| How to Clean a Harmonica Posted: 12 Mar 2022 04:00 PM PST Do you want to clean your harmonica? Harmonica maintenance can be a delicate matter because of how fragile the inside of the instrument is. Follow these tips to successfully clean your harmonica. [Edit]Cleaning Your Harmonica Daily - Rinse with lukewarm water. If you have a diatonic harmonica with a plastic comb, simply run some lukewarm water through the harmonica. Placing the mouthpiece against your palm, tap it firmly to remove the water.[1]
- Only run water through the harmonica if your comb is plastic or sealed wood. If the comb is wooden or metal, do not run water through it.
- Tap the harmonica after each use. Because a harmonica is played with the mouth, saliva and other contaminants get blown into the instrument by the mouth. After each use, tap the harmonica on your hand, leg, or a towel to knock out any loose saliva. This will help keep it clean and help reduce the amount of build-up in the instrument.[2]
- Try to be a dry harmonica player. This means you should try to reduce the amount of saliva that you pass into the harmonica while playing.
- Let your harmonica dry after playing. Another way you can help keep your harmonica clean and rust-free is to let it dry after playing. When you place it in the case, leave the case open. This helps any moisture in the harmonica to dry instead of sitting there damp in your harmonica.[3]
- Clean your mouth before playing. If you have eaten or drunk anything right before playing, rinse your mouth with water. Remnants of food can get blown into the harmonica, and sugar or other contaminants from non-water beverages can build up a residue in the harmonica.[4]
- Refrain from playing right after brushing your teeth. Any residue left over from the toothpaste or mouthwash can build up.
- Don't smoke while playing the harmonica. This can damage the harmonica.
[Edit]Performing Heavy Cleaning on Your Harmonica - Remove the cover plates. Use an appropriate screwdriver to remove the cover plates of the harmonica. Some harmonicas use a Phillips-head screwdriver, while others use a flat head. Make sure to find a screwdriver of the appropriate size.[5]
- Place the screws in a safe place where they won't be lost.
- Spray both sides of the cover plates with alcohol and then wipe with a cloth.
- Remove the reed plates. After removing the cover plates, use the screwdriver to remove the screws attached to the reed plates. Keep the screws in the order from which you remove them so they are placed back in the same hole as before.[6]
- Soak the reed plates. Place the reed plates into a solution of warm water and vinegar or lemon juice. Let them soak for approximately half an hour.[7]
- Clean the comb. While the reed plates are soaking, clean the comb. If the comb is plastic, you can clean it with soap and water. Use a soft toothbrush to brush the deposits off the comb.[8] Another option is to spray the comb with alcohol and brush it with a soft brush. You can also use something sharp to dig any build-up off the comb.
- If you have a wooden comb, do not use water or soap. Just use the brush or the sharp object. If you have a metal comb, make sure to dry it thoroughly before reassembling.[9]
- Clean the reed plates. Remove the reed plates from the water. Use a soft toothbrush to brush the reed plates.[10] Do not scrub the reed plates with the toothbrush.[11] You want to gently brush the reed plates along the reeds from the rivet down. Don't brush against the reeds or snag the ends of the reeds. This can damage the reeds or mess up the notes of the harmonica.[12]
- Never brush across the reed. Only brush in the direction of the reed.
- Clean the other side of the reed plate as vigorously as you want since it has no reeds.
- Then run it under warm water to rinse.[13]
- You can also clean the reed plates with a q-tip and hydrogen peroxide.[14]
- Reassemble. Let all of the harmonica parts completely dry. Then, reassemble the harmonica.
- Screw the screws back in gradually. Tighten all three of them evenly before you tighten them as far as they can go.[15]
- Never rub too hard.
- Be careful with the harmonica.
- Keep your pieces safe in a (preferably sunny) dry location while drying, especially out of reach from pets.
