Because there’s nothing worse than an odour that you simply just can’t get rid of, why not try these best air fresheners out for size to impress your guests and freshen up your rooms? We’ve found everything from an air freshener for your bins to several eco-friendly options, plus we’ve listed all types of air fresheners from sprays to plug-ins, powders, bags and even solid options. In short: there are plenty of air fresheners that have our seal of approval.

Find an air freshener that you’ll love and you’ll never want to switch things up again. Why is this so important? Because scent is among one of the first things that guests notice when entering your home. And let’s face it: if you have children or pets, it’s probably not the most pleasant scent, 99% of the time. With a little help from an air freshener and some of the best home fragrance buys out there, though, your guests will be commenting on it in no time. You’ll even notice it, too.

See our top air freshener suggestions below, to keep your rooms smelling lovely – and free from odours. Whether you enjoy cooking smelly things or your pet enjoys getting wet and muddy in the park, just be sure to open a few windows before going to town with them…

The best air fresheners to buy for your home

1. Puressentiel Purifying Air Spray

The best air freshener that you can buy

Image credit: Puressentiel

We rate the Puressentiel Purifying Air Spray as the best air freshener for your home, simply because it can remove smells and odours from the air within seconds. Though admittedly pricey, this air freshener will last you a good while – you needn’t use a lot for it to do the job. You can use this air freshener anywhere in your home, although beware that it’s pretty strong. So, we suggest opening windows and doors when spraying, and you’ll want to use it sparingly. They say you need one spray in each corner of the room, but we think that in most cases, just one spray inside a room should do the trick. You can also spray this on carpets, bedding and furniture for a refresh, should they be tainted by cooking smells, pets or even smoke.

Thanks to 41 different purifying essential oils in the ingredients – including Tea Tree, Lemon, Geranium and Lavender – this spray will leave your home smelling very fresh and clean. It comes in your choice of a 75ml bottle (great for initial trying) or a 200ml bottle.

2. Dettol All-in-One Spray

The best air freshener for disinfecting your home

Image credit: Dettol

This air freshener has been approved by Mrs Hinch (and by us). Not only can it make your home smell nice, but it’s proven to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, too. It’s safe to use pretty much anywhere in your home, just be sure to, if you have pets, spray when they are out of the room, and wait for it to dry to let them back in. Other than that, you can use it in your kitchen, bathroom, living room, on upholstery, furniture, mattresses – it’s versatile. Simply just shake, spray and wait as there’s no need to wipe.

Obviously, since we’ve listed this as our best air freshener, it needs to make the air in your home smell fresh – and by fresh, we mean lovely. There are three scents to choose from, including Crisp Linen, Lemon Breeze and Orchard Blossom. Choose based on your preferences, but we recommend the subtle Crisp Linen.

3. Airwick Essential Mist Kit Balancing Peony & Jasmine

The best diffuser air freshener

Image credit: Airwick

Scent your home all day long with help from this undeniably handy buy from Botanica by Air Wick. Buy the device once and you can switch up the fragrance as you like. It’s mess-free, portable and best of all: eco-friendly. This diffuser works to turn essential oils into a fine mist, to scent the air inside of your home. Its compact design means that you can place it anywhere, from on display on a bathroom shelf to hidden at the back of your bookcase inside your living room. It works on one of three intensity settings, depending on your room size – and how powerful you like your fragrance.

This scent, Balancing Peony & Jasmine, is sweet yet subtle. With this pack, you’ll get one diffuser, a refill plus three batteries. Once finished, you need only buy refills as the machine will last for months or even years. You can switch up your scent between several options including a warm Apple & Cinnamon scent, or a refreshing Lavender fragrance.

3. Poo Pourri Wild Poppy Berry

The best air freshener for your toilet

Image credit: Poo Pourri

This small, so easy to store (or hide) bathroom spray certainly does the trick. Wave goodbye to misty bathroom air fresheners that make your tiles and your shower screen look dirty, and hello to this one that you only need to spray once, inside your toilet bowl, to make a difference. This small 59ml bottle is enough for 100 uses, which is impressive in itself. Essentially, you spray this air freshener down the toilet before you go – and ta-dah!

There are a range of aptly named smells to choose from including Royal Flush, Lavender Vanilla, Wild Poppy Berry, Citrus, Tropical Hibiscus, Déjà Poo, Vanilla Mint, No.2 and Ship Happens. All PooPourri sprays are made using no harsh chemicals, parabens, phthalates, or formaldehyde.

4. Botanica by Air Wick Air Freshener Electrical Plug-In Diffuser Kit

The best plug-in air freshener

Image credit: Botanica by Air Wick

Searching for an easy way to scent your hallway? Look no further than a plug-in air freshener. It requires zero effort from you, besides plugging it in and refilling every now and then, and it’ll make your home smell nice just as your guests enter or as you move around. Plus, scent is released close to the floor so that it rises. This kit comes with the plug itself as well as one refill, and in terms of design, it’s surprisingly elegant so will hopefully blend into your home. You can adjust its intensity to suit your room size using the dial, but realistically, a refill will last around 100 days – impressive.

As for the scents available, there’s Fresh Pineapple & Tunisian Rosemary, Island Rose & African Geranium, Moroccan Mint & Pink Grapefruit, French Lavender & Honey Blossom and Caribbean Vetiver & Sandalwood. Best of all? The ingredients in these air fresheners have been responsibly sourced. They are also infused with essential oils, and they are free from phthalates, acetone and dyes. What’s more, Botanica by Air Wick has collaborated with WWF to restore 1 sq. ft of UK wildflower habitats with each Botanica pack purchase.

