| How to Clean a Hydro Flask Posted: 03 Sep 2018 01:00 AM PDT Cleaning your Hydro Flask is super fast and easy. The main thing you will want to invest in is a bottle brush. You can use a brush specifically made for the Hydro Flask, or a standard baby bottle brush will do the trick. Daily cleanings with soap and hot water are recommended to maintain your Hydro Flask, but occasionally you will need to do a deeper cleaning to get rid of bacteria and stubborn stains. EditWashing with Dish Soap - Disassemble your Hydro Flask to clean it. Unscrew the lid and remove it from the bottle. If your Hydro Flask has a straw, separate the straw from the lid.
- It's important that you take your Hydro Flask apart before cleaning it. In order to get a good cleaning, you'll need to wash all of the components, not just the outside of the bottle and the spout.
- Wash your Hydro Flask pieces separately with hot, soapy water. Use a clean dishcloth or sponge to wash the outside of your bottle, all models of Hydro Flask lids, and the outside of the straws. Clean the inside of your bottle with a bottle brush.
- A sponge or rag won't be able to reach the bottom of your bottle, so you'll definitely want to use some type of long brush. A bottle brush from the baby section of your local department store would perfectly.
- Do not soak your lid. Submerging the lid for an extended period of time can trap water inside of it.[1]
- Pay special attention to the drinking spouts since this is where bacteria likes to collect. If you have one, use a small bottle brush or nipple brush to help clean these small spaces.[2]
- If you have pipe cleaners, use one to clean the inside of the straw. Simply insert the pipe cleaner into one end of the straw, and firmly move it up and down along the insides to remove any buildup.[3]
- Rinse all of your Hydro Flask pieces thoroughly. It's important to remove all traces of the soap. Leaving soap in any of the pieces of your Hydro Flask can lead to a build up of residue. This typically won't hurt you, but it can affect the taste of your water.[4]
- Run tap water over the top of the lid, then flip the lid over to allow the water to run through the underneath side as well. Slowly rotate the lid under the water to make sure it is completely rinsed off.
- Hold one opening end of the straw under the running tap water to rinse it out. Allow the water to flow through the straw for about 10 seconds, or until the water runs clear.
- Use a dishwasher to wash a flip lid or a wide straw lid. The Hydro Flip and Wide Straw models are the only 2 lids that can be washed in the dishwasher. Lids to all other Hydro Flask models should be washed by hand.[5]
- Note that frequent washing in the dishwasher can cause extra wear and tear on these lids. If it's possible, still wash these lids by hand during regular cleanings, and save the dishwasher for occasional deep cleanings.[6]
- Air-dry all of the pieces until they are completely dry. The lid and straw may take longer to dry than the bottle because of the threading, enclosed spaces, and small nooks. To avoid a build up of germs and bacteria, make sure all of the pieces are allowed to air dry completely before reusing them.[7]
- Thoroughly drying your flask is the most important step, so don't skip it![8]
- Try washing your Hydro Flask in the evening, that way it can dry overnight and will be ready to use the next morning.
EditUsing Vinegar to Remove Bacteria - Pour ½ cup (118 ml) of distilled white vinegar into your Hydro Flask. Gently swirl the vinegar around in a circular motion to coat the inside of your flask. Allow the vinegar to sit for 5 minutes.
- Alternatively, fill your Hydro Flask about ⅕ of the way with vinegar and the rest of the way with water. Allow the solution to sit overnight.[9]
- Using distilled white vinegar to clean your Hydro Flask is the best option for effective cleaning. Using other chemicals like bleach or chlorine can damage the outside of the bottle and cause the stainless steel to rust.[10]
- Use a bottle brush to scrub hard-to-reach places in your flask. A bottle brush will be the most effective in cleaning the inside of your bottle. It can reach the difficult places and it has a little more friction than a sponge or a dishcloth.
- Firmly press the bristles along the inside walls of the flask. Be sure to get all the way down to the bottom of the bottle, and underneath the ledge at the top of the flask.
- Rinse your Hydro Flask thoroughly with warm water. Run warm tap water into your flask. Swirl the water around a few times and then pour the water out. You may need to do this 2 or 3 times to make sure it completely rinsed.
