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• How to Revive an Orchid Plant
• How to Remove Eyelash Extensions
• How to Fix a Leaky Shower Faucet

How to Revive an Orchid Plant Posted: 04 Jun 2019 01:00 AM PDT Orchids are beautiful flowers that bloom in cycles. Just because the flowers have fallen off doesn't mean that the orchid is dead—it's simply in a dormant phase and will likely flower again. You can encourage blooming by pruning and repotting an orchid. Be sure to provide the right amount of water and light, as well. Before you know it, gorgeous flowers will appear! EditSteps EditEncouraging an Orchid to Bloom Cut back the stalk when the flowers fall off. Use a sharp, sterilized pair of pruning shears or a razor to trim the stalk when the plant has stopped blooming. Leave about of the stalk, or spike, so that it can regrow.[1] above a node (or bump) on the stem to encourage the orchid to flower again more quickly.}} Move the orchid to a new pot once the roots start poking out of the bottom. Water the orchid, then gently tug the plant out of its pot. Use your hands to loosen the roots a bit and dust off any growing media stuck to them. Then, carefully place the orchid into the new pot.[2] If possible, pick a pot designed for orchids. If you can't find one, opt for a pot with lots of drainage holes to allow air to flow in and water to drain out. Put a saucer underneath the pot to catch excess water. If the roots of your orchid begin growing out through the holes in the bottom of the pot, that's an indication that the pot is too small and you should move it to a larger one. Add fresh growing medium to give your orchid a nutrient boost. Mix 2 parts bark formulated specifically for orchids with 1 part peat moss to create the growing medium. Fill the space around the roots with the medium and add a light layer on top, but be sure you don't cover the leaves.[3] Orchids need well-draining media with lots of air pockets in order to flourish. Avoid using regular potting soil in orchid pots. EditProviding the Ideal Growing Conditions Water less often if you notice mushy roots. Most orchid issues are caused by overwatering. Your orchid might be getting too much water if it has soggy roots or rotting, limp, or discolored leaves. Just decrease how much, and how frequently, you water your orchid to get it to look its best.[4] If the roots are rotted, trim off the worst of the damage and repot the plant to provide it with additional nutrients. Be sure to dump out any water that collects in the saucer underneath the pot after you water. Increase how much you're watering if the roots are dry and shriveled. Alternatively, some orchids don't get enough water and fail to thrive as a result. If the roots look dry and shriveled instead of lush and plump, your plant is dehydrated. Another sign of underwatering is shriveled or discolored leaves. Water your orchid more frequently to correct this problem.[5] Use room-temperature water to water your orchid. Rainwater is ideal, but tap water that has sat out for 24 hours will also work, as this gives the chlorine time to evaporate. Provide more light if the leaves are dark green. Orchids thrive in sunny environments. If yours has very dark green leaves, it might not be getting enough sunlight. Try moving it in front of a window or into a sunnier outdoor spot.[6] If your orchid is outside, leaves or other foliage from surrounding plants or trees might be providing too much shade. Reduce the amount of light your orchid gets if it's sunburned. Orchids that receive too much light may first show yellow leaves. As time goes on, the leaves will turn white, then brown. Additionally, if the leaves feel hot to the touch, it's getting too much sun. If you notice these symptoms, move your orchid to an area with less direct sunlight.[7] You can move the plant further away from a window or provide more shade by situating it near taller plants or trees. Raise the temperature if your orchid is discolored or has pitting or lesions. Keeping your orchid at the wrong temperature can cause all sorts of problems. If your orchid is in a spot with temperatures below , it's likely not thriving. Try moving your orchid to a warmer location if your orchid is discolored or has pits, lesions, or sunken areas.[8] Move your orchid to a cooler spot if it has wilted, leathery, or yellowing leaves. Just as a too-cold environment can impact your orchid, so can one that's too hot. Move your orchid to a cooler location or provide some shade for it if the temperature is above . Signs of heat stress include yellowing, withered, or leathery leaves or brown roots or leaf tips.[9] EditTips Keep in mind that different varieties of orchids may require slightly different approaches, so it's best to tailor your methods to the specific orchid you're trying to revive. EditReferences Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

