British Summer Time begins on Sunday 30th March! So it's the perfect time to get some things done in and around the house. We've got tips on: Spring-cleaning; Storage, DIY stockists; Tools; Decorating; Gardening and a feature on B&Q.
Spring Cleaning
Although it can be a chore, round about now is the perfect time to do it... Oh yes, it's Spring-cleaning time again! Our HelpHounders have reviewed some recommended products for spring-cleaning. Groover has found a product that she wants to share with us all, but she also wants us to know that she hates cleaning! It's called Method Stainless Steel. "They do other products too I noticed. It's also labelled as being non-toxic, biodegradable, naturally derived, and lung friendly - very important for me (budding greeny). So if you need to do some cleaning - this product definitely works. I am so impressed." The Essentials by Post catalogue has a huge amount of weird and wonderful items to help with your cleaning, from their kitchen sonic scrubber, to a telescopic spider catcher, there's bound to be something that takes your fancy. Have a look at Madeleine's review for some of the other crazy, yet essential, products they sell. There are also many websites out there with checklists and tips for spring-cleaning. If you know of any particularly good ones, let your fellow HelpHounders know by writing a review.Method Products or Essentials by Post
DIY essentials and stockists
Icebat has reviewed G C Dewey & Son Limited. He was looking to buy some ladder safety accessories so he made the trip "to this specialist supplier" and he was "very glad that" he did. "The advice I received was far more valuable than the petrol I would have saved by using their mail order facility and I ended up buying the single most important item of all the Ladder Mat. A large key ring with a series of rubber mats that can be used in different combinations to create level ground under the ladder feet. The invention is so simple but it's a work of genius and the biggest contribution to ladder safety that I have ever seen!" Chafors in Scunthorpe has also been described as an "emporium of everything" flash says "Brian Chafor has just what you need for every DIY occasion or gardening issue. No problem too big or need too small he will have something to suit." So if you're in the Scunthorpe area why not see if you agree. One DIY-er had a memorable experience in a Wilkinsons store when she gave birth in the paint aisle in the Leicester branch making the National news! "The stores main focus is actually on hardware, home ware, decorating and furnishing, rather than maternity" says Icebat. Their website has a lot of great offers on for spring - they also sell gardening items, tools, decorating items, home living; in fact, why not see for yourself!G C Dewey & Son Limited
Wilkinsons - Visit the website or search HelpHound
Storage
It will also soon be time to pack away those winter clothes. Lakeland who have received lots of good reviews for their stores around the UK as well as their online store, sell a good range of clothing storage items starting from just £4.50 - take a look. Matilda "recently purchased some great under-bed storage bags for tidying away some winter clothing" in Argos "at £3.99 for a set of two" they have a 14-day Easter sale online until the 1st April, so why not check out the website today and see if you can bag **no pun intended** a bargain!Lakeland or Argos
Tool Hire & Repair
Heath Hayes Tool Centre "This company is an authorised warranty repair agent for Black & Decker and Dewalt products, apart from being able to undertake repairs for a number of other leading brands. They repair electrical, cordless and some air tools, plus table saws, planers and woodworking machinery." Icebat. Axminster Power Tool Centre is another HelpHounder recommended company and they also have a very comprehensive and user friendly website. Another company to consider is Westfalia again reviewed by Icebat who seems to be our tools specialist, "this company specialises in supplying hand tools, power tools and similar household items by mail order." Alternatively why not search for tools on HelpHound.Heath Hayes Marines & Power Tool Centre; Axminster Power Tool Centre; Westfalia
Decorating
Decorating is a great and relatively easy way to inject some new life into your home and create a new refreshing environment to be in. So why not give your house a lick of paint this spring? there are so many new designs and colour ranges out there waiting to give inspiration. Laura Ashley have been recommended for their home furnishing ranges and their in-store range has caught the eye of oinkoink "They have a huge range of wallpapers in a variety of colours and patterns and keep up with modern trends." Their website also hosts a lovely selection of paints and wallpapers helpfully categorized by colour. The Range - wonderwoman86 "recently went here for some wallpaper samples and found they had a really good selection at a good price, including ranges such as ones designed by Linda Barker, prices are very reasonable" and with numerous stores around the UK and online there are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of their "excellent value for money" JayneLaura Ashley or The Range
Gardening Tasks
Let's cross our fingers and hope that we get some lovely spring weather so we can get out in the garden and do some post-winter tidying up. With jobs like: digging over the flower beds; clearing debris; pruning summer flowering shrubs; painting fences; servicing the lawnmower; renewing the petrol; sharpening the blades; raking / scarifying / aerating the lawn and planting summer flowering bulbs, there's plenty to be done so what you need are good and reliable stockists. Silver has recommended Radmore & Tucker for their "wide range of gardening equipment and discount to trade customers." and apparently they also have a "big repair shop." There is also John Deere who are "Famous for their farm machinery, John Deere make a really high quality range of garden machinery." Minno, they also have a very helpful and informative website.Radmore & Tucker reviews or John Deere
Practical tasks: You can do it... When you HelpHound it...
B&Q have really hit the nail on the head **sorry, another pun** with their 'Knowledge Centre' service which is available on their website. We already know that they are very popular with our HelpHounders, but this service is sure to benefit some of you even further so we have decided to tell you about it in time for the spring clear up.
The Knowledge Centre covers subjects such as: Garden design; patios; decking; lawns; garden buildings; chainsaws; outdoors heating; ponds; ornaments; advice and information on how to create a cottage garden/ town garden and even how to build a brick barbecue with a downloadable PDF complete with step-by-step instructions (see below). They really do cover a huge variety of subjects, and not just for the garden. They also have large sections with tips on DIY which are very detailed and have educational sections on safety and precautions that should be followed when undertaking certain tasks. So if you need some information, guidance or maybe you feel that you just need some inspiration, why not check out diy.com.
B&Q Knowledge Centre or DIY build a barbecue guide
The Knowledge Centre covers subjects such as: Garden design; patios; decking; lawns; garden buildings; chainsaws; outdoors heating; ponds; ornaments; advice and information on how to create a cottage garden/ town garden and even how to build a brick barbecue with a downloadable PDF complete with step-by-step instructions (see below). They really do cover a huge variety of subjects, and not just for the garden. They also have large sections with tips on DIY which are very detailed and have educational sections on safety and precautions that should be followed when undertaking certain tasks. So if you need some information, guidance or maybe you feel that you just need some inspiration, why not check out diy.com.
B&Q Knowledge Centre or DIY build a barbecue guide