Set the heating to level 5 in summer? What initially sounds like an expensive and completely paradoxical idea has turned out to be a clever money-saving tip. Here we explain the circumstances in which you can use this “trick” to reduce costs.

Before you turn your heating up all the way, you should first clarify what kind of heating you have. There is a small but subtle difference here. And not every heating system should be set to level 5 in summer.

Turn up the heating in summer?

In principle, this ingenious money-saving tip is self-explanatory. At the start of the warm season, the heating system is switched to summer mode so that it only produces hot water and no more heating. But this doesn’t always work.

A self-controlling heating system, for example, also starts up in summer mode when it is a little cooler. This could happen on a particularly cool night or during a summer thunderstorm. This ultimately results in energy consumption that usually goes unnoticed.

Many heating systems have outdoor temperature sensors that register every change in the weather and then turn up the heating. However, the residents are completely unaware of this. Even a smart heating system consumes energy unnecessarily. The German Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association (DVFG) therefore advises you to change the setting yourself for all systems with smart control that automatically go into summer mode. This way, you can ensure that your heating really only produces hot water for the bathroom and kitchen in summer.

And why directly at level 5?

The DVFG advises turning the thermostats on the radiators up fully – even if this may seem irritating at first given the high outside temperatures. If you set your heating to level 5 in summer, you ensure that the mechanism that regulates the flow of water into the radiators relaxes.

Tip: This also prevents the valves from blocking in summer and getting stuck at the start of the next heating season, explains Markus Lau from the DVFG. In the worst case, the valves then have to be replaced – you can save yourself these costs!

So it’s best to find out immediately whether you should also turn your heating up fully in summer. It’s so easy to avoid unnecessary costs. Do you know any other money-saving tips for everyday life?

Source: t-online

Most kitchens have ceramic hobs on the stove. Compared to conventional cast iron hobs, they have the advantage that they can be operated in a more controlled manner, which makes them much more energy-efficient. Ceramic hobs are also very easy to clean – provided you always clean them immediately after cooking. However, even if you use a cleaning cloth immediately after cooking, strange metallic stains can still form on the surface over time. The question is: where do they come from and how do you get rid of them?

Cleaning the ceramic hob: Helpful tips to remove annoying stains

Unfortunately, simple scrubbing is not enough here, other means are required. However, these do not always have to be expensive – on the contrary simple household remedies are often sufficient.

But first we would like to answer the question of where these iridescent stains actually come from. The answer is quite simple: pans and pots are often to blame for the annoying stains. The reason for this is the copper and aluminum-containing alloys in our cooking utensils, which fuse wonderfully with the ceramic surface through friction. Even if it seems that the stains have formed underneath the glass surface and are therefore impossible to remove, we can reassure you – this is rarely the case!

As a rule, it is always important to clean the hotplates, whether ceramic or cast iron, immediately after use. This can be easily done with conventional cleaning agents and a sponge or cloth. However, the hob should have cooled down sufficiently by this time, otherwise there is a risk of burns!

If, for whatever reason, you didn’t get around to cleaning the hob in time, we have listed a few household remedies here that can help you clean your ceramic hob.

Lemon juice

For light stains, such as water or limescale stains, simple lemon juice is sufficient. To do this, drip a little of the juice onto a cloth and wipe over the stains as usual. Leave the juice to soak in for about 10 minutes, wipe with a little fresh water and then dry with a dry cloth. If you don’t have any lemon juice to hand, glass cleaner is also ideal for the whole procedure.

Baking powder

Baking soda is an excellent cleaning agent for more stubborn stains, such as burnt-on food. All you need for cleaning is half a packet of baking soda and a tablespoon of water. Rub the mixture onto the dirty areas and leave to soak for around 60-90 minutes. You can now simply wipe off the dried, dirty stains with a dry cloth. Finally, wipe over again with a damp cloth and rub everything dry.

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Cleaning the ceramic hob with toothpaste

If scratches have already formed on the ceramic surface, toothpaste can be helpful. The microparticles in the toothpaste smooth the edges of the scratches and make them disappear. All you need to do is rub a small amount of the cream onto the scratched areas with a cloth and then wipe the surface dry with the back of the cloth.

Cleaning stone and vinegar or soda

Now we come to the aforementioned metal streaks. These can be easily removed using a cleaning stone and vinegar or washing soda. The acid contained in vinegar dissolves the metallic impurities after prolonged exposure, making it easier to remove the streaks. If you prefer to use washing soda instead, apply a small amount to the soiled areas and leave the soda to work for around 20 minutes. You can then wipe away the remaining dirt with a simple cloth. You should use so-called cleaning stones with care, as their use can lead to scratches. Suitable cleaning stones are mainly available in drugstores.

