Houseplants bring life into the home, but not everyone has the proverbial green thumb. Some plants are sensitive to too much or too little water, the wrong light or dry heating air. The good news is that there are indestructible, very easy-care houseplants that can cope with almost anything and thrive even with minimal effort. You can find out what these are and how to look after them optimally here.

Haworthia

Haworthia is a succulent plant and can therefore store water. What it does not tolerate is waterlogging.

Window sheet

You should remember to water the window leaf regularly, but otherwise it doesn’t need any extra care. Also important: as it can grow very large, it should be repotted every few years.

Bow hemp

Bow hemp likes light and warmth, but is otherwise an undemanding contemporary. However, it is not only undemanding, but also helpful, as it is an air-purifying plant.

Trachyandra

Trachyandra is also a succulent plant. The plant, which has its natural habitat in southern Africa, is unfortunately very difficult to obtain. However, if you like the spiral leaves, you can buy an Albuca spiralis as an alternative. It needs cactus soil and plenty of sun.

Tillandsie

Tillandsias are aerial roots that do not grow in the ground but on trees or stones. The tillandsias in this picture have been placed in sea urchin shells so that they look like jellyfish. Instead of watering them, you just need to spray them with water.

Ivy lily

Ivy is one of the most popular, easy-care houseplants. It can be used as a hanging or climbing plant, for example in a hanging basket or a room divider. It likes a warm, light to semi-shady environment. As it likes humidity, it is ideal as a bathroom plant.

Flamingo flower

The flamingo flower is a good choice for anyone who wants to be comfortable but still wants a few splashes of color. It likes it warm, but does not tolerate direct sunlight.

Schefflera

The Schefflera is not only very popular as an easy-care houseplant at home, but also as an office plant, as it tolerates partial shade. It can grow to over 2 meters tall, so it should be repotted regularly in the first few years. The soil should never get too wet.

Yucca

The classic among easy-care houseplants is the yucca. If you tend to forget to water it, it is the best choice. It does not respond well to waterlogging and a room that is too warm in the winter months.

Zamie (Lucky Feather)

Like the ivy, the zamia likes high humidity, making it a suitable plant for the bathroom.

Not everyone has a green thumb and some even have the famous “dry thumb”. But with the right houseplants, this is not necessary. Easy-care plants require hardly any attention, are forgiving of watering errors and get by with little light. If you have little time for plant care, opt for these robust species – they make any room greener with almost no effort.

Source: plantura
Thumbnail images: © Pinterest/ohmymag © Pinterest/sassytownhouseliving

A down comforter is a wonderful investment for restful sleep – light, cozy, warm and breathable. But sooner or later the question arises: How do I get my down comforter clean again? Many people are reluctant to wash their high-quality comforter themselves for fear of it getting lumpy or damaged. However, with the right procedure, you can easily clean your down comforter at home and maintain its quality for years to come. Here you can find out what is important when washing down comforters.

When is cleaning necessary?

A down comforter does not need to be washed as often as bed linen, for example. As a rule of thumb, a thorough cleaning every two to three years is usually sufficient if you use a comforter cover. However, there are signs that make earlier cleaning necessary: Stains, unpleasant odors or if the comforter has lost significant fluffiness. People with house dust allergies benefit from more frequent washing as this reduces mites and allergens.

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It is often sufficient to air the blanket regularly between washes. Hang it outside for a few hours on a dry, not too sunny day. This refreshes the down and allows moisture that has accumulated overnight to escape.

The right preparation and washing method

Before you get down to business, first check the care label of your down comforter. Most modern down comforters are machine washable, but there are differences in the recommended washing temperatures and care instructions.

For machine washing, you need a sufficiently large washing machine – for a single comforter at least 7 kg capacity, for a double comforter preferably 9 kg or more. If your machine is too small, the down comforter cannot be rinsed properly and may not get clean.

Choose a special down detergent that preserves the natural oils in the feathers. Do not use fabric softener, as this sticks the down together and impairs its insulating effect. Wash the comforter at a maximum of 40 degrees on a gentle cycle and add two to three clean tennis balls or special drying balls. These prevent the filling from clumping together.

The drying process: you should avoid this mistake

Drying is the most important step in caring for your down comforter. If dried incorrectly, even a perfectly washed comforter can become lumpy or moldy. You should only spin-dry the comforter briefly and at low speed so as not to damage the quills.