How to Remove Eyelash Extensions Posted: 03 Jun 2019 05:00 PM PDT Eyelash extensions make your eyes look lovely, but they don't last forever. Lash extensions are secured with a very strong adhesive that resists soap and water, so they won't come off easily. You'll need to break down the glue before you can remove the extensions without damaging your natural lashes. Fortunately, you can remove your lashes at home using glue remover. If your lashes are starting to fall off, you can remove the rest with steam and oil. However, it's best to get your eyelash extensions removed by a professional technician. EditSteps EditApplying Glue Remover at Home Buy a professional grade eyelash extension glue remover. Since the glue used to apply eyelash extensions is very strong, regular eyelash glue remover may not work on your lashes. Get glue remover that's labeled for use on eyelash extensions and that says it's "professional grade."[1] You can find eyelash extension glue remover at a drugstore, in a beauty supply store, or online. If you had your extensions professionally done, ask the technician which solvent they uses. Then, see if you can purchase it from them. Remove your eye makeup to easily see where the extensions start. Apply eye makeup remover to a cotton swab or pad, then wipe it over your eyes. Be sure to remove all of your mascara and eyeliner. This will allow you to identify where your real lashes end and the extensions begin.[2] You can use your normal makeup remover for this step. Don't use a cotton ball or a fuzzy pad, since these could leave lint or cotton fibers behind on your lashes. Place under-eye pads below your eyes to protect your skin. Under-eye pads are thin, C-shaped pads that have an adhesive on the back. You can use these pads to protect the delicate skin under your eyes. To apply them, pull the back off the adhesive side of a pad. Then, position the pad under your eye with the scooped out side facing your eye. Lightly pat along the surface of the pad to make it stick.[3] This step is optional, but it will help keep the glue remover off of your skin. If you get the glue remover on your skin, it may cause itching or irritation. You can find under eye pads at your local beauty supply store or online. Apply eyelash glue remover to 2 brush applicators or spoolies. Use disposable brush applicators or spoolies so you can easily apply the glue remover to your lashes. Coat the brush end of both applicators or spoolies with the glue remover. Then, set 1 of the applicators or spoolies aside for later.[4] You're going to use 1 applicator or spoolie to apply the glue remover. Then, you'll use the second applicator to remove your extensions. If you prefer, wait to apply the glue remover to the second applicator until you need it. However, it will be difficult for you to see after you apply the glue remover because your eyes will be closed. It's best to do this ahead of time. Set the second applicator or spoolie down somewhere close by so that you can easily find it with your eyes closed. Close the eye you're working on so you don't get the glue remover in it. The glue remover can sting and irritate your eyes, so it's important that you don't get it in them. Tightly close your eyes before you apply the remover, then leave them closed until you're finished removing the extensions.[5] It's best if you can have someone help you apply the glue remover and take off your extensions. That way, they can apply the glue remover to both eyes at the same time so you'll be able to finish the process faster. Typically, this is the way a professional technician will do it. However, it's okay to do it yourself if you don't have help. Swipe the applicator or spoolie from the midpoint of your lashes to the tips. Pull the applicator or spoolie through your lashes like you're applying mascara. However, focus on the ends of your lashes where the extensions are applied. You don't need to get the glue remover on your natural lashes below the extensions.[6] It's okay to open the eye you aren't working on so you can see what you're doing. Just make sure you keep the eye you're working on closed. Sweep glue remover on the lower part of your lashes, avoiding the lash line. Apply a thin layer of glue remover just below the midpoint on your lashes. This will make sure that all of the glue dissolves. However, don't put the glue remover on the roots of your lashes or your lash line. It may irritate your skin, and you don't want to risk getting it into your eye.[7] It's okay to skip this step if you know you've already coated the area where the glue is located. You just need to apply the remover over the glue itself. Let the glue remover sit for 3 minutes so it can break down the glue. Set a timer and wait 3 minutes for the glue remover to dissolve the glue. Leave your eye closed while the glue remover is on your lashes. Don't rinse off the remover after 3 minutes because you still need to remove the extensions.[8] Some glue removers may recommend leaving the product on for up to 5 minutes. Read your label to check the instructions for the product you're using. Pull the second applicator or spoolie through your lashes to remove the extensions. Retrieve the second applicator or spoolie that you coated with glue remover earlier. Then, slowly pull the applicator or spoolie through your lashes, starting below the midpoint. The lash extensions should come off in the brush. Use your fingers to pick the lashes off the applicator or spoolie, then continue working until all of your extensions are gone.[9] You may need to make several passes to remove all of your extensions. You'll know they're all gone when you just see your natural lashes, which will be shorter and an even length. Discard the extensions once you've removed them. Use a gentle eye makeup remover to clean away excess glue remover. Soak a cotton swab or pad with your makeup remover, then wipe it over your eyes to clean away any excess glue or glue remover. Make several passes to make sure the area is totally clean.