Effective prevention of stains

If all household remedies fail to clean your ceramic hob for some unknown reason, the only thing left to do is to reach for the chemical shelf. You can find suitable cleaning agents in any supermarket or drugstore. But before you get that far, here are a few helpful tips to prevent metallic streaks in advance:

• Never slide pots and pans over the hob. This not only saves you from stains, but also protects against scratches!
• Even if the temptation is too tempting – do not wash your pots and pans in the dishwasher! The dishwashing process encourages abrasion of the pots’ alloy, making it easier for it to get onto the hob during cooking.
• Avoid excessively hot, prolonged cooking temperatures. Instead, turn the temperature up once and then continue cooking at a lower temperature. Excessively high temperatures also promote the abrasion of the metallic alloys of the cooking utensils.

With these helpful tips, you now know how to clean your ceramic hob and remove unsightly metallic stains on the hob!

Source: ruhr24.de

Do you have moths in your kitchen or closet? You don’t have to resort to chemicals straight away. There are tiny insects that offer you a natural, effective and sustainable solution against moths. These little helpers eliminate the problem at the root – without any poison or sticky traps.

This is what your uninvited guests look like

You can easily recognize the differences between clothes moths 🛒 and food moths 🛒. Clothes moths wear a straw-yellow, smooth dress, while their relatives from the pantry have reddish-brown wings with a pattern. Some destroy your favorite clothes, others infest flour, muesli or chocolate. In both cases, you should act quickly – because moths multiply at breakneck speed.

Why parasitic wasps work so well

Ichneumon wasps start exactly where it counts: with the moths’ eggs. The tiny insects (about 0.4 mm in size) lay their own eggs directly in the moth eggs, preventing the larvae from hatching in the first place. Once the work is done, they disintegrate without leaving any residue. They are absolutely harmless to you, your children and pets. They do not sting, fly or leave their surroundings – they do their job quietly and silently.

How to use ichneumon wasps against moths correctly

First it’s time to clean up! In the kitchen: Check all supplies, dispose of suspicious items, clean shelves with vinegar water. In the closet: Shake out clothes, air, empty the wardrobe and clean thoroughly.

Only then place the cards with parasitic wasps – as close as possible to the infested areas. Make sure you place enough cards: on every shelf, in dark corners or between piles of clothes. This is because parasitic wasps crawl, not fly. Their range is about one meter.

How long do you need to be patient?

For food moths, 10 to 12 weeks is usually enough. Clothes moths can be controlled over 12 to 15 weeks. The cards are often delivered to your home at intervals and replaced every two to three weeks. In the case of heavy infestations, a second round may be worthwhile. Maintain a room temperature of at least 20 degrees – otherwise the little helpers will become sluggish.

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Effectively prevent moths – what you can do

To prevent future infestations, you should store food in glass or metal containers and air and clean them regularly. The scent of lavender or cedar wood repels moths, as does consistent stock control. For clothes, airtight boxes or laundry bags help – especially for wool and silk.

Ichneumon wasps against moths – small but incredibly effective

If you want to get rid of moths naturally, you can hardly avoid ichneumon wasps. They attack the pest in a targeted manner, do not use toxins and disappear without a trace. With a little preparation and patience, you can get rid of your uninvited roommates in the long term and sustainably – without any chemicals.

Source: Ökotest

The links marked with the shopping cart 🛒 are affiliate links. The products are researched to the best of our authors’ knowledge and some are also recommended based on personal experience. If you click on such an affiliate link and buy something through it, our editorial team will receive a small commission from the online store in question. For you as a user, the price does not change and there are no additional costs. The income helps us to offer you high-quality, entertaining journalism free of charge.

They glow red, pink, yellow or orange – bromeliads are definitely among the most exotic of houseplants. Despite their spectacular appearance, these tropical plants are quite uncomplicated. Here you can find out the 3 things you need to consider when caring for bromeliads to ensure they flower reliably and don’t die.

Caring for bromeliads properly

Among the best-known bromeliads are the “Guzmania” with its intensely bright bracts and the “Vriesea” with its sword-shaped bracts. Strictly speaking, the strikingly colorful flowers are actually the bracts of the houseplant. The actual flowers of the bromeliad are hidden between the bracts. However, this does not detract from the joy of this colorful houseplant. If you also want to enjoy the plant’s colorful bracts, you should keep these 3 things in mind when caring for bromeliads.