Buy now: Botanica by Air Wick Air Freshener Electrical Plug-In Diffuser Kit

5. Bin Buddy Fresh Citrus Zing

The best air freshener for your bins

Image credit: Bin Buddy

Is there anything worse than a smelly bin? We think not. Use this air freshener powder to absorb odours, soak up bin liquid and also repel flies and insects. Use it on your inside or outside bins (or both!) and rest assured it will also leave behind a lovely scent. Each pot has enough powder inside for around 30 uses.

Available in a range of scents from Fresh Citrus Zing to Fresh Spring Blossom, Fresh Berry Blast, Fresh Pink Grapefruit and even Festive Orange and Cinnamon, switch up your fragrance with the season for a lovely smelling kitchen.

6. Botanica by Air Wick Room Spray Fresh Pineapple and Tunisian Rosemary

The best scented air freshener

Image credit: Botanica by Air Wick

If you want a scented air freshener, to banish odours and leave behind an enjoyable scent, then this is our top pick. Similar to the above plug-ins, this room spray is infused with essential oils. Although with total control, you can use it if and when you please, and as much of it as you like. Its packaging is made from 99 per cent recycled plastic, and the trigger is made with 35 per cent recycled plastic. It’s also a spray and not an aerosol, making it a much better option for the environment. A few sprays is enough to make your home smell lovely and remove any odours.

You can find this room spray in a range of scents, including Fresh Pineapple & Tunisian Rosemary, Island Rose & African Geranium, Moroccan Mint & Pink Grapefruit, French Lavender & Honey Blossom and Caribbean Vetiver & Sandalwood. As with other Botanica by Air Wick products, these room sprays are free from dyes, propellant, phthalates and acetone. Botanica by Air Wick has also collaborated with WWF to help restore UK wildflower habitats with every purchase of a pack.

7. Yankee Candle Fluffy Towels Fragrance Sphere

The best air freshener for bedrooms

Image credit: Yankee Candle

Your bedroom air freshener is an important one because this is the place in which you sleep for eight or so hours every night, breathing and creating smells (sorry, but it’s true). You might not be too keen on using a spray air freshener in your bedroom, as you might not want it to touch your bedding, so we’d recommend a fragrance sphere. This one from Yankee Candle smells like fluffy towels, so it shouldn’t be too obtrusive. It’ll basically make your bedroom smell like clean washing all of the time. What’s not to love?

Essentially, you remove the seal under the lid and pop it anywhere in your bedroom whether that’s on show on a side or on top of a wardrobe. Over time, (30 days, to be exact) fragrance will be released into your bedroom, without you doing a thing. As the fragrance is released, the beads inside this pot will shrink. After all of the beads have disappeared, it’s time to buy a new one. Simple!

This Yankee Candle fragrance sphere is 170g and it should last in your home for 30 days. It also comes in 12 classic Yankee candle scents, from Clean Cotton to Pink Sands.

8. CLEVAST Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifying Bags

The best air freshener for the kids’ bedroom

Image credit: CLEVAST

If you are searching for an eco-friendly air freshener, then these charcoal bags are it. They can be used anywhere in your home, not just in a kids’ room or nursery, but you can even pop them in a car, wardrobe, fridge or inside a shoe cupboard. Filled with natural bamboo charcoal to remove odours while freshening the air you breathe at the same time, they can even absorb moisture, too. The reason we suggest them for the kids’ room? You can place them well out of the way of inquisitive hands, and they are fragrance-free. They have a metal hanging hole to place them up high. Every month or so, you’ll need to take these bags outside and lay them in the sun for a few hours – to release the odours they have collected and make them work like brand new.

Due to their nature, these bags are eco-friendly while their bamboo charcoal filling makes them chemical-free, and of course, fragrance-free. These air purifying bags come in a pack of four and each one can be reused for two years. Just be sure to write the date on the front that you started using them, so you know when they need to be thrown away and repurchased. You’ll want to use two bags in larger spaces.

What type of air freshener should I choose?

If you are wondering which type of air freshener you should choose, then we think this is dependant on how much time you have, the size of your home and also where you will be using this new air freshener. These are the most common types of air freshener:

Choose a spray air freshener if you are looking for something with immediate effect. Perhaps for getting rid of cooking smells, making your living room smell lovely just before guests arrive, or to reduce the smell of your pet around your home. Spray air fresheners can be used in every room, with the obvious point of them needing you to action them to work, which leads us onto plug-in air fresheners.

Choose a plug-in option for a hallway or a kitchen, to constantly push out a lovely scent into your home. You needn’t do much with a plug-in air freshener, so these are great for use along with a spray.

Solid air fresheners are exactly what they sound like – they sit on your side and give off scent over time. These are subtle so they are not the best for removing smells from the air fast, but they can be great for use in a spare bedroom that’s not often used, to make it smell nice.

Charcoal bags are similar to solid air fresheners in the way they need to be placed somewhere away from pets and children, and they do their job over time. These are obviously a more natural option, though.

How often should I use an air freshener?

This is typically down to your preference and your house size. You’ll obviously want to use your new air freshener to rid your home of smells as and when they arise, but other than that, you may want to give your home a good spray once every few days. Again, this will depend on whether you have pets, children in nappies, and whether you smoke. Always open your windows before using an air freshener in your home.

The post Best air fresheners – 9 best buys for banishing home odours appeared first on Ideal Home.

If kitchens are the heart of the home, then the kitchen island is the heart’s centre. For this reason, finding the right space between counter and island can make or break how well your kitchen functions.

Many of our favourite kitchen layouts include islands, so unless you’re working with a galley or L-Shaped kitchen, there’s a good chance you may choose to integrate one. ‘A kitchen island transforms the kitchen into the social hub of the home,’ says Howard Miller of H. Miller Bros. ‘We see them as the modern day equivalent of the traditional farmhouse kitchen table where the family activity and kitchen work centred around one big table in the middle of the room.’

