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    How to keep your floors clean and clutter-free

    January 18, 2018 - By 

    Every season brings mess into our living spaces and deposits it on our floors. In winter, it is mud; in spring, dripping wet coats; in summer, food and drink being spilt as they are carried in and out from the garden; and in autumn, leaves start blowing in.

    How can we cut down on the tasks of sweeping and mopping, and keep our engineered wood floors looking great with a lot less maintenance? Here are three simple tips to stop dirt in its tracks.

    1. Use a sticky mat to trap dirt at the door



    The best strategy is to trap dirt before it can get onto the floor. Lots of dust and dirt is tracked through the house by our shoes; therefore, some households have a rule that everyone changes into house shoes. If this seems like a bit of a faff, consider sticky mats.

    These originated in the building industry to stop construction workers spreading dust and dirt outside the building area; now, they are available in domestic versions and are a great way to trap dirt at the door and keep it out of the house. Controlled Environments magazine recommends disposable sticky mats, which may be a good choice when it is particularly muddy and dirty outside.

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    2. Get rid of clutter

    If you have beautiful engineered flooring from a specialist such as https://www.woodfloorwarehouse.co.uk/engineered-flooring.html, it is a shame to have lots of clutter that prevents you seeing it. The more clutter there is, the more dust and dirt will collect and the more mopping and sweeping you will need to do. Clear the floor and you won’t be making so much work for yourself. Consider getting a spot vacuum for areas in which dirt tends to collect – this could mean that you have to sweep the entire floor less frequently.

    3. Clean spills straight away

    For engineered flooring, wipe up any excess liquid and then use wood cleaner on the spot. If the spillage is a liquid such as red wine, blot it rather than rubbing and then follow the instructions provided by your flooring manufacturer. Be careful about using a chemical cleaner, as you may cause further damage.

    These tips will give you more time to sit and admire your floor rather than cleaning it!

  • car's electrical system
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    Can I change my own car battery?

    January 18, 2018 - By 

    If your headlights are dull or you have not bought a new battery in the last seven years, it may be time to change your battery. You can take your car to a mechanic to do just this, of course, or you can do it yourself, quickly, easily and – importantly – cheaply.

    The simple answer is yes, you can change your own car battery. Before you start, you need to go through a simple checklist.

    Does my car need a new battery?

    The warning signs that you need a new battery are:

    – A white or blue sulphate residue around the terminal.
    – Although fully charged, the battery is still not working to capacity.
    – Your alternator should read between 13.8 and 14.2 volts.

    How do I make sure I purchase the right replacement?

    It is important to buy the right battery – one that matches the size of the battery support in your vehicle. You can buy this from an expert such as car battery supplier Groves Batteries. If you are unsure, take it – and the relevant details about your car – to a car battery supplier or parts garage. Remember that the battery is the most important component in any car’s electrical system.

    What should I do before removing the battery?

    car's electrical system


    As straightforward as it sounds, make sure your vehicle is on a flat surface. Don’t smoke, and wear gloves and goggles. Next, open the car bonnet and keep it open using the prop.

    What do I do next?



    Now it is time to remove the old battery – most are located in a rectangular box with two cables. Next, identify the battery terminals, both positive (plus sign, colour red) and negative (minus sign, colour black).

    Now disconnect the negative terminal. Once you have disconnected the positive terminal, you can remove the battery. Remember that batteries can weigh up to 27kg, so take care when removing it.


    What happens now?



    With the battery successfully removed, now is the time to put the new battery in. Clean and dry the area and place the new battery in the same place as the old one, making sure that both positive and negative terminal are correctly positioned. Reconnect both terminals, apply lithium grease, and close the bonnet. Always dispose of the old battery appropriately.