| How to Clean Old Wood Posted: 05 Sep 2019 01:00 AM PDT Whether you want to clean old wood furniture, cabinets, a cutting board, wood floors, or any other type of old dirty wood, there are several similar methods you can use. No matter what method you decide to try, it's important to always test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the wood you want to clean to make sure it doesn't damage the finish or discolor the wood. Then, you can proceed to clean the whole wood piece to restore its shine! [Edit]Removing Dirt with Dish Soap - Wipe down the wood with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to remove dust. This will get rid of regular amounts of dust so you can get to the stuck-on dirt underneath. Give the whole wood object you want to clean a thorough wipe-down with the cloth.[1]
- If there is a lot of dust on the wood and a dry cloth doesn't do the trick, then you can wipe it down with a barely-damp microfiber cloth instead to get rid off all the dust.
- Test a drop of liquid dish detergent on a hidden area of the wood. Put a drop of mild dish detergent onto a corner of a clean microfiber cloth. Rub it onto an inconspicuous area of the wood and watch to see if it causes any discoloration or removes the finish.[2]
- If the wood looks the same where you test the detergent, then it's safe to proceed with cleaning the whole piece.
- You will be able to see after a couple of minutes whether the detergent hurts the finish.
- Mix 2-3 drops of dish detergent in of water. Pour approximately of water into a bowl or container of some kind. Squeeze in 2-3 drops of mild liquid dish detergent.[3]
- Don't worry too much about the exact ratio, you just want to create a diluted dish detergent and water solution. A bit more detergent or less water won't affect how it cleans.
- As an alternative to liquid dish detergent, you can use an oil soap. Mix the oil soap with water in the proper ratio according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Soak a microfiber cloth in the solution and wring it out. Dip a clean microfiber cloth into the water and detergent mixture and let it get completely soaked. Wring it out back into the container so it is just barely damp.[4]
- You don't want to soak the wood while you are cleaning it, so it's important that the cloth isn't dripping wet.
- Wipe down the whole wood piece with the wet microfiber cloth. Brush the damp cloth with light pressure over the entire surface of the wood. Scrub harder at any gummy or particularly dirty spots until they disappear.[5]
- Try to clean the wood as fast as you can so you don't let it stay wet for too long. Water can warp wood if it soaks into it.
- Dry off the wood with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Wipe down the wood again thoroughly to dry off all the areas you cleaned. Buff it in circular motions with the clean, dry cloth to remove all moisture and shine it up a bit.[6]
- If you still see any dirty spots after you dry the wood, then you can repeat the process or try another method to get rid of it.
[Edit]Getting Rid of Grime with Mineral Spirits - Work in a well-ventilated area. Work outside if you can, or open up all doors and windows where you will work. This is to avoid breathing in the fumes of the mineral spirits.[7]
- Mineral spirits are also known more commonly as paint thinner.
- Test the mineral spirits on an out-of-sight area of the wood. Put a few drops of the spirits on the corner of a clean cloth. Rub it onto a hidden area and check to see if it damages the finish at all.[8]
- Mineral spirits are safe for most wood finishes, but make sure to always test it on a hidden area and check for discoloration. If there is no discoloration, proceed with the cleaning.
- You will notice right away if the mineral spirits remove any of the finish.
- Moisten a clean cloth with mineral spirits. Pour out enough mineral spirits to just moisten part of the cloth without making it dripping wet. Try to just dampen a corner of the cloth that you can use to wipe down the piece.[9]
- The more mineral spirits you use, the more fumes you will be exposed to as well. This is why it's important to work in a well-ventilated area and not pour out too much of the liquid onto the rag.
- Wipe down the whole wood piece with the damp cloth. Apply light pressure with the damp cloth and rub it all over the wood to wipe away dirt. Scrub any stuck-on dirt spots with your finger inside a corner of the cloth.[10]
- If the wood has any carved parts or hard-to-reach bits, you can use an old toothbrush dipped in mineral spirits to get in them and scrub.
- Wipe away residue from the spirits with a water-dampened cloth. Soak a clean cloth in water and wring it out firmly so it is just barely wet. Wipe down the whole wood piece to remove any residue from the mineral spirits.[11]
- If the wood is still wet to the touch after you wipe it down, then rub it with a clean dry cloth in circular motions to dry it off.
