| How to Wash a Jacket in a Washing Machine Posted: 20 Apr 2021 01:00 AM PDT While you may assume that your winter jacket is dry-clean only, most jackets are machine-washable. You can wash them in an average washing machine without spending extra money on dry-cleaning. First, check the jacket tags and confirm that the jacket is machine-washable. Then, set the washer to a cold, delicate setting and use the same detergent you normally do. Dry it afterwards, and then enjoy your newly-cleaned jacket. [Edit]Checking the Care Instructions - Read the tag to confirm that the jacket is machine-washable. Clothing tags list specific washing instructions, if there are any. Before putting the jacket in the washing machine, check the tag for any washing restrictions. If it says, "Handwash only" or "Dry-clean only," then don't put it in the machine or you might ruin it.[1]
- Also look for any washing instructions. The tag may specify water temperature or detergent type to use. Follow any instructions provided.
- If you aren't sure about washing instructions, try contacting the manufacturer to see if the jacket is machine-washable.
- Handwash the jacket if the care tag has a bucket with a hand over it. Some care tags only have symbols rather than precise instructions. The handwash symbol is a bucket filled with water and a hand over it. This means the jacket is not machine-washable, so do not put it in the washing machine.[2]
- If you handwash the jacket, use a milder detergent that's designed for handwashing.
- Dry-clean the jacket if there is a bucket with an X over it. This symbol means that the jacket isn't machine-washable at all and getting it wet could ruin it. If your jacket's care tag features this symbol, take it to the dry-cleaner to have it properly and safely cleaned.[3]
- Wash nylon, fleece, and down-filled jackets in cold water on the gentle cycle. If there isn't a care tag, then a general rule is that these materials are machine-washable. Use only the cold water setting to prevent damaging the fibers in your jacket, and run the machine on the gentle cycle.[4]
- You can usually use normal detergent for these materials. If you aren't sure, check with the manufacturer.
- Machine-washing and drying can also help restore the fluffiness of a puffer jacket.
- Avoid putting suede, leather, or fur in the washing machine. These materials are usually not machine-washable. Even if your jacket doesn't have a care tag, assume that you can't wash your jacket if it's made with any of these materials.[5]
- It's best to bring these jackets to a professional dry-cleaner.
[Edit]Pre-treating and Prepping the Coat - Pre-treat stains with liquid laundry detergent or a specialty product. If your coat has stains, it's best to spot treat them before washing the jacket to ensure the stains come out. Rub liquid laundry detergent or a laundry stain remover directly over each stain and let the jacket sit for 10 minutes before putting it in the washing machine.[6]
- If you don't have stain remover, use a dab of dish soap instead.
- Zip up the jacket and pockets before loading it. The zippers on the jacket can get stuck on other clothes in the machine and rip them. Protect your other clothes by closing all the zippers on the jacket before starting the wash cycle.[7]
- Also remove any loose or detachable pieces, like detachable hoods.
- Check your jacket's pockets and empty them, if needed, before washing.
- Turn fleece jackets inside-out before loading them in the machine. This prevents the fleece jacket from getting damaged in the wash. Make sure fleece jackets are zipped or buttoned up completely and turned inside-out before you start the wash cycle.[8]
- Other jackets can be washed without turning them inside-out first.
[Edit]Loading and Washing the Jacket Correctly - Wash jackets by themselves to avoid damaging them. Best practice is washing each jacket separately. This way, you avoid staining or jackets getting caught on each other and ripping.[9]
- If you have a few jackets of the same type and material, then you can wash them together. Never mix jacket types and materials.
- Use a front-loading washing machine for down-filled jackets. These jackets are a bit more fragile, and the agitator in the center of a top-loading washing machine could damage them. Use a front-loader to protect your down-filled jackets.[10]
- Some top-loading machines don't have an agitator. In this case, you can use it for a down jacket.
- If you don't have a front-loading machine, you can wash the jacket at a laundromat instead.