The best method is to tumble dry at a low temperature. Here too, tennis balls or drying balls help to loosen the down. The drying process takes considerably longer than for normal washing – allow two to three hours, or longer for thicker comforters. Interrupt the process several times to fluff up the comforter and distribute the down evenly.

Drying a down comforter without a dryer

If you don’t have a tumble dryer, lay the comforter flat on a washing rack and turn it regularly. Air drying can take several days. Important: Make sure that the blanket is completely dry before you use it again, as residual moisture can lead to mold growth.

With these tips, your down comforter will stay fresh and fluffy for a long time – for many more nights of restful sleep under your clean, cozy comforter.

Source: utopia

Do you have a rich harvest of chives from the garden or balcony? To preserve the aromatic herb for longer, you can dry it – but chives lose some of their flavor in the process. With the right method, you can still get the best out of it. Alternatively, you can freeze them to preserve their color and aroma almost completely.

Drying chives: step by step

Chives consists largely of water, which makes drying somewhat more challenging. The fine tubular leaves become slightly brittle and lose their intensity. This is how you can still dry it successfully:

• Preparation: Cut the fresh chives into small pieces. rolls and spread them evenly on a baking tray or the shelves of a dehydrator.
• In the oven or dehydrator: Set the temperature to maximum 40-50 degrees Celsius to preserve the essential oils and thus the aroma. Dry it until it is rustling dry.
• Air dry: Tie the chives into small bundles and hang them on a shady, well-ventilated place and leave them to dry for several days. However, the leaves may lose their green color and taste less intense.

After drying, you should put the chives in lightproof containers so that it will keep for up to nine months.

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Dried chives in the kitchen

Dried chives is less aromatic than fresh or frozen, but can still be a good addition to the kitchen. It goes well with stews, herb butter or quark – Dishes that don’t need a fresh touch.

You can also combine it with other dried herbs, for example in Herbal salts, Herbal mixtures or Oiling. In this way, dried chives can be used in a variety of ways and kept for longer.

What is the right method for you?

Whether you Freeze or dry chivesdepends on how you want to use them later:

• For intense aroma and fresh appearance freezing is the better choice.
• If you Save space in the freezer compartment or if you prefer to work with dried herbs, drying is a good alternative.

With the right method, you can optimally preserve your harvest and have an aromatic herb to hand all year round.

Checklist: Drying chives made easy

• Preparation: Cut into fine rolls and spread evenly.
• Drying methods: In the oven (40-50 degrees), dehydrator or by air drying.
• Storage: Store in lightproof jars or tins – will keep for up to nine months.
• Freeze: For a more intense flavor, cut into rolls in freezer bags or ice cube molds.
• Use: Perfect for butter, herbal salts, soups, sauces or herbal oils.

_{This article was partly created with the help of a machine and carefully checked by the editorial team before publication.}

Fresh chanterelles are a highlight in the kitchen, but the question often arises: How can I preserve them for longer? It is possible to dry chanterelles, but they lose some of their flavor and can become tough. With the right method, you can still make the most of them. Alternatively, freezing preserves the flavor and consistency better.

How to dry chanterelles properly

Before drying, you should Chanterelles clean thoroughly. A brush or a soft brushto remove dirt without damaging the delicate surface of the mushrooms. Avoid wateras the mushrooms absorb moisture quickly. You can store larger chanterelles in thin slices so that they dry more evenly.

Drying methods:

• Oven: Place the mushrooms on a baking tray without overlapping them. Set the temperature to maximum 50 °C and leave the oven door ajar so that the moisture can escape. Turn the chanterelles regularly so that they dry evenly.
• Dehydrator: A Dehydrator is gentler and particularly practical if you dry mushrooms frequently. Depending on the appliance, the process takes approx. 5 to 8 hours.

The chanterelles are ready when they are hard and brittle and no longer contain any residual moisture. For storage, fill the dried mushrooms into a airtight container. They will keep for several months.

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Alternatives: Freezing chanterelles

If you want to freeze the original taste and consistency of the chanterelles is Freeze them is the better option. This is how you proceed:

1. Blanch: Place the chanterelles in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. This protects their consistency and preserves their aroma.
2. Leave to cool: Quench the mushrooms in cold water to stop the cooking process.
3. Freezing: Portion the chanterelles into freezer bags or tins and freeze them.

