3 minute read
Savvy home solutions
Starlight Emerald panels, from around £552 each, Showerwall Q I’m hoping to revamp my bathroom and I’m keen to make it as easy-to-clean as possible – do you have any advice? Tasha Goodwin, Taunton
ASteph Harris, Product Manager at Showerwall, shares these helpful tips… Frameless shower-screen designs are much easier to clean as they have less profile and fewer channels where soap and scum can gather. Many glass screens can also be coated with nano-technology to dramatically reduce the build-up of grime, dirt and gunk.
Advertisement
A wall-hung WC has a hidden tank, meaning there are fewer nooks and crevices for dust and dirt to build up; plus, as it’s raised off the floor, cleaning underneath is a breeze.
Not cleaning your showerhead regularly can create a build-up of bacteria and limescale, restricting the water pressure and reducing performance. While many traditional showerheads are attached to a rail or bar, opting for an overhead rainfall shower with a quick-release mechanism will allow you to thoroughly de-scale it.
Bathroom wall panels are becoming a popular choice, thanks to the grout-free designs. The large format panels have a smooth, flat surface that can be simply wiped down. This low-maintenance and hygienic alternative to tiles is available from Showerwall in over 80 stylish designs, from classic marbles and subway tiles to artisan terrazzo and wallpaper-inspired prints. The waterproof system provides a stain-resistant finish that is effortless to clean.
QMy shed needs a fresh coat of paint, and I like the idea of something colourful. How do I prep the wood for painting, and can you give any tips on choosing a colour to suit my garden? Kazia Jedynak, Wolverhampton
AJimmy Englezos, Senior Brand Manager at Ronseal, says… Changing the colour of exterior wood, such as a shed or fence can completely transform your garden. To prep the wood for painting you need to start by giving the shed a good and thorough clean. Then use an exterior wood filler for cracks, gaps or holes; finally smooth down the surface by sanding it down. Make sure that you’ve covered anything you don’t want to get paint on and you’re ready to get started.
When it comes to choosing a colour, consider what will work well with the rest of your outdoor space. Red adds a burst of warmth that pops against a garden’s greenery; or grey or sage can add an elegant, understated feel if carried through to the other elements in your garden, such as fencing and furniture. Once you’ve decided on a colour, make sure you choose a formula that won’t fade in a few months. Ronseal Ultimate Fence Life concentrate is our longest lasting formula – with advanced water-beading technology it stands up to even the harshest weather conditions and is showerproof within an hour of application.
Ronseal Ultimate Fence Life concentrate in Sage, £17 per 960ml, B&Q Ronseal Ultimate Fence Life concentrate in Charcoal Grey, £17 per 960ml, B&Q NEEDYOURQUESTIONS! If you have a DIY dilemma or home improvement question, email us at homestyle@ourmedia. co.uk or write to Ask the E Experts, HomeStyle, Our
W Media Ltd, Eagle House, Bristol, BS1 4ST.
SUBSCRIPTIONS FROM JUST £1 SUMMER SALE
Summer is finally here and now is the perfect time to take advantage of our best-selling magazines. Keep yourself entertained with fantastic content, whether you’re spending time abroad or enjoying a lovely staycation. FOOD HOMES & GARDENS