| How to Remove Mildew Smell from Clothing Posted: 22 Aug 2018 01:00 AM PDT If damp clothes sit for too long, they can develop an unpleasant, musty smell due to the presence of mildew. In addition, mildew in your washing machine can leave the same smell in your clothes, even if you dry them immediately after you wash them. Luckily, there are a few simple tricks you can try that should leave your clothes smelling fresh and clean. EditGetting Rid of Mildew Smell in the Wash - Replace your laundry detergent with of vinegar. Plain white vinegar is a safe and natural method to remove bad odors from your laundry, including the smell of mildew. In addition to killing the bacteria that cause odor, vinegar strips away any product buildup that could be trapping odor in your clothes.[1]
- If you like, you can use half the detergent you normally use in combination with the vinegar, as long as the detergent is not made with soap.[2]
- Vinegar breaks down the fats in natural soaps, such as castile soap, rendering both ineffective if the two are combined.[3]
- Wash your clothes with of baking soda if they still smell bad. Vinegar and baking soda both kill mold and mildew, but they attack different strains of these odor-causing bacteria. If you've already tried vinegar and your clothes still smell moldy, add of baking soda into the wash, and run the cycle with the hottest water possible.[4]
- It may help to add a little vinegar into the rinse cycle after washing with baking soda.
- Use oxygen bleach or borax if you prefer a commercial detergent. Regular detergent may not be able to kill mildew, so if you prefer to use a stronger, store-bought detergent, opt for one containing oxygen bleach, or dissolve borax in hot water and add it to the wash.[5]
- You can use oxygen bleach in place of your regular detergent, but borax is usually used in addition to detergent.
- Use an enzyme odor remover for mildew caused by sweat. If you accidentally leave your damp workout clothes in your gym bag, the combination of mildew and body odor makes it especially difficult to get the smell out of the fabrics. Choose a product that has enzymes for destroying odor, then add it to your wash.[6]
- Some commercial laundry detergents contain odor-fighting enzymes, or you can purchase a bottle of laundry booster that you use in addition to your regular detergent.
EditTrying Other Methods - Dry your clothes outside if you have the option. After you machine wash your clothes, use clothespins to clip them to a line outside, and let the fresh air and sunlight dry your clothes naturally. Sunlight can kill some of the bacteria that create unpleasant odors on your clothes, which is why line-drying leaves clothes smelling so fresh.[7]
- This method works better on natural fibers like cotton and wool than it does for synthetic fabrics like spandex or nylon.
- Over time, exposing your fabrics to sunlight will bleach their color.
- Put your clothes in the freezer if you don't want to wash them. Exposing odor-causing bacteria to extremely cold temperatures may kill them, helping to reduce the smell of mildew in your clothes. Just place the garment in a resealable plastic bag and put the bag in the freezer overnight.[8]
- It might seem unusual, but freezing their clothes is a long-time secret weapon of denim lovers who want to extend the life of their jeans.
- Spritz the item with white vinegar or vodka and let it dry. Both white vinegar and vodka can be used to kill the bacteria that causes mildew odors, and since they are odorless after they evaporate, you can spray them directly onto your garment. Just pour the liquid into a spray bottle, saturate the item, and let it air-dry for the freshest result.[9]
- If you're in a hurry, place the item in the dryer instead of air drying.
- Seal the item in a bag with activated charcoal. Activated charcoal has a powerful filtration effect, which is why it is used in water and air filters, treatments for poisoning, beauty products, and more. Place the item into a sealable plastic bag containing several tablets of activated charcoal, and leave it in there at least overnight. For really tough odors, you may need to leave the item in the bag for up to a week.[10]
- You can buy activated charcoal at pet supply stores, vitamin and nutrition shops, and some big-box retail centers.
EditPreventing Mildew from Returning - Hang damp clothes up to dry right away. Whether it's the towel you used after your shower or your workout gear after an hour at the gym, don't just throw your damp clothes on the floor or into the laundry basket. Instead, drape your wet clothes on the side of the laundry basket or hang them over the shower rod to dry out before they go into the laundry.[11]
- Balling up wet clothes will cause them to stay wet longer, giving mildew a better chance to grow.