Frozen chanterelles stay fresh for several months and are ready to use immediately – without having to be defrosted first.

Dried chanterelles in the kitchen

Dried chanterelles lose some of their fresh aroma, but are very versatile:

• Soaked: Place the mushrooms in warm water or broth before use. The liquid absorbs the mushroom flavor and is perfect for sauces or soups. You can soak the soaked mushrooms in risottos, stews or pasta dishes can be used.
• Ground: Grind the dried mushrooms to a fine powder. powder. It is ideal for spice blends, homemade broth or as an aromatic note in sauces.

Drying or freezing?

Whether Drying or freezing is better depends on how you want to use your chanterelles later:

• Drying: Practical and space-saving for storage, but with a change in flavor and consistency.
• Freezing: Preserves the original taste and texture – ideal for dishes that require freshness.

Either way, you can use the Taste of the forest can also be enjoyed outside the mushroom season and used in a variety of ways in your kitchen.

Checklist: Preserving chanterelles

• Cleaning: Clean with a brush, avoid water.
• Dry: In the oven (50 °C, door open) or dehydrator until the mushrooms are brittle.
• Freeze: Blanch briefly, then freeze in portions in freezer bags.
• Use: Soaked in sauces or risottos, as a powder for spices or broth.
• Storage: Dried in airtight containers, frozen for months of freshness.

_{This article was partly produced with machine assistance and carefully checked by the editorial team before publication.}

A bra can be a real investment. But then it should also last a long time! But when it comes to caring for this delicate underwear, many people often make mistakes that drastically shorten its lifespan. Deformed cups or worn-out straps are often the result of incorrect washing. Here you can find out how to wash your bras correctly and what you should avoid at all costs.

Washing bras: How to get your bra ready for washing

Before you wash your bra, you should first check the care label. You will find valuable information on the recommended washing temperature and whether the bra is machine washable at all. Particularly high-quality bras with lace, silk or elaborate embellishments should possibly only be washed by hand.

Correct preparation in the washing machine is then crucial: close all hooks so that they do not get caught in other items of clothing or damage the fabric. For bras with removable straps, you can remove them and wash them separately. Push-up bras with removable pads should be removed before washing.

A special laundry net is essential when machine washing bras. It protects the delicate materials and prevents the straps from twisting or the fasteners from damaging other items of clothing. You should use a separate laundry net for each bra so that the items do not rub against each other.

The right wash cycle: gentle and effective

If you wash your bras in the machine, choose a gentle or delicate wash program at a maximum of 30 degrees. Higher temperatures can affect the elasticity of the material, which leads to it wearing out more quickly. The spin speed should be low – ideally under 600 revolutions per minute.

Use a mild mild detergent or a special detergent for underwear. Do not use fabric softener, as this attacks the elastic fibers and causes the bra to lose its elasticity. Bleaching agents are also taboo, as they can damage the materials and fade colors.

Wash your bra by hand

Hand washing is particularly recommended, especially for high-quality bras or bras decorated with lace. Fill a sink with lukewarm water and a little mild detergent, carefully immerse the bra and gently move it back and forth. After about 15 minutes, rinse it thoroughly with clear water until there is no soap residue left.

Correct drying: crucial for the shape

After washing, it is important to carefully squeeze out excess water – do not wring it out! Wrap the bra in a towel and squeeze gently to remove any further moisture. You should then leave it to air dry flat on a towel or hung up by the straps. You should avoid direct sunlight as it can fade colors.

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The tumble dryer is absolutely taboo for bras! The heat can damage the elastic fibers and deform the cups. Radiators are also not a good idea for drying.

To maintain the shape of the cups, you can carefully press them into the correct shape before drying. With underwired bras in particular, it is important that the cups retain their shape and are not pressed in.

So: A good bra is an investment in comfort and well-being – treat it with care and it will serve you well for a long time.

Source: merkur

Ripe tomatoes are a treat, but sometimes they ripen faster than you can eat them. Drying tomatoes is an easy way to preserve their intense flavor. Whether as a snack, in sauces or on pizza – dried tomatoes bring a Mediterranean flavor to your kitchen and last for months if stored properly.

