| How to Wash Decorative Pillows Posted: 18 Aug 2021 01:00 AM PDT Decorative pillows are a great way to add a personal, comfortable touch to any room. Whether you use them as throw pillows on the couch or as decorative touches in your bedroom, over time, your pillows can get grimy. Dirt, sweat, and oils from your skin get into your throw pillows, leaving them in need of a good cleaning. Luckily, you can clean many types of throw pillows yourself! [Edit]Washing the Cover and the Interior Pillow - Look at the care label on your pillow to determine how to clean it. If your pillow has a care label, read it carefully, as it will have important cleaning instructions. This tag will typically tell you how to wash both the pillow and the cover, although if the cover is removable, it may have a separate tag.[1]
- If your pillow doesn't have a care tag, look at the materials to determine how to clean the separate parts. Try looking online if you're not sure how to clean a specific fabric. For instance, if your cover is made from denim, you'd probably be fine putting in the washing machine, but if it's delicate silk, you'd need to dry clean it.
- Take off any removable covers and wash them separately. Often, decorative pillows will consist of an inner pillow and a removable cover. The cover may overlap in the back, similar to a pillow sham, or it may have a hidden zipper. If you can, remove this cover and wash it separately according to the care tag's instructions. If it's safe to machine or hand-wash, use mild laundry detergent.[2]
- If you can't remove the cover, you'll probably need to wash the whole thing. Take the cover material and the fill into consideration when you're deciding which cleaning method to use. For example, even if you have a machine-washable cover made from a material like cotton, denim, or polyester, but the fill is memory foam, you'd need to spot-clean it because of the fill material.
- If the cover is made from a delicate material like silk, wool, or velvet, or if it has a lot of decorative trim, it probably needs to be dry cleaned, or you can spot clean it if you just need to clean a small stain.
- Do a spot test if you're not sure how to clean the cover. If you're not sure which approach is best, or if you just want the extra peace of mind, you can spot test an area before you wash the pillow cover. To do that, rub a clean, damp sponge over an inconspicuous spot on the pillow. Then, press a white towel to the spot. If the color transfers, the cover needs to be dry-cleaned. If it doesn't, you can hand-wash or machine-wash it, instead.[3]
- If the color doesn't transfer but the cover isn't removable, choose your cleaning method based on the fill of the pillow.
- Machine-wash the pillow if the care tag says it's okay. Many pillows can be placed into the washing machine for an easy clean. If the pillow is machine-washable, run it through a hot wash with mild detergent on the longest cycle possible. If you can, set your machine to 2 rinse cycles to ensure all the detergent and grime get washed away.[4]
- If the fill material is down, feathers, or fiber, the pillow is probably okay to machine wash.
- Sponge-clean the pillows if you can't wash them in the machine. Spray the pillow with upholstery shampoo, then use a clean, firm sponge to work the foam into the surface of the pillow. When you're finished, blot away the shampoo and grime with a clean, white towel.[5]
- Read the manufacturer's label on your shampoo, as some brands will direct you to dampen the pillow with cool water before applying the product.
- It's best to use a white towel to blot away the shampoo because the dye could transfer if you use a different-colored towel.
- Foam pillows or pillows made of other synthetic fillers should be sponge-cleaned.
- Spot-clean your pillow if it has a non-washable, non-removable cover. If your pillow is covered with a delicate material like silk or velvet, or if it contains a non-washable fill material like microbeads or memory foam, try spot-cleaning it with dry cleaning fluid. Apply a little of the cleaning product to a clean, white cloth, then dab at any spots or stains. When you're finished, blot the area dry with a separate white cloth.[6]
- You can find dry-cleaning fluid at most big box supermarkets or where cleaning supplies are sold.
- You can also take the pillow to the dry cleaners, if you prefer.
