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How to Clean Plant Leaves
How to Wear a Bucket Hat
How to Burn Candles Evenly

Posted: 25 Jun 2019 01:00 AM PDT

Clean plants are a beautiful addition to your home and garden, and do a wonderful job of purifying the air. Choose a cleaning method that is safe for your plant, especially if your plant is sensitive to water. Experiment with different shine agents to add a beautiful glow to your plant leaves. Each of these strategies will leave your plants looking clean and shiny.

EditSteps

EditRemoving Dust and Grime

Wipe large, shiny leaves with a damp cloth. This is the best way to clean large plants, such as rubber plants, that are difficult to move. Dunk your cloth in water and then squeeze out any excess liquid. Gently wipe both sides of all of the leaves to remove any dust and grime.^[1]
- Microfiber cloths or cheesecloths work well for cleaning plants.
- Clean the leaves each time that you notice dust or dirt building up. This works well for both indoor and outdoor plants such as Gunnera, Plantain Lillies, and Elephant Ears.
- Place a drop of dishwashing liquid on the cloth if you notice insects eating or landing on your plant.^[2]
Use a soft paintbrush to remove dust from plants with fuzzy leaves. Plants with fluffy leaves, such as African Violets, are quite delicate and shouldn't be wiped. Instead, gently brush any dust or insects off the leaves with a clean, soft paintbrush.^[3]
- If you don't have a soft paintbrush on-hand, use a pipe cleaner or soft toothbrush instead.
- Avoid wetting the leaves of fuzzy plants, as this can cause water spots to appear.^[4]
Rinse indoor plant leaves with warm water to remove insects and dust. Place your indoor plant in the sink or shower and use the pressure of the water stream to remove any dust and dirt from the plant. The mist from the shower will also help to hydrate the plant's leaves. Leave the plants to drip-dry and then take them outside to dry in the sunshine.^[5]
- Always use warm water, as cold water can leave spots on the leaves.^[6]
- Don't wash plants, such as cacti and African Violets, that are sensitive to water. This method works well for Peace Lilies, Sword Ferns, and Devils Ivy.
Dunk small plants into water to quickly get rid of dust. Place your hand over the soil to keep it in place and then turn the plant upside down and submerge the plant in room temperature water. This is a great option for small houseplants and outdoor plants.^[7]
- Allow the plants to drip-dry out of direct light.
Spray compressed air onto cacti to avoid getting them wet. Cacti are used to desert conditions and will often wilt and die if they are over-watered. Spray air from an air compressor can over the spikes to dislodge any dust or dirt from the cacti. Hold the can away from the cacti to avoid damaging the spikes.^[8]
- Purchase an air-compressor can from a hardware store or a plant nursery.
- This works well for both spiky and smooth cacti.

EditAdding Shine

Rub a thin coat of mayonnaise over the leaves to keep them shiny. Squeeze a little mayonnaise onto a paper towel and wipe it over the leaves. Cover the entire leave with a light enough coat that it cannot be seen.^[9]
- Remove any excess mayonnaise with a clean paper towel.
- This shiny coating will last for approximately 2 weeks. Simply reapply the mayonnaise to restore the shine of the leaves.
- This method works for all types of plants.
Cover the leaves in a thin layer of mineral oil for a long-lasting glow. Mineral oil provides a shiny coating for the leaves and helps to prevent dust from accumulating quickly. Simply place a drop of mineral oil onto each leaf and use your fingers to evenly spread it over the top side of the leaf. Use this method on any type of plant.^[10]
- Avoid using coconut or olive oil on the leaves, as this can block the pores of the plant.
- Keep plants with mineral oil on them out of the direct sun to avoid the leaves from getting burnt.
- Reapply the mineral oil once or twice per year.
Spray a commercial plant shining product onto the leaves to add sheen. These sprays are specially formulated to keep your plant leaves looking shiny. Liberally spray the product over all the leaves on your plants. If you are spraying outdoor plants, choose a product that is designed for outdoor plants.^[11]
- Purchase a plant shining spray from a plant store.
- Follow the application instructions on the packet.
- This is a great option for cacti, as you don't have to touch the plant.

EditTips

Always take a minute to care for your plants when you clean them, too. Water them and remove any dry or dead leaves from the pot. This will help to prevent pests and diseases.