Why sun-dried tomatoes are so special

Drying tomatoes removes water from them, which means they keep for longer. At the same time, their aromawhich makes them a versatile ingredient. Whether in salads, stews or even as a snack – their flavor intensifies through drying and provides a unique seasoning.

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Step by step: How to dry tomatoes

The easiest way to dry tomatoes is in the oven. With a little patience, you can achieve perfect results:

Preparation:

Wash the tomatoes thoroughly, halve them or cut them into slices. If you like, you can cut the Remove the seedsbut this is optional.

Seasoning:

Place the tomato pieces on baking paper and sprinkle them with a little saltto remove the moisture. If you want to flavor them, you can add herbs such as thyme or rosemary.

Drying:

Set up the oven 80 to 100 degrees circulating air. Leave the door ajar so that the moisture can escape. Depending on the thickness of the tomatoes, the process takes six to ten hours.

For those who like it traditional, the tomatoes can also be left in the oven on sunny days. dry in the sunwhich, however, takes several days. Another option is the Dehydratorwhich delivers consistent results with lower energy consumption.

How to store dried tomatoes correctly

Proper storage is crucial to preserve the freshness and aroma of your dried tomatoes. Store them in airtight jars to protect them from moisture. If you want to make them even more aromatic, place them in high-quality olive oil . Herbs such as rosemary or thyme and garlic go well with it.

Make sure that the tomatoes are completely dried – they should be leathery and should never be damp to avoid mold.

Ideas for use

Dried tomatoes are very versatile:

• Cut them small and add them Saucessoups or stews.
• Soaking makes them softer and gives them a smoother texture – ideal for pesto, pizza or focaccia.
• As a snack, in salads or as an ingredient in home-baked bread, they provide a special flavor.

Not only their taste is convincing – dried tomatoes contain many antioxidants such as lycopenewhich benefit your health, and are rich in minerals. With dried tomatoes you can be sure of an aromatic ingredient that is versatile and will keep for months. Whether in the oven, in the sun or in a dehydrator – drying tomatoes is uncomplicated and ideal for using up surplus produce.

Checklist: Drying tomatoes made easy

• Preparation: Wash, halve or slice the tomatoes and remove the seeds if desired.
• Drying: Dry in the oven, dehydrator or in the sun until they are leathery.
• Storage: Store in airtight jars, optionally in olive oil with herbs.
• Use: Perfect for pesto, pizza, bread, soups or as an aromatic ingredient in salads.
• Added value: Dried tomatoes impress with their intense aroma and valuable ingredients.

_{This article was partly created with the help of a machine and carefully checked by the editorial team before publication.}

Fresh bay leaves are an indispensable ingredient in many dishes. But what do you do if you have more than you can use straight away? Drying bay leaves is an easy way to preserve their intense aroma in the long term. Dried, they not only keep for longer, but can also be used in a variety of ways – whether in the kitchen or at home.

Dry bay leaves properly

To dry the full flavor of the bay leaves, you should dry them at the right time. Choose leaves that are green, supple and free from damage. Rinse them carefully under cold water to remove dirt and pat them dry thoroughly with a kitchen towel.

• Air dry: This is the gentlest way to dry bay leaves. Place the leaves individually on a clean cloth or a grid. Choose one shady, well-ventilated place and make sure that the leaves do not lie on top of each other. After two to three weeks, the leaves will be dry and slightly brittle.
• Oven: For faster drying, you can place the leaves on a baking sheet and bake at 50 degrees Celsius dry. Leave the oven door ajar to allow the moisture to escape. This method requires more attention, but delivers a perfectly dry result in just a few hours.

During the drying process, the laurel loses some of its freshness, but develops a more intense, spicy note that comes into its own in the kitchen.

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The right storage for long-lasting aroma

After drying, the Storage is crucial for preserving the aroma over a long period of time. Store the bay leaves in a airtight containersuch as a screw-top jar or a well-sealed tin. Store the container in a dark, cool placeas light and heat can destroy the essential oils.

If you want to keep the leaves fresh for even longer, the Vacuum packing . Crush the leaves just before use, as this preserves the flavors better. Whole leaves retain their flavor much longer than crushed leaves.