[Edit]Warnings - Cleaning too often may result in loss of sound.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Toss Pizza Dough Posted: 12 Mar 2022 08:00 AM PST If you plan to toss, start with the recipe. Without the right kind of flour and the right approach, your dough will not develop the gluten it needs for a strong, stretchy texture. Once you have the right recipe, practice shaping and tossing until you become a true pizzaiolo. Not all pizza chefs toss their dough, but it is an excellent way to flatten and widen your dough with minimal compression, keeping the dough light.[1] [Edit]Ingredients - 1 cup (240mL) warm water
- 1 cup (240mL) ice cold water
- 1/2 tablespoon (7.5mL) salt
- 1 tablespoon (15mL) sugar
- 2 tablespoon (30mL) olive oil
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- About 5½ cups (685g) flour
[Edit]Making the Dough - Choose your recipe. Most pizza chefs experiment with dozens of recipes before they find their personal, perfect pizza. If you don't have a personal favorite yet, the recipe described here makes a strong, Neapolitan-style pizza that should resist tears while tossing.
- Your quest will be easier if you familiarize yourself with baking percentages, and keep detailed notes on each recipe.[2]
- Choose your flour. The flour's protein content is incredibly important for pizza, especially when you plan to toss it. Look for bread flour or pizza flour with a protein content of at least 12.5%.[3]
- Mix the yeast into warm water. The water should be "blood temperature," or close to 96ºF (35.5ºC). Let this mixture stand until the yeast is dissolved and begins to bubble.
- Mix wet ingredients together. Mix cold water, sugar, salt, and olive oil in a separate bowl.
- Combine all ingredients. Place the flour in a large bowl. Stir the activated yeast, then pour it into the flour. Pour the cold water mixture as well.
- Knead the dough. You may knead by hand or with a dough hook attached to a low-speed electric mixer. Knead until the dough is glossy and tacky, but not sticky. You should be able to pinch a small piece and pull it thin enough to let light pass through. This is a sign of a strong, high-gluten dough that will stay together when tossed, and make a chewy, tender crust.
- Results can vary with humidity and other unpredictable factors. Add a little flour if the mixture is sticky, or a little water if the dough is dry.
- This usually takes 5–15 minutes by hand, or 2–4 minutes in an electric mixer.
- Let rise overnight. Brush the dough with olive oil and store, covered, in the refrigerator. Leave overnight (or for at least 5 hours) to allow gluten to develop further. The cold temperature of the fridge slows yeast activity, preventing excessive rising from the long waiting period.[4] Cold dough is also easier to handle.
- Place the dough in an airtight container with enough room for the dough to double in size.
- Alternatively, leave covered with a warm towel for 40–60 minutes at room temperature, or until dough doubles in size. Chill for one hour in the refrigerator.
[Edit]Shaping the Dough - Cut the dough ball in half. Scoop up the dough ball with a dough scraper, if you have one, to avoid stretching it. Cut it in half to form the dough for two smaller pizzas. These will be more convenient to handle and fit in a home oven. For the instructions below, use one dough ball at a time.
- Make sure that your pizza dough is room temperature before you start working with it.[5]
- Coat generously with flour. Coat both sides with plenty of flour. Drop the dough ball on a flat, floured surface, flipped over so the side that was underneath while rising is now on top.[6][7]
- To reduce mess, use cornmeal or semolina instead of regular flour.[8]
- If your dough or hands stick at any point during the rest of the process, add more flour.
- Flatten the dough. Slap the ball of dough flat with your hand, kept as flat as possible. Don't press too hard, or you'll squeeze out the air and create a hard, dense crust. Just press until it is relatively flat, but still squishy.
- Define the outer crust. Hold your fingers straight and together. Press into the dough about from the edge. Repeat this motion around the whole circle, forming a groove and a raised outer crust.
- Push the dough outward. Keep your fingers straight and together. Hold your hands flat, just above the dough, with your fingers pressing into the groove you just made. Fan your fingers outward a little, pressing against the crust. Bring your fingers together and rotate the dough a little, then repeat this fanning motion around the whole edge.[9] This will make the outer crust edge thinner, and the pizza a bit larger.
- Don't press your palms against the base of the dough. This can lead to uneven crust or tears.