To make an island work how you want it to, then consideration of space between counter and island is of utmost importance. ‘Kitchens need to be as functional as they are beautiful and sacrificing floor space to fit an island will just give an awkward, uncomfortable look,’ notes Tom Howley, Design Director of Tom Howley Kitchens.

‘The final proportion of the island relates entirely to the relationship in which the space it’s designed it,’ adds Keith Myers, Designer at The Myers Touch. ‘The island will only proportionally work if it’s the right size for the space around it as you have consider walkways, cooking zones, pull out drawers and appliance doors.’

Considerations for the space between counter and island

Image credit: H. Miller Bros

When deciding how to plan a kitchen, especially in terms of choosing or designing the perfect kitchen island, it’s important to really think about how you use the space. This will tell you what shape and size of an island will be required.

‘When considering the amount of space between a counter and an island, you need to consider how would you like to cook and how an island might contribute to this,’ says Howard Miller. ‘Everyone is different; some people like to have a simple clutter free slab that they can use solely for food prep and like things to be clean and minimal when not in use. For others the island is the centre of cooking activity and also make great places for laying food out for parties.’

What is the ideal amount of space you should leave been a counter and an island?

Image credit: Tom Howley

First thing to consider is if you do, in fact, even have space for an island in your kitchen at all. ‘A fundamental consideration is the amount of space you have; in practice the room needs to be 4x4m minimum and an open plan area larger than this is better,’ advises Howard Miller. It may be more optimal for your space to consider other small kitchen ideas if you can’t guarantee this space.

The next most important aspect of choosing a kitchen island is, of course, the space between counter and island and the walkways around it. ‘The importance of walkway space should be a key consideration,’ says Tom Howley. ‘When designing your layout, always leave a metre of walkway space either one or two sides of your worktop, island, or peninsula counter. This is a functionally and aesthetically effective dimension to keep in mind.’

What is the minimum clearance around a kitchen island?

Image credit: Daval Furniture

The 1m dimension is a great rule of thumb and allows things to remain both practical and safe. If you can’t allow this, then it’s best to consider an island alternative, such as peninsula kitchens. It really is the minimum space between counter and island you need.

‘Interior design has always been subjective, especially in the kitchen,’ says Simon Bodsworth, Managing Director, Daval Furniture. ‘But when it comes to planning in a kitchen island there are a few considerations you need to make at the design phase. When it comes to minimum clearance between work areas then consider how many cooks will use the space, user safety, as well as ensuring a clear opening to accommodate the swing angle of cupboard doors and drawers.’

In fact, this 1m rule is often not even large enough. ‘The recommended distance for a single-cook kitchen should be no less than 1m,’ continues Simon. ‘But if your kitchen caters for an entire family then you’ll need to factor in more free space. An extra 20-30cm will increase ergonomics massively and ensure there is room to cook and manoeuvre around the island more easily.’ Make sure you take this into consideration especially if you’re working with small kitchen island ideas.

Keith Myers agrees. ‘We always allow a minimum distance between walkways of at least a metre, but generally speaking we prefer to allow 1.1- 1.4 metres. This provides extra comfort and functional access around an island when preparing and cooking food, as you have to consider cabinetry and appliances that often face onto an island. Ovens, dishwashers and fridges all need to be able to open fully to accommodate the end user’s overall usability.’

Can you leave too much space between an island and a counter?

Image credit: Harvey Jones

It’s easy to assume that the most space between counter and island, the better. However, that’s not actually the case. Leaving too much space can negatively impact how efficiently your kitchen works, as well as how it looks from a design angle. A blocky island will too much open space around it can look odd and out of proportion.

Matt Baker, Kitchen Designer at Harvey Jones believes you shouldn’t leave more than 1.2m between the island and the other surfaces. ‘Anything larger might not feel as safe and practical when preparing food, as you’ll be moving hot pans and trays from the island to the countertop and vice versa, depending on where your hob, oven and sink are positioned.’

That said, if your issue is an aesthetic one, there are things you can do to combat this.  ‘Some islands are becoming less blocky and bulky and more like large tables with legs, so the space between an island and a counter depends on the size and style of the island as well as the space of the room,’ says Howard Miller. ‘Sometimes the understory incorporates open storage so that they allow light and views through and around them. This all helps an island feel more delicate and elegant and the room less taken up by island.’

‘Sometimes islands can be too big – it starts to look a bit like a cookery school if it gets too long and this is especially the case in rooms with low ceiling height. Too wide and you can’t reach the middle to clean it.’

How much should a countertop overhang on an island?

Image credit: Harvey Jones

Something you may not have considered when integrating a kitchen island is how much the countertop should overhang. You may, of course, opt for a flush design, but an overhang has some serious benefits.

‘If you want to be able to create breakfast bar ideas and sit at the kitchen island, you will need around 30cm of worktop overhang,’ advises Matt Baker. ‘This will make sure you have enough knee space to sit on bar stools comfortably and then tuck the stools underneath the island.’

‘A worktop overhang is essential in the modern kitchen, protecting your cabinets against unwanted spills but when it comes down to size, then you need to consider both material and weight,’ agrees Simon Bodsworth. ‘If you want to incorporate a cantilevered worktop design that goes beyond 30cm, then you’ll need to introduce extra support like legs or metal brackets to share the load and meet safety requirements.’

Can kitchen islands have different countertops?

Image credit: Tom Howley

Just as how shape and size of an island you should opt for depends on your needs, so does your surface choice. ‘‘Think about your worktop,’ says Tom Howley. ‘If you are using yours for preparation, opt for a harder-wearing, more robust surface such as granite or Silestone. A worktop can impact the overall scheme of your kitchen, luckily with advancements in technology the choice of worktop materials is vast, for all budgets and styles of kitchen.’

