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!

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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.

The eucalyptus fascinates with its silvery-green leaves and characteristic scent. So it’s no wonder that many plant fans want to keep the eucalyptus as a houseplant. But as decorative as it is, eucalyptus requires attention, space and the right location. So that you can enjoy your eucalyptus houseplant for a long time, we will show you what you should pay attention to in terms of care, location and pruning.

Your tree needs these light conditions

Eucalyptus 🛒 originally comes from sunny regions. That’s why it also loves a bright, full-sun spot as a houseplant. It is best to place it in a large, unshaded window facing east or west. An additional skylight is ideal. South-facing windows can be problematic because the heat builds up there – this can damage the foliage and lead to yellowing. If the location is too dark, the eucalyptus will grow poorly and become more susceptible to disease.

Easy care is different – but feasible

If you want to keep your eucalyptus exclusively indoors, you need a green thumb – or at least a good routine. The plant grows quickly and needs to be pruned regularly, otherwise it will soon overtake any room. To keep your eucalyptus houseplant healthy, provide it with water and liquid fertilizer in summer. Avoid waterlogging at all costs and use lime-free water, for example rainwater or filtered water. In winter, your eucalyptus should be kept in a cool but bright place – an unheated hallway with a window is perfect.

Fast-growing and tolerant to pruning

Your eucalyptus grows rapidly, especially in the first few years. Pruning is therefore necessary on a regular basis, otherwise the cute little tree will quickly become an uncontrollable giant. Important: Always have a sharp pair of scissors to hand and plan to repot it once or twice a year. The pot must be large enough to allow the roots to develop freely.

Be careful with pets – eucalyptus is poisonous!

The pleasant scent of eucalyptus does not come without side effects. The plant contains essential oils and toxic substances, so if you don’t have a koala – because they tolerate eucalyptus perfectly – then be careful! It can be particularly dangerous for cats, dogs and rodents. If your pet nibbles on the leaves, this can lead to poisoning in the worst case. It is therefore essential to put your eucalyptus houseplant out of reach.

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Eucalyptus houseplant – beautiful, but demanding

Eucalyptus as a houseplant is not for the lazy. You need patience, a suitable place and time for regular care. If you meet these requirements, the eucalyptus will reward you with its characteristic appearance and wonderfully fresh scent. The variety Eucalyptus gunniiwhich is best suited for indoors.

Source: My beautiful garden

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 from 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.

Are you looking for an easy-care houseplant that not only looks pretty in a hanging basket, but also surprises you with an unexpected fragrance? Then the pea plant is made for you. Its spherical leaves are reminiscent of a string of pearls – and if you do everything right, it will even reward you with delicate white flowers that have a surprising cinnamon scent.

The green hanging plant with a hint of cinnamon

The pea plant (Senecio rowleyanus) 🛒, also under the name String of Pearls originally comes from South Africa and is a leaf succulent. Its long, hanging shoots with spherical leaves not only look decorative, but also store water – ideal if you tend to forget to water.

But its visual highlight isn’t everything: in optimal conditions, the pea plant produces small, tubular flowers. And here comes the surprise: they smell sweet and spicy like cinnamon. Who would have thought that of a succulent plant?

How to make your pea plant smell good

In order for your pea plant to produce flowers, it needs a bright location, but not direct midday sun. A window spot with morning or evening sun or plenty of indirect light is ideal. Temperatures also play a role: in summer, the plant feels comfortable at around 20 °C, in winter it needs a cool dormant phase at around 12 to 15 °C. This change in temperature stimulates flower formation.

You should also water the plant sparingly. As soon as the leaves can be easily pressed in or show small wrinkles, it’s time to water – preferably from below. During the growth phase, you can help with a mild liquid fertilizer every six weeks. This will give the plant enough strength to produce its fragrant flowers in spring.

Proper propagation of pea plants – very easy with cuttings

Would you like to have more of these charming cinnamon plants in your home? No problem! In spring, cut a shoot between two “peas”, leave it to dry for two days and then stick it in slightly moist soil. In a warm, bright place, the cutting will develop roots in about two weeks.

Tip: Plant several cuttings in one pot at the same time – this will create a lush, dense “carpet of pearls” over time.

Caution: Even if it looks like this, it is not edible

As pretty as the leaves look: The pea plant is slightly poisonous. So keep it out of the reach of children and pets. Contact with the sap or accidental consumption can lead to gastrointestinal complaints.

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The pea plant not only smells wonderful – it’s also uncomplicated

Whether in the bedroom, living room or office: the pea plant not only adds style to your home with its hanging shoots, but also surprises you with a delicate scent of cinnamon when it’s feeling really well. Easy to care for, decorative in a self-tied hanging basket and a real talking point – just the thing for anyone who loves plants but doesn’t have green fingers.

Source: Plantura, Feey

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 from 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.