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
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Simple fixes for everyday problems
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
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
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
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
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
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