But do island surfaces need to match? Absolutely not. You can mix and match surfaces compared to the rest of the kitchen, and even on the island itself. ‘As islands are bigger and more multifunctional than they used to be, we’re frequently using two materials on the island worktop,’ says Howard Miller. ‘This might be a kitchen prep space with a hard- wearing stone or a stainless steel, and then often a timber section that can be used as an occasional desk or somewhere to chat that has the warmth of a table or piece of furniture. ’

Heights may change, too. ‘We’re designing a lot of hybrid islands that bridge between different functions in an open plan space,’ adds Howard. ‘They might step down to table height or straddle a change in floor level so that one end is table height.’

The post How much space should you have between a counter and island? Everything you need to know appeared first on Ideal Home.

If there’s one thing you need to stay on top of daily dust and dirt, it’s the best robot vacuum. They offer app-compatiblity, smart mapping, and even mop attachments to take on all floor types, and they’ll clean your home even if you’re not there. These hands-free cleaning heroes are only getting smarter, too, and some of the top picks in our guide even feature self-emptying dustbins to keep your cleaning routine even more hands-free.

While they don’t quite compete with the best vacuum cleaners in targeting every last crumb, the best robot vacuum cleaners can pick up pet hair, crumbs, dust, dirt, and anything else that just can’t wait for your weekend deep-clean. You can schedule a robot vacuum to do a daily sweep when you’re out of the house, so if you’re at the office and want to come home to a mess-free space, a robot vacuum is the perfect choice.

Below you’ll find six of our top robot vacuum picks, many of which have been tried and tested by the Ideal Home team. We’ve listed our complete pros and cons for every model, so whether it’s Dyson or iRobot Roomba, your new live-in assistant is only a few clicks away.

How much does a robot vacuum cost?

Image credit: iRobot

Initial models could be found stranded on the doormat or bumping repeatedly into a door, but our robot vacuum reviews put the latest and greatest to the test, with options for under £200 and some recent releases that are crammed with added features such as self-emptying bins and the ability to avoid obstacles.

Best robot vacuums 2022

1. eufy [BoostIQ] RoboVac 15C MAX

Best robot vacuum for your money

Dimensions: ‎‎32.5 x 32.5 x 7.25 cm
Control: App and on-board
Reasons to buy:

• Comes with a remote control
• Compact design
• Automatically adjusts to different floors

Reasons to avoid:

• It won’t map your floors

With both a remote control and app sync available, the Eufy RoboVac 15c Max is a great option for both the tech-averse and those who want to customise every element of their vacuum. Pair it with your smart speaker, or simply press a button to set your Eufy RoboVac 15c Max around your floors.

Boost IQ is Eufy’s answer to homes with a variety of floors. Switching from carpet to hard floors will be no issue thanks to its automatic adjustments. It will adjust between standard and max cleaning modes, although you can manually choose your preference, too.

While it is neither the smartest nor the cheapest robot vacuum in our guide, the Eufy RoboVac 15c Max gets the balance right for most families. It’s a great value pick that has the perfect amount of power for most homes.

Ideal Home rating: 4 out of 5 stars 

2. iRobot Roomba S9+

Best luxury robot vacuum

Dimensions: ‎‎52.2 x 43.4 x 41 cm
Dust bin: 0.44 litres, with self-emptying base
Control: App, on-board
Reasons to buy:

• Amazing design for corners
• Self-emptying design is very handy
• Self-mapping is the best we’ve seen
Reasons to avoid:

• It’s as expensive as a robot vacuum can get
• Noisy self-emptying

The iRobot Roomba S9+ is one of the most expensive options on the market, but if you’re willing to spend over a grand on a robot vac, it’s a seriously smart choice. The squared front is perfectly shaped to reach into corners and run along skirting boards to pick up every hidden piece of dust or pet hair. iRobot’s 3-stage cleaning system was designed to clean very deep into your floors, with rubber treads to reach into the fibre of your carpets and loosen any rooted-in hair or dirt.

What we really love about this robot vac is how simple it is to use. Despite it’s tech-y design it looks very smart in any hallway and can be operated using the iRobot app. This will map out your home using Imprint Smart Map, which will then allow you to set certain rooms to be cleaned as well as create no-clean zones where you may have concerns about rug fringes or kids’ toys getting in the way. When it returns to the dock, the S9+ will begin to empty its own dustbin into the storage tower. This will go into a bag which will mean there is no chance for dust to escape back to your home once it’s been cleaned up, but this process is a little noisy.

Ideal Home rating: 5 out of 5 stars 

3. Ecovacs Deebot N79S

Best budget-friendly robot vacuum

Dimensions: ‎33 x 33 x 7.8 cm
Dust bin: 520ml
Control: App, on-board
Reasons to buy:

• Reasonably priced
• Wide reach for more efficient cleaning
• Large bin

Reasons to avoid:

• The brush is prone to tangling

An Amazon favourite due to the low cost and easy use, we were impressed by just how powerful the Ecovacs Deebot N79S is on both hardwood and carpet. It’s got a Wide Reach bristle on either side of the front of the vacuum, both of which do an excellent job of sweeping debris in the path of the vacuum as it goes around the room. Its battery holds true to the 100-minute battery life promised by Ecovacs, but we did find that after about six months of use this had depleted to around 45 minutes. Still, that’s above average for many robot vacuums.

Not everyone will be drawn to a robot vacuum that requires lots of complicated controls and syncing to a phone, and one of the best things about the Ecovacs Deebot N79S is that you can simply press a button on the top of the machine and off it goes in Auto mode. Unlike some smarter vacuums such as the Roborock S6 it does move around more randomly instead of mapping a clear path around the room, but keep in mind that it does so for only a fraction of the price. Other modes include spot cleaning and edge mode, that targets skirting boards and corners very well.

