DIY Tips

Rather than plugging in that chemical concoction parading as a room scenter, try putting together your own completely natural diffuser.

If can be any size and the scent should last months.

WHAT YOU NEED:

* A glass bottle, jar or vase with a steady base.

* A cork stopper to fit the above. This stops the liquid evaporating on the surface.

* A drill with a small-paddle bit and drill.

* Some thin, dried stalks with hollow stems. Dried reeds or large ornamental grasses will work best.

* Essential oil of choice (try eucalyptus or lavender).

* Hot tap water.

1Drill a hole in the cork stopper using your paddle bit to hold the stems upright.

2 If it still doesn’t fit, put a couple of elastic bands around it for a tight fit.

3Cut the stalks to a good length for your bottle and ensure they are nicely dried out.

4Fill your container about a quarter full of hot water from the tap. Enough to make it steady.

5 Add 20-30 drops of essential oil to the water for every 100mls of water.

6 Push your reeds through the hole in the cork and into your liquid. Arrange them nicely and put to work.

Q&A

Q. What is considered to be the most eco-friendly wood flooring? We’re looking for a medium-width plank for an open plan living area.

A. Bamboo is a highly environmental, sustainable wood-flooring choice as it’s a type of grass and grows quickly and is ready to harvest in as little as three years, leaving the roots to grow again. In terms of durability it’s comparable to a quality softwood. Suppliers include B&Q. Expect to pay around €25-€30 per square metre.

Q. I’ve heard that plants can freshen up indoor air. What are the best species for releasing oxygen and sopping up CO2?

A. Well if NASA is to be believed in its 2009 research, the winners for air filtration include the peace lily, English (or Irish) ivy, spider plants, heartleaf and selloum philodendron, weeping fig, chrysanthemum, and the humble rubber plant.

Q. We still have a few mice in the house despite installing ultrasonic devices. We don’t own a cat. I hate to poison them. Is there anything I can use to at least keep them out of the kitchen?

A. First of all, examine your housekeeping habits. Often shoring up the bin, and securing all food stuffs including dry cat food, will dry up their food supply and they will leave with the warmer weather. Cottonwool balls soaked in peppermint oil is said to be revolting to mice. Lay these on trails you know they use.

Bamboo grows quickly and is ready to harvest in three years.