| How to Clean Keycaps Posted: 19 Mar 2019 01:00 AM PDT If you spend a lot of time at a computer, you may have noticed that your keyboard doesn't look as clean as it did when you first started using it. Dust, food particles, and oils from your fingers may have left the keys looking pretty grimy. If you're using a mechanical keyboard, it might be time to remove the keycaps and give them a good clean. With just some soaking, rinsing, and drying, you can get your keyboard looking fresh again. EditRemoving the Keycaps - Take a photo of your keyboard so you remember where the keys go. You don't want to forget this layout once you're ready to put the keycaps back on.
- If you're not able to take your own photo, look up an online image of a similar keyboard so you know where everything goes. [1]
- Unplug the keyboard from the computer. If you have a newer computer, it's probably plugged into a USB port. [2] If it's an older computer, look for the purple-colored connector called a PS/2. [3]
- If the keyboard is plugged into a PS/2 port, make sure to shut down your computer before unplugging it. [4]
- Use a wire keycap puller to remove the keycaps. This is safer than using a tool like a screwdriver. Wire keycap pullers are less likely to scratch the keys than plastic ones. [5] They have a handle and two wire loops, and are simple to use.
- You can find inexpensive options on sites like Amazon.
- Place the wire loops opposite each other diagonally on the key and gently wiggle back and forth while pulling up. [6]
- Avoid removing large keycaps. This includes the spacebar, enter, and shift. These keys may have wires to stabilize them, making them more difficult to remove.
- You can dampen a microfiber cloth to wipe the keycaps you don't remove. [7]
EditLeaving the Keycaps to Soak - Place the keycaps in a bowl of warm water. Don't make the water too hot. [8] You can also add a couple of denture tablets to the bowl to help remove oils from the keycaps.
- Dish soap is another option, but it can be harder to rinse away. [9]
- Do not use bleach, as it can fade plastics. [10]
- Let the keycaps soak for 6 hours. You can use some of this time to clean the keyboard itself by shaking it out over a trash can. Loosen up stubborn gunk with a stiff-bristle brush or Q-tip.
- Avoid the switch stems when brushing. This will keep particles from becoming lodged too deep.
- Use a handheld vacuum to suck up loose debris. [11]
- Rinse the keycaps in the sink. Make sure you get any residue from the denture cleaner or dish soap off the keys. You can use a strainer for this step. [12]
- If there's still some grime on any of the keycaps, use a toothbrush to scrub it off. [13]
- Leave the keycaps out to air dry. Make sure you lay the the keycaps stem up while they dry, so the water can evaporate. [14]
- You may want to leave them out for 24 hours, to make sure they're completely dry and won't damage your computer. [15]
- Don't use a paper towel to dry the keycaps, as this can scratch the surface and leave particles behind. [16]
EditPutting the Keycaps Back - Match the placement of the keycaps to the photo of your keyboard. Make sure you put all the keys back carefully in their proper places and facing the correct direction.
- To pop the keycaps back on, just push them straight down over the switch. [17]
- Reattach the keyboard to the computer. If you have a PS/2 connector, remember to match up the color (usually purple) to the correct port.
- Turn your computer back on if it's shut down.
- Now your keyboard is clean and ready to use.
- Clean your keyboard regularly without removing the keycaps. You can do this once a week or whenever things are starting to look dirty. [18] Use a handheld vacuum or a damp microfiber cloth. Dry it off with another cloth, not a paper towel. [19]
- Make sure the keyboard is unplugged before you clean it.
- If you prefer, you can use a cleaning wipe. [20]
- Avoid eating or drinking near your keyboard. This will prevent crumbs and other build-up, so you won't have to clean the keycaps as often.
- Keeping drinks away from your keyboard will also prevent damaging spills. [21]
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Wear a Black Leather Jacket Posted: 18 Mar 2019 05:00 PM PDT Black leather jackets are a timelessly cool fashion statement. Wearing one can instantly transform your outfit, making any ensemble feel more edgy. It might be intimidating to wear a leather jacket for the first time, but they are surprisingly very versatile and easy to dress up or down. A black leather jacket is a classic statement piece that belongs in every closet! EditFinding the Right Jacket - Identify your price range. A high-end leather jacket can be quite expensive, with some experts even saying that you should not buy a leather jacket that costs less than $500.[1] There are options like faux and vegan leather that provide the same look without costing as much, with some attractive alternatives under $100. [2]
- Determine the best type of leather for you. Most leather jackets are fashion pieces, though leather can also be thick and wind resistant. While leather made from cows can be stiffer and firmer, fashion leather is often made of lamb or sheep skin and thus is more delicate. [3]
- You may decide to opt for faux leather or vegan leather for either cost or ethical reasons.