[Edit]Using a Vinegar Solution - Create a 1/16 vinegar and water solution. Mix approximately 1 part white distilled vinegar with 16 parts water in a bucket or other container. This diluted vinegar solution will remove stuck-on dirt and grime from the wood you want to clean.[12]
- It's important to dilute the vinegar with water as concentrated vinegar can discolor some wood finishes.
- Test the solution on a hidden area of the wood. Dip the corner of a clean cloth into the solution. Rub it onto a small out-of-sight area of the wood and watch to see if it discolors the finish.[13]
- If the wood looks fine after you test the solution, then it's safe to proceed with using the vinegar solution to clean the whole piece.
- You will be able to see within a couple of minutes if the solution damages the finish at all.
- Dip the cloth into the solution and wring it out so it is barely moist. Soak the cloth in the solution for a few seconds. Squeeze it out completely until no more drops of the solution come out.[14]
- Alternatively, you can put the solution in a spray bottle and just spray it onto the cloth to moisten it.
- Wipe the damp cloth all over the piece in circular motions. Wipe down the entire piece with light pressure. Scrub away at any sticky or particularly dirty spots with the corner of the rag and your fingers.[15]
- If the rag gets visibly dirty, rinse it out with regular water and wring it out until it looks clean again. Repeat the process until you've cleaned the whole wood piece.
- Buff the wood with a clean, dry cloth. Use circular motions to buff away moisture and shine the finish up. Make sure to cover all areas so you don't leave any water sitting on the surface of the wood.[16]
- If you notice any areas where it is still dirty, just go back over them with the vinegar solution and cloth. If there are any cracks, such as decorative carved areas, then you can use a toothbrush dipped in the solution to scrub inside them.
- If the wood still looks dirty after trying several methods of cleaning it, then consider refinishing it to restore its shine.
- After you've cleaned the wood, then you can polish it to give it an even brighter, shinier finish.
[Edit]Warnings - Always test any solution you are going to clean wood with on an inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn't damage the wood.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Removing Dirt with Dish Soap - Microfiber cloths
- Liquid dish soap
- Water
- Bowl or container
[Edit]Getting Rid of Grime with Mineral Spirits - Clean cloths
- Mineral spirits
- Toothbrush (optional)
[Edit]Using a Vinegar Solution - Clean cloths
- Distilled white vinegar
- Water
- Bucket or container
- Spray bottle (optional)
[Edit]References |
| How to Introduce Yourself in College Posted: 04 Sep 2019 05:00 PM PDT Starting college may have you feeling nervous about any number of things, especially speaking in front of new classmates. If you have to introduce yourself in front of a class, try to be as confident and friendly as possible. Keep in mind that a thoughtful introduction will make you feel more like part of the class. You'll need to make an effort to be personable and professional even if you're introducing yourself to an online class. [Edit]Giving a Confident Classroom Introduction - Speak clearly and loudly when you say your name. Everyone is probably a little anxious to be up in front of a new class at college, so remember that it's alright to feel nervous. Instead of speaking quickly and quietly, speak loud enough for everyone in the classroom to hear you and ensure that your words are understandable.[1]
- For example, instead of looking at the floor and murmuring your name, look at classmates and say your name in an assertive voice.
- Tell the class something memorable about yourself. Chances are that most of your classmates enjoy doing things like spending time with friends or watching movies. Although you could say that you like these things, try to think of something about you that's more unique. This will help your classmates remember you.[2]
- For example, you might say, "Hi, I'm Raj and I taught scuba diving over the summer." You could then tell a funny story from teaching the class if you have enough time.
- You could also tell your class where you're from and something interesting about the place.
- Explain your academic interests. If you're in an introductory course, you'll probably have classmates who are majoring in different subjects. Briefly tell the class what you'd like to focus on academically and what you're hoping to do with your degree.[3]
- You could say, "I've always loved to write and I'm interested in current events, so I'm a journalism major."
- If you don't know what you're going to major in yet, don't worry! You can tell the class that you're undecided or just mention a few courses you're taking this term.
- Limit your introduction to around 1 minute. If you're in a large class, you may not be able to spend very long introducing yourself. Plan on giving your introductory speech in under a minute, so you don't feel rushed or spend too long talking. You might be able to give a longer introduction if you're in a small class that's devoted to group work.