Suction is powerful and the bin is large. The issues we encountered weren’t unique to the Ecovacs Deebot N79S. For example, the side bristles can get tangled easily if (well, when) they encounter long hair. When it comes to the top of the stairs it does detect an imminent drop, but we found that we needed to rescue it from the cliff before it would continue cleaning, despite the claim that it does this automatically.

Ideal Home rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars 

4. iRobot Roomba 980

Best robot vacuum for total performance

Dimensions: ‎50dia x H91mm
Control: App and on-board
Reasons to buy:

•  Consistent cleaning
•  Great value for money
•  Great on rugs
Reasons to avoid:

•  The docking system is a faff

iRobot, the company behind Roomba, actually started out making bomb disposal robots for the American military. The company has been selling robotic vacuums in the US for decades. The Roomba 980 is their top-of-the-range Wi-Fi connected design that costs less than the Dyson. In our opinion, it outperforms it.

The 350dia x H91mm lozenge can sneak under all but the lowest sofa, detects when it moves from hard floors to rugs and carpet. It boosts the motor speed for better cleaning results. It has a clever twin rubber brush bar. This is easy to clean and untangle and seriously good at picking up pet hair. The brush bars don’t extend right to the edge of the vacuum. However, the two spinning brushes sweep dust into the bars, so it can clean right up to the skirting boards.

It comes with two battery powered digital fencing devices that prevent the Roomba going where it shouldn’t. Away from a tangle of wires, or outside onto the decking for instance. But we’ve not found much of a need for them. It’s excellent across all sorts of terrain. It can climb onto thick piled rugs and hasn’t fallen down stairs once.

While not as simple to empty as the Dyson, the 980 has a HEPA filter to reduce allergens escaping back into the room. The consistency of the cleaning is the best we’ve come across. That’s both in terms of the amount of dust it picks up, and how well it navigates around the room. We rarely come home to find it tangled or trapped, just docked and recharging.

One word on the docking system though. Irritatingly, it can only be plugged in from one side, which limits where you can position it. We resorted to using Blu-Tack to keep it in the right position. It was a struggle to rest it flush against a wall.

Ideal Home rating: 5 out of 5 stars 

5. Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S

Best quiet robot vacuum

Dimensions: ‎32.5 x 32.5 x 7.25 cm
Dust bin: 0.6 litres
Control: Remote
Reasons to buy:

• It’s quiet
• Affordable price point
• A good pick for those who want a remote

Reasons to avoid:

•  You can’t pair it with an app

Robot vacuums are pretty smart, but that doesn’t mean you need to get one with all the bells and whistles. If you’re a bit scared of setting up new apps, or you don’t get along with Alexa, the Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S could be a good choice for you.

It has a good old-fashioned remote control that allows you to select a cleaning style (spot clean, edge clean etc) and how deep you would like your clean to be. The vacuum also automatically adjusts to carpets, which means you’ll get custom cleaning no matter what room it’s in.

One other thing we love is the size. It’s only 7.25 cm tall, so plenty small enough to reach under the sofa. The Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S is quiet, too. It reaches only 55bD when testing.

6. Dyson 360 Heurist

Best robot vacuum for reliability

Dimensions: ‎240 x 230mm
Dust bin: 0.33 litres
Control: App and on-board
Reasons to buy:

• Excellent suction
• Easy to empty
•  Seriously easy to use

Reasons to avoid:

•  The dust bin is tiny
•  It’s prone to getting stuck

Instantly recognisable as a Dyson product, the Dyson 360 Heurist is gorgeous. Well made, it has the same feeling of dependability (and usability) as their other vacuum cleaners. It might only measure 240 x 230mm, but it boasts of having ‘twice the suction of any other robot vacuum’. It also has the ability to look 360° around a room. And it has a high-quality carbon fibre brush bar (like the one found on the excellent Dyson V8 Handheld).

With one simple button – and a comprehensive smartphone app – it’s a breeze to use. Easy to set timers, it’ll even draw you a map to show how much cleaning it does while you’re at work. It isn’t the simplest device to link to your Wi-Fi, requiring long passwords and a fair amount of faffing. The transparent dust collector is easy to empty without creating a mess. The filters can be rinsed under the tap and the docking station sits flush with the wall.

The cord can be plugged in either on the right or left hand, depending on the nearest socket is. Watching the 360 Eye work is slow going but give it time – you’re at work after all. The excellent mapping cameras and sensors will cover the open ground with ease. The short 45min battery life and slow recharge rate mean it took over three hours to cover a large living room.

The small size means it can get through chair legs more easily than the rest. At 12cm tall it might struggle under very low sofas, but we didn’t have an issue. The first time we used it, we were embarrassed by how much dust and dirt it collected.

It was hugely impressive, with the living room looking and feeling cleaner. Over time though, we did get frustrated by its tendency to get stuck on the fireplace hearth (The Roomba or Miele had no issues with this). It became a bit of a joke as to where Dyson would be when we got home.

Ideal Home rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars 

Do it by hand: Best steam cleaners

Can a robot vacuum replace a regular vacuum?

Anyone who has ever paid for a cleaner will know the joy of returning home to a spotless house. Even the most hi-tech of robotic vacuums can’t yet compete with that just-polished look. But they can keep on top of the daily once-around. And all without you lifting a finger. Sure, we all know people who manage to vacuum virtually every day. But if you’re busy working and hate the idea of losing free time to chores, a robotic vacuum could be for you. Especially if you have pets.

Where they struggle is with getting up and down the stairs (but if we find one that can levitate, we’ll let you know!) and hopping on and off rugs. You can zone your home to avoid these obstacles, but they do prove tricky for those who want to replace a vacuum cleaner altogether. Plus, we all need to whip out the vac every now and again to pick up a little spill, which is often best done by hand. We love our robot vacuums for keeping on track with day-to-day dirt, but we do still run around our classic vacuum to get more stuck in with the weekly clean.