- Beginners can use a rolling pin when starting out. This is easier, but usually results in a denser crust.
- Stretch the dough. Once again, hold your fingers straight and together. Place them lightly on the dough in a comfortable position in front of you, angled toward each other. Press your fingertips against the edge, and push one hand outward to gently stretch that small area of the pizza. Rotate the dough and repeat, moving around the dough several times. With practice, you can use a fluid, fast motion, moving your hands in small circles.[10] Stop when the dough is getting thin, and approaching the size you want.
- Never move your hands in completely opposite directions, as this will create a thin center. Move at an angle instead to stretch just the outer area, leaving a small hump in the center of the dough.[11]
- You can instead press the side of your hand down into the groove, then push directly outward to stretch the edge. Use your other hand to rotate the dough as you go.[12]
[Edit]Tossing the Dough - Slap the dough between your hands (optional). Slapping is an easier way to hand shape your pizza. Some chefs slap, some toss, and some start with slapping and finish with a toss or two. None of these methods are more correct than another. If you decide to slap, here's how it goes:[13][14][15]
- Drape the dough over your palm and forearm. The more of your arm you use, the less likely the dough is to break.
- "Slap" the dough onto your opposite palm, letting it drape over your other hand and forearm. If your dough is in danger of tearing, let it drape gently instead of using force.
- Repeat this motion back and forth. Each time you "slap," the dough should rotate about one quarter turn. This rotation is vital for making the dough wide and even.
- Drape the dough on a fist and palm. If your dough looks strong and hasn't yet reached the desired size, it's time to adopt the tossing position. Extend your dominant hand as a flat palm, with fingers together. Keep your other hand in a fist to "anchor" the dough. Drape the pizza dough over both hands, supporting opposite sides of the dough.[16][17]
- Rotate your arms toward your body. Rotate your arms inward to get ready for the throw. (If you are using your right palm, rotate your arms to the left.) This allows more rotation during the throw, imparting the spin that shapes the dough in the air.
- Bring your hands up and around. Bring your palm up and around, until the back of your hand is in front of your face.[18] Follow with your fist to continue supporting the pizza, but focus on your palm, which will do the tossing. Practice this motion without tossing the pizza first, then try again with moderate speed during your toss.
- Start with a more gentle throw than you think you need. Too little force, and the pizza doesn't leave your hand. Too much force, and the pizza flies across the room.
- Release the pizza. Bring the upward motion of your palm to an abrupt stop when it comes in front of your face. This will send the pizza flying upward a short distance. In the air, it should spin at the same speed your hands rotated. The force from spinning pushes the dough flatter and wider, without pressing out the air.
- Follow through. Although your hand stops moving upward, it should still complete the arch of its movement after the pizza is released. Follow through by moving your palm around and out, as though swatting a fly in front of your face. A smooth follow-through ensures that your hand is rotating at the moment when you release the pizza.
- Don't worry too much about this for your first few tosses. It's more important to catch the falling pizza than to get the right hand shape.
- Catch the dough. Catch the dough with both fists and forearms. Use as much of your forearm as you can, to avoid puncturing it. If you have a strong dough, you may be able to catch it on one fist, but this is risky for most recipes.
- If you tossed with your right palm, catch the dough mostly on your left arm.
- Expert dough tossers "catch" the dough on their fingertips, sending it spinning again without letting it rest. This is a complex technique that involves sending the dough in multiple trajectories and angles.[19] It's best not to try this until you're a more experience pizzaiolo.
- Repeat as necessary. If you slapped the dough or hand-stretched it heavily, you may only need one toss to get your pizza to the size you need. If you only used light hand-stretching, you may toss it several times. Once the pizza reaches the desired size, place the dough on a pizza screen, pizza stone, or baking sheet. You're ready to add the toppings.[20]
- The dough is ready when you say it's ready. The size of your oven and personal preference for crust thickness are the only criteria you need when cooking at home.