Dried bay leaves in the kitchen

Dried bay leaves are a classic in many dishes. They are perfect in soups, stews, sauces or stews. Add the leaves to the dish early so that they can develop their full flavor. You should remove the leaves before serving, as they are hard and inedible.

Tip: Usually enough one or two sheetsto achieve an intense flavor – less is often more.

In addition to their culinary use, you can also use dried bay leaves for other purposes. In Herbal tea blends give your tea a slightly tart note, which is particularly effective in combination with mint or lemon balm.

Bay leaves are also ideal for scented sachets or potpourris. Their subtle fragrance lasts moths away and ensure a pleasant freshness in the closet. They are therefore not only an asset in the kitchen, but also provide added value in the home.

Versatile and durable

With just a few steps you can Dry bay leaves and can be used in a variety of ways. Whether as a spice in the kitchen, as moth protection or as an aromatic addition to teas – dried bay leaves are a valuable everyday companion. Properly processed and stored, they remain aromatic and effective for months.

Checklist: Drying bay leaves made easy

• Harvest time: Select green and supple leaves.
• Drying methods: Air drying for a gentle aroma, oven for quick results.
• Storage: Store in airtight jars or tins in a dark and cool place.
• Use: Perfect for soups, teas, stews or as moth protection.
• Intense aroma: Crush the leaves just before use.

_{This article was partly created with machine support and carefully checked by the editorial team before publication.}

It’s probably happened to many of us before: You pull the door shut behind you and suddenly remember that you’ve forgotten the key in your apartment. Now good advice is expensive – as is the costly locksmith service. If you want to save yourself the money, try opening the door without a key. All you need is a simple shoelace!

Shoelace trick opens door without a key

An experience that nobody wants to have: you’ve locked yourself out. In an inattentive moment, the door slams shut and the dilemma is over. The only option is to call an emergency locksmith and the usually expensive service that goes with it.

Until now! A video on the internet shows how you can open your patio door with a simple shoelace. Requirement: The door is tilted and you have a pair of lace-up shoes to hand. Both are true? Then pay close attention to how you get back into the house without your key:

Pick up a shoelace

Take a long shoelace and tie a tight loop as described in the video. Once your small lasso is tied, you can push the string through the open window or door. Attach the loop to the handle and run the rest of the cord to the other end of the window. Now, with a little strength and patience, you can move the handle and pull it into a horizontal position.

This trick should allow you to open your window or door without a key and get back into your home. If there is no open window, this trick will of course not work. Then you’ll have to bite the bullet and call an emergency locksmith. But before you leave a window ajar to be on the safe side in future, be aware that burglars also use this trick. Do you know any other tricks if you’ve accidentally locked yourself out?

Source: ©Youtube/Recommendation Fox

As soon as the temperatures rise, your garbage can turns into a disgusting odor trap: once opened, you are hit with the full force of a nasty stench. But don’t worry: with a few simple tricks, you can clean your garbage can and effectively combat unpleasant odors – and it’s easier than you think!

Why do garbage cans smell so bad?

It is not surprising that residual waste garbage cans in particular become real stink bombs, after all they mainly contain food waste such as eggs, fish, meat, but also vegetables such as cabbage or potato peelings. As soon as this organic waste starts to rot, hydrogen sulphide and butyric acid are released. If you remember your chemistry lessons, the disgusting stench of these putrefying gases will probably come back to your mind.

In particular, residues of animal origin containing fat and protein penetrate into stinking spheres that are difficult to bear. If the temperature then rises and the sun turns the garbage can into a sauna, you should act quickly and clean your garbage can after the next emptying.

Clean your garbage can – but do it properly!

If waste remains stick to the walls of the garbage can after it has been emptied, numerous microorganisms survive there – and they enthusiastically pounce on fresh supplies as soon as new waste is added – a foul-smelling vicious circle! The following cleaning tips will protect your sense of smell:

Quick cleaning

You should give your garbage can a quick clean after every emptying – the best way to do this is with a garden hose or a pressure washer. Simply spray the inside walls and base of the garbage can and tip the dirty water down the drain. To dry, simply lean the garbage can against the house wall at an angle – well ventilated and upside down so that the last drops disappear.