- Allow your Hydro Flask to air dry upside down. Use a dish drying rack, or prop the bottle up at an angle against the side of the sink. Air needs to be able to circulate in order to prevent bacteria from growing.[11]
- Make sure your Hydro Flask is ready to use by washing it in the evening and allowing it to dry overnight.
EditRemoving Tough Stains with Baking Soda - Mix 2-3 tbsp (30-44mL) of baking soda with warm water to form a paste. Put the baking soda in a small a bowl and stir in a little bit of water. The consistency should be a thick paste.[12]
- If the mixture is too thick, add a little more water to thin it out. If you put too much water and the mixture is too thin, add a little more baking soda to thicken it.
- Scrub the inside of your Hydro Flask with the paste. Dip a bottle brush into the paste, making sure to coat the bristles heavily. Use the brush to scrub the inside of your flask. Target areas that are badly stained by using small, circular motions.
- Repeat this step as needed. It may take a few times to completely remove the stain, so don't worry if the stain doesn't come out on the first go.
- Rinse your Hydro Flask thoroughly with warm water. Fill your flask with warm tap water. Use the bottle brush along the insides of the flask to loosen up the baking soda paste. Swirl the water around the bottle a few times and then pour it out.
- Try filling the bottle up about halfway with water, putting on the lid, and gently shaking the bottle up and down. Pour the water out and run fresh water through the bottle. The agitation will help clear out excess residue.
- Once there is no baking soda residue remaining on the inside of the flask, continue to run the warm water into the flask, swirl it around, then pour it out. Repeat this step 2 or 3 times, or until the water runs clear.
- Dry your Hydro Flask by allowing it to sit upside down. Place the bottle in a dish drying rack, or try propping it an angle against your kitchen wall or the side of the sink. Just make sure it has proper air circulation to prevent bacteria from growing.[13]
- To help with timing, try washing your Hydro Flask in the evening to allow it to dry overnight and be ready to use the next day.
- Wash your Hydro Flask daily, or after each use, to keep it fresh and clean.
- Do not put your Hydro Flask in the dishwasher. The heat can damage the insulation and/or the outer coating.[14]
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| How to Block Drafts from a Fireplace Posted: 02 Sep 2018 05:00 PM PDT Everyone likes to cozy up in front of a fireplace during the cold months. When the fireplace is off, however, you may experience the cold air coming through the chimney and stealing the warmth out of your home. By properly using a damper, covering the fireplace, or installing a chimney balloon, you can keep the heat in and the cold out! EditOperating a Chimney Damper - Hire a professional to install a damper if you don't have one. A damper rests inside of or on top of your chimney and prevents drafts from coming down the chimney. Since improper installation could result in a chimney fire or chimney blockage, hire a professional service.[1]
- A top damper sits on top of the chimney and has a cord that runs down the length of the chimney. Top dampers can also protect against animals getting into your chimney.
- A throat damper sits just above the area the fire is lit and requires more work to install.
- Pull the lever or cord to open and close the damper. The cord or lever be on the top or side of the fireplace. The position of the damper control will depend on the which damper you have installed. Pay attention to which position is open and which position is closed when the damper is installed.[2]
- Open the damper before you light a fire. If you fail to the open the damper before you light your fire, smoke or gas could build up inside your home. If you see or smell smoke or gas, open the damper as soon as you can.[3]
- If you lit the fire and forgot to open the damper, use pliers or an oven mitt to pull the lever so you don't burn yourself.
- To help clear the air in your home, open a few windows.
- Close the damper after all the embers are burnt out. Make sure your fire is completely out or else residual smoke could fill your home. When the embers are cold to the touch, pull the cord or lever to close the damper. Keep the damper closed when the fireplace is not in use.[4]
- Wait 5 minutes before closing the damper on gas fireplaces. This allows time for any unburned excess gas to escape without it entering your home.[5]
EditCovering the Fireplace with a Draft Guard - Measure the width and height of the fireplace opening. Use a tape measure so you can determine what size draft guard you need.[6]
- Purchase a draft guard online or in store. Once you find the measurements, make sure you buy a guard that is at least the size of the opening. Buy a guard that is at least larger on each side of the hole so you have some wiggle room.[7]
- Draft guards are sold in hardware stores or online.
- Buy a guard in a color that accents the inside of your house.