How to buy the best robot vacuum for you

Image credit: Roomba

How does a robot vacuum cleaner work?

Basic robot cleaners generally clean in straight lines, running until they bump into something. They turn around and head back the way they came. Some work by spinning in a spiral from the middle of the room until they hit the edges. However, the latest designs boast NASA style sensor. This helps them map out any room and prevents them from toppling down the stairs.

All robot vacuums have drop sensors to avoid falling, and most have bump sensors in case they do run into things. A combination of cameras and even lasers help guide the top-of-the-range designs. These robots track what has been cleaned and what is left to clean until they’ve finished that particular section of your home. It might look like they work randomly, but trust us, it’s anything but!

Some can also tell if they change surfaces – from carpet to hard floor for instance. They can decrease motor power in that instance. Some can even sense if there’s more dirt and pass over the area more frequently.

How much should I spend on a robot vacuum cleaner?

A good robot vacuum isn’t cheap, and you should budget around £200 at the very least. Anything less and you’re looking at more of an automated floor sweeper than an intelligent appliance. Our best buys cost around £700 which is a lot, especially given you’ll still need to occasionally run around with a regular cleaner, but if you’re a pet owner sick of hairballs blowing across the room, the daily clean of a robotic vacuum will be worth every penny.

3. How well does a robot vacuum really clean?

We were horrified by how much dust, dirt, and pet hair was collected by the robot vacuums. Remember to pick obstacles off the floor before leaving the house. This way you will come back to much cleaner floors. And the beauty is, it will clean every day, without complaining. Admittedly the quality of cleaning is dependent on the vacuum’s ability to clean unobstructed.

If you have stuff everywhere you should expect it to get stuck from time to time. Also, it can’t get right into the corners, no matter what the blurb on the box says. It also can’t climb stairs. So if you want to clean bedrooms or bathrooms you’ll need to take it up and turn it on. If you ask us, it’s still better than doing it yourself.

What features should I look for when choosing a robot vacuum cleaner?

Image credit: Braava

1. Timers: An absolute must, there’s little point having a robot cleaner if it can’t do the housework while you’re not there. The easiest to program is the connected app-controlled models, but even basic design will have digital clock-style timers.
2. App control: If your robot vacuum comes with a smartphone app you’ll be able to control it remotely. Turn on from work for instance if you’ve got an unexpected visit from the in-laws. Plus, you can now track your vacuum’s progress and see how much of the room it has cleaned. This is useful to see if there are areas the robot can’t access.
3. Filters: The vast majority of cleaners have built-in air filters to trap unwanted particles and stop them from being pumped back into the room. Look for washable designs for longevity, although all brands sell replacements.
4. Docking station: All vacuums need recharging at some stage and being able to take themselves home for a refuel is a huge bonus. However, battery life isn’t that significant assuming you’re in no rush to get the floors cleaned. If you’re out at work, you can let the cleaner work all day – charging up as it goes. Positioning the dock however can be an issue, so check if you have a well-located spot against a wall, in close proximity to a plug. 

Get the most from your robot vacuum

Image credit: Dyson

Robot vacuum cleaners aren’t perfect yet, but you can help them perform better with these easy tips:

1. Tidy up

Even the most hi-tech sensors can’t navigate around piles of Lego or dirty laundry, so to give the vacuum the best chance of a success, have a quick tidy before you leave.

2. Don’t get rid of the old vacuum

Robots can’t clean stairs, curtains or upholstery (yet!).  Therefore you will still need a proper vacuum, or a decent cordless handheld with a nozzle and crevice attachments.

3. Use the timers

Robot vacuums work best if they clean every day. Learn how to use the schedule and set it to clean when you know you’ll be out the house.

4. Clean it regularly

As with a regular vacuum, make sure you clean the filters regularly. Get rid of any tangles as soon as you discover them.

The post Best robot vacuum 2022: to keep dust and dirt at bay appeared first on Ideal Home.

Finding your secateurs can be tricky if the shed’s piled high with toys, cushions and garden furniture, so let these storage ideas for sheds lighten the load.

To help turn your shed into an organised haven, start by having a clear out. Firstly pull everything out and sort through what you do and don’t need. Check all machinery and tools are in working order, and if you have any old or empty paint cans, dispose of those correctly.

Some garden shed ideas will transform your space so you can accommodate both storage and an area to work, but be realistic about this and don’t force yours to do what it can’t.

Storage ideas for sheds

The humble garden shed has the power to provide a storage solution for any garden need. From a purely practical tool shed to a functional potting shed or garden room. Looking for storage ideas for sheds to determine how you use yours? Firstly you need to plan the primary purpose of what you need your shed to be. Is it for storing tools, garden equipment or bikes? Or do you need something bigger, with windows to act as a workshop?

Whatever you need, you can tailor your shed to suit your storage needs.

1. Start with shelves

Image credit: Future Plc/David Brittain

Sheds don’t often come with any shelving or wall hooks, so begin by measuring up your space, plus what you need to store in it and work out a shelving system pronto! Racks are a fantastic way of organising your belongings in shed as you can make full use of both the height and width.

2. Create a system

Image credit: Garden Trading

Don’t just chuck things into your shed willy nilly, but think about the things you use most often or what is most needed for the season. Lawnmowers can be stored at the back of your shed throughout the winter, while rakes and garden brooms can be at the front, but come spring, swap these over.

Store sharper items higher, safely out of reach and keep everyday items like gloves and kneelers in crates under benches.

