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  • ABOUT US
    • About Us
    • Our Journey
    • Vision, Mission & Values
    • Social Housing Know-How
    • Fostering Diversity in Housing
    • Board of Trustees
    • Governance & Policies
  • LIVING WITH US
    • Allocations Policy
    • Rent & Service Charges
    • Complaints Process
    • Repairs & Maintenance
    • Transfers & Mutual Exchange
    • Managing Antisocial Behaviour
  • RESIDENTS AREA
    • Residents’ Area
    • Home Safety
    • Aids & Adaptations to Your Home
    • How to Pay Rent
    • Benefits & Debt Management
    • Reporting Repairs
    • Report Antisocial Behaviour
    • Home Care Tips: Cleaning, Repairs & Maintenance
  • NEWS & RESOURCES
    • Residents Annual Survey Report
    • Financial Statements & Annual Reports
    • Housing News
    • Energy & Household Bills Savings
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OTHER RESOURCES

Our 2023-24 Annual Report is Now Available!

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Simple Solutions for Everyday Household Problems

Home Home Care Tips: Cleaning, Repairs & Maintenance

Simple Solutions for Everyday Household Problems

Keeping your home running smoothly doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. Many common household issues—such as preventing mould, unclogging sinks, or dealing with power outages—can be resolved quickly with the right approach. By understanding simple, practical fixes, you can avoid unnecessary expenses and keep your living space safe, clean, and functional.

 

From tackling condensation and improving ventilation to fixing clogged drains and maintaining appliances, these easy-to-follow solutions help prevent problems before they escalate. Whether dealing with a blocked toilet, a smelly washing machine, or a complete electrical failure, having a few essential troubleshooting skills can save you time, money, and frustration.

How to Unblock a Sink: Simple DIY Methods

Blocked sinks are a common household issue, and there are three leading causes—though only one is within your control:

 

  • Foreign objects (food, grease, hair, soap, etc.)
  • Poor installation
  • Storms and bad weather

 

Foreign objects are the most frequent cause of clogged sinks; luckily, this is something you can prevent. Everyday items like food scraps, tea bags, cooking fat, hair, soap, and toothpaste buildup can accumulate in your pipes, slowing drainage over time.

In most cases, you don’t need a plumber to fix this. The U-bend (basin trap) under your sink is designed to catch debris, making it easier to remove blockages yourself.

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Budget-Friendly Cleaning Tips & Hacks

Keeping your home clean doesn’t have to be expensive. By swapping out commercial cleaning products for natural, affordable alternatives, you can save money while maintaining a fresh and hygienic living space.

Many everyday household ingredients, such as vinegar, baking soda, lemon, and salt, can be as effective as store-bought cleaners—without the harsh chemicals that may harm the environment, pets, or children.

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How to Fix a Clogged Toilet That Won’t Flush

A clogged toilet is one of the most common household plumbing issues, but luckily, it’s often quick and easy to fix with the right approach. Whether caused by toilet paper buildup, foreign objects, or non-flushable items, identifying and removing blockages can save you from unnecessary stress and costly plumbing bills.

 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple and effective methods to unclog your toilet. We’ll start with basic troubleshooting steps and move on to plunging techniques that can help restore normal flushing. If your toilet isn’t draining properly, don’t panic—follow our step-by-step process to get things flowing again.

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Dealing with a Power Cut

A power cut can be more than an inconvenience—it can disrupt your daily routine and even lead to unnecessary expenses, from spoiled food to unfinished laundry cycles. With the rising cost of living, getting your home back up and running as quickly as possible is more important than ever.

 

To help, we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to safely identifying and resolving electrical failures.

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Preventing Mould & Reducing Condensation in Your Home

Managing condensation prevents mould growth, which can damage your home and negatively impact your health. Mould thrives in damp conditions, and excess moisture can lead to peeling wallpaper, musty smells, and even respiratory issues. The key to prevention is tackling humidity and poor ventilation before condensation can build up.

 

The first step is identifying problem areas where moisture accumulates, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. These spaces generate high levels of steam and humidity from daily activities like cooking, showering, and even breathing while sleeping. Without proper air circulation, condensation can settle on cold surfaces, creating the perfect environment for mould to develop.

 

By taking simple but effective measures, such as improving airflow, reducing moisture levels, and maintaining a steady indoor temperature, you can significantly reduce condensation and keep your home dry, comfortable and mould-free.

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How to Fix & Prevent a Smelly Washing Machine

Your washing machine is designed to keep your clothes fresh, so it can be frustrating when it starts producing unpleasant odours instead. The good news is that tackling a smelly washing machine is straightforward with the proper cleaning routine. Here’s how to eliminate bad smells and prevent them from returning.

 

Why Does Your Washing Machine Smell?

Mold, mildew, and bacteria buildup usually cause foul odours in washing machines. Over time, body oils, dirt, hair, and detergent residue accumulate inside the machine—particularly in the gasket, seal, and detergent drawer. Combined with the warm, damp environment, this creates the perfect conditions for bacteria to thrive.

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Registered number: 09918302 | Charity Commission number: 01166811

SIG Housing Trust aims to create self-contained social housing units to improve the housing quality available for adults moving on from supported housing, prison, hospital and street homelessness.

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