- If you get very good at tossing, you can enter competitions! To accomplish the fancy tricks, most dough tossing champions use a special dough not intended for eating. The key to an extra-stretchy, durable dough is high gluten flour, large amounts of salt, and very cold water (except when activating yeast).
- Longer rise times can be used if the amount of yeast is reduced.
- Try not to use too much flour when you knead the dough, or it will be too dry and not stretch easily. You can be more generous when shaping and tossing.
- If you dough is hard to stretch, leave it to rest on the bench-top covered with a damp cloth for at least an hour and then try again. Dough will not stretch easily straight out of the fridge either.
- If your dough tears at any point, fold the tear shut, or press it closed with more dough torn off the edge. A pizza that tears probably can't take much more stretching. You may need to settle for a thicker crust than you planned.
[Edit]Warnings - It is essential to knead the dough long enough, but not too long. If using a powerful electric mixer, it is possible to over-knead. The symptom of this is stringy dough that breaks apart into threads.
- Throwing the dough too high can be disastrous. It will either land too hard and tear, or get stuck to your ceiling. A short hop is all you need.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References
[Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Find the Edge of a Roll of Tape Posted: 12 Mar 2022 12:00 AM PST You need to tape something, but you can't find the edge of the roll. This problem is unique to our time, and it can be infuriating. Once you have exhausted the traditional spin-the-roll-and-hunt-for-the-edge technique, you may feel frustrated and disheartened. Do not give up! Unravel the following methods and find your edge. [Edit]Using Your Senses - Look closely. Turn the roll slowly in your hands, and carefully examine every inch of the circumference. The edge should look like a thin, almost invisible ridge that runs straight across the width of the tape. It may be slightly darker than the rest of the roll, and it may blend in almost perfectly. If you don't find it on the first pass, try again.
- If the tape is patterned, look for the flaw or break in the continuous pattern. On a roll of zebra-print duct tape, for instance, look carefully for a point where the stripes do not entirely match up.
- Consider that the edge might not be completely straight. If the roll of tape has been treated roughly, the "edge" might be jagged, patchy, or even extremely long. Tape-roll edges have been known to run all the way around the roll at an angle, diminishing very gradually until they taper off.
- Run your finger around the roll. Use your fingertip for heightened sensation, or use your fingernail for the sake of precision. Slip your finger around the roll and feel for bumps and ridges. The edge should feel like a slightly raised ridge in the tape. If the lip is large enough, your finger will catch slightly. If you think you've identified the edge by looking closely, use your finger for a closer inspection.
- If you have very short fingernails, try running the edge of a knife around the rim of the roll. You might also use a toothpick, a paperclip, a key – anything that allows you the sensation and precision to feel a slight ridge in the surface of the tape. Be careful not to press too hard and puncture the tape.
- If you don't feel anything on the first pass, try going around in the opposite direction.
- Once you find the edge of the roll, peel it up carefully. Pick at a corner until you can hold it between your thumb and forefinger. After you manage to get a corner up with your fingernail, use your finger or thumb to roll up the edge diagonally from the corner. Pull the edge until you can hold the full width of the tape. The oils from your hands will keep the rolled edge from sticking back down.[1]
[Edit]Using a Tracer - Use flour or chalk as a tracer. If your tape is dark-colored, you can use use a light-colored, contrasting "tracer" to reveal the edge of the roll. The basic idea here is to rub a clumpy white material—flour, chalk, and baking powder are good choices—around the outside of the tape roll until the tracer sticks to the hidden edge. If you are using a thicker tape, such as duct tape, this effect may be more apparent than if you are using a thinner tape.
- Put a bit of flour or chalk dust into a cup or small container. Any material will do, as long as it clumps together and the color contrasts with the color of the tape.
- Dip your finger into the cup or container. It may help to wet your finger, slightly, beforehand.
- If you don't want to use your finger, you can also dip the roll of tape directly into the flour or chalk dust. Be sure to immerse it thoroughly. There is a chance that the flour will stick to the edge of the roll, revealing your goal!