- Turn your washing machine to the delicate setting. All jackets need a delicate wash cycle to prevent damage. Turn the wash knob to delicate before starting the machine.[11]
- On some washers, the delicate setting is listed as handwash or gentle.
- If you have a similar item that requires a different wash cycle, then don't wash it with the jacket.
- Set the machine to use cold water. Besides the wash cycle knob, the washing machine should have another knob for the temperature setting. Turn this knob to cold whenever you wash jackets.[12]
- Use your usual laundry detergent for nylon and down jackets. Most jackets don't need any special detergent to get them clean. You can use the same general detergent you use for your normal loads of laundry.[13]
- Confirm that the jacket doesn't have any specific detergent needs. Check the tag for specific directions.
- Use specialized wool detergent for wool coats. Wool is machine-washable, but normal detergent can damage the wool fibers. Look for special wool detergent in the laundry aisle at your local grocery or drug store.[14]
- If you can't find wool detergent in the store, you can order it online.
- Dry the jacket in the dryer using a low heat setting unless it's fleece. Once the wash cycle finishes, transfer your jacket to the dryer just like any other piece of laundry. Set the dryer to a low-medium heat and dry it normally. The only exception is fleece, which you should hang up so that it can air-dry.[15]
- Machine-drying is especially helpful for puffy jackets to restore their fluffiness after a wash cycle.
- If you're unsure about the drying process, then it's best to air-dry the jacket. Machine-drying can damage some fabrics.
[Edit]References |
| How to Make Rice With Milk Posted: 19 Apr 2021 05:00 PM PDT Rice with milk, also known as rice pudding in North America, arroz con leche in Spanish-speaking countries, and kheer in India, is a delicious dessert with many possible variations. Use cooked rice in an equal ratio to milk or cook the rice from scratch with a high ratio of milk to rice to get the right consistency. Sweeten it to taste with a sweetener of your choice, then try adding spices and other ingredients to create unique flavor combinations and find a rice with milk recipe that you love! [Edit]Ingredients [Edit]Cooking the Rice from Scratch - 1 cup (175 g) of short-grain rice
- 4 cups (946 mL) of milk
- Sweetener
- 1/4 tsp (1 g) of salt
- Other flavoring ingredients
[Edit]Using Cooked Rice - Leftover rice
- Milk
- Sweetener
- 1/4 tsp (1 g) of salt
- Other flavoring ingredients
[Edit]Cooking the Rice from Scratch - Rinse and drain 1 cup (175 g) of short-grain rice. Measure out 1 cup (175 g) of short-grain rice into a bowl and fill it with enough water to cover it completely. Stir the rice around with your hands, then drain it through a fine mesh strainer. Repeat the process until the water you drain away is clear and not cloudy anymore.[1]
- Rinsing rice removes all the starch from the outside and makes it less sticky. When the water runs clear, it means you have washed away all the starch.
- Combine the rice with 4 cups (946 mL) of milk in a non-stick pot. Pour the washed rice into a non-stick pot. Cover it with 4 cups (946 mL) of the milk of your choice.[2]
- Use whole milk for the richest, creamiest texture. Use 2% or low-fat milk if you want a less-caloric option. For a non-dairy version, you can use coconut milk or almond milk.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Set the pot with the rice and milk on a burner on the stovetop. Turn the burner's heat to medium-high, then bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently.[3]
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Turn the heat down to low so the mixture is just simmering. Put a lid on the pot to cover it.[4]
- Make sure that the rice and milk are simmering gently while covered. If the mixture starts to boil, decrease the heat further so the milk doesn't get absorbed too fast.