EditReferences

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How to Wear a Bucket Hat

Posted: 24 Jun 2019 05:00 PM PDT

After originally rising in popularity in the late 1980s hip hop scene, bucket hats have recently made a big comeback in the fashion world. Bucket hats are most often associated with casual outfits, but there are plenty of ways to put your own personal spin on this classic piece of headwear. Pulling off one of these hats can be tricky, but anyone can wear a bucket hat with the right approach and style.

EditSteps

EditChoosing Your Bucket Hat

Choose a material that matches your style. Most bucket hats are made from cotton, but they can be made using a lot of different materials. The material you choose should depend on the individual style you are going for, and the weather in your area. ^[1]
- Cotton bucket hats are better for warmer temperatures.
- Denim bucket hats are great for colder weather.
- Nylon bucket hats are typically used for outdoor activities like fishing or camping.
- Bucket hats made using furry or fuzzy material are a good idea if you want to grab people's attention.
Find your ideal type of bucket hat. Bucket hats come in many different shapes and sizes. Bucket hats meant to protect from the sun usually have larger brims, while more stylistic bucket hats typically have smaller brims. You also may want a bucket hat with a chin strap or a reversible bucket hat that features two designs in one. ^[2]
Decide which brand works for you. If you want a nostalgic look, a bucket hat featuring a classic clothing brand's logo would be right for you. There are also bucket hats available from more expensive, upscale fashion brands. Looking for a more subtle look? There are plenty of bucket hats available that don't promote an obvious logo or brand. ^[3]
Express your individuality with your favorite color or design pattern. Bucket hats are available in almost any color or design you can imagine. From bright colors to abstract patterns, choose a look that expresses your individual style.^[4]
- Tie dye bucket hats are great for an eye catching casual outfit.
- Camouflage bucket hats are fashionable both indoors and outside.
- Bucket hats featuring solid colors can really bring an outfit together.

EditCreating a Casual Style

Wear your bucket hat at an angle for a casual feel. The way you wear your bucket hat will express your personality and style. You can adjust your bucket hat to create many different looks and vibes depending on your mood. Place your bucket hat on your head at an angle to create a laid back, easy going look.
- If you want a more serious style, position your bucket hat straight on your head to cover most of your forehead and eyes. ^[5]
Roll up the brim for a change of pace. This can create a whole new vibe for your outfit, and often changes the entire look of your bucket hat. Whether you want to change up your style or stand out from others wearing bucket hats, rolling up your brim can add a personal touch to your hat. ^[6]
Keep your outfit simple with jeans and a t-shirt. A bucket hat can really bring together a casual outfit for that Sunday brunch or trip to the store. Compliment your bucket hat with a simple t-shirt and pair of jeans, khakis, or shorts. Add a pair of classic basketball sneakers or trainers to finish your outfit. ^[7]
- Add a blazer or patterned collared shirt to your outfit for a more semi-formal, but still laid back, style.
- Pairing your bucket hat with a matching dress or top / skirt combination creates another simple but stylish look.
Wear your bucket hat with a sweatshirt and joggers for a stylish winter look. If the weather is colder, throw on a hoodie and pair of sweatpants. A pair of boots or sneakers can bring this type of outfit together.
- If it's really cold outside add a bomber jacket to create a contemporary, stylish outfit.
- A matching scarf or pair of gloves can complement your bucket hat during the winter.
Don't forget to color coordinate. If you are wearing a colorful bucket hat, you will want to wear more neutral colored clothes. That way, you can draw attention to your new hat. If your bucket hat is a more neutral color, consider wearing a matching shirt or pair of shoes to color coordinate your outfit. ^[8]

EditAccessorizing Your Bucket Hat

Use pins to express yourself. Bucket hats are perfect for pins. Place a few pins on the brim of your hat or on the front or back of the hat. Express your individuality and opinions, or just show support for your favorite bands, movies, and brands.
- Strategically place one or two pins on your bucket hat for more subtly.
- Cover your bucket hat in pins for a more loud and DIY look.
Add a patch for a cleaner look. If you want to personalize your bucket hat, but don't want a messy look, consider patches. Sewing or ironing a patch, or series of patches, will make your bucket hat completely unique and personalized, while also creating a very clean and put together look. ^[9]
Complete your outfit with glasses and jewelry. Wearing a bucket hat calls attention to your upper body, so why not pair your bucket hat with some stylish sunglasses or a necklace. Color coordinating or contrasting these accessories with your bucket hat can help your outfit pop. ^[10]
- Add a gold chain necklace for a classic hip hop look.
- Large hoop earrings are a vintage bucket hat accessory that still work today.