- Run your floured finger around the circumference of the tape. Go slowly and methodically in one direction, then the other. This way, your finger is more likely to catch the edge of the roll. Make sure not to skip over any sections, or you might miss it! The edge should become quickly apparent: the flour will catch along the crack, forming a white line.
- Wipe your finger clean once you've found the edge. Try not to get any flour or chalk onto the sticky side of the tape.{largeimage|use tape as required Step 5.jpg}}
- Use a pencil as a tracer. If your tape is light in color, try running the flat side of a pencil point around the roll. The dark-grey graphite from the pencil will serve a similar function to the flour. The pencil should bump up very slightly when it hits the edge of the roll, and you will be able to see the break in the graphite line.
[Edit]Preventing the Problem - Cut a V-shape into the tape roll. Use a sharp knife or a pair of scissors to cut a small wedge out of the entire roll of tape – from the outermost edge to the innermost end. This way, you'll tear the tape off in the same spot every time, and you may have less trouble finding the edge in the future![2]
- Mark the end of the roll with a toothpick. When you are done using a roll of tape for the time being, stick a toothpick underneath the adhesive about a half-inch from the edge. This way, when you return to use the tape again, you will be able to easily identify where to begin. This method is especially useful for clear packing tape.[3]
- In theory, you can use almost anything to mark the end of the roll: paper, a paperclip, a twig, a card. Use anything that isn't too bulky and sticks cleanly to the edge of the tape. Improvise a solution using the materials you have lying around your home or office.
- Fold the edge of the tape back on itself. Fold the sticky end of the tape back into the roll—not far, just a centimeter or so—to make a "pull tab" for the next time you use the tape. You can fold the tape directly in, or you can fold at a 45-degree angle for a triangular fold.
- Use a tape dispenser. Consider buying a dedicated tape dispenser. These devices usually include a spool (which you can continually refill with new rolls of tape) and a serrated tape-cutting edge. When you stretch the tape over the serrated edge, it slices cleanly and naturally. The edge of the tape sticks there until you need it next.
- Consider buying a "tape gun" for packing tape. This device is a convenient, handheld version of the standard tape dispenser. Run the tape gun along the surface of a box, and you will seal the box without losing the edge of the roll.[4]
- You can find tape dispensers online or at office-supply stores. Be aware that many standard tape dispensers are designed for use with Scotch tape
- Buy striped or patterned tape. It is easier to find the edge of a roll of patterned tape, as you can visually parse out the breaks in the pattern. If you consistently have trouble finding the edge of a roll of tape, consider making a habit of buying patterned tape for the sake of convenience.[5]
- Buy sticky tape with non-stick sides. Some tape is designed with black lines on the sides to denote where the adhesive ends. This way, you will not need to find the edge of the roll – you'll be able to pull it up at any point! Look for this specialty tape online or in large office-supply stores.[6]
- Don't put yourself through this frustration again. Once you've found the tape, be sure to take preventative measures—a tape dispenser, a toothpick, a V-cut—to ensure that you always know where to find the edge of your tape.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Tape
- Flour, chalk, or pencil
- Persistence
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
| How to Treat an Itchy Scalp After Using Hair Dye Posted: 11 Mar 2022 04:00 PM PST Most hair dyes contain harsh chemicals that can cause minor irritation and scalp itchiness, as well as allergic reactions. If your scalp gets a bit itchy and red after using hair dye, you can likely relieve your symptoms at home by washing your scalp thoroughly or using a moisturizing compress or cream. If you also develop a rash or have any soreness or pain, your scalp itchiness may be caused by an allergic reaction to one or more of the hair dye ingredients. In most cases, you can alleviate your reaction symptoms with a steroid or antihistamine, although you may need to contact your doctor if your symptoms persist. [Edit]Relieving a Minor Itchy Scalp - Wash your hair with a gentle shampoo to remove any excess dye. Pour a quarter-sized amount of a gentle shampoo, such as a baby shampoo, into your hands and rub it into your scalp and hair until it covers your whole head and gets very sudsy. Then, rinse the shampoo and excess hair dye out with cool to warm water.[1]
- Leaving excess hair dye on your scalp and hair is one of the most common causes of itchy scalp after using hair dye. You may be able to stop the itchiness simply by washing your hair thoroughly.[2]
- Look for shampoos that are labeled "gentle," "all-natural," or "free of harsh chemicals." Harsh chemicals may react with the hair dye and make your scalp itchiness worse.