- Unfold the guard and place it over the hole. Place the guard so it's flush with the opening of your fireplace. The guard is sturdy enough to stand on its own and will block any draft coming down your chimney.[8]
- Keep the guard over your fireplace whenever you aren't using it.
- Remove the guard and fold it flat when you want to use the fireplace. The guard folds flat for compact storage when you want to light a fire. Stand it next to the fireplace or hide it underneath a piece of furniture so it's not in the way.[9]
- Once the fireplace is cool again, place the guard over the hole.
EditInstalling a Chimney Balloon - Purchase a chimney balloon. Chimney balloons are reusable and inflatable plastic pieces that fit inside your chimney to block any drafts. They are easy to use, but only if you have access to the interior of your chimney.[10]
- Chimney balloons can be purchased from online retailers.
- Inflate the balloon partially so it resembles a floppy pillow. Blow air into the plastic tube attached to the handle of the balloon. A few breaths should be enough to spread the balloon out. This helps you work with the balloon so it fits easily into the chimney.[11]
- Place the balloon in the chimney flue. Take the balloon by the handle and hold it up to the opening of your chimney above the main firebox. The balloon should be parallel to the opening so it fills the entire area.[12]
- If you need to make the balloon fit better, push the corners of the balloon up into the chimney with your fingers.
- Blow up the balloon until it holds firmly in the chimney. Hold the balloon by the handle as you blow into the plastic tube. Make sure the balloon holds tight once you inflate it. After it is inflated enough to fill the chimney, close the valve on the handle.[13]
- Remove the plastic tube so it doesn't hang down in your fireplace.
- Remove the balloon before you light a fire. The balloon needs to be removed before you start a fire so smoke or gas doesn't fill your home. Chimney balloons have a fail-safe if you forget to remove them and will deflate when it's heated.[14]
- Keep a reminder card or tie something to the handle of the balloon so you don't forget it's there.
- Reinflate the chimney balloon once the chimney is cold. Place the balloon back into the chimney so it fits firmly. Chimney balloons can be reused as long as it holds air. If it has a leak, replace the balloon.[15]
- Have your chimney inspected and cleaned once a year so build-up does not form. Excess build-up can cause a chimney fire.[16]
- Be careful operating any metal cords or levers after a fire is lit. Use pliers or an oven mitt to prevent any burns.
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| How to Keep Your Feet Dry in the Rain Posted: 02 Sep 2018 09:00 AM PDT If the fear of soggy socks is enough to keep you confined to your home during a stiff downpour, it may be time to invest in some footwear that's appropriate for wet weather. Materials like leather and Gore Tex provide excellent water resistance, or you could try waterproofing an old pair of sneakers using a repellent wax or oil. And, of course, you'll want to keep your distance from puddles, heavy streams, and other wet spots that could leave you with wrinkly toes. - Pull on a pair of rain boots. Rain boots are designed specifically for this purpose, so it's no wonder they work so well. The thick rubber material used to make them is completely impervious to water, and will keep your feet and lower legs dry up to about shin-height, or even higher, if you go with a knee-length model.[1]
- You can even find lined and insulated rain boots for protection from winter storms and treks through wet, cold conditions.
- If you're going to be making your way through several feet of standing water, consider purchasing a pair of waders, which are essentially extra-tall rain boots.
- Switch to shoes that are made from water-resistant materials. Synthetic fabrics like nylon and Gore-Tex are tough for moisture to saturate, making them ideal for mild inclement weather. Leather is another material with natural water-resistant properties. Full-grain leather has stood the test of torrential rains for centuries.[2]
- Be sure to grab a pair with a solid, one-piece construction, as water can still seep through woven fabrics when submerged or exposed to a heavy downpour.
- Keep an eye out for water resistant products from your favorite brands. Nowadays, more and more companies are offering water resistant versions of classic styles.
- Waterproof your shoes yourself. Assuming you don't want to drop a bundle on a new pair of shoes or boots, you have the option of re-outfitting an old pair. Treating leather and textile footwear with a quality oil or silicone spray will instantly make them more wet-weather worthy. If your go-to kicks are canvas, rub them down with an even coat of all-natural beeswax.[3]
- It may be necessary to reapply your waterproofing agent of choice periodically, depending on how frequently you go stomping around in soupy settings.