- If you're unsure of how long to speak, try to gauge how long other students in the class are speaking for and match their time. For example, if people are only giving their names and majors, avoid speaking for several minutes about your hobbies and interests.
- Practice your brief introduction speech before college starts. Run through your introduction at home before you get in front of your class. Try speaking before a mirror so you can watch your expressions and go through the speech at least once or twice so you feel comfortable with what you're going to say.[4]
- If it helps, ask a friend or family member to watch you speak. They can give you useful feedback or offer encouragement.
[Edit]Making an Online Class Introduction - Follow the instructor's introduction prompt. Your instructor will probably ask you to make an introductory post that tells your name and why you're taking the course. You might be asked to give a little background too. Read through the prompt carefully and spend some time giving a thoughtful response.[5]
- It might be tempting to rush through the introductory post and reply with vague basics, but remember that taking the time to make thoughtful posts will make you feel more invested in the course.
- Give some personal and professional details. Since you won't be able to interact in person, try to make your introduction interesting and unique so your classmates get a sense of who you are. You could tell the class where you're from or what type of career you want, for instance.[6]
- You might say, "I'm Alex and I took a few years off of school to start my own photography business. Unfortunately, I'm a great photographer, but not such a great business person. I'm hoping to learn some financial tips from this course for running my own business."
- Upload a picture if you want the class to see what you look like. Although it may not be required, consider updating your profile with a picture of yourself. Being able to show what you look like and see what your classmates' appearances can create a sense of community for the course.[7]
- If you don't feel comfortable uploading a picture of yourself, you should be able to select an image or avatar that represents your interests.
- Respond to a classmate's introduction. Take a few minutes to comment on someone else's introduction. This will foster a friendly atmosphere for the course and will help you make relationships with your classmates, which can be handy when it's time to study for exams or share notes.[8]
- For example, you might reply to a classmate's introduction by saying, "Hi, Zara, it's great to meet you. I'm also a math major so maybe we'll be in other classes together!"
[Edit]Introducing Yourself at a College Interview - Greet the interviewer and say your name with confidence. You may be called over to an interviewer's table or they may come over to where you're sitting. If this is the case, stand up and firmly shake their hand. Then, clearly tell them your name and take a seat when they offer it.
- Make eye contact and smile so you appear self-assured, even if you feel a little nervous!
- Give the interviewer a brief general background. A lot of interviewers will start things off by asking you to tell them about yourself. Keep things conversational while you let them know a few key facts about where you're from, your educational background, or jobs that you've had, but avoid listing everything that's on your resume.[9]
- You might say, "I've just graduated high school with honors back home in Iowa and I loved learning about marine biology. It's pretty hard wanting to study ocean life when you live in a landlocked state!"
- Explain what you're passionate about learning at their college. This is a great opportunity to let the interviewer know that you've researched their school and a specific program. In addition to talking about what you'd like to major in, you could mention specific courses you want to take.[10]
- For example, say, "I really want to go into the healthcare field and your college has several strong programs I could eventually choose from."
- Describe how you'll contribute to the college. Finish your introduction by telling the interviewer why you think you're a good fit for the school. Be as specific as you can to show them that you've spent time learning about the school.[11]
- For example, instead of saying something vague like, "I'm great at academics," you could describe how you'd love to work with study groups or create a club with your specific interests."
- If you find you're still struggling with confidence, consider taking a speech course. This class can help you overcome fears of speaking in public.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
| How to Become a Perfumer Posted: 04 Sep 2019 09:00 AM PDT Becoming a perfumer takes years to accomplish because it requires a vast knowledge of chemicals and scents, as well as a creative ability to come up with unique and appealing new fragrances. However, there are several avenues to get you there. You can get a college degree in chemistry, complete a graduate degree in perfumery, or you can work your way up through a cosmetic or perfume company. Whatever path you choose to take, you will need a combination of hard work, skill, and creativity to become a master perfumer. [Edit]Getting a Chemistry Degree - Enroll in a college with a chemistry program. Most professional perfumers have an educational background in chemistry. Research schools in your area or in an area you would like to relocate to that have a bachelor's degree program in this field.[1]
- This kind of education will help you to understand how chemicals interact with each other to form scents and how they can be used safely in cosmetics.