EditReferences

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How to Burn Candles Evenly

Posted: 24 Jun 2019 09:00 AM PDT

Candles "remember" how they burned previously, and tend to follow the same pattern during subsequent burns. If the wax around the edges never melted, the wick will sink into a crater of hardened wax in a process called tunneling.^[1] You can use a few tricks to troubleshoot tunneling in pillar and poured candles, as well as drippy tapers. Pay close attention to the first burn and adopt habits like regularly trimming the wick, using a snuffer, and avoiding drafts to extend the life of your candles and help them burn evenly.

EditSteps

EditLighting Candles Properly

Position a candle vertically on a flat, stable surface. If you place a candle on an uneven surface, the wax will melt in irregular patterns and the flickering flames might give off dark smoke stains. Tapers and pillar candles will drip excessively if they're not totally upright. Most importantly, it's highly unsafe to place a candle on an unstable or angled surface, such as a chair seat or a wobbly table.^[2]
- The surface should also be fire resistant.
Light candles with a long lighter or long matches. If you keep the candle level and use a long match or lighter, you'll more easily be able to reach the wick and won't start an uneven burn. Strike a match or engage the lighter, and touch the flame to the wick. As soon as it ignites, remove the lighter or match and extinguish the flame.^[3]
- If you blow out the match, do this away from the candle flame.
- With short lighters and matches, it's sometimes necessary to turn the candle sideways to reach the wick. This will cause some flickering and might unevenly melt the wax, leading to an uneven burn.
Keep burning candles away from drafts. Flickering flames might look pretty, but they don't burn candles evenly. Place your candle in a breeze-free location, away from fans, air conditioning units, open windows, passers-by, and any other source of moving air.^[4]
- Flickering flames also leave unattractive smoke stains. These are especially noticeable on glass candle jars.
- This is also a safety precaution. Even a gentle breeze might blow a piece of paper or a curtain corner directly into the flame.^[5]
Trim candle wicks to be tall before each use. Long, uncut wicks often take on a mushroom-like shape.^[6] This creates a wide, unstable flame that flickers, gives off smoke, and prevents the candle from burning evenly. Combat this by using a wick trimmer or a pair of scissors to chop the top of the wick off, once the wax has completely cool.^[7]
- Discard all the wick trimmings and make sure there's no ashy residue left sitting on the wax.
- Even if there's not much height to trim off, you should trim the wick before every single use to get the most stable flame and the most even burn.
Melt the entire top layer of wax during the first burn. Allow poured and pillar candles to burn until the top surface of wax has completely melted. Monitor the progress and don't extinguish the flame until there's about a ring of melted wax spanning the full diameter of the jar. For a pillar candle, snuff out the flame once you notice the wax pool stops widening and start to sink, snuff out the flame.^[8]
- This might take several hours, depending on the type and size of the candle. A rule of thumb is that it takes about 1 hour per of the candle's diameter.^[9]
- For example, if your candle's diameter is you can expect to burn it for 4 hours the first time.
Avoid memory rings by allowing the top layer of wax to melt during each burn. A candle can "remember" how much wax melted during previous burns. The pool of melted wax will continue to get narrower and narrower if you aren't careful, and you'll end up with tunneling.^[10] To prevent this, follow the same process as you did during the initial burn. Monitor the candle during every burn session and allow the entire top layer of wax to melt.
Burn candles for a maximum of 4 hours. Monitor the candle's progress continually, and snuff out the flame as soon as you notice the wax has pooled all the way across the top level. Anything beyond 4 hours can cause the wax and fragrance oils to ignite.^[11]
- Follow the candle manufacturer's instructions for maximum burn times.^[12] Some candles can only withstand shorter burns.
Consider purchasing a multi-wick candle. It might seem like more wicks would lead to a quicker burn, but in fact, multiple wicks contribute to slower, more even burns. The wicks are spread out evenly and, in poured candles, they're positioned closer to the edges of the jar. This means that that the wax will burn in a nice even layer and tunneling won't likely occur.^[13]
- For instance, a diameter candle with 3 wicks will burn longer and more evenly than the same sized candle with only 1 wick.
- If you discover that the wick is off-center in your 1-wick candle, your chances of an uneven burn are higher. More wicks improve your chances of success.