- The oily molecules in most oils, waxes, and sprays actually block and repel water, keeping it from coming into contact with the vulnerable material underneath.
- You can typically find waterproofing products at shoe stores and outdoor supply shops. If you're not having any luck, try purchasing them online.[4]
- Invest in some quality shoe covers. Shoe covers slip right over the shoes you're wearing and cinch snugly to the ankle to provide a top-to-bottom buffer against rain and standing water. The biggest advantage of shoe covers is that you can wear whatever you want on your feet without worrying about them getting wet, rather than having the weather dictate your choice of footwear for the day.[5]
- Shoe covers are available at most major shoe stores, as well as outdoor retailers in the rain gear section. They can often be purchased for as little as $10.
- If your feet are on the small side, a shower cap could double as a makeshift shoe cover in a pinch.[6]
- Wear wool socks. Ditch your ordinary cotton socks and trade them in for a pair spun from merino wool. Wool is naturally lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking, so your feet will dry much faster even if you do happen to get drenched. For this reason, they're an excellent companion for water-resistant or waterproofed footwear.[7]
- Wool socks will even make sweaty feet less of an issue when it's not raining cats and dogs.
- Best of all, wool can be worn year-round—the material's superior ventilation means your feet won't get as hot in the warm spring and summer months.[8]
- Cover your feet with plastic bags. When you've got no other options available, a little ingenuity can spare you the discomfort of walking around with cold, wet feet all day. Slip into a pair of clean, dry socks (preferably wool), then bundle a plastic shopping bag or waste basket liner around each foot. Smooth out the excess material and secure the plastic around your ankles using tape.[9]
- Fit your fortified feet into your shoes, making sure there's as little plastic showing as possible, or pull a second pair of socks on over the bags for maximum protection against the elements.
- This trick works well with ordinary sneakers and boots, but may not be as successful when attempted with slip-ons, heels, dress shoes, or similar styles.
EditFinding Other Ways to Stay Dry - Avoid walking in areas where rainwater has collected. Tread carefully and scan the ground with your eyes as you go. Take an alternate route, if need be. Since your goal is to keep your feet from inadvertently becoming sponges, the last thing you want to do is sink ankle-deep into a puddle because you aren't looking where you're going.
- Overhangs, underpasses, and gutters are other places where water tends to flow freely following a heavy rain.
- If you have no choice but to step through a puddle or stream, do it on tiptoe to keep the parts of your shoes that are most easily infiltrated out of the water.
- Run to escape sudden showers. When it begins pouring unexpectedly, head for a dry, covered spot on the double. The faster you move, the fewer raindrops you'll be exposed to and the sooner you'll make it to a place where you can wait out the worst of the storm.[10]
- Watch your step. The surface you're running on is likely to become slick once it gets wet.
- Tree branches, extended ledges, and other natural and man-made objects can provide a little helpful cover until you reach a better shelter.
- Have a friend drive you around. Call up your most dependable pal and ask them if they would mind giving you a ride to run some quick errands. They'll be able to drop you off and pick you up right at the entrance, minimizing the amount of time you spend sloshing through rain-soaked parking lots and city streets.
- Offer to pay your friend back by treating them to lunch or putting up a few dollars for fuel.
- Bring along an extra pair of socks. If you've taken every possible precaution and still ended up with wet feet, never fear. Simply throw a second pair of socks into your purse, backpack, or gym bag to serve as a backup. You'll be glad you did in the event that you actually have to use them![11]
- Be sure to leave your spare socks where they won't get wet. A glove box or locker is a more secure location for them than inside one of your jacket pockets.
- Keep a pair of water resistant shoes in your bag or the trunk of your car so you'll be prepared in the event of an unforeseen drizzle.
- Read reviews of water-resistant footwear and other products to find out how well they actually work. Otherwise, you could end up spending a big chunk of change only to discover that they don't.
- Cotton absorbs far more moisture than other materials. In most cases, it's best to reserve those canvas hi-tops or slippers for dryer days.
- Not only are wet feet uncomfortable, they can actually lead to serious health risks like fungal infections, trench foot, and leptospirosis if they stay damp for too long.
EditThings You'll Need - Rain boots
- Water-resistant footwear
- Waterproofing agent
- Shoe covers
- Wool socks
- Plastic bags
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