- Use the recommended amount of detergent. Overusing laundry detergent can lead to a buildup of soap suds that never get completely rinsed out in the wash. This residue then feeds the odor-causing bacteria, leaving even your cleanest clothes with a funky smell. Each time you wash your clothes, measure your detergent carefully to make sure you don't add too much.[12]
- Follow the guidelines on your detergent packaging to know how much to add. When in doubt, add a little less detergent than you think you need.
- Don't use fabric softener on your workout clothes. Fabric softener leaves your clothes feeling soft and smelling good, but when it's used on stretchy, synthetic workout clothes, it leaves a slick residue that is nearly impossible to remove. This residue then keeps water from penetrating the fabric, meaning your clothes will smell bad even when they're clean.[13]
- Fabric softener residue will also promote the growth of bacteria in much the same way as using too much detergent.
- Dry your clothes immediately after you wash them. Leaving your clean clothes in the washing machine will cause them to start developing mildew after just a few hours, or even sooner if the weather is really hot and humid. Try to move them over to the dryer or line-dry them as soon as possible after you wash them.[14]
- If you do accidentally leave your laundry in the washing machine for too long, run them through another cycle with some vinegar to help get rid of the smell before you dry them.
- Don't store your clothes in damp rooms like the bathroom or basement. If you keep your clothing in a damp basement or in a humid environment like the bathroom, moisture from the environment will be absorbed by the fabric, leading to the growth of mildew. Instead, keep your clothes in a well-ventilated closet or a dresser.[15]
- Plastic dry-cleaner bags can also trap moisture and lead to mildew on your clothing.
- If the air in your room is extremely humid, place a desiccant like silica gel packets into your dresser drawers or the bottom of your closet. You can purchase these from craft or home improvement stores.
- Clean your washing machine if your clothes smell worse after washing. Sometimes washing machines, especially front-loading models, can develop mildew, which can then be transferred to your clothes. If you think the washing machine might be the problem, dip a rag in hot, soapy water and clean the gasket around the door and any detergent dispensers, then pour in of bleach and of baking soda and run a regular or cleaning cycle.[16]
- If you like, you can add of an enzymatic detergent for extra odor-killing powder.
- To prevent mildew from forming in your washing machine, leave the door cracked after each cycle so the machine will dry out, and always remove wet clothes right away.
- If you are dealing with a large amount of mildew, wear a respirator to protect yourself from breathing in mold spores.
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations EditQuick Summary
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Buy Basic Garden Tools Posted: 21 Aug 2018 05:00 PM PDT You'll need basic garden tools to till soil, manage weeds, and grow plants. Look for tools that will help you manage your small- or large-scale garden, as well as protective equipment. Garden tools are available at most hardware stores, gardening stores, and online. EditBuying Hand Tools - Get a small gardening trowel. A gardening trowel is a versatile tool with a scooped blade that allows you to dig small holes, transfer plants, and uproot weeds. Look for a lightweight model with a rubber grip. A comfortable handle will make the tool easier to use.[1]
- Buy a pair of handheld pruning shears. Pruning shears are a necessary tool for trimming and maintaining plants and shrubs. Look for a small pair with high quality blades to cut through your plants cleanly and easily. They should also have sturdy, easy to grip handles. [2]
- Good quality blades should be made of stainless steel.
- Buy a Japanese hori-hori knife for difficult cutting and digging. The hori-hori is a Japanese gardening knife with 1 sharp side and 1 serrated side. This tool allows you to dig into coarse soil, divide plants, and dig out stubborn weeds without a struggle. Choose a model that is made with stainless steel and has a large, comfortable handle. [3]
- Avoid buying a carbon steel hori-hori knife, which will be heavy and cause strain on your wrist after prolonged use.
- Don't choose an aluminum hori-hori knife, which is more likely to break.
- Obtain a hand rake to help condition soil. A small hand rake will allow you to prepare soil for planting. You can use it to remove weeds, and to turn and smooth out small areas of soil. Make sure to buy a model that is comfortable to grip, which will be important when you are dragging through the soil.[4]
- Purchase a stainless steel hand rake, which will resist rust and breakage.
- Buy an easy-to-fill watering can. A medium-sized watering can that is easy to carry is an ideal choice for watering your flowers. Choose a model that has an easily accessible opening to fill up in a sink or with a garden hose. If you want to use a watering can to apply fertilizer to your plants, buy a second one and keep it separate from your regular watering can.[5]
- Label your second watering can clearly or buy a different color of watering can to differentiate it.