Buy now: Moreton potting bench, £320, Garden Trading 

3. Reuse and recycle

Image credit: Future Plc/Dominic Blackmore

Before you cast off old items of furniture or left-over wood to the dump, think if they can be used in the shed instead. Old wardrobes, shelving units and bookcases make great storage solutions, or even an old wooden pallet, can be upcycled to house potting equipment and tools. Be mindful to remove any doors from furniture and don’t create too many hidey-holes. Have in your mind, if you can’t see it, will you remember it’s in there?

4. Use a peg rail for tools

Image credit: Future Plc/Mark Scott

An old peg rail is ideal for hanging long garden tools from, so they are off the floor and all together. Always hang rakes upside down so don’t get caught up with strings and wires that could be on the floor and are further away from any rising damp. You can hang anything from a peg rail, especially if it has a handle, so it’s a very useful thing to fix to the wall.

5. Build a potting bench

Image credit: Protek

As we mentioned, shed’s don’t tend to come with storage built in, so shelves and benches are definitely a good way to help with keeping a curb on the clutter. Potting benches can be pricey to buy, but if you’re a dab hand at DIY, why not make one using left over wood? You can make a fairly simple structure in an afternoon, then why not give it a vibrant lick of paint to bring a bit of colour to your shed?

Buy now: Wood Stain + Protect paint in Bristol Blue, £21.60 for 2.5L, Protek

6. Utilise the sides of your shed too

Image credit: Future Plc/Joanna Henderson

Don’t forget to make the most of the outside of your shed too! Here recycled fence panels have been painted, turned on their side and attached to the back of a shed to create a living wall with space to hang tools too. Simple hooks can easily be moved around to accommodate what needs to be stored, without taking up space inside your shed.

7. Use every last inch of space

Image credit: Future Plc/Russell Sadur

Chances are you’re going to need every last inch of space you can in a shed, as no matter how many clear outs you have, you will always fill it! So make sure you are using all the wall space, right up to the eaves in the ceiling! Shelves are certainly a good way to do this and bespoke storage is even better. If you know you need to store lots of pots in the same size, look at buying (or building) and custom fit shelving system so you don’t waste any space.

8. Keep windows clear to see what you are storing

Image credit: Cuprinol

Windows are a good option in a shed, not only to allow the natural light in, so you can easily see what you are looking for, but also so you can see what you are storing from a far too. A quick glance from the house to see if the hammer is on the wall, or a quick peek to check if the ’emergency’ chairs are clean before guests pop round, means you won’t have to riffle through the whole shed every time you need something.

Buy now: Cuprinol Garden Shades Barleywood wood paint, £22 for 2.5L, B&Q

9. Gain extra storage space on the underside of shelves

Image credit: Future Plc/Spike Powell

Make the most of every inch of space with this savvy storage idea. In this garden shed storage jars are stuck on the underside of a shelf. The otherwise wasted underneath surface of the shelf is now utilised to provide a handy space to keep jars of garden or DIY essentials.

Simply glue the lids of the pots securely to the underside of the shelf and screw the base of the jar in place to create a suspended storage solution. Best to use small jars to keep the weight at a manageable level. Use the shelf as normal, to store tools, books and more.

10. Utilise a pegboard in a potting shed

Image credit: Future Plc/Sarah Hanson

Create a picturesque potting shed with storage that is practical and pretty in equal measure. An on-trend peg board can provide a stylish solution to use the wall behind a potting table or bench to store tools handy while you work.

The simple design allows you to use every inch of the wall to peg up the items you need to have within reach. Add further storage above with simple kitchen solutions, such as metal rails with S hooks – to hang twines, watering cans and larger tools.

11. Make your own garden twine dispensers

Image credit: Future Plc/Simon Whitmore

Seek storage solutions that makes working in the garden a little easier. This smart storage idea for the shed is just the thing to keep garden twine handy and easy to use! These DIY gardening twine dispensers are simply stainless steel funnels  wall mounted to keep garden twine handy and easy to work with.

12. Be smart with wall storage

Image credit: Future Plc/Polly Eltes

If your shed is on the smaller side, investing in wall storage hooks and shelves will prove invaluable.

‘Hooks in particular offer a great space-saving way of organising power cables, paintbrushes and gardening tools, without taking up any floor space’ says Vlatka Lake, Marketing Manager at Space Station. ‘If you’re looking to hang any heavy equipment, make sure the hooks are sturdy. Galvanised hooks are perfect for heavy equipment such as drills and spades. Fixing hooks high up ensures little ones can’t get their hands on any sharp or dangerous objects.’

13. Store on all surfaces to save space

Image credit: Future Plc/Michelle Garrett

As well as utilising any wall space, make sure you make use of other areas of your shed.

‘The back of the door is the ideal space for hanging small tools or wires’  explains Vlatka Lake. ‘Try adding some hooks into the back of the door for a space-saving storage solution. You can also make use of the ceiling space too. If your shed ceiling is triangular, secure a wooden beam across and attach hooks. This is a great solution for wires and low-hanging tools.’

14. Pack it all in on a potting bench

Image credit: Future Plc/Andrew Woods

A potting bench is a great multipurpose piece for storing everything you need when growing your own. The compact table can provide storage on all levels, from pots and tools on the top to seedling trays, hessian sacks and produce buckets on the lower shelving.

Mount a pin board behind the bench to store a planting schedule and pin seed packet info to make the most use of the space.

15. Fashion a branch coat rack

Image credit: Curpinol

Cheap, charming and completely practical – a twig coat rack is an ideal storage solution for sheds. Source a hearty branch, keep a look out while out on a woodland walk for fallen branches. Buy two handles to attached the branch securely to the wall, IKEA offer affordable leather handles similar to the ones above.

Line the new coat rack branch with metal S hooks that act as hanging pegs for clothing layers, gardening aprons, accessories and even garden tools. Hang near the door to make it more efficient.