- Major in chemistry. In some cases, you will need to apply to major in chemistry after you have completed specific prerequisites. This application is typically submitted during your sophomore year in college and can involve writing a statement about why you want to declare a chemistry major and a review of your grades up to that point.[2]
- However, some schools simply require you to log into your school online account and declare your major.
- Focus your studies on the chemistry of perfume and cosmetics, if possible. Some colleges will have advanced classes that will give you focused information about the science behind cosmetics and scents. If these classes are available, take them. Having specialized knowledge about the field you want to go into will make you a more attractive employee to perfume and cosmetic companies.[3]
- Apply for internships and entry-level positions in the perfume industry. During your schooling and right after you earn your degree you should apply for a variety of jobs in your chosen field, including entry-level positions and even unpaid internships. This type of position will give you real world experience in the perfume industry. Your knowledge of chemistry will make you a strong applicant for these jobs.
- There are a wide variety of entry-level positions in cosmetics and perfume companies that can get you on the path towards becoming a master perfumer. These include being a scent evaluator, a lab tech, or a quality control worker.[4]
- Work your way up to become a perfumer. Once you are working for a perfume company, you will likely have opportunities to advance your career towards becoming a perfumer. Ask for and apply for promotions at work. Express your interest in becoming a perfumer to your supervisors. Do all you can to show that you are a great employee that would be talented at designing scents.
- Don't expect to get a promotion right away. It can take several years just to get a position as a student perfumer under the mentorship of a master perfumer.[5]
[Edit]Going to Perfumery School - Apply to a perfumery school after completing a degree in chemistry. There are a few specialized programs worldwide that are designed to teach you the ins and outs of designing perfumes. These are highly competitive programs, so you will need a bachelor's degree and you will need to show in your application that you are an excellent student with a strong drive to become a perfumer.
- The most prestigious perfumery schools are in France. They include Institut Supérieur International Du Parfum (ISIPCA) and Givaudan. These schools typically only accept between 12 and 20 students a year.[6]
- Complete your required courses. Perfumery degrees require 2 to 4 years of coursework. These classes will include learning basic and classic formulations, understanding raw materials, the science and technology of perfumery, and fragrance analysis.[7]
- The exact classes you take will vary depending on the school you go to. Contact each potential school to get a list of their exact class requirements.
- Apprentice at a fragrance company while in school. Part of your 2 to 4 years of education will be an apprenticeship at a fragrance house. During this apprenticeship you will be mentored by a senior perfumer and you will learn about working with a creative team to develop new fragrances.[8]
- It will be required that you complete an apprenticeship to finish your degree. However, you will have to apply for these apprenticeships.
- Apply for jobs once you complete school. Once you have completed your perfumery degree, you can apply for student perfumer positions. These are paid jobs where you will be mentored by a master perfumer and will learn in greater detail about designing your own fragrances. These positions are designed to lead someone directly to becoming a master perfumer.[9]
- The prestigious perfumery schools have very high rates of job placement for their graduates. For instance, most graduates of ISIPCA and Givaudan go on to have careers at large cosmetics and perfume companies.
[Edit]Training on the Job - Apply for an entry-level job with a cosmetics or perfume company. Not all perfumers have a college degree in science. Some start from jobs at the bottom of a company and work their way up by developing their skills on the job. Get your foot in the door by getting a job in a cosmetics or perfume company as a lab technician, a tester, or an office worker.
- Search for jobs in the perfume industry on online job search engines. You can also look for openings on the websites of specific cosmetics companies.
- Update your profile on resume and job search websites so that potential employers will see that you are a qualified job candidate.
- From there, you can build a reputation and learn skills that will make you an attractive candidate for better positions.[10]
- Complete an on-the-job training program, if one is available. Many large cosmetic and perfume companies, such as International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc in New York, have internal programs that teach people about scent design and development. If you are already working for a company that offers one of these programs, apply for it. These programs are basically internships that allow you to learn directly from master perfumers in your company.[11]
- These programs typically require that you work for the company for a specific number of years once you finish the program. This helps them guarantee that you will not go to work for another company right away after learning on your current company's dime.
- Work your way up to perfumer. As jobs that are closer to a perfumer become available in your company, apply for them. Working your way up through the company will give you a broad understanding of the industry and you will learn important skills along the way.
- This can take many years to accomplish. You will need to learn a lot about the industry, the science, and the craft of perfume design before becoming a perfumer.[12]
[Edit]References |
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