- Decide on decorative features. Some leather jackets have decorative features, like studs or fur collars. While these accents can make your jacket unique, it might also limit what you are able to wear it with. [4]
- Select the right size. Many people like their leather jacket to fit more snug. If you want to pair your jacket with a sleek outfits, some experts even suggest selecting a jacket that is a size smaller than what you normally wear.
- If you want to layer bulkier items under your jacket, make sure that your jacket is a big enough to do so comfortably. [5]
- It is important for your jacket to fit well around your arms and shoulders, so it should look trim and fitted but not so tight that it restricts your movement.[6]
- If you buy real leather, you might want to buy a more snug fit since leather can stretch over time.[7]
EditWearing Your Jacket Casually - Pair it with jeans to liven up your everyday wardrobe. This is an iconic look, and is a go-to if you want to look both stylish and casual. This really is a timeless template for an outfit, because you could pair it with ripped jeans and look more punk rock and androgynous, but with jewelry and a purse it can look more feminine.
- Wear it with a t-shirt and a looser style of pants like boyfriend jeans if you want to look extra casual. [8]
- Pair your jacket with skinny jeans, a tight t-shirt, and tennis shoes for a cute everyday outfit.
- Wear your jacket with combat boots for a punk rock look. Many people wear leather jackets because they want an edgy, punk look. Combat boots and a leather jacket are a great way to convey a rebellious but stylish attitude. [9]
- Layer it with a hoodie to give your casual style a rebellious vibe. Because leather jackets are not the best cold weather choice, layering your jacket can make your jacket warmer on those cool fall days. It is also a great casual outfit to wear if you are running errands or catching lunch with a friend. [10]
- When also paired with combat boots and a band t-shirt this can be a very punk rock look.
- Drape it over your shoulders as a statement piece. A draped leather jacket is an equally casual alternative to layering. This look is great for warmer days where you still want your jacket as an accessory piece. It is a great out-and-about option. [11]
- If you're draping your jacket over your shoulders, it is best paired a tighter layer like a t-shirt or a tank top. Anything bigger would make the jacket look bulky.
- Dress up your leisure wear. Pairing a leather jacket with leggings and tennis shoes is a great way to dress up your casual wear. While you might be skeptical about wearing your exercise attire to lunch, throwing a leather jacket over the ensemble makes it much hipper. [12]
EditDressing Your Jacket Up - Put it over a dress or skirt to make your going-out style more chic. A black leather jacket can make a feminine outfit feel more edgy, or it can soften your jacket. Because a leather jacket is classically stylish, it does not make the ensemble feel too casual when paired with the right accessories. [13]
- Different types of skirts will give your outfit a different vibe. A pencil skirt is more sleek, while a leather jacket with a short pleated skirt can make you look alternative and cute.
- Wear it with brightly colored pants to look bold. Black leather jackets are such a classic closet item, so it is unexpectedly cool to make your leather jacket more subtle by wearing it alongside a loud statement piece. You can find a patterned pair, or just opt for a bright color. [14]
- Wear it to work to modernize your business attire. While a leather jacket might not fit in every work environment, it can be incorporated into a casual or business casual wardrobe. It is a great way to look professional while remaining modern and chic. [15]
- A good work option would be a leather jacket over a button-down shirt and pencil skirt.
- A close-fitting leather jacket can look like a blazer, and would be a great work option over a cute blouse. [16]
- Pair it with high heels to look glamorous and sexy. A pair of heels can totally change the dynamic of your outfit, and this is no exception with a leather jacket. [17]
- Wearing a black leather jacket with a silk blouse, skinny jeans, and stilettos is a great option for when you want to look dressed up but do not want to wear a skirt or dress.
- If you want to look hip and dressy, opt for chunky heeled sandals, a black leather jacket, and a cute mid-length dress. [18]
- When paired with a short skirt and very tall heeled boots your leather jacket will give off a sexy vibe.