1. the right location

Bromeliads originally come from the tropics and subtropics – they therefore prefer a room temperature of over 18 °C and a certain humidity all year round. A bright spot in a bathroom with a window would be ideal, for example. If the air is too dry, however, the houseplants are susceptible to pests and spider mites.

A bright location is also necessary for the houseplant to develop its colorful bracts. However, make absolutely sure that bromeliads are not exposed to direct sunlight. This would cause the edges of the leaves to turn brown. In summer, these eye-catching plants can also be kept on the balcony between June and September – just make sure that it is no colder than 15 degrees at night.

2. water and fertilize bromeliads

In their native habitat, bromeliads grow on trees and therefore have few roots. So that they can absorb sufficient water and nutrients, they collect them in their funnel-shaped leaf rosettes. When caring for bromeliads in a pot, you should always pour water onto the leaf rosette from above. This is the only way the water can flow into the funnels. In summer, the leaf funnels should always be filled with water; in winter, the exotic houseplants require significantly less water. However, drooping leaves are always a sign that the bromeliad has not been watered enough.

Irrespective of this, you should always keep the substrate for bromeliads moderately moist so that the root ball does not dry out. Use low-lime water at room temperature or, ideally, rainwater for watering. As tropical houseplants like high humidity, you can mist or spray them with soft water from time to time. Also fertilize bromeliads at regular intervals – but don’t put the fertilizer in the funnel, but in the substrate.

3. propagate bromeliads and make them bloom

You can enjoy the colorful bracts of the bromeliad for months. However, the actual flowers of the houseplant wilt very quickly. You need to know that bromeliads only flower once, if at all. With a bit of luck, however, several daughter rosettes will form during the flowering period – known as spikelets.

Unfortunately, the mother plant itself dies after flowering – you can tell by the fact that its colored bracts gradually fade. When the bromeliad’s offspring are about half the size of the mother plant, you can cut them off and plant them in their own pot of soil. However, it will take around three years for the offspring of your bromeliad to flower. So patience is required here.

Tip: To get your bromeliad to bloom, you can help it along with a piece of apple and a plastic bag. Place small pieces of apple or apple peel in the leaf funnels for 3 weeks and cover the bromeliad with a bin liner. This produces the gas ethylene, which promotes flower formation. Then leave the bin liner on the houseplant for a further 7 to 17 weeks.

Bromeliads may have a limited lifespan, but they are very decorative and easy to care for. With these tips, nothing can go wrong when caring for your houseplant. Good luck!

Source: mein-schoener-garten
Thumbnail images: ©Nico De Pasquale Photography via Getty Images, Daniela Duncan via Getty Images

If you have a lot of laundry to do, the washing machine often runs continuously. But is this actually good for the appliance? Or is it better to give it a break in between? Here you can find out whether and when it makes sense to take breaks between washes – and when you can wash through without worrying.

Modern machines: Endurance run usually no problem

First of all, the all-clear: With newer washing machines, you generally don’t need to worry if you start several wash cycles in quick succession. Most models built from around 2015 onwards are designed to withstand a certain amount of continuous load. They have sensors that monitor the motor and electronics and, in case of doubt, reduce or switch off in good time if it gets too hot. This means that if your machine is in good condition and is not overloaded, you can usually run it several times in a row without any problems – without taking a break.

Even normal household use with two or three wash cycles in a row is usually not a problem for modern appliances. Provided you observe the load limits – i.e. do not overload your washing machine – and select suitable programs.

When a break can be useful

The situation is a little different with older washing machines or particularly intensive washing cycles. If your machine has been around for many years – especially models without modern protective functions – there is a risk of the motor or electronics overheating during continuous operation. Programs with high temperatures or heavy spinning also put additional strain on the appliance.

In such cases, a break of around 20 minutes between washing cycles can be useful. This gives the motor, bearings and electronic components time to cool down a little. Especially if you several hot programs in succession or always load the drum to capacity, it’s worth giving your washing machine a little breather.

If you still have it: It may be worth taking a look at the operating instructions. Some manufacturers expressly recommend taking breaks – in which case you should also follow this recommendation.

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Breaks are not a must, but sometimes they make sense

So: If you have a modern, well-functioning washing machine, you don’t need to take breaks between washes. The appliances are designed to run several programs in a row. The situation is different with old machines, heavy loads or particularly hot programs – here, a break can help to extend the service life.