Thorough cleaning

In addition to quick cleaning, you should also clean your garbage can thoroughly on a regular basis. If stubborn dirt collects on the walls, there’s only one thing to do: brush it out! Soak the garbage can in hot water and scrub it clean with an environmentally friendly cleaner and a stiff brush. Then rinse well and leave to dry.

Home remedies for stink – cheap and effective

You don’t have to use chemicals to remove the stench. Instead, use tried and tested household remedies:

• Vinegar essenceMix one part vinegar with ten parts water and pour the mixture into a sprayer. Use this to spray your garbage can thoroughly after cleaning. The acid will kill even the last bacteria.
• Citric acid has a similar effect to vinegar, but smells more pleasant. Again, prepare the solution according to the instructions on the packet and spray your garbage can with it.
• Garden lime binds moisture and odors: simply sprinkle it into the garbage can after cleaning or pour it directly onto strong-smelling garbage. The bad smell will disappear!
• Newspaper or paper bags in organic waste absorb liquid and prevent the sludge from spreading in the garbage can.

Tip: Wear gloves when handling acid and lime!

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It all depends on the right location

Even the cleanest garbage can will turn into a stink bomb in midsummer if you put it in full sun. It’s better to choose a shady, cool location – the north side of the house is perfect. Even better: a well-ventilated garbage can cabinet 🛒 protects it from the sun and prying eyes.

Tip: If your garbage can still smells despite all the measures you’ve taken, there’s a wild card: cat litter! Put a few handfuls on the bottom of the garbage can – the litter works wonders against moisture and odor.

Conclusion: Cleaning your garbage can is worth it!

With a few simple steps and household remedies, you can keep your garbage can hygienic and odor-free. Make sure you clean it regularly and put it in the right place – so there’s no more reason to turn up your nose!

Source: mein-schoener-garten.de

It’s a really nice feeling to pack the fridge full after a week’s shopping. But since you rarely find an empty fridge, everything usually ends up piled up all over the shelves. But it’s not difficult to keep your fridge tidy. Find out here how to organize your fridge properly so that spoiled food doesn’t stand a chance.

8 ingenious tricks to keep your fridge tidy

Open jars, bags and bottles, rotten vegetables – is your fridge a mess? No problem! The following tricks will help you to keep your fridge tidy:

Storage bins

Simply place one or more upright bins in your fridge. They are perfect for storing vegetables or keeping drinks cold.

Egg carton

Simply cut off the short flap and lid of an egg carton and put the bottom part in the fridge. This way you can store sauces and small bottles neatly in a row.

Clean bottoms

For this you need:

This is how it works:

Cut a mat to size so that it fits on the glass shelves of the fridge. That way, you won’t have any stains on it in future. You can easily remove the mat and clean it under the tap.

Fridge: Tidy up the freezer compartment

For this you need:

• 4 small plastic baskets
• Pen and paper

This is how it works:

With this trick, you will always fish the right thing out of the freezer at the first attempt in future. Attach notices to four plastic baskets with their contents – and you’ll quickly find what you’re looking for next time.

Turntable

With this trick, there’s no more rummaging and searching in the fridge, just order. Place jars and other containers on a turntable – and with just one movement you have the product of your desire right in front of you.

Snacks ready to hand in reusable jars

Do you always have too many vegetables in the fridge and never get around to eating them all before they spoil? Simply cut carrots, carrots & Co. into small pieces and put them in reusable jars. You can then store them perfectly in the side compartments of your fridge.

Fruit and vegetable bags

For this you need:

• Multipurpose staples
• Freezer bags

This is how it works:

This trick is another convenient way to store fruit and vegetables. Fill the desired fruit or vegetables into freezer bags and clamp them from above through the grid using a multi-purpose clamp. This also allows you to easily stack more food under the hanging bags.

Fruit on the fridge door

For this you need:

• Velcro tape
• 2 food storage containers

This is how it works:

For the last space-saving trick, you need Velcro tape and Tupperware containers. Stick one side of the Velcro tape to the bottom of the cans and the other side to the inside of the fridge door. Now you can fill the tins with fruit and stick them to the door.

With these eight tricks, putting things away in the fridge will be child’s play and your fridge will finally be tidy. No more space problems, no more squashed or crushed fruit and vegetables and no more endless searches in the depths of this household appliance.