- Rub a quarter-sized amount of 2% hydrogen peroxide into your scalp. Rinse the hydrogen peroxide out quickly so that it won't affect your hair color. The hydrogen peroxide will oxidize the dye chemicals, which should stop the adverse reaction on your scalp.[3]
- Even if you aren't allergic to any ingredients in your hair dye, the harsh chemicals can still make your scalp itch. Using 2% hydrogen peroxide will help counteract the chemical reaction.
- Hydrogen peroxide may start to lighten your hair color if you leave it on too long. Therefore, it's important that you rinse it out as soon as you've rubbed it into your scalp.
- Hold a wet compress of olive oil and lime on your scalp. Saturate a disposable, damp towel or clean, old rag with olive oil. Then, squeeze the juice from a lime over the cloth and twist it to combine the juice and oil. Place the compress on your scalp until the itchiness starts to subside.
- While an olive oil and lime compress doesn't always help, it may help soothe your itchy skin and alleviate any skin tightness caused by the hair dye.[4]
- If you have any inflammation or redness along with the itchiness, you can place the compress in the refrigerator for a few minutes to cool it and help calm your skin.
- Apply an emollient moisturizing treatment to calm an itchy scalp. In many cases, the harsh chemicals in hair dye will dry out your scalp. Instructions will vary depending on the emollient type and brand you choose, but typically you'll rub a generous layer of the cream over your scalp and leave it for several minutes before rinsing it with water.[5]
- Emollient moisturizes are generally made to help soothe common inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema. Because the symptoms of an itchy scalp after using hair dye can be similar, these treatments tend to work well.
- Look for soothing ingredients like Argan oil, olive oil, Shea butter, and jojoba oil.
[Edit]Alleviating an Allergic Reaction - Apply an over-the-counter steroid cream if your scalp is inflamed. Follow the instructions on the bottle and only use it as often as instructed. In most cases, allergic reactions to hair dye are minor, so you'll likely be able to treat it at home with an over-the-counter steroid cream.[6]
- If your symptoms are severe or persistent, you may need to get a prescription-strength steroid cream from your doctor.
- If you have any pain or tenderness, a rash, or sores on your scalp after using hair dye, it's likely that you've had an allergic reaction to an ingredient in the dye.
- Take an over-the-counter oral antihistamine to help stop the itchiness. If your itchy scalp is caused by an allergic reaction to an ingredient in the hair dye, over-the-counter oral antihistamines like Benadryl can provide relief. Oral antihistamines generally start working within 1 hour.[7]
- Many oral antihistamines cause drowsiness, so make sure you use them as directed.
- Depending on the severity of your reaction to the hair dye, your scalp may stop itching after 1 dose, or you may need to take several doses until the itching subsides.
- See your doctor if the itchiness continues for more than 2 days. If your symptoms, including itchiness, persists for over 2 days, make an appointment to see your doctor or get a referral to see an allergy specialist. Either your doctor or an allergy specialist can perform tests to assess what ingredient caused the reaction and determine how to treat it so your itchiness will subside.[8]
- In addition, make an appointment to see your doctor or an allergy specialist if your itchy scalp becomes inflamed or if you develop a rash.
[Edit]Preventing an Itchy Scalp from Hair Dye - Avoid using products with the same ingredients after a reaction. If you get an itchy scalp after using a particular type or brand of hair dye, take note of the ingredients so you can avoid using hair dyes with the same active chemicals in the future. Most hair dye reactions are caused by a chemical called paraphenylenediamine (PPD). Therefore, if your scalp gets itchy after using a hair dye containing PPD, avoid using these in the future.[9]
- PPD is primarily found in dark colored hair dyes.[10]
- Dab hair dye behind your ear to spot test for an allergy. Before using a new hair dye or any hair dye that contains PPD, dab a small amount of the dye on your scalp just behind your ear. If your skin starts to itch or get swollen and red, it's likely that you're allergic to PPD or another ingredient in the dye and will get an itchy scalp if you use it.[11]
- If you're getting your hair dyed at a salon, you can ask your stylist to perform this test as well.