[10] If you want to cleanse your face, it's okay to do that instead. EditUsing Steam and Oil Remove your eye makeup so you can tell where your natural lashes end. Use a gentle eye makeup remover to wipe away any mascara or eyeliner. This makes it easier for you to see where your real lashes end and the extensions begin.[11] Use your normal makeup remover to clean your eyes. Fill a bowl with steaming hot water. Boil water on the stove or in the microwave. Then, carefully pour the water into a heat-safe bowl. Set the bowl on a table or countertop where you can bend down over it.[12] If you like, you can add some essential oils to the bowl to help you relax. For instance, you might add 2-3 drops of lavender, tea tree, peppermint, or eucalyptus essential oil to the water. Put a towel over your head, then lean over the steam for 15 minutes. Set your timer for 15 minutes, then drape the towel over your head and lean forward. Be careful not to get too close to the water, as it could scald your face. Position the towel so that it encircles the bowl and traps in the steam. Keep your head over the steaming bowl for 15 minutes.[13] The steam will loosen the glue on your extensions so it comes off more easily. Soak a cotton swab in olive or coconut oil. Pour olive oil or coconut oil onto a cotton swab. Make sure that it's really saturated, as dry cotton may scratch or irritate the skin around your eyes.[14] If you're using coconut oil, you may need to microwave the oil for a few seconds to get it into a liquid state. You may need to use multiple cotton swabs to get off all of the lashes, so have extras on hand. Swipe the oil over your eyelashes until all of your extensions come off. Start at the inner corner of your eye and pull the cotton swab across your lashes. Make several passes to coat the extensions in the oil. Once the oil coats your lashes, the extensions should start to come off. Keep wiping until all of the eyelash extensions are removed.[15] If your skin starts to feel irritated, stop wiping immediately. Wash your face, then see a professional to get the remaining extensions removed. If necessary, apply more oil to your cotton swab or get a new swab. Don't simply pull off the extensions, as this can damage your natural lashes. If the extensions don't wipe away easily, comb the oil through them with a spoolie, then let it sit for a minute. Once it's had a chance to soak in, run the spoolie through your lashes again to comb out the extensions. Use a gentle cleanser to wash away the excess oil. After you've removed all of your extensions, apply a pea-size amount of mild facial cleanser to your skin. Work the cleanser over your face to remove any excess oil from your skin. Rinse your face with cool water, then pat it dry with a clean towel.[16] It's okay to use your normal facial cleanser to clean away the oil. EditGetting a Professional Removal Go back to the salon technician who applied your extensions. Eyelash extensions are most often affixed using surgical-grade glues, which are a type of superglue. This type of glue is extremely difficult to remove without the proper tools and chemical solutions, so it's best to return to your eyelash technician. Make an appointment with them to get your eyelashes removed.[17] If you've had your lashes for less than a week, then it's very important that you go back to your technician. It's very difficult to remove a full set of extensions that have only recently been applied. Go to a different salon if you're concerned about the application. While eyelash extensions are generally safe, sometimes people make mistakes, especially if they're a beginner or lack proper training. If you have any concerns about how your extensions were applied, go to a different salon to have them removed. For instance, you might want to see a different technician if you experienced any of the following:[18] Unprofessional, crooked, patchy, or unattractive eye lashes Pain around your eyes Itching or stinging around your eyes Eye redness See a doctor if you're experiencing pain, irritation, redness, or swelling. In some cases, eyelash extensions can cause an allergic reaction or lead to an infection. Similarly, improperly applied lashes may cause pain, irritation, and damage. If you're getting your lashes removed because they're bothering you, it's best to see a doctor so you can get proper treatment.[19] In rare cases, an infection can cause serious complications, so don't hesitate to see your doctor. You'll likely receive a referral to an ophthalmologist, who can make sure your eyes are okay. EditVideo EditTips You can also try the oil removal process with baby oil or oil-based eye makeup remover. Make sure to work the oil into the lash line thoroughly before attempting to lift the lashes out. If either of the home removal treatments don't work for you, go to a professional to have the extensions removed. EditWarnings Do not pull eyelash extensions off. Your real lashes will come off with the fake lashes. Eyelash extensions can permanently damage your natural lashes if they're improperly applied or removed. It's best to work with a trained professional.[20] Eyelash extensions can result in pain or an infection, especially if your technician isn't properly trained. If you notice any pain, irritation, redness, swelling, or vision issues, visit your doctor immediately.[21] EditReferences EditQuick Summary Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