- Wash removable covers every few weeks to keep them clean. To keep the inside of your pillows cleaner, get in the habit of washing the covers frequently, if you can remove them. Follow any care tag instructions, either hand-washing, machine-washing, or spot-cleaning as necessary.[7]
- You only need to wash your pillows every 6-12 months.[8]
[Edit]Drying Your Decorative Pillows - Dry the covers according to the care label. The care label should have instructions on how to dry your removable cover, if you washed it separately from the pillow. For instance, if the pillow cover is made from a machine-washable fabric like cotton or denim, it may be okay to put in the dryer.[9]
- However, high heat might shrink some fabrics, like silk or wool. If you're not sure, it's best to hang it up to dry or tumble-dry it with no heat.
- Hang the pillows somewhere to air dry most of the way. Use heavy-duty clothespins to hang the pillow on a clothesline in a ventilated area and allow it to air dry. Leave it there until the pillow is mostly dry to the touch. However, it's important to make sure the interior of the pillow is completely dry, so it's a good idea to finish it in the dryer.[10]
- If the cover isn't removable, air dry the whole pillow.
- Fluff the pillow to reshape it. Once your pillow is mostly dry, take it in your hands and squish it back and forth, similar to how you'd play an accordion. Do this for both of the sides, then the top and bottom. This will help loosen the filling, returning your pillow to its original shape.[11]
- Place the pillows in the dryer with no heat once they're mostly dry. After you've fluffed your pillow, place it into the dryer on the longest cycle with no heat. Check that the pillow is thoroughly dry before you put it back in its original location. If there's any moisture left in the pillow, it can develop mold or mildew, which can lead to respiratory and other health issues.[12]
- If you'd like, you can place dryer balls into the dryer to help the pillow retain its shape.
[Edit]Getting a Quick Clean - Fluff your pillows daily to keep them smelling fresh. Once your pillows are cleaned, you can keep them fresh longer by fluffing them every day or two. That will help remove any dust that could build up and leave your pillow smelling musty.[13]
- You can also fluff your pillows in the dryer or spray them with a deodorizing spray if you think they're starting to harbor odors.
- Spritz the pillows with vodka to sanitize them quickly. Fill a spray bottle with inexpensive vodka, then lightly dampen the surface of the pillow. This will disinfect the surface, and since the vodka will evaporate quickly, you don't have to worry about mildew or mold building up.[14]
- This is a great technique for killing germs if someone in your house has recently been ill.
- Vacuum the throw pillow if you only need to remove light dust and debris. To keep dirt and grime from working their way down into your pillow, use a brush attachment to vacuum the outside of the pillow whenever you wash the cover. That way, if any dirt, skin cells, or dust have fallen through the cover, you can remove them quickly and easily.[15]
- You can also vacuum the pillow cover, if you don't want to take it off and wash it separately or if you can't remove it.au
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Washing the Covers and Pillows - Firm sponge (optional)
- White towels or cloths (optional)
- Mild detergent (optional)
- Upholstery shampoo (optional)
- Dry cleaning fluid (optional)
[Edit]Drying Your Decorative Pillows - Heavy-duty clothespins
- Clothesline
- Dryer
[Edit]Getting a Quick Clean [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Start a Scholarship Essay Posted: 17 Aug 2021 05:00 PM PDT College scholarships can be incredibly competitive and most of them have an essay component. While you may dread writing these essays, they're nothing to fear—the scholarship committee just wants to know a little more about you. With a strong introduction that hooks your reader, you're halfway there! But how do you start a scholarship essay? Here, you'll find some great ideas for how to start, along with some general writing strategies that you can carry through to the rest of your essay. [Edit]Include the 3 key elements of an introduction. - Get your readers' attention, give an overview, and list a thesis statement. Start the intro with an attention-grabbing first sentence to draw your readers in. Then, write a few sentences that summarize what your essay will cover. Finish the introduction paragraph with a short thesis statement that directly answers the prompt.[1]
- A great intro sentence could be something like, "I never thought I'd have to raise my siblings," or, "On April 7, 1997, my life completely changed."