- Leave dye on your hair for the time recommended in the instructions. If you're trying to cover stubborn greys or dye your hair a drastically different color, it can be tempting to leave the hair dye on for longer than instructed on the box or bottle.[12] Even if you aren't allergic to the hair dye, this can cause your scalp to itch! Never leave dye on longer than instructed.[13]
- Most at-home hair dyes should be left on for 10 to 45 minutes. Always check the instructions, though, to make sure you don't leave the dye on for too long.
[Edit]References |
| How to Grill Salmon with Skin Posted: 11 Mar 2022 08:00 AM PST For a delicious but healthy meal, grill up some salmon with the skin on. Make sure the salmon is deboned and cut up evenly before placing it on a well-oiled grill. Cook the meat side first with a sprinkle of salt to prevent it from sticking. Then cook the salmon with the skin down until it's pink and flaky. Grilling salmon with crunchy skin isn't complicated at all, so give it a try! [Edit]Cleaning and Seasoning the Salmon - Pull any pin bones out of the salmon. Lay the salmon on a cutting board skin-down. Run your fingers over the meat to feel for any small, hard lumps. Grasp the ends of the bones with needle-nose pliers or tweezers and pull them out at an angle.[1]
- Try to pull the bones out at the angle they are pointing. Pulling them straight up will tear the fish.
- Cut the salmon into fillets. Use a sharp knife to divide larger pieces of salmon into fillets about wide. The pieces don't have to be perfect, but try to keep them roughly the same size so they cook at the same rate.[2]
- Season the fish with a sprinkle of salt. Sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt evenly on each piece of salmon. The salt will prevent the fish from sticking to the grill.[3]
- Let the salmon rest for 20 minutes. Leave the salmon out so that it reaches room temperature. It's best to do this as the grill heats. If you plan on marinating your salmon, this is also the perfect time to let the salmon rest meat-side down in the marinade.
- You could use a basic teriyaki marinade, for example, made with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and brown sugar.[4]
[Edit]Cooking the Salmon - Lightly oil the grill with a paper towel. Wad up a paper towel and pour some vegetable oil onto it. Using tongs, wipe the paper towel over the grill grate. Make sure you only apply a thin coating of oil so that the fire doesn't flare up.[5]
- Preheat the grill to a medium high heat. A medium-high temperature equals about , if your grill has a thermometer. To test the grill later, hold your hand over it. It should feel so hot that you can only hold your hand over it for 1 second.
- Grill the skinless side for 5 minutes. Spread the fillets on the grill skin-side up so they all cook evenly. Avoid touching the salmon until you're ready to flip it. When the salmon is done, the meat will begin curling away from the grill.
- If you like the skin extra crispy, you can cook the skin side first instead.
- Flip the salmon with a spatula or tongs. If the salmon sticks to the grill when you try to flip it, it most likely isn't done, so let it cook for another minute.
- Grill the skin side for 10 minutes. After about 6 minutes, the salmon will begin to appear pink in the middle, and after 10 minutes, it will be fully cooked through. Salmon that is done looks very pink and flaky. It feels firm to the touch instead of soft and spongy.[6]
- Depending on the grill and the thickness of the fillets, your salmon may need more time to cook.
- As the salmon cooks, white foam called albumin will appear. A little bit is normal, but if your salmon is covered with it, that means it's overcooked. Remove the salmon when you notice the white spots forming.