- Simmer the mixture over low heat for about 20-25 minutes, stirring twice. Continue to let the rice and milk cook until it has thickened but there is still creamy liquid visible. Stir the pot after the first 10 minutes and after 18 minutes to mix the rice and milk together and check the consistency.[5]
- Stir in sweetener to taste, 1/4 tsp (1 g) of salt, and any other flavors you want to add. Remove the pot from the stove and in 1-2 tbsp (12-24 g) of sugar or 1-2 tbsp (15-30 mL) of another sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Stir in 1/4 tsp (1 g) of salt, taste the rice pudding, then add more sweetener if you desire. Mix in any other spices or other flavoring ingredients at this stage as well.[6]
- The other ingredients you add at this point are completely up to you. Add small amounts, stirring and tasting as you go, until you are happy with the flavor.
- See the section on adding different flavors below for some more specific ideas about what kinds of ingredients and flavors you can add.
- Cook the mixture for 5 more minutes over low heat. Return the pot to the burner and cook it over low heat for 5 more minutes to combine all the flavors. Turn off the heat and remove the pot from the stove after 5 minutes.[7]
- If the rice pudding is still too creamy, you can cook it for an additional 3-4 minutes.
[Edit]Using Cooked Rice - Combine equal parts of cooked rice and milk in a non-stick pot. Put whatever already-cooked rice you have into a non-stick pot. Cover it with an equal amount of the milk of your choice.[8]
- For example, if you have 1 cup (195 g) of cooked rice, combine it with 1 cup (236 mL) of milk.
- Make sure that you only use unflavored cooked rice for this. You can use short-grain, long-grain, white or brown rice.
- Whole milk will give the rice pudding the richest flavor. However, you can use 2% or low-fat milk if you prefer. Avoid using skim milk as it is too watery. If you want a non-dairy option, try using coconut milk or almond milk.
- Bring the rice and milk to a boil over medium-high heat. Place the pot with the rice and milk on a burner on the stove. Turn the burner on to medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently.[9]
- Stay right in front of the mixture stirring it until it comes to a boil. Milk boils over very easily, so if you take your eye off the pot for a minute or two, you might end up with a mess on your hands!
- Turn the heat down to medium-low once the mixture begins to boil. Lower the heat enough that the rice and milk are just simmering. This is the temperature to cook it over to get a custard-like consistency.[10]
- It's important to turn the heat down quickly so the milk doesn't get scorched.
- Stir in sweetener to taste and 1/4 tsp (1 g) of salt. Stir in 1-2 tbsp (12-24 g) of sugar or 1-2 tbsp (15-30 mL) of a liquid sweetener of your choice like sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Taste the pudding and add more if you want it to be sweeter. Add about 1/4 tsp (1 g) of salt and mix it in to bring out the sweetness and balance the flavors.[11]
- The milk will give the rice some sweetness, so you don't need to add a lot of sweetener. It's essential to taste the mixture as you add sweetener so you don't end up overdoing it.
- Add any other flavoring ingredients you want to and stir them in thoroughly. This is where it's up to you to get creative. Add some of each ingredient you want to use, stirring and tasting as you go, until you're happy with the flavors.[12]
- See the section on adding flavors below for some specific ideas about different ingredients and combinations to try.
- Simmer the mixture over medium-low heat for at least 15 minutes. Continue to cook the rice and milk after you have stirred in all the other ingredients until all the milk has been absorbed and the rice has a pudding-like consistency. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes, but keep an eye on the mixture and remove it from the heat when you've attained the desired texture.[13]
- You can either serve the rice pudding warm or let it cool down in the fridge for a cold dessert.
- The rice pudding will keep in the refrigerator for about 4 days.
[Edit]Adding Different Flavors - Add warm ground spices for a classic flavor. Stir in 1/4 tsp (1 g) measurements of warm ground spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom after you stir in your sweetener and salt. These types of spices are traditionally used in many types of rice pudding from the Americas to India.[14]
- You could also try using warm spice blends like pumpkin spice or Chinese 5 spice.
- Stir in a spoonful of citrus zest if you want brighter flavors. Try adding about 1 tbsp (15 g) of grated orange, lemon, grapefruit, or lime zest after you add the sweetener and salt. Taste the pudding after you stir in the zest and add more to taste if you want to.[15]
- You can also combine these citrus flavors with other spices to create nice flavor combinations. For example, cinnamon and orange zest go well together.