- Your overview sentences could go on to say, "My parents struggled to look after us, so I become the only constant in my brothers' lives. I had to grow up fast, but I also learned a lot about myself in the process."
- Your thesis statement might look like this, "I realized that I have a lot to offer and I'm starting a career in social work. This scholarship will give me the financial support that I need to start my educational journey."
[Edit]Open with an element of surprise. - Use a surprising or shocking fact about yourself to draw in the reader. If there's something about you that's extremely unusual, you can sometimes use it to your advantage. Start your essay with a more conventional description of you, then transition into the unexpected to surprise your reader and make them want to know more.[2]
- For example, you might write: "If you looked at my parents' mantle, overflowing with trophies and medals, you'd probably conclude that I was an athlete. But what you wouldn't know is that I was born with only one leg."
[Edit]Compare yourself to the scholarship's namesake. - Show what you have in common with the person for whom the scholarship is named. Many scholarships are created in honor or in memory of another person. Read up on that person and find out what you have in common with them. Drawing parallels between their life and yours could give you a leg up for the scholarship.[3]
- For example, you might write: "Mary Lewis dedicated her life to improving her community with public vegetable gardens. Last year, I worked with fellow disabled students to create a sustainable vegetable garden at our school that was accessible to others with disabilities."
[Edit]Raise a question. - Ask your readers a question to stir their curiosity about the answer. Rhetorical questions can be tough to use in writing. But done correctly, a question can help you set the stage for the rest of your essay. Questions are most effective when the answer is something unexpected.[4]
- For example, you might write: "For the past 4 years, I've volunteered with my local hospice. Why would a healthy, athletic young woman want to volunteer with people who are dying? Because I, too, have faced death. I know what it's like to be told you only have a few days to live."
[Edit]Set the scene dramatically. - This option works well if you have a strong, compelling personal experience. If your essay hinges on a life-changing personal event, make it the centerpiece by taking your readers into the experience with you from the very beginning. Write in present tense and use short fragments to really put your reader into the middle of the experience.[5]
- For example, suppose you're writing an essay about rescuing an injured dog and how that made you decide to become a veterinarian. You might write: "I could smell him before I saw him. Small and frail, he limped toward me. His fur was matted and he trembled. His large eyes were full of fear. He pleaded with me for help."
[Edit]Include quotes with caution. - Use famous quotes only if you can quickly tie them to personal experience. Something someone else said, no matter how famous, isn't likely to say anything about you—and that's what your essay is about. At the same time, a short, punchy quote used well can pull your reader in and interest them in your story.[6]
- For example, you might write: "Nevertheless, she persisted." I never really understood the meaning of that rallying cry until, at 14 years old, I stood in front of the principal of my school to speak on behalf of myself and other disabled students."
[Edit]Use buzzwords from the essay prompt. - Highlight important nouns and adjectives that apply to you.[7] Make it so many, if not all, of these words appear in the first paragraph of your essay. This lets the reader know that you're paying attention to the prompt and addressing it directly.[8]
- Look into the background of the organization awarding the scholarship as well. Find out what the organization's core values are and how you can best communicate that you embody those values. The organization's website is a good place to start, but you might also search for any articles written about the organization.[9]
[Edit]Include a roadmap of your essay. - Share tangible, real-world examples that directly address the prompt. Use the last part of your introduction to let your readers know what you're going to tell them in the rest of the essay. Explain clearly how the content connects directly to the prompt you were given.[10]
- For example, you might write: "My compassion for and special connection to animals spurred me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine." Then, in your essay, you would provide an instance that demonstrated your compassion and another that demonstrated that special connection.
