Experts warn of seven items you should never keep on your windowsill
EXPERTS have warned Brits not to put these SEVEN items on their windowsill - don't be caught out.
It can be easy to chuck any old junk onto the windowsill when you're in a rush or too tired to put things away.
But some of us leave items there which could cause health hazards.
Or even permanent damage to the property.
Adam Pawson, a property expert from leading window specialists Safestyle, shared his concerns with homeowners.
REFLECTIVE ITEMS
Brits who use their windowsill as a beauty station in the morning should think twice about leaving their mirror out.
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And, if your bed is directly next to the window, it is a good idea to stop putting your glass of water on the ledge.
Adam warned: “Make sure to move objects such as beauty mirrors away from direct sunlight and off windowsills, especially in a heatwave.
“They can concentrate the sun’s rays and cause other nearby objects such as clothing to set fire."
The property expert suggested keeping all reflective items off the windowsill such as glasses of water or flower vases.
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FRAGILE ITEMS
It may go without saying, but this property expert reminded homeowners not to leave fragile or valuable items on our windowsills.
Primarily for the reason if the window is open, wind could knock items to the floor.
If something heavy were to fall, it could gash the floor below - or if glass smashes it's likely someone will end up with a bloody foot or hand.
Adam also explained: “Depending on how your window opens, these items could potentially restrict access to opening and closing your window which we wouldn’t recommend as it limits your ability to ventilate your home."
CLUTTER
The window specialist urged Brits to free their windowsills from clutter and difficult-to-clean items.
This will allow property owners to keep the frame clean and maintain value should the house go on the market.
“Keep windowsills free from birthday cards, vases, bottles and anything else to ensure that you can effectively clean them", he said.
“Keeping it clutter-free will help to ensure that you can clean the whole of your window, getting into the corners of the frame.
“This is also important if you’re looking to sell your home, as keeping your home free of clutter will help to attract potential buyers.”
AEROSOLS
Sunlight and heat can cause aerosol cans, like deodorant, to blow up if left exposed for too long.
With summer approaching, the expert wanted to remind Brits not to leave their hygiene products or air fresheners on their windowsill.
The expert said: “It is always advisable to keep your windowsill free of aerosols such as deodorants and sprays.
“This is particularly important in hot spells of weather.
“This is because when exposed to direct sunlight, these items can easily build up pressure and explode, which could cause long-lasting damage to your window fitting.”
If you don't want to spend your summer re-painting windowsills or replacing curtains and blinds - store your aerosols in a dry cupboard.
CLEANING PRODUCTS
A lot of people keep their cleaning supplies on their windowsill, especially in bathrooms.
But this could be limiting their effectiveness.
Adam explained varying temperatures can make chemicals lose their strength, and aerosols can even blow up.
He encouraged homeowners to keep the products in a dry store cupboard.
This rule extends to hygiene supplies such as shower gel too - the expert noted sunlight can turn these products slimy.
CANDLES
We all love them, whether it's to relax after deep cleaning a room, or hoping they will set the mood for something more exciting.
But they pose a fire risk if left unattended in direct sunlight.
Adam said: “To prevent damage and mess on your windowsill and to your window fitting as a whole, make sure to remove candles as the wax could easily melt and can be difficult to remove.
“Another key reason to keep candles away from windows is that while they don’t appear to be a hazard, if exposed to direct sunlight, they can ignite, posing a fire risk.”
This comes as cleaning experts offer their advice to keeping you home safe.
One home help guru has raised the alarm about a common but deadly mistake you must avoid.
Countless Brits are filling clear jars with their cleaning products - including washing tablets and toilet cleaners - to avoid messy boxes or bottles on countertops.
But cleaning expert Ann Russell has warned that this "aesthetic" trend could be deadly.
Another pro urged Brits to be careful when cleaning for holiday guests, as the wrong method could kill pets.
They revealed oven cleaners, dishwasher tablets, bleach, and even laundry products can cause your pets to become gravely ill.
Plus, a home expert who highlighted the function you should never use on your oven - and doctors and firefighters agree.
