back.
Chloé Petit4 min read
Shoes and clothes
Wash trainers by hand or in the machine: which is better
Should you wash trainers by hand or in the washing machine? Hand washing is safer for most pairs. Here is when the machine is fine and how to dry them.
Chloé Petit4 min read
Skin and body
Body lotion vs body oil for dry skin: which to use
Body lotion vs body oil for dry skin: lotion adds water, oil seals it in. Use lotion for daily dryness and oil on damp skin or very dry patches.
Chloé Petit4 min read
Skin and body
Razor bumps after shaving: how to calm them
Razor bumps after shaving settle faster with a cool cloth, no more shaving for a few days and a gentler routine. See what to change and when to ask a doctor.
Chloé Petit3 min read
Shoes and clothes
Shrunk jumper: how to stretch it back
A shrunk wool jumper can often be stretched back a size with a soak in lukewarm water and conditioner. Here is how, and when to let it go.
Chloé Petit2 min read
Skin and body
Cracked heels: how to fix them at home
Cracked heels often soften with a soak, a gentle file and a thick foot cream every night under socks. Steps, mistakes and when to see a podiatrist.
Chloé Petit2 min read
Cleaning
The cleaning shelf you can halve
A column on why most homes can clean well with a few products used one at a time, and how to cut the cupboard of sprays down without losing anything.
Chloé Petit4 min read
Home and kitchen
Plunger vs drain snake: which clears a blocked sink
Plunger vs drain snake: a plunger clears soft, close blocks and a snake pulls out hair and grease deeper in the pipe. A table and a simple order to try them.
Chloé Petit4 min read
Skin and body
Dry cracked hands in winter: a fix for tonight
Dry cracked hands in winter usually need less washing, a thick cream after each wash and cotton gloves at night. Simple steps and when to see a doctor.
Chloé Petit2 min read
Shoes and clothes
How to fix a stuck zip without breaking it
Fix a stuck zip on a jacket, bag or jeans by freeing the fabric and rubbing the teeth with graphite or wax. Steps, limits and when to replace it.
Chloé Petit3 min read
Skin and body
Sore feet after a day standing: what to do tonight
A short checklist for sore feet after standing all day, from a ten minute fix tonight to when shoes or insoles are the real problem.
Chloé Petit2 min read
Shoes and clothes
How to get sweat stains out of white shirts
Get sweat stains out of white shirts with a paste, a soak and a proper rinse. Free fixes first, then what helps with yellow underarm stains.
Chloé Petit6 min read
Skin and body
How to treat a blister at home: pop it or leave it
How to treat a blister at home: leave it whole if you can, cover it, and only drain a large painful one with care. Plus signs to see a doctor.
Chloé Petit5 min read
Shoes and clothes
How to get rid of smelly shoes
How to get rid of smelly shoes with low-cost steps: dry the insoles, wash what you can, use baking soda overnight and rotate pairs so it stays gone.
Chloé Petit2 min read
Cleaning
Microfibre cloth vs sponge: which cleans better
Microfibre cloth vs sponge: cloths lift dust and grease and dry fast, sponges scrub and soak up. A simple table and a hygiene rule for the kitchen.
Chloé Petit4 min read
Home and kitchen
How to fix a wobbly chair with a loose leg
How to fix a wobbly chair: find the loose joint, tighten the screws, use wood glue on dowels and clamp it overnight. Skip it if the wood has split.
Chloé Petit3 min read
Skin and body
Morning vs night shower: which is better for you
Morning vs night shower: pick the time that fits your skin, sleep and routine. A plain table, a rule for dry skin and what to ask a doctor if unsure.
Chloé Petit4 min read
Skin and body
Dry skin on legs in winter: what helps and what does not
Dry skin on legs in winter: shorter lukewarm showers, moisturise within minutes of drying, pick a thick cream and know when to ask a doctor about itching.
Chloé Petit5 min read
Home and kitchen
How to stop condensation on windows in winter
How to stop condensation on windows: wipe it off, open windows briefly, use extractor fans and cut indoor damp. Mould means asking a landlord or surveyor.
Chloé Petit3 min read
Cleaning
How to remove mould from bathroom sealant safely
How to remove mould from bathroom sealant: wash with soapy water, dry well, ventilate and replace the sealant when it stays black. Never mix cleaners.
Chloé Petit3 min read
Shoes and clothes
How to sew on a button in five minutes by hand
How to sew on a button by hand: thread a needle, add a stalk with a matchstick, loop four times and knot it. Simple steps for a shirt or a coat button.
Chloé Petit3 min read
Skin and body
Chapped lips: how to fix them and stop them returning
Chapped lips: stop licking them, use a plain balm often, drink water and cover up in cold wind. See a doctor if cracks last or look infected.
Chloé Petit2 min read
Cleaning
Cleaning
How to remove water rings from a wooden table
How to remove water rings from wood: wipe, dry gently with a cloth and low heat, then rub with a bit of mayonnaise or wax. Test a hidden spot first.
Chloé Petit2 min read