- Your roadmap doesn't necessarily have to be a "spoiler." For example, if the prompt is to "discuss a book or experience that made you want to be a writer," you might write: "While I'd always loved reading, I never considered writing stories myself until my 7th grade English teacher gave me a book for an extra-credit report." In your essay, you would then go on to discuss the report and name the book.[11]
[Edit]Close your introduction with your thesis statement. - Your thesis statement tells your reader the purpose of your essay. Use your thesis statement to relate back to the prompt and tie the introduction into the rest of the essay. Look back to the prompt for clues on how to structure your thesis to answer it directly.[12]
- For example, if the prompt is to describe what sparked your interest in veterinary medicine, your thesis might be: "My experience rehabilitating stray dogs sparked my interest in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine."
[Edit]Write in your own voice. - Let the reader know who you are from the first line. Make it clear from the first line that this essay connects your unique experiences, perspectives, and ambitions to the core values of the scholarship.[13] Don't write in the style you imagine the readers expect—let your passion and personality shine through.[14]
- Focus on standing out, not writing like everyone else. Although you can look at samples of other winning scholarship essays to get ideas, make sure the words in your essay are your own.
- Your own perspective is key. For example, if you're a person of color, don't try to "whitewash" your essay. Scholarship committees like diversity, so if you try to cover up your identity, you're only hurting yourself.
[Edit]Make your sentences active and concise. - Use short sentences and action verbs to make your writing pop. Compelling writing carries your reader along. Maintain the active voice throughout your essay to show, rather than tell, your reader why you're the best choice for the scholarship.[15]
- For example, you might write: "I strive to demonstrate my passion for the environment every day. In my sophomore year, I started the recycling program at my school. As president of the environmental club, I teach fellow students what they can do to help save the world we live in."
- Have friends or family read your essay—they can give you tips on how to make it stronger.
- Make your introduction short and sweet. The general rule is that the introduction should be about 10% of the total word count of your essay—this usually isn't many words![16] Most scholarship essay introductions only have 3-4 sentences.
[Edit]Warnings - Typos can ruin an otherwise beautiful essay! Make sure you proofread carefully.[17]
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Adjust to a New Job Posted: 17 Aug 2021 09:00 AM PDT Just like when you started at a new school when you were younger, the first few days, weeks, and months of any new job can take some adjusting. Whether it's your first professional job or a new step along your career path, there are lots of ways you can make adjusting to your new role smoother. Below, we've put together some of the top tips and tricks you can use to help you settle in at your new place of work. [Edit]Brush up on your professional knowledge. - The more prepared you are, the faster you'll adjust. Read up on the latest trends, technologies, and terms for your industry to get up to date. Google your new company to find out if there's any hot news you're not aware of,in case it comes up in conversation at work.[1]
- Reach out to your new boss or manager and ask for a list of any professional readings they would like you to be familiar with that would help you with your new role. This shows initiative as well!
[Edit]Strive to make a great first impression. - Looking and acting professional shows that you take the job seriously. Show up to your first day of work dressed well, on time, and with a positive attitude. Keep your personal phone away and focus 100% of your attention on your new job. Take notes and make an effort to remember people's faces and names.[2]
- If you're naturally more of an introverted person, try to push yourself out of your comfort zone when you first start a new job and be a little more extroverted until you feel settled in. It may be a bit uncomfortable at first, but you'll appreciate the effort later on!
[Edit]Talk to your boss about expectations. - It's easier to adjust if you know exactly what you need to do. Set up a meeting with your new boss or manager as soon as possible. Ask them about basic things like how they want you to communicate, especially when it comes to problems and decision making.[3]
- You can also ask your boss to work with you to develop 30-day and 90-day plans for your success. These plans can lay out expectations about what you should learn how to do and what you should accomplish during your first month and first quarter at your new job.
[Edit]Adapt to your boss's working style. - Your boss will appreciate how capable and receptive you are. Try your best to adapt your working habits to suit the preferences and priorities of your new supervisor. If they seem to want a lot of communication from their employees, give them frequent updates on your work. Or, if they seem to prefer people to work more independently, focus on working more autonomously.[4]
- If you still aren't sure about your new boss's working style, ask your close co-workers for advice.
