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
All guides
Latest guides
Simple fixes for everyday problems
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
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
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
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
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
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