16. Rack up gardening tools

Image credit: Future Plc/Mark Scott

Use a simple rack with hooks to keep all your garden tools mounted together. Use the hooks to grasp the handles of the tools, to keep them elevated and safely stored on the wall. Not only will they be grouped together and therefore easier to find when required, storing all tools upright will keep them safely out of the way to prevent any accidents.

17. Store seed packets in fabric baskets

Image credit: Future Plc/Adrian Briscoe

Make your shed storage stylish with the addition of fabric baskets to store seed packets, colour coded twines and more. They not only add a cheerful touch to the decor they are easier collapsable when not needed, so they make a good solution for small sheds. Plus being fabric you can pop them in the wash if they get dirty.

18. Hang seed packet organiser

Image credit: Future Plc/Simon Whitmore

Alternatively you can hang your seed packets on lengths of decorative ribbon. Make a hanging seed organiser by tacking strips of ribbon into the walls of your shed, there’s no real weight in the packets so a simple nail will be sufficient to secure. Attach the seed packets using wooden pegs or washing line pegs. This savvy storage method allows you to plan your planting, by hanging them per month and in order of importance.

19. Store vertically to make the most of space

Image credit: Future Plc/Tom Leighton

Even the smallest of sheds can prove invaluable for storage, when used efficiently. Make the most of all the space on offer by thinking of vertical storage. Use wall-mounted storage baskets secured high above items being stored at a lower level. Choose stacked shelving units to optimise vertical storage space. Elevated shelving allows you to keep items off the floor – avoiding any water damage or risk of attracting pests.

20. Put up plant pot shelves

Image credit: Future Plc/Caroline Arber

Put in place slim shelves that are purely for storing terracotta pots for planting seedlings. Terracotta plant pots are a staple for any gardener, meaning there’s always an abundance on hand. Keep them all. in one place, on a slimline shelf tucked away in a corner of the shed.

21. Fill a wall with multipurpose shelving

Image credit: Future Plc/Lucinda Symons

Dedicate one wall for wall-mounted storage solution. This: garden shed shows how a wall of open shelves proves invaluable for stocking with flower pots and various garden and diy tools. Wooden crates are handy to store underneath the wall shelving to storage bulkier items that might not fair well on open shelves.

What should you not store in a shed?

Image credit: Amateur Gardening

The common garden shed appeals to most as extra storage for many household items. But what if those items aren’t ideal for shed storage? Could we be unknowingly ruining valuable items?

The shed and garden experts from BillyOh have revealed seven items homeowners should never store in our sheds. ‘There are two factors you should consider before storing something in your garden shed – temperature and moisture,’ advises a spokesperson for BillyOh.

‘Extreme temperature can damage a variety of items, and mould and mildew can render a lot of products useless quite quickly,’ explain the experts.

‘It’s worth noting that there are some products that can be stored if you choose to add shed insulation, humidity control, and apparatus to regulate temperature. But if your own shed is little more than a wooden box at the end of the garden, it’s best to leave out these seven items.’

What not to store in your shed

1. Avoid storing canned food

Any metal food container is subject to rust, causing holes and ruining the contents. ‘Because outbuildings are prone to extreme temperatures, this will quickly spoil the food too.’

2. Paints and glues 

Don’t we all do this? Turns out we shouldn’t. ‘When subject to extreme temperatures, paints and glues will break down. For example, once frozen, any paint or adhesives will become lumpy and unfit for use.’

3. Photographs

Nothing can destroy photos quite like humidity and high temperatures. The most common consequence is photos sticking together or developing mould. Keep them safe in the warm, to be treasured forever.

4. Clothing or bedding

It’s a bug life out in the garden, and try as you may they will get into the shed. ‘Insects are notoriously good at ruining clothes. While mothballs are a
thing, fabrics could wind up smelling musty after prolonged storage in your garden building.’

5. Wine

Don’t spoil a fine vintage. ‘When kept at inconsistent temperatures, wine can take on a metallic taste, so you should always store win somewhere dark and cool.’ So not the shed. Also, you won’t have to go out into the cold for a refill.

6. Electronics

It’s maybe quite obvious that electrics don’t go hand-in-hand with any damp. But likewise they can’t get too hot – making the shed far from ideal. ‘Plasma televisions, in particular, require temperature control, as the screens will go bad if under the duress of temperature mood swings. Rust can completely ruin the internal wiring too, and over time, humidity can cause a build-up of condensation akin to direct water damage.’

7. Musical instruments

To continue making sweet music, best to reconsider your storage. ‘An instrument made of wood is very much affected by heat and humidity. Brass instruments such as trumpets and trombones can also corrode when exposed to humidity.’

How do I maximise my shed storage?

‘Organise tools and equipment so they’re easy to locate,’ says Vicky Silverthorn, Professional Organiser at You Need a Vicky.  ‘If you have to tackle a mess, move too much stuff, or it takes too long to find something, then you’re more likely to put off doing a job.’

‘Buy large garden furniture covers that span over the whole set (individual ones can be fiddly and time-consuming) so they don’t have to be stored in your shed.’

Another top tip that Vicky shares is, ‘Store garden hung on the wall so you can find what you need more easily. Try labelling tools or drawing around them in black marker on the wall so you’ll know when one hasn’t been put away.’

What should every shed have?

Every shed should have space for tools and garden equipment, as that’s what it is intended for! If you find you’re storing things like kids toys or garden furniture, leaving no room for anything else, you might need to invest in some additional storage.

‘Don’t forget some lighting too, even a couple of battery-powered push lights will help you find what you need,’ advises Vicky.

Additional words: Holly Walsh

The post Storage ideas for sheds – 21 ways to make the most of your space appeared first on Ideal Home.