[Edit]Ask lots of questions. - You'll learn the ropes faster and feel more engaged. If you aren't sure how a process or tool works, ask a co-worker or your supervisor for help. Ask questions in meetings to show you're paying attention and gain a better understanding of things.[5]
- If you're feeling overwhelmed with all the new tasks you have to learn how to do, ask your boss or manager to assign you a "buddy" or a mentor on your team to help you adjust to the new job.
- Don't worry about communicating too much with your boss or co-workers. The more you communicate, the fewer misunderstandings and miscommunications there will be.[6]
[Edit]Study how the internal organization works. - Get a feel for everyone's roles and how you fit into the picture. Examine any internal documents and organizational charts to help you understand the organization and the duties of its members. Watch the interactions between different leaders and managers to get a feel for the daily interactions and power dynamics between them.[7]
- Try to draw conclusions about who the most respected and influential people within the organization are. These are people to keep in mind when you're building relationships later on.
[Edit]Observe the company work ethic. - Try to settle into the normal pace and flow of things. Pay close attention to things like how early people show up for meetings, what people do on their lunch breaks, what hours people work, and how much socializing people do at work. Do your best to adapt your work style to the new company's culture, as long as it doesn't affect your work-life balance.[8]
- Never compromise who you are or what your work ethic is just to fit in at your new job. If you are only contracted to work 8 hours and people regularly work 9 or 10, don't feel bad going home when the clock strikes 5!
[Edit]Pay attention to how people communicate. - Follow their lead so you can adapt and fit in quickly. Do they send instant messages, write emails, or talk in person more frequently? If people use certain means of communication for certain types of requests or updates, make sure to do the same.[9]
- For example, if people tend to send emails for formal requests, don't make formal requests verbally or via chat.
[Edit]Get to know your colleagues. - Building personal relationships makes work enjoyable. Go out to lunch with coworkers or chat with people in the breakroom. Say hi to people around the office and try to learn their names, even if they're not someone you work with directly.[10]
- Be careful not to get caught up in any workplace gossip or start hanging out with just 1 clique at work. The goal is to be friendly and get to know everyone in a positive way to help you settle in.
[Edit]Build relationships with key people. - Learn who the key players are and reach out to them. Try to set up short introductory meetings with stakeholders and other key people within the organization. If you're not sure who you should start building relationships with at first, ask your boss or manager.[11]
- When you meet with people, ask them about their roles to help you understand the company better. Then, ask them how your role relates to there's to get an idea of how you might collaborate.
[Edit]Aim to make 3 key contributions early on. - Early wins establish your credibility as part of the team. Anything that helps your team or the company succeed can be considered a key contribution. Aim to tick at least 3 things of your list of goals early on, or volunteer to help out a teammate or take on extra work when you have free time.[12]
- For example, if you're working in a new sales job and your team has a goal of hitting $30,000 in sales by the end of the month, try to make at least a couple solid sales during your first week or 2 at work.
- Or, if you see there are a couple members of your team that have to stay late at the end of the day to finish entering some date into a database, offer to stay and help to make it go faster for everyone.
[Edit]Ask for feedback after 30 and 90 days. - That way, you know how you're doing and where you could improve. Sit down with your supervisor after 30 and 90 days and ask them to evaluate your performance. Take notes on what they say you're doing well and on any areas for improvement.[13]
- Depending on where you work, there may already be a formal system in place for regular feedback. If not, make sure to ask your boss or manager directly for an evaluation.
- Try not to miss your old job. It takes time to adjust to a new job and it's normal to feel nostalgic. [14]*If any second thoughts about leaving your old job cross your mind, tell yourself that your new job will eventually feel just as comfortable.[15]
[Edit]Warnings - Don't compare how things are done at your new company to how they were done at your old job. This can make it harder to adjust to new processes and tasks.[16]
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
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