- Mix in 1 spoonful of cocoa powder to make a chocolate rice and milk pudding. Scoop a generous spoonful of cocoa powder into the rice and milk after you stir in sweetener and salt. Stir it in thoroughly and taste the mixture, then add more cocoa if you want it to be more chocolatey.[16]
- You could also use grated fresh chocolate instead of cocoa powder or a combination of both.
- Add dried fruits or nuts if you want more flavor and texture. Stir in a handful of dried fruits like raisins or figs, or nuts like almonds or walnuts after you sweeten the mixture or right before serving. These will add more natural sweetness and give the rice pudding some additional texture.[17]
- You can also use these types of ingredients as toppings rather than mixing them into the pudding.
- Pour a splash of sweet liquor into the pudding if you want an adult version. Pour a splash of a sweet liquor like Irish cream, amaretto, or orange liqueur into the pudding after you sweeten it. Stir the liquor in and taste it, then add more if you want a stronger flavor.[18]
- You could even use a stronger liquor like whiskey or rum if you want more alcohol flavor in the pudding.
- Squeeze in a few drops of a liquid flavor extract to add additional flavors. Add 2-3 drops of an extract like vanilla extract or almond extract to the mixture after you sweeten it and add other ingredients. Stir it in thoroughly to combine all the flavors.[19]
- Extracts have very strong flavors, so make sure to only use 2-3 drops at a time.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Non-stick pot
- Stirring spoon
- Regular spoon
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Develop a Strong High Singing Voice Posted: 19 Apr 2021 09:00 AM PDT If you're hoping to wow everyone with your strong, high singing voice, there are lots of steps you can take to help you strengthen it. The best thing you can do to improve your voice is to practice often. As you're singing, breathe properly through your diaphragm and relax your body. Also, keep in mind that if your voice starts to hurt, this is a sign that it's time to rest—you don't want to damage your vocal cords. [Edit]Strengthening Your Voice - Breathe from your diaphragm for the best breath control. The diaphragm is a muscle beneath the lungs that contracts whenever you breathe in, allowing your lungs to expand. To breathe from your diaphragm, focus on breathing so that you can see and feel your belly expanding as you breathe in. Keep your shoulders loose to get the most air.[1]
- You'll likely need to take more breaths when you're singing high notes, making it important to practice proper breathing techniques.
- Maintain good posture to help with your breathing. Sit or stand up straight when you're singing, paying careful attention not to slouch. This will give your diaphragm more room to expand and contract correctly. It's not necessary to point your chin upwards—instead, just look straight ahead for the best posture.[2]
- Many people think that looking slightly upwards extends your voice and produces a louder sound, but really it just puts tension on the muscles in your throat.
- Relax your body to avoid tensing up your muscles. Remind yourself to relax your shoulders and facial muscles before you begin singing. If the muscles in your face, neck, and shoulders are all tense, you won't be able to produce your best sound.[3]
- Move your neck to the left and right slowly, pausing a few seconds before switching, to release any tension in your neck.
- Most people hold tension in their upper body without even realizing it. Take a deep breath and release the air, helping your muscles relax automatically.
- Practice daily to get the best results. Just like with most other things, you need to be consistent to truly see a difference in your high note ability. Your voice has to be trained before it can reach its full potential. Do vocal exercises each day, trying to get your voice to go a bit higher each time.[4]
- Set small goals for yourself, such as trying a new vocal exercise every few days or trying to hold your high note a second or two longer each day.
- Be patient—don't worry if you're not developing a high singing voice as quickly as you'd like. It takes time!
[Edit]Doing Exercises to Sing Higher - Stretch your facial and neck muscles to help your vocal cords. Get all of your stretching done first before you start singing. Move your neck in slow circles to stretch those muscles, or switch between a big smile and an open mouth in the shape of an 'O' to stretch your face. Do each exercise 5-10 times to stretch your muscles well.[5]
- Bend your head back and flex your tongue outwards to stretch your throat.