- Buy a sturdy garden hose to water your garden. Purchase a garden hose to reach the perimeters of your garden. Opt for a hose made from rubber, or a rubber/vinyl mix to make sure that it is sturdy enough to resist leaks. Most standard hoses are 50 feet (15.2 meters) long, which should accommodate the length of your garden.[6]
EditPurchasing Long-Handled Tools - Buy a garden rake that is appropriate for your height. Gardening rakes can break up clumps of soil, level the ground, and remove stones, leaves, and other debris from the surface of the soil. Choose a model that has a rake head made of one solid piece of metal that will not bend or break. Look for a rake with a handle that reaches the bridge of your nose, so that you will not have to bend or strain your back while using it. [7]
- A standard gardening rake is 5 feet (152.4 cm) tall, which suits most gardeners. If you need a different size, shop online for specialty models.
- Purchase a round-headed shovel. A sturdy shovel is necessary for digging and moving large amounts of soil. Of all of the options available, the round-headed shovel is the most versatile. Choose a model with a stainless steel head, which won't rust, and a sturdy wooden handle. [8]
- Be sure that you can grip and maneuver the shovel comfortably before purchasing it.
- Get a simple garden fork to cultivate soil. While a garden rake can break up soil, it does not dig deep enough to turn it. Buy a basic but sturdy gardening fork to aerate and replenish soil for planting. Choose a model made of rust-proof stainless steel.[9]
- Your gardening fork should be strong enough to break up thick clumps of soil.
- Get long-handled loppers and shears. These cutting tools are necessary for maintaining trees, bushes, and shrubs. Loppers are great for trimming branches that are out of easy reach or too thick to cut with hand pruners. You can use shears for shaping bushes, shrubs, and hedges.
EditTaking Safety Measures - Buy sturdy gardening gloves. It is important to protect your hand from cuts, scrapes, and splinters while gardening. Shop for thick, durable gloves that will stand up against thorns and sharp twigs. Be sure that the gloves fit well and are not too bulky.[10]
- Get knee pads for long periods of gardening. Spending prolonged periods of time kneeling in the soil can damage knees your knees over time. Buy foam knee pads to wear while you garden so that you can stay comfortable. You can also purchase 1 long foam pad to kneel on top of, protecting your knees the same way.[11]
- Wear a gardening hat while working in the sun. Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause sensitive areas like your scalp, face, and neck to burn. If you garden outside during the day, invest in a hat that will protect your head and neck from UV rays. The hat should be made from a breathable material like cotton to prevent overheating or sweating.[12]
- Be sure to apply sunscreen to other parts of your body and wear protective clothing (such as light, long-sleeved shirts) to ensure that you are totally protected.
- Compare prices between hardware stores or gardening centers to buy tools at the best possible price.
- If you purchase tools online, read reviews beforehand and comparison shop for good deals.
- Garage sales and yard sales are often great places to find gardening tools.
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Make Peace With a Friend After a Fight Posted: 21 Aug 2018 09:00 AM PDT Getting into a fight with a friend is an awful feeling. You might feel frustrated and mad at your friend, or you might just want to make up. Even though it can feel like you'll never get back to normal, you may be able to mend the friendship by reaching out to your friend and listening to what they have to say. EditWorking Through Conflict with Your Friend EditTaking Time to Cool Off - Walk away from the argument before it goes too far. When tempers run high, it's easy to say something you don't mean. If you start feeling like you're not in control of your emotions — or your friend isn't in control of theirs — tell your friend you'll talk to them later and walk away.[1]
- Even if your friend says something mean that hurts your feelings, try not to get pulled into the argument again. Tell yourself they're just lashing out and let it go.
- Take several deep breaths to calm down. The first thing you should do after an argument is to calm down. It can be hard to calm down when you're angry, but staying angry isn't good for you and it will keep you from reconciling with your friend[2]
- Slowly inhale through your nose, then exhale through your mouth. Repeat this several times, focusing on calming yourself more with each breath.
- Other things to help you calm down might include a peaceful walk outside, quiet meditation, or eating ice cream right out of the container. Whatever it is, take a little time to clear your head.
- Accept the role you played in the argument. Arguments are almost never one-sided. Think about what you did that played into your fight. Try to imagine the fight from your friend's perspective to get a new point of view on the things you said.[3]
- Have you been feeling stressed out or irritable lately? This may have played a role in your behavior.