As a rule of thumb, the older the machine, the more worthwhile a 20-minute break is. If you want to be on the safe side, especially with frequent use, you can give your washing machine a little rest every now and then. It won’t do any harm in any case.

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Source: Federal Environment Agency

In most cases, prices only move in one direction: steeply upwards. If, after shopping, you wonder why a few products cost so much money, you’ve probably picked the wrong items. Find out here how you can save money when shopping by simply leaving certain items on the shelves.

Small changes make for more money in your wallet

As we all know, humans are creatures of habit. In addition to our daily routine, regular hobbies and favorite dishes that regularly end up on our plates, we also appreciate the familiar when it comes to weekly shopping. And so the same products always end up in the shopping basket without us giving them much thought.

However, small changes can help you save money when shopping. To ensure that you have money left over at the end of the month in the long term, you should cross 7 things off your shopping list in future:

Magazines and books

Nowadays there are more ways to save money than there were a few years ago. Magazines and books, for example, can be bought digitally. This has the advantage that there are no printing costs and they are often a few euros cheaper. This saves frequent readers a lot of money in the long term.

If you can’t do without the book in your hand, simply register at a library near you or buy your books second-hand online.

Shaving foam

You can also cross shaving foam off your shopping list, as you don’t actually need any for shaving. Soap or conditioner are sufficient, do the same thing as shaving foam and are often even better for the skin.

However, if you don’t want to do without shaving foam, you should use products for men, as these are generally cheaper than those for women.

Branded pharmaceuticals

You can save a lot of money, especially when buying medicines. Pharmacy staff often sell the products that bring them the highest profit margin. It is not uncommon for them to receive extra payments if they sell certain products from a manufacturer frequently. That’s why pharmacies are like supermarkets: you often pay more for the packaging and the brand name, but the contents are the same.

Compare prices and buy your medicines online.

Meat

It doesn’t always have to be meat. For health, ethical and economic reasons, you should reduce your meat consumption and introduce one meat-free day a week, for example. There are good substitutes that make it easier for you to give up meat. Or you can rely on foods such as beans, eggs or other pulses to cover your protein requirements.

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Nail modeling

A visit to the nail salon once or twice a month is quite expensive. At around 50 euros a month, that’s 600 euros in a year that you could spend on other, more important things or save. See if you can possibly do without it or even do the modeling yourself at home.

There may also be someone in your circle of friends who has nail modeling as a hobby.

Cleaning agent

Harsh cleaning agents are often not even necessary to clean your home and you can safely cross them off your shopping list. Many household problems can also be solved with products such as baking soda, citric acid or vinegar. The advantages of these products are that they are not only better for the environment and cheaper, but you often already have them on your kitchen shelf.

But it’s not just cleaning products where you can save money. Products such as deodorants and detergents are also easy to make yourself. And thanks to home-grown herbs on the windowsill, you always have your own herbal teas in stock.

Bulk packs

Bulk packs do not always save money when shopping. Although they give the impression that you get more for your money, this is often a fallacy. A market test carried out by the consumer advice center in Hamburg found that products in large packs are not relatively cheaper than those in smaller packs. They are also often deceptive packs that appear larger although the contents remain the same.

Look out for special offers on products such as toilet paper, which often come in large packs. You can save a lot of money this way, especially on items that you only need to buy once or twice a month.

If you cross these 7 things off your shopping list, you can save money in your everyday life. At the same time, you will also become more careful about other things you spend money on. After all, there may be a cheaper alternative or you may think more carefully about whether you really need a certain product.

Sources: merkur, nadjahorlacher, smarticular

When the washing machine is finished, some models make a beeping sound, then it cracks once and the door springs open. But what happens if the washing machine door does not open by itself, but keeps the damp laundry firmly closed? What many people don’t know: There is an emergency release on the washing machine that you can use to open a locked door. You can find out where to find it here!

What is the emergency release on the washing machine anyway?

It makes sense that the washing machine door cannot be opened just like that. After all, it could flood if you open the door during the wash cycle. However, there are reasons why the washing machine door does not open as expected after the program has finished and then the emergency release on the washing machine is required.

The emergency release is a mechanical trick that allows the door to be opened even if it would otherwise remain stubbornly locked. For example, if there is a power failure or a technical defect, the safety lock engages – and the door remains closed.

But don’t worry: behind a small flap at the front of the machine – usually near the fluff filter – is a lifesaver in an emergency. A lever, a latch, a pin or a pull cord allows you to open the door by hand.