- Do 5 big yawns to stretch the muscles around your mouth.
- Focus on one stretch if you don't have much time, or do 5 of each exercise to practice multiple stretches in one sitting.
- Practice vocal sirens to strengthen your high notes. This is when you make your voice imitate the sound of an ambulance's siren, moving up to the higher notes, back down to lower notes, and then back up again in one continuous sound. This will help you find out what your full range is while stretching your vocal cords.[6]
- These help you reach your maximum high note by trying to imitate the high pitched noise of a siren.
- Try arpeggios to practice your different pitches. Arpeggios are useful exercises that help you transition from the different major and minor scales. Singing arpeggios to different vowels or other sounds is a great way to extend your vocal range.[7]
- Go online to find videos of arpeggio scales for you to sing along with, helping you practice.
- You might sing "ee-ee-ee-ee-ee," with the first and last "ee" being the lowest and the middle one being the highest note.
- Instead of being a continuous sound, arpeggios have very small pauses between each note.
- Use vocal slides to slowly move up to higher notes. Vocal slides are a great way for you to gently reach high notes before coming back down. Use your voice to slide from a low note to a high note, and then back down as if your voice was on a swing.[8]
- Vocal slides are more controlled than vocal sirens, though they sometimes sound similar.
- Try humming your vocal slides or choosing a sound like "wooo" or "ahhh."
- Vocal slides help relax your throat, making it easier for you to reach higher notes.
- Draw out the high note once you reach it to practice holding it. While most of your early practicing should be focused on reaching the high notes briefly and then going back down, after you've mastered this skill, you can go even further. Once you reach your highest note, try to hold it for several seconds before going back down the scale.[9]
[Edit]Taking Care of Your Vocal Cords - Know your current vocal range. This will help you figure out what your limits are. Most people have a range of about 2 octaves, with more professional singers reaching a range of 3-4. Understand the range that's comfortable for your voice so you know when to stop and rest.[10]
- Some people's voices don't easily allow them to sing super high notes without straining their vocal cords.
- To find your vocal range, sing a full range of notes, noticing when your voice starts cracking or you're having difficulty reaching the note. This is the range that's comfortable for your voice.
- Stay hydrated to keep your vocal cords healthy. Drinking lots of water is a great way to do this so that your vocal cords are nice and hydrated. Aim to drink 6-8 glasses of water each day. If you notice your throat starting to hurt or become raspy, drink some warm tea and use throat lozenges to help soothe it.[11]
- Avoid drinking water that's super cold and instead opt for room temperature water, adding lemon or honey to it if desired.
- If you're not properly hydrated and healthy, it can be harder to reach the pitch you're hoping for.
- You can purchase throat lozenges marketed specifically for singers, if desired.
- Avoid straining your voice by stopping when you feel uncomfortable. If you notice your voice starting to hurt or get tired, stop practicing. Straining your voice can damage it, making it even harder for you to reach your singing goals. Always put your vocal cords' health first and take a break when it's needed.[12]
- You don't need to practice for long periods each day—even just a few minutes of vocal exercises will help strengthen your voice.
- Drink a warm drink, like tea with honey in it, to soothe your vocal cords if they start to hurt.
- Warm up your voice before diving right into singing. Your voice is a muscle, and it needs to be stretched just like any other muscle in your body before it gets put to work. Stretch your neck muscles and do vocal exercises to warm up your voice while practicing your high notes.[13]
- Warm up your voice for roughly 5-10 minutes, or longer if you have more experience.
- Practice your vocal exercises for 10-20 minutes depending on your skill level, being careful to take a break if your voice becomes tired. You can focus on one exercise the whole time, or switch between different ones to stretch your vocal cords in different ways.
- If you're choosing a warm drink to help soothe your voice, stay away from drinks with lots of dairy in them or spices.
[Edit]Warnings - If your voice starts hurting during or after your practice, let it rest. See a doctor if it continues to hurt.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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