As the country begins to , experts have issued a warning to Brits to avoid a nasty surprise at home. Homeowners have been warned to check and clean their ahead of the warmer months to from taking over their properties.

As the weather warms up, grease, food, hair and other buildup in pipes can produce which can travel back up into the home, so it's a good idea to take precautionary action. Experts have now compiled a list of eight low-cost and sometimes unusual methods to help clean up bathrooms and protect against bad smells this spring and summer.

Home and bathroom experts at Vidalux made the list and recommend homeowners get to work with the methods, many of which do not require going out to buy items as there are a few household staples which can be highly effective.

Andy Ellis, shower and bathroom expert at Vidalux, said: "No one wants a foul smell entering their home which is why it's worth giving your drains a refresh as we head into spring. Unknown blockages can start to smell when the weather warms up and the longer you leave them, the more damage they're doing to pipework - which could leave you with an even bigger and more expensive problem. There are some really simple and effective ways to unclog drains and you can use some items you already have in your home."

Here's the full list of seven nifty ways to nip bad odours in the bud:

6. Boiling water

Flicking on the kettle and pouring some boiling water down the drain is a simple but highly effective way to help fix clogged drains. This is because the hot water can melt or loosen grease or other blockages in pipes, though it is important to remember that this can only aid minor clogs, while stronger ones will require more heavy-duty methods.

5. Baking soda and vinegar

Combining these two household staples can be a great way of tackling dirty drains. When mixed, the ingredients begin to fizz, which can help to break down clogs and any other build up in pipes. The experts advise that this method is particularly effective at tackling clogs that form from everyday use, such as build ups of hair, grease and other debris.

They recommend pouRing the baking soda down the drain, then the vinegar, before covering and letting it sit for 30-60 minutes before flushing it away with hot water to yield the best results.

4. Effervescent indigestion tablets

These medicine cupboard items can work in a similar way to the vinegar and baking soda method, because they produce a similarly fizzy reaction which can help loosen debris in clogged drains. It's recommended to drop a few tablets down the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar, before leaving it to sit for a few moments and washing away with hot water.

3. Salt

This kitchen staple is in almost every home, and can act as a mild abrasive that can help to break down grease and other buildup in pipes. The expert advice is to pour some salt down the drain followed by boiling water, before waiting 15 minutes and following up with some more boiling water to flush away the salt. For more stubborn clogs, it's recommended to add salt to the baking soda and vinegar method.

2. Lemon juice

Another pantry favourite, lemon juice is acidic in nature, which helps to combat clogged drains but also leaves a fresh, citrus smell as a bonus. Again, it can be combined with baking soda for extra strength and poured down the drain, let sit for half an hour and washed away with boiling water for fast results.

1. Vodka

Perhaps a surprising addition to the list, experts advise vodka won't necessarily unclog drains entirely but it can be used for drain maintenance to help clear loose debris, kill bacteria and neutralise unwanted odours. They recommend pouring half a cup down the drain, let it sit for 30 minutes and flush it out with boiling water.