Preparing for Winter

Justamum

elona wrote: »

For keyhole covers how about using a fridge magnet?

Somebody suggested this. I tried it, but it didn't work. The lock didn't seem to be magnetic, so I've stuck some blu-tack on the lock which works a treat.

cheap_charlie

moonflower wrote: »

not sure if you can help or even if this is in the right place? I am trying to save money and not use the TD.However is it still worthwhile using fabric conditioner as the towels feel hard anyway when dried on the clothes horse?

I don't use fabric softener on towels because it can actually reduce the absorbency of towels. I recall seeing this years ago on "Watchdog" and many towels actually state on their care labels not to use fabric softener.

I use a dash of vinegar in the softener drawer in the wash, and also use the shaking technique mentioned by blueberrypie. Haven't tried rubbing the fibres together however - but will definitely give it a go!

I also think if you use a small amount of detergent when washing towels that helps cut down on the "cardboard" effect.

ceridwen

Brrrrr!!!!and don't forget to make sure you've got some supplementary heating in....just in case. Says she sitting here now with the central heating off - as the pressure has gone kaput on the system. I know how to switch it back on again - but cant manage it, as the darn gasman has tightened the bit up too tight for me to be able to shift it - darn him:mad: . Whilst I'm sorting this out (and trying to find a tactful way of "telling him off" for it!) - I'm having to use my fires all round - thank goodness I'd swopped all those fanheaters for halogen heaters - or else I'd be getting mad with him for all the extra having to be spent on heat because of him!

elljay

Just another thought, when you bring stuff in from the line, you could always pop it into the dryer for a couple of minutes - I did this yesterday, it just helps get the last bit of moisture out too - specially if you have dryer balls - and won't cost much.

miggy

elona wrote: »

For keyhole covers how about using a fridge magnet?

Thank you Elona and Justamum
I tried the fridge magnet as you suggested Elona, but it didn't stick, sorry. However there is plenty of bluetack and that sounds more efficient than some piece of metal because absolutely no draught would get through.
Now I am wondering about bluetacking round the edge of the door and realise I need to add draught excluder to my list!

toffee65

miggy wrote: »

Thank you Elona and Justamum
I tried the fridge magnet as you suggested Elona, but it didn't stick, sorry. However there is plenty of bluetack and that sounds more efficient than some piece of metal because absolutely no draught would get through.
Now I am wondering about bluetacking round the edge of the door and realise I need to add draught excluder to my list!

An idea for a keyhole cover.

you'll need 1 x 1 inch or slightly bigger male and female velcro.

If anyone doesn't know which piece is male or female let me explain, the female is the soft side and the male is the prickly side. Quite easy really when you think about it

On the male velcro cut to the shape of the metal circle and (possibly using a scalpel) cut out the keyhole shape in the centre of the circle. Super glue this onto the metal.

Then take the female velcro and glue this onto a keyring fob and attach the key to this.

Place the key fob over the keyhole attaching the velcro on the right sides

You then have the key handy at all times and it covers the keyhole to keep drafts out.

miggy

toffee65 wrote: »

An idea for a keyhole cover.

you'll need 1 x 1 inch or slightly bigger male and female velcro.
Place the key fob over the keyhole attaching the velcro on the right sides

A very neat idea!
I hope you've patented it!

zarazara

totally brilliant

pagangirl

If anyone is still looking fof Damp Traps/Moisture Traps - I saw them this afternoon in £ land, Liverpool - so maybe they will have them in your local one?

mama67

newlywed wrote: »

When we were little, we used to have lambswool style fleece blankets under the bottom sheet. It was lovely and toasty. We used to use a duvet when our mattresses were lumpy and no money to buy new ones.

Dad refused to have anything electrical on at night, other than the dehumidifier or the ioniser.

We had these when we were little as well, been looking for some for my boys beds but haven't managed to find any as yet.
Did treat them to some flannelette bottom sheets though.

They also have hot water bottles wrapped in a fleecy cover each night.