EditAccessorizing Your Jacket - Leave it on under a wool coat for a sophisticated look. When you want to wear your leather jacket on a cooler day, you can opt to layer with with a coat. Under the right wool or pea coat, your jacket will look like part of a well-crafted outfit and not a functional choice. [19]
- Put on some red lipstick to look edgy and classic. Red lipstick and black leather jackets are both classic outfit staples. Pairing both of these together can give your leather jacket a softer and more feminine feel. [20]
- This style can look very alternative when you wear a black leather jacket, jeans, and tennis shoes.
- Drape a scarf over it for both style and warmth. While your black leather jacket might often feel like the statement piece of your outfit, with the right scarf you can give your jacket a pop of color. It might also serve a functional purpose in brisk fall weather. [21]
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Thicken Broth Posted: 18 Mar 2019 09:00 AM PDT Whatever your cooking project, getting your broth to the right consistency is an important step. If your broth is looking a little thin, there are several ways to thicken it, depending on the ingredients you want to use and the amount of time at your disposal. You can always reduce a homemade broth by cooking it down, but this isn't always an option if you've already salted the broth, as reducing it will make it saltier. However, you can also thicken any broth with a thickening agent like cornstarch, or by making a quick roux. You can even add food items such as bread, nuts, or dairy to give a broth more body. EditDoing a Basic Reduction - Turn the heat up. Make sure there's enough heat for the broth to simmer uncovered. Medium heat should be sufficient to bring the broth to a simmer and get some of the excess liquid to evaporate.[1]
- Use a wide pan to reduce faster. Using a wider saute pan rather than a deeper pot or saucepan will allow your broth to heat faster and reduce more quickly. You can also divide the broth into two or more batches (wide pans best) and heat separately to speed up the process.[2]
- Give it time to cook down. It's better for the broth to simmer rather than boil. If the heat is too high, the broth might reduce too much and become bitter-tasting. Keep the broth on medium heat, and give it at least ten minutes before checking on it.[3]
EditUsing a Thickening Agent - Make a cornstarch slurry to give your broth more body. Cornstarch is similar to flour as a thickening agent, but it works better and won't affect the taste of your broth. Mix a tablespoon (7.5 g) of cornstarch with of cold water for each cup of broth.[4] Once fully combined, add slurry a little at a time, stirring constantly. Bring the broth to a boil. Keep stirring the slurry in until the broth is almost the thickness you want.[5]
- Remember that the broth will thicken a little as it cools.[6]
- Use an alternative thickening agent. Ingredients such as arrowroot, potato starch, and tapioca powder can be used as thickening alternatives to cornstarch.[7] Arrowroot and tapioca are root starches derived from tropical plants, and along with potato starch are commonly used in gluten-free cooking.
- For arrowroot powder, mix 2-3 tablespoons (16-24 g) with the same amount of water. Whisk into a cup of hot broth, then slowly combine with the rest of the broth.
- For potato starch, mix 1 tablespoon of starch (10 g) with of water. Whisk into a cup of hot broth then combine with the rest.
- For tapioca powder, stir in a teaspoon of starch (2.5 g) at a time until broth reaches desired consistency.[8]
- Make a roux by combining flour and fat. A roux is a mixture of flour and fat that can serve as a useful and delicious way to thicken a broth, soup, or sauce. Depending on how much thickening the broth needs, place 1-3 tablespoons of fat in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in an amount of flour equal to the amount of fat used.[9] Cook for about ten minutes, stirring frequently, then let it cool before adding to the broth.
- Whisk the roux into the broth until combined, making sure there are no lumps.
- For a lighter roux, use butter or oil. For a darker, richer roux, use drippings.[10]
EditUsing Food as a Thickener - Add bread for a creamier broth. Soak pieces of bread in the hot liquid, then remove and puree. Recombine with the rest of the liquid. You can also use breadcrumbs to thicken the broth.[11]
- Mix in ground nuts for a richer soup. Nuts have been used to thicken broths and soups for generations. Grind a handful of nuts until they almost form a paste, then combine with a little of the broth and stir. Add to the rest of the broth.
- Cashews are particularly good for thickening a broth or soup, adding a smooth texture.[12]
- Stir in a dollop of dairy for a silky taste. Adding cream or yogurt is an easy way to thicken and enrich any broth. If adding cream or milk, start with a couple spoonfuls and add to warm but not boiling broth. Or, if you're looking for a lighter but tangier addition, try a dollop or two of yogurt.[13]
- Make sure the broth isn't boiling or else the dairy will curdle.
EditSources and Citations
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