Home and kitchen
How to untangle a necklace chain without breaking it
Untangle a necklace chain with a pin, a drop of oil and patience. Lay it flat, loosen the knot, and pull gently. Steps for fine chains and when to stop.
Malik Zerrouki2 min read
Malik Zerrouki
Editor
Writes the home, kitchen and cleaning fixes.
Articles by Malik
Home and kitchen
The toaster that is not worth repairing
A column on when a cheap toaster that burns one side is better replaced than repaired, and how to tell the difference between a small fix and a dead appliance.
Malik Zerrouki4 min read
Cleaning
Steam mop vs regular mop: which is worth buying
Steam mop vs regular mop: steam suits sealed hard floors and avoids chemicals, a regular mop is cheaper and safer for wood. A table and a floor-type rule.
Malik Zerrouki4 min read
Home and kitchen
The pan you should stop scrubbing
Some fixes are not worth the effort. A scratched, sticky nonstick pan is one of them, and here is how to tell a fixable pan from one to replace.
Malik Zerrouki3 min read
Cleaning
Vinegar vs citric acid for limescale: which to use
Vinegar vs citric acid for limescale: both dissolve it. Vinegar is already in your cupboard, citric acid has no smell and rinses cleaner. Pick by job.
Malik Zerrouki4 min read
Skin and body
The twelve-step skin routine you can drop
A column on the long skin routine and why most people can cut it down to three plain steps. A story about habits, shelves and a calmer bathroom.
Malik Zerrouki4 min read
Home and kitchen
The wobbly flat-pack shelf you should stop tightening
When a wobbly flat-pack shelf is worth fixing and when to let it go. A plain rule for loose screws, swollen board and how to decide in a minute.
Malik Zerrouki4 min read
Cleaning
How to get red wine out of carpet: what to do right now
Red wine spilled on carpet? Blot, never rub, dab with cold water and then use a mild soap solution. Steps for fresh and dried stains, plus what not to do.
Malik Zerrouki3 min read
Home and kitchen
Stop a door squeaking in two minutes
Stop a door squeaking in two minutes: find the noisy hinge, wipe it, add a tiny amount of lubricant and tighten a loose screw. It is nearly always the pin.
Malik Zerrouki2 min read
Home and kitchen
How to fix a sticking drawer that will not slide
A sticking drawer usually needs the runners cleaned and a dry lubricant, or a swollen edge rubbed with wax. How to find the cause and when to replace it.
Malik Zerrouki2 min read
Cleaning
How to remove limescale from a shower head
Remove limescale from a shower head by soaking it in a bag of white vinegar for an hour, then brushing the nozzles clear. Steps, limits and safety tips.
Malik Zerrouki3 min read
Home and kitchen
How to open a stuck jar lid without hurting your hand
How to open a stuck jar lid: grip with a rubber glove, tap the edge, run the lid under hot water and break the seal with a spoon. Four free ways to try.
Malik Zerrouki3 min read
Cleaning
Washing machine smell: how to fix it and keep it away
Fix a washing machine smell by cleaning the door seal and detergent drawer, running a hot empty wash and leaving the door open. Steps from free to replace.
Malik Zerrouki6 min read
Home and kitchen
How to get rid of a smell in the fridge for good
How to get rid of a smell in the fridge: find the source, wash the shelves with mild soap, then use baking soda. A fix ladder from free to replace.
Malik Zerrouki5 min read
Home and kitchen
Adhesive strips vs nails for hanging pictures
Adhesive strips vs nails for hanging pictures: nails hold heavy frames, strips protect paint and suit light ones. A table, a weight rule and when to check.
Malik Zerrouki4 min read
Cleaning
How to descale a kettle and stop limescale coming back
Remove limescale from a kettle with one product at a time, rinse it properly and slow the buildup. A free fix first, then what to buy.
Malik Zerrouki4 min read
Cleaning
How to clean a microwave with steam in five minutes
How to clean a microwave: heat a bowl of water to make steam, wipe the loosened food off the walls and clean the plate separately. One product at a time.
Malik Zerrouki3 min read
Home and kitchen
How to keep bread fresh longer without the fridge
How to keep bread fresh longer: store it cool in a bread bin or cloth bag, freeze slices early and revive stale bread with a splash of water in the oven.
Malik Zerrouki3 min read
Skin and body
Bar soap vs body wash: which is better for your skin
Bar soap vs body wash: both clean well. Pick by how your skin feels afterward, how you shower and what you pay. A simple table and a rule for choosing.
Malik Zerrouki4 min read
Shoes and clothes
Foam vs gel insoles: which to buy for sore feet
Foam vs gel insoles: foam suits all-day wear and gel suits hard heels and short stretches. A simple table and a rule for choosing the right insoles.
Malik Zerrouki5 min read
Cleaning
How to clean grout between tiles that has gone grey
How to clean grout: scrub with a stiff brush and warm soapy water, use baking soda paste on stains and know when to reseal or regrout the lines.
Malik Zerrouki5 min read
Skin and body
Stiff neck after sleeping: what to do today
Stiff neck after sleeping: stay gently active, use warmth, move slowly and check your pillow. Get medical help if pain is severe or has other signs.
Malik Zerrouki2 min read
Home and kitchen
How to unblock a kitchen sink without harsh chemicals
How to unblock a kitchen sink: hot water, a plunger, a trap clean and a drain snake in order. A fix ladder from free to replace, with safety tips.
Malik Zerrouki5 min read
Shoes and clothes
How to remove bobbles from a jumper safely
How to remove bobbles from a jumper: lay it flat and use a fabric shaver or a sweater comb, never scissors. Includes when the jumper is worth saving.
Malik Zerrouki2 min read