- Was your friend trying to communicate something to you that you brushed off? You may have hurt their feelings, leading to the argument.
- Try to see the argument from your friend's perspective. It can be really difficult to step back and see things from someone else's point of view, but being able to empathize will show your friend that you really care about them, and not just about your own feelings.
EditPlanning Your Apology - Keep your feelings to yourself. Don't gossip about your friend or what caused the argument, and definitely don't post about it on social media. This will add more drama to the situation, and it could make things much worse than the original fight.[4]
- Even if you share your feelings with a close friend, word could get back to the friend you're fighting with.
- Make up within a few days of the argument if you can. Leaving an argument hanging in the air could cause resentment to grow. You want to give your friend enough time to cool off, but try to resolve the fight as soon as possible.[5]
- The amount of time this will take is different for everyone. Some friends will make up 5 minutes after an argument, while other friends may need months to recover from hurtful words.
- Wait until you're ready before you apologize. If you rush your apology just because you're tired of fighting, your friend will probably be able to tell that you aren't being sincere.
- You'll know you're ready to apologize when you don't feel angry anymore, or when you care more about getting your friend back then you do about what they said or did that might have hurt your feelings.
- Don't apologize just because you want your friend to say they're sorry. Your friend might not be ready to apologize. You should say you're sorry because you actually feel bad for hurting your friend. Instead, try going into the conversation without expecting anything from your friend.
- Even if your friend isn't ready to apologize in return, you should apologize when you're ready. Just ask them to listen and explain what you're sorry for.
- Plan a time to talk to your friend. A face-to-face meeting will help you and your friend reconnect, and it will be easier for your friend to see that your apology is sincere. Call or text your friend and let them know you want to get together in person to talk. Ask your friend if the time and place you have in mind will work for them. If it doesn't, see if you can find something that fits both of your schedules.[6]
- Try starting the conversation by saying something like, "I really miss talking to you after class," or "I feel really bad about the things I said and I'd like to apologize in person."
- If your friend isn't ready to talk, try giving them a little more time. You could also send a hand-written apology note with an invitation to get together and talk more in person.
EditMaking Amends - Offer a sincere and specific apology. Don't just offer a blanket "I'm sorry." Think carefully about what you are really apologizing for, and be specific when you say you're sorry.[7]
- If you know you hurt your friend's feelings, apologize for what you said. Say something like, "I'm really sorry I called you stupid. I respect you way more than that and my words were careless and rude."
- You might say, "I'm sorry that I waited so long to call you after the fight," if you honestly don't think the argument was your fault.
- Give your friend a chance to tell their side of the story. After you apologize, let your friend talk. Listen carefully to what your friend has to say, and try not to be defensive when they tell you what they think about the fight. You might have done something to hurt or upset them that you don't even realize.[8]
- Share your thoughts about the argument. You can talk about what happened, but don't use this as an excuse to rehash the fight itself. Focus on using "I" statements that focus on your perspective rather than "you" statements that are centered on blame.[9]
- You could say something like, "I was feeling stressed out already that day and I lost my temper, and I shouldn't have done that" or "I felt really frustrated when you weren't listening to me, but I shouldn't have snapped at you."
- Don't make excuses for your behavior. It's okay to explain how you were feeling, but be sure to take responsibility for your words and actions.
- Accept your friend's apology if they say they're sorry. A lot of times, once you've apologized, your friend will say "I'm sorry too." If they do, let them know you accept their apology and you're ready to get things back to normal.[10]
- If your friend doesn't apologize, ask yourself whether it's more important to hear them say they're sorry or to have your friend back.
- Give your friend more time if they're still angry. Your friend may not be ready to forgive you or even to end the argument. Respect your friend's emotions, but don't let them pull you back into the fight.[11]
- If your friend is still mad, ask what you can do to make it better. If they give you an answer, try to do that. If they say nothing, your friend may need more time, or they may want to end the friendship.[12]
- Try to be patient with your friend as they take the time to heal after your argument. They may need more time than you do, and that's okay.
- End on a positive note. Whether you and your friend have repaired the friendship or your friend is still upset, try to end the conversation positively.[13]
- If you've made up, leave with a big hug and plans to hang out soon.
- If your friend is still upset, close the conversation by saying something like, "I still love you and I'll be here if you want to talk."
EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
Nenhum comentário:
Postar um comentário