IF you've ever struggled to clear a blocked drain, you'll know how expensive it can be.
And while there are a multitude of products on the market that claim to be able to help aid the situation, there's actually a hack plumbers swear by that's a whole lot easier, and tonnes cheaper.
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Plumber Chris Loftus shared the trick in a video on his TikTok page, as he showed how you can do it yourself with just some cable ties and a pair of small scissors.
Holding up one of the black plastic cable ties, he used the scissors to cut diagonally almost all the way across.
He didn't cut through the cable tie, but then did more cuts all the way up - creating a jagged effect.
Chris was then able to put the cable tie down the plughole, with the jagged edge "catching" the hair and pulling it out.
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In fact, it managed to successfully dislodge a huge mass of hair and gunk that had been blocking up the plughole.
"Bath blocked? No problem!" he captioned the video.
And the comments section was almost immediately filled with impressed people praising Chris for sharing the hack.
"Genius!" one wrote.
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"Brilliant hack," another said.
"My daughter has really long hair & yes I’ve pulled out a 'hair mass' just like it."
I’m making more money than ever as a female plumber
"I finish work at 11pm and this will be the first thing I do when I get home," a third admitted.
"How amazing! I need that idea in my life," someone else said.
"Such a clever hack," another wrote.
"I’m a cleaner & the actual excitement of watching the reveal!" someone else laughed.
While another said they were "horrified and impressed in equal measures".
"I’m watching this after a 2 day fight with my blocked bath!" someone else raged.
More bathroom cleaning tips
Keeping a bathroom clean and fresh can sometimes feel like a daunting task, but with a few practical tips and a regular cleaning schedule, it can be much more manageable.
1. Regular Maintenance
Daily Wipe-Down: A quick daily wipe-down of surfaces, such as the sink, countertops, and taps, can prevent the build-up of grime and soap scum. Keep a microfibre cloth handy for this purpose.
Ventilation: Ensure that your bathroom is well-ventilated to prevent mould and mildew. Open windows or use an extractor fan during and after showers.
2. Tackling Limescale and Hard Water Stains
Vinegar Solution: Hard water can cause limescale build-up on taps and showerheads. Soak a cloth in white vinegar and wrap it around the affected areas for a few hours, then scrub with a brush.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is another effective natural cleaner for limescale. Apply it directly to the affected areas, let it sit for a while, and then rinse off.
3. Cleaning the Toilet
Toilet Cleaner: Use a specialised toilet cleaner to scrub the bowl. Apply the cleaner under the rim and allow it to sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a toilet brush.
Bicarbonate of Soda and Vinegar: For a natural alternative, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda into the bowl, then add vinegar. The fizzing action helps to lift stains and disinfect.
4. Shower and Bath
Showerhead: Remove mineral deposits by soaking the showerhead in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. You can do this by filling a plastic bag with the solution and securing it around the showerhead with a rubber band.
Bathtub: Use a non-abrasive cleaner to scrub the bathtub. For stubborn stains, make a paste with bicarbonate of soda and water, apply it to the stains, and let it sit before scrubbing.
5. Tiles and Grout
Grout Cleaner: Grout can harbour mould and mildew. Use a grout cleaner or a mixture of bicarbonate of soda and water to scrub the grout lines. An old toothbrush can be particularly effective for this task.
Tile Cleaner: Regularly clean tiles with a mild detergent or a vinegar solution to keep them shiny and free of soap scum.
6. Mirrors and Glass
Glass Cleaner: Use a glass cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water to clean mirrors and glass surfaces. Wipe with a microfibre cloth to avoid streaks.
Shower Doors: Prevent soap scum build-up on glass shower doors by using a squeegee to remove water after each use.
7. Floors
Sweep and Mop: Sweep the bathroom floor regularly to remove hair and dust. Mop with a mild detergent or a suitable floor cleaner to maintain cleanliness.
8. Trash and Laundry
Empty Bins: Empty bathroom bins regularly to prevent nasty smelling odours.
Laundry: Keep a small laundry basket in the bathroom for used towels and bathmats, and wash them regularly.
9. Finishing Touches
Air Fresheners: Utilise air fresheners or essential oil diffusers to maintain a pleasant fragrance in the bathroom.
Organisation: Ensure toiletries and cleaning supplies are neatly organised and stored to minimise clutter and facilitate easier cleaning.
"So simple ffs! I feel I really went through it!"
"The way my jaw kept dropping the more you pulled up, great idea," another said.
"I'm actually impressed by this," someone else raved.
"I took my bath tub apart a few back and it was some job!"
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