EditExtinguishing and Storing Candles

Stop burning candles when there's still a little wax left. Cease burning stand-alone tapers and pillar candles once the wax has burned down to . As for poured candles, stop burning these when only of wax remains in the jar.^[14] Follow this precaution even if there's lots of wax left above the wick due to tunneling.
- With less wax left to fuel the flame, a candle can quickly become unstable and hazardous.
- After properly burning a poured candle, you can often reuse the jar. Place it in the freezer for a couple of hours. Pop out the remaining wax using a butter knife and you'll be left with a nice new storage container.^[15]
Sprinkle salt onto an extinguished candle's melted wax. Salt slows down wax's melting rate, leading to a slower and more even burn. After you've extinguished a pillar candle, poured candle, or votive, sprinkle a dash of iodized table salt onto the pool of melted wax. Mix it thoroughly into the liquid wax using a toothpick. Let the wax cool completely.^[16]
- You can keep adding salt after subsequent burn sessions to lengthen the life of the candle.
Snuff out a candle's flame instead of blowing it out. Blowing out a candle actually spreads ashy debris into the melted wax and potentially onto the candle holder. When you're ready to extinguish the flame, hold a candle snuffer directly over the flame and lower it until it's just above the melted pool of wax. Hold it there for 2 or 3 seconds. Once the flame has used up the remaining oxygen under the snuffer, it will go out.^[17]
- If you don't have a candle snuffer, a large metal spoon will do the trick.^[18]
- If your candle came with a fireproof lid, such as a glass cover, place this over the lit candle and the flame will extinguish itself. Be aware that the lid might end up with some ashy residue though.
Don't extinguish candle flames with water. Although fire and water might seem like a logical choice, water is an unsafe candle extinguishing option. The force of even a glass of water will splash hot wax all over the place -- the candle jar or holder, the table, and possibly even the walls and floor. Even worse, the wax is likely to splash out and burn your skin.^[19]
- This is especially important to avoid with glass candle jars. The hot glass will shatter upon contact with cold water.^[20]
Allow the wax to completely cool before moving or reusing a candle. Leave the candle in place until all the melted wax has cooled and hardened. It is unsafe to pick up a liquefied candle.^[21] Plus, you're likely to slosh around the hot wax which will drip down the sides or stick to the edges of the jar.
- To extend the life of a candle, don't burn it for more than 1 session every 24 hours.^[22]
Store candles in the freezer. The colder the wax is, the slower it will melt. Place your candle in the freezer a few hours before you plan to burn it and you'll notice a slower, more even burn. Better yet, store your candles in the freezer when they're not in use.^[23]
- Narrow tapers will freeze after just 1 hour. You can place these in the freezer right before you start preparing a dinner party.
- Large pillars might take up to 8 hours to completely freeze. Pop these in the freezer the night before, or first thing in the morning in preparation for a candlelit evening.
Protect candles from dust. Dust will burn up in the flames, causing smoke, crackling, and an uneven burn. Use nylon pantyhose to wipe the dust off of candles.^[24] If your poured candle came with a cover, store it with the lid on securely. Otherwise, keep candles in a dust-free drawer or cupboard (or in the freezer). You can easily wrap tapers and pillar candles in tissue paper. Store votives in boxes or plastic baggies.
- You should only wipe down, wrap up, or store candles once the wax is completely hardened and cool.