How to Fix a Leaky Shower Faucet Posted: 03 Jun 2019 09:00 AM PDT A leaking shower faucet can be both annoying and costly, as it will likely lead to higher water bills. Fortunately, you can fix your leaky shower faucet yourself with a few tools and supplies. If you have a single-handle shower faucet, you'll need to replace the cartridge in your valve. For a 2-handle shower faucet, replace the washer in the handle on the side that's leaking. However, you may need to call a professional plumber if your DIY fix doesn't work. EditSteps EditInstalling a New Cartridge in a Single-Handle Faucet Turn off your water valve before beginning. Your water valve controls the flow of water to your shower. It may be located in your bathroom or your basement. In some cases, it's behind a panel near your shower. Once you locate the valve, turn the knob clockwise to turn off the water.[1] You may find the panel that houses your water valve in the room next to your bathroom. It may even be in a closet. Remove your shower handle using a screwdriver. The screw will be in the center of a knob handle or on the side of a curved handle. Choose a screwdriver that fits into the screw head. Then, carefully turn the screwdriver counter-clockwise to loosen it. Pull out the screw and set it aside to reuse when you replace the shower handle.[2] Your handle could have more than 1 screw, so make sure you remove all of them. If your handle won't come off, try heating it with a hair dryer. Set the heat to high, then blow the hot air onto your handle for 1 minute. Drape a towel over the handle to protect your hand from the heat. Then, try to pull off the handle.[3] Use your screwdriver to remove the faceplate. The faceplate is the metal piece that's behind your handle. Fit the screwdriver tip into the screws on the faceplate. Next, turn it counter-clockwise to loosen the screws. Set the screws aside for later, then carefully pull off the faceplate and set it aside.[4] The faceplate may stick to the tile or shower wall. If this happens, gently wiggle it until it comes free. Pull the metal sleeve off of the shower valve that's behind the faceplate. The shower valve looks like part of a metal pipe that connects to your shower handle. It will have a metal sleeve that covers the end of the valve. Use your hands to carefully remove this sleeve, then set it aside for later.[5] This sleeve is called an escutcheon. If you look for one at the hardware store, this is what you'll need to ask for. Use pliers to remove the locking clip if your valve has one. Look for the locking clip on the top of your valve. It will look like a metal rod, and the end should stick out of the top. If you see one, use a pair of needle-nose pliers to carefully pull it out. Set it to the side so you can replace it when you're finished installing the new cartridge.[6] The locking clip should be visible on the top of the valve. They aren't present on all valves, so don't worry if you don't see one. You may need to use a screwdriver or awl to pry up the clip.[7] Fit a deep well socket wrench over the valve cartridge. The cartridge looks like a long cylinder with a metal rod sticking out of the top. Choose a deep well socket wrench that's the right size for your cartridge, then slide it over the cartridge inside the valve. Turn it counter-clockwise to make sure it grips the cartridge. If the socket is too loose, choose the next size down.[8] A deep well socket wrench is a wrench that has a long metal tube fitted onto the end so you can remove nuts or screws that are embedded inside a hole. If you don't have a deep well socket wrench, you can pick one up at your local hardware store or online. Most deep well socket wrenches come with a range of sockets in different sizes so you can find the 1 that fits your nut. You can also find tools that are called "cartridge pullers." These will also remove your cartridge. However, make sure you get the cartridge puller made for your brand of faucet.[9] The cartridge is the part of the valve that controls the flow and temperature of the water. Turn the wrench counterclockwise to remove the cartridge. Use the handle to slowly turn the wrench, which will loosen the cartridge. Keep turning until the cartridge feels like it's free.[10] The cartridge may come out in the deep well socket wrench. However, it's normal for it to remain in the valve after you pull out the wrench. That's okay because you can remove it by hand. Use your needle-nose pliers to pull out the cartridge. Latch onto the end of the cartridge using your needle-nose pliers. Then, carefully pull the cartridge from inside the valve.[11] If you don't have your replacement cartridge yet, take the old cartridge to your local hardware store to find a match. For an easy option, show it to an experienced store associate and let them find the match for you.[12] Install a new cartridge into the valve by turning it clockwise. Slide the new cartridge into the empty valve. Then, put your deep well socket wrench over the cartridge and turn it clockwise. Stop when the cartridge feels like it's tight.[13] Replace your valve sleeve, faceplate, and shower handle. Slide the valve sleeve (escutcheon) back over the valve, then put the faceplate back into place. Use your screwdriver to secure the faceplate against the shower wall. Finally, screw your shower handle back into place.