Attention: Before you boldly reach for the emergency release on the washing machine, you should definitely check whether there is still water in the drum. Use the emergency drain hose, start the drain program or empty the pump manually.

Where is the emergency release hidden in your model?

Depending on the brand and model, the emergency release is located somewhere else on your washing machine. Below you will find a list of the most common brands:

• Bosch / Siemens: There is a small black lever right next to the lint filter.
• MieleBehind the service flap you will find a colored plug in yellow or orange.
• AEGAEG has a pull cord behind the lint filter – you can reach it with a screwdriver.
• WhirlpoolYou can either use the pump program to open the door or use the lever in the flap.
• BekoNo need for a lever here – simply push the handle inwards and then pull it outwards again to open the door.
• PanasonicSimilar to other models, the door is unlocked via a pin located behind the flap by the fluff filter.
• LGTo open the door manually, simply press and hold the childproof lock button.

Tip: If you can’t find an emergency release, take a look at the manual – or visit the manufacturer’s website.

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When nothing really works: more tricks

If the emergency release on the washing machine also fails and the door remains locked, there are a few more tried and tested tricks:

• ResetPull out the mains plug, wait briefly, plug it in again – this can solve minor software problems.
• KnockingMaybe the lock is just jammed! Try to release the lock with gentle pressure or a light tap on the door frame.
• String methodDo you still have a very old washing machine? Here you can try to open the door lock with a piece of string.
• Release the pressureOpen the fluff filter, drain the water – if present – and then try to open the door again.

The emergency release on the washing machine is a practical, often forgotten function that can save the day in an emergency. However, if the door regularly fails to open properly, you should consult a specialist – after all, the emergency release is only intended for absolutely exceptional cases!

Follow Geniale Tricks on WhatsApp to make sure you don’t miss any more tips and tricks in future!

Source: chip.de

A dark sink is the eye-catcher in any kitchen! However, if it has unsightly limescale stains, the real eye-catcher quickly becomes a dirty stain. You can easily clean your sink with household products that you already have on hand.

In general, you can clean your granite sink like any other sink. The disadvantage of the black sink only becomes apparent once the cleaning water has dried: white streaks and stains appear if the tap water in your area is particularly calcareous. There are various ways to remove limescale stains.

You can clean your sink with these household remedies

Before you reach for aggressive commercial cleaners, you should first try cleaning your sink with the following home remedies:

• Dishwasher tab or denture cleaner
• Vinegar essence or citric acid
• Mineral oil

Remove limescale with dishwasher tab or denture cleaner

The simplest method is to soak the granite sink and then clean it. This works best with a dishwasher tab. If you don’t have a dishwasher but have braces or dentures, you can also use denture cleaner to soak the black sink.

You can also put the tab in a sock and moisten it a little. This makes it easier to spread the “cleaning agent” over the sink. It is important that you rinse the sink well with water afterwards and wipe dry directly with kitchen paper or a microfiber cloth.

Tip: If you wipe your sink dry after every use, limescale stains will have a harder time.

Vinegar essence or citric acid

Diluted with water, vinegar essence or citric acid are great household remedies for cleaning and removing limescale. You can also soak the sink with the respective mixture beforehand. However, you only need to do this for very stubborn stains. Otherwise, it is sufficient to remove the limescale with a soft sponge.

Myth: Mineral oil

Some experienced housewives and househusbands recommend mineral oil for the care of granite sinks. However, it should be noted that this cleaning agent must always be washed off with water and should not remain on the material.

Further tips

In addition to these home remedies, there are other tips and tricks on how to clean your sink:

• DanKlorix 🛒 – Pour 3 caps of water into the sink, leave to work and then wipe the sink.
• Polishing agent 🛒 – Similar to the cleaning stone, you can use this to remove limescale stains and make the sink shine.
• Scouring milk 🛒 – Despite the name, this product cleans gently as long as you apply it with a soft sponge.
• Baby oil wipes 🛒 – Every four to five weeks, you can wipe your sink with the oily wipes to protect it from limescale stains.

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If you know how, you can remove even the most stubborn limescale stains from your granite sink. What other kitchen cleaning tricks do you know?

Source: chefkoch, housetipster

The links marked with the shopping cart 🛒 are affiliate links. The products are researched to the best of our authors’ knowledge and some are recommended based on personal experience. If you click on such an affiliate link and buy something through it, our editorial team will receive a small commission from the online store in question. For you as a user, the price does not change and there are no additional costs. The income helps us to offer you high-quality, entertaining journalism free of charge.