EditPreventing Tunneling in Poured and Pillar Candles

Melt the top layer of wax completely during the initial burn of a poured candle. After you light your brand new poured candle, allow it to burn until the top surface of wax has completely melted. Monitor the progress and don't extinguish the flame until there's about a ring of melted wax spanning the full diameter of the jar.
Burn a pillar candle until a wide pool of melted wax forms during the first burn. Unlike a poured candle, a pillar doesn't have a container in which the melted wax can pool. But you can follow the same technique to avoid tunneling. Make sure a wide pool of wax forms during the first burn. Once you notice the wax pool stops getting wider and begins to sink lower, snuff out the flame.^[25]
Melt the top layer of wax for every subsequent burn. The initial burn of a pillar and poured candles is crucial to get right, but the work doesn't end there. Follow the same technique each time you burn the candle. The wax should always melt in an even layer, right out to the edges of the jar. It will solidify in a flat, even layer and no tunneling will occur.^[26]
- Poured and pillar candles, especially large ones, need to burn for several hours to achieve an even layer of melted wax. Don't light one if you aren't planning to keep it lit and monitored for a short duration.
Fold in the top edges of a pillar candle while the wax is still soft. Once the flame is extinguished, use your hands to smooth over the top edges of the pillar. Fold them in towards the center so that the hard edges become soft curves leaning inward. During the next burn, these edges will melt away and there won't be any excess wax to create a tunneling effect.^[27]
Warm a candle in the oven to soften the tunneling. Preheat your oven to and place your candle jar onto a baking sheet. Put the candle in the oven for about 5 minutes to soften the wax and loosen it up from the edges of the jar. Once it's warm, flatten it into an even layer using a butter knife or metal teaspoon.^[28]
- If the wick gets covered by the wax, remove the excess. You'll need at least of the wick exposed to get a satisfactory burn.
- Make sure the candle's jar is oven-safe before following this process.
- You can also warm up the wax using a hairdryer on a high heat setting. After about 10 minutes the wax will start to soften up.^[29]
Wrap aluminum foil around the top of a candle jar to melt away the tunneling. Light the candle first. Then carefully wrap a cylinder of double-layered aluminum foil about tall by wide around the top portion of the candle jar. Leave about extending above the jar and cup in the top edges of foil to form a rounded cover with an opening in the center.^[30] Remove the foil wrap after 2 hours and the wax tunneling should be melted.^[31]
- Make sure you monitor your candle while it burns. Just because you can't see the flame doesn't mean it's a potential hazard.
Burn a pillar candle in a hurricane vase. Select an open-topped glass hurricane vase that your pillar candle can fit inside. The vase should be a few inches taller than the candle. Burn the candle in the hurricane to trap in more heat and more quickly soften and melt the wax for a more even burn.^[32]
Cut away excess tunneling with a butter knife. When the wax is warm and soft, use a metal butter knife to cut out the hard pieces of wax. Carve out small sections and dislodge them from the sides of the jar. Remove all the excess until you have a relatively smooth, flat top layer of wax, sitting below the top of the wick.^[33]
- You can do this after warming the candle in the oven, or after a burn session before the wax has completely cooled.
- Try saving the pieces of wax to warm over a tealight warmer. This way, you'll still get to enjoy the fragrance and won't waste any part of the candle.^[34]

EditBurning Tapers Evenly

Keep lit tapers totally upright and away from drafts. This is necessary for all types of candles, but it is especially important for evenly burning tapers. Only place a taper in a taper holder or candlestick that fits it securely. There should be no wobbling or leaning.^[35]
- You can melt a few drops of wax into the base of the taper holder to help the candle stay in place. But if there's a fit issue to begin with, you probably won't get the most even burn from the taper.
Direct all air flow away from lit tapers. Again, this is important for any type of candle. But even the slightest air movement can have a noticeable impact on burning tapers. Direct any fans and vents away from the tapers, and keep nearby windows closed. Air movement will disturb the flame and will lead to lopsided tapers dripping with wax.^[36]
Opt for "dripless" tapers. Although the name is a bit of an exaggeration, the wax of a "dripless" candle is designed to cool and harden very quickly. So, even if your candle drips a little, the drips will harden into place. You'll be able to peel them off, or shave them off with a butter knife, once the candle is extinguished.^[37]
- As a bonus, you can choose paraffin or beeswax candles which tend to have a slower burn time. The slower the burn, the less opportunity for drippage.

EditWarnings

Never, under any circumstances, leave burning candles unattended. It's safer to extinguish a candle before all the wax melts than it is to risk a major fire. If you plan to exit and enter the room, snuff out the flame and relight it when you get back.