[14] If your valve had a locking clip, don't forget to put it back on before you replace the valve sleeve. Turn your water valve back on and test your shower. Turn the knob on your water valve counter-clockwise so the water will come back on. Then, turn on the shower faucet to see if it works correctly. Finally, turn off the shower and make sure the leak is gone. If your shower is still leaking, you'll need to call a professional plumber to fix it. EditReplacing the Washer in a 2-Handle Faucet Switch off the water valve before you get started. The water valve controls the flow of water to your shower faucet, and it's often located in your bathroom or basement. You may find it behind a panel that's located on the other side of your shower. Turn the knob on your shower valve clockwise to shut off the water.[15] If you're having trouble finding your shower valve, look in the room next to your shower. You may find the panel there. Feel the water coming from the faucet to see if it's hot or cold. Put your hand under the leak to check the temperature of the water. If it's cold, then it's likely the cold faucet that's leaking. On the other hand, hot water means the hot side is likely leaking.[16] It's possible that both sides are leaking. If this is the case, you can replace the washer on the second side if the leak doesn't go away after you replace the first washer. Use a screwdriver to remove the shower handle on the leaky side. Look for the screw in the center of the shower handle. Fit your screwdriver into the screw that holds the shower handle in place. Then, turn your screwdriver counter-clockwise to loose the screw and remove it. Finally, set the screw and the handle aside for later.[17] Remove the metal faceplate that attaches to the shower wall. This is the metal piece that goes under the handle. Look inside the faceplate to see if it has threads, which it likely will. Gently unscrew the metal plate by turning it counter-clockwise. When it comes off, set it aside until you're ready to put it back on.[18] This is also called an escutcheon. Slide a deep well socket wrench over the metal stem and onto the nut. The nut will be located deep inside your wall, so you'll need a deep well socket wrench to reach it. Choose the size that looks right, then slide it over the metal stem. Secure the end of the wrench over the valve nut that's at the base of the stem.[19] A deep well socket wrench is a wrench with a long metal tube on the end. It allows you to reach nuts that are embedded inside a structure. You can find a deep well socket wrench at a local hardware store or online. They're often sold in sets so you can choose the right size socket for your needs. To make sure it's the right size, turn the wrench counter-clockwise to make sure it's gripping the nut. Unscrew the valve nut and set it aside. Turn the wrench counter-clockwise until the nut comes free. Then, remove the wrench and the nut from the valve. Set the nut aside so you can put it back on later.[20] Your nut should stick in the wrench when you pull it out. Pull the metal stem out of the wall and put it aside. The metal stem is the part of your faucet that the handle turns. Use your fingers to carefully remove the metal stem. It should slide out easily now that the nut isn't holding it in place. Set the metal stem to the side so you can reuse it.[21] Remove the old rubber washer and install a new rubber washer. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to pull the old rubber o-ring washer from around the valve. It should easily come off because it's just pressed onto the valve. Discard the old washer, then press a new rubber o-ring washer over the valve. Line it up in the exact place as the old one.[22] Make sure your replacement rubber washer is the same size as the 1 that's already there. This will ensure a proper fit. Coat the new washer in heat-proof faucet grease to improve the seal. Replace your metal stem, faceplate, and shower handle. Slide the metal stem back into place. Then, put the nut into your deep well socket wrench. Slide the wrench over the metal stem and replace the nut by turning it clockwise. Next, put the faceplate against the wall and turn it to secure it in place. Finally, screw the shower handle back onto the metal stem.[23] Turn on your water valve and test the faucet. Turn the knob on your water valve counter-clockwise so the water will come back on. Next, turn on your shower faucet to make sure that the water is running correctly. Finally, turn off the faucet and check that the leak is fixed.[24] If the leak isn't fixed, try replacing the washer on the other side. If this doesn't work, you'll need to call in a professional plumber. EditVideo EditThings You'll Need EditInstalling a New Cartridge in a Single-Handle Faucet Gloves (optional) Screwdriver Needle-nose pliers Deep well socket wrench Cartridge pullers (optional) New cartridge EditReplacing the Washer in a 2-Handle Faucet Gloves (optional) Screwdriver Deep well socket wrench Needle-nose pliers New washer Heat-proof faucet grease New metal stem (optional) EditTips If you purchase a cartridge puller, be sure that it works with your brand of faucet. If you are unsure what brand you have, take the cartridge to the store with you and an experienced associate should know which products will work. EditWarnings If your shower is leaking behind the wall or your valve is damaged, you'll need to call in a professional plumber to repair or replace the valve.[25] EditRelated wikiHows Replace a Kitchen or Bathroom Faucet Fix a Leaking Shower Head Fix a Leaky Faucet EditReferences EditQuick Summary Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

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