I’m a mum-of-four and my seven hacks keep the house spotless and the kids entertained for virtually nothing
ALL parents love a clever hack or trick to make their lives easier, and it's even better if it doesn't cost a thing.
And it turns out there are loads of additional, crafty ways you can use everyday items that you undoubtedly already have lying around at home.
Casey Major-Bunce, 32 from Portsmouth, is a mum of four and a well-known mum influencer star after sharing tons of mum hacks via her Instagram page, .
The mum boasts over 54K followers, and celebrity supporters include influencer Mrs Hinch, Stacey Soloman and Miss Greedy.
Here, she shares the clever ways she uses everyday items lying around the house to make life so much easier...
Sand solution
A day at the beach is an absolute delight, but removing endless sand from little hands and feet can be a nightmare.
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Casey says: “Baby powder is a must when the kids are playing with sand or at the beach.
";Did you know that by putting baby powder on sandy feet and hands it instantly removes the sand?
"You can put the baby powder in a sock and tie the sock up and it works just as well.
"You can also use talc-free baby powder.”
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A multi-purpose product
Silicone cupcakes cases can be used in a variety of ways.
Casey says: "From cooking eggs in boiling water inside the cases to popping a small slit in it and using them under an ice-lolly and avoid sticky hands and lolly spills, silicone cupcake cases can be used for lots of things.
"You can also use the same ones from the ice-lolly and pop them over your child's drink with a straw in when outside, to avoid bugs getting in their drink."
Tidy travel
If you have kids, keeping the car clean can feel like a never-ending task, but there are solutions to limit crumbs and dirt.
Casey says: "We love using art or cleaning caddies for snacks and food in the car.
"Whether you’re travelling for a family holiday, or you’re coming back from swimming, they go on top of each other so they pack away nice and neatly and don’t take up room in the car.
"They stop the car from getting a mess, and it’s a lot easier for the kids to hold all their food and snacks.
"All the crumbs and sauces stay in the caddy, and not all over your car and on the floor.
"We also use them for movie nights at home.
"They cost from £2.50 to £4 and have so many uses. In our family they are a must!"
Keeping the car clean
There are other ways to keep the car clean using items you already have in the house too.
Casey says: “Plastic cereal containers aren't just for cereal in our house.
"You can also use them as a bin in the car.
"Pop a bin bag in them and then put them on the passenger side.
"They fit perfectly under the glove box and keep your car mess-free.
"We also love using felt bedside storage hangers under our kids' car seats.
"You can pop in everything they like and need for a car journey, such as toys and snacks.
"They can help themselves and then pop things back in there, giving you time to concentrate on the road.”
Don't be a mug
Breakfast times can be messy, but actually a little creativity with your crockery can help prevent spillages.
Casey says: “Don't just use your mugs for tea and coffee.
"They are perfect for kids to eat their cereal from.
"They can use the handle, so they don't spill any milk down themselves, and the milk will be easier to drink after they've eaten their cereal."
Cleaning up
If you're just using sponges for washing up, you're not utilising them to their full potential.
Casey says: "Sponges are not only for cleaning in this house.
"I place a dry sponge in a sandwich bag and keep in the freezer for
bumps and grazes.
"It’s nice and soft and it isn’t too cold for the kids.
"Place a semi wet sponge in a sandwich bag and keep in the freezer.
"They make great ice packs for the kids lunchboxes too, and if the kids have any spillage at lunch they have a sponge to clear it up.”
Swimming tip
Did you know that swim nappies are reusable?
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Casey says: "As long as they haven't been soiled, you can pop them in the washing machine with all your other swim stuff.
";Place them inside out to dry and they will be good to use several times saving you so much money."