- Move the salmon to a serving plate and let it rest for 2 minutes. Use a metal spatula to pick up the salmon and place it on a plate. No matter how delicious it looks, give it 2 minutes of resting time. The fish will continue cooking due to residual heat.[7]
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Cutting board
- Needle-nose pliers
- Knife
- Grill
- Paper towel
- Spatula
- Plates
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Make Your Room Look More Grown Up Posted: 11 Mar 2022 12:00 AM PST As you grow up, your surroundings should grow up, too. You can easily transform your room into a more mature space by making some simple tweaks to the room's color scheme, moving and updating the furniture, and doing a little reorganization. Many modifications can be made on a tight budget, and some of them won't even cost you a dime. [Edit]Updating Color Scheme and Design - Choose the right color scheme. Since your color choices for the walls, bed, and curtains are going to create the main vibe of your room, stay away from pastel colors like pink and yellow. Pastels sometimes give the room a "nursery" atmosphere, but can work if used properly.[1] Avoid colors that are very dark or neon.
- Gender neutral colors to consider are purple, orange and green.[2]
- Choose contrasting colors that look trendy, youthful and really pop, like rich dark purple with yellow.
- Bright red also goes great with purple, and so does black.
- Stick with neutrals if you like to change your color scheme often. This makes it easier to switch your accent colors.
- Work with the color scheme you have. Instead of a full color revamp, you could instead try playing off the color scheme that's there already. By updating and accenting the current color scheme, you can vastly change the appearance of your room.[3]
- For instance, if your room currently features a lot of pastel pink, update it by adding accent colors like fuchsia, hot pink and chocolate brown.[4]
- If your room currently features a lot of pastel blue, update it by adding some royal blue accents and maybe even hunter green.
- Whatever you end up going with, strive to choose colors that contrast and play off one another.
- Paint an accent wall. Since you're going darker with your color theme, paint only a single "accent" wall in your newly chosen shade. Dark paint on all four walls can make your room feel much smaller and more cramped than it is.
- Streamlining in any way that makes your room look bigger and less cluttered will make it appear more adult.
- If your parents are reluctant to let you paint your walls, they will be a lot more willing to allow you to paint just one.
- Make sure that the paint job is done neatly so that everything looks nice and crisp.
- If you don't want to paint a wall, then try using peel and stick wall paper, a wall decal or stencil, or a tapestry to accent the wall.
- Add a pop culture flair.[5] As a teenager, pop culture is around you all the time and you probably have evidence of it all over your room already. Use that to your advantage! For example, if you're really into music, collect all of your past concert ticket stubs and display them in a mountable case on the wall. Get rid of band posters unless they are nice enough to frame, then get nice frames for them.
- You could also use a guitar rack to neatly display your instruments, and maybe even put a keyboard somewhere in your room as a final dash of style.
- Check out your garage for cool items that you can re-purpose and display in your room.
- Cut out images and advertisements from magazines to accent the colors in your room in a unique way.
- Display old license plates on the wall for a colorful, masculine touch.
- Paint, hang, or display old surfboards, sporting equipment, and typewriters for a mature, vintage style.[6]
- Acquire some adult items. Get nice frames for anything hanging on the wall. If your walls look bare, try buying some art prints and putting them in matching frames. If you don't own a desk or bookshelf and there's enough room, get one or both of them.
- Add a throw rug that matches your new color scheme. Throw rugs pull the look of a room together and look very adult.
- Get a plant for your window sill. Choose something low maintenance, like a fern or potted aloe vera plant.[7]
- Arrange ore adult-like items on bookshelves, such as pictures and trinkets, and eliminate more juvenile items, such as stuffed animals and toys.
- Choose a comforter and curtains with a mature pattern.[8] Get rid of the teddy bears and firetrucks and go with patterns like bold stripes, simple plaids, or tasteful polka dots.
- If you aren't sure what kind of design works best, choose bedding and trimmings that are solid colors.
- Add a dust ruffle to your bed that matches your new color scheme, which will hide any storage and clutter you might have underneath it.
[Edit]Modifying the Layout - Move or revamp the less mature furniture. For instance, if you have a very childish looking dresser, position it somewhere in the room that hides or deemphasizes it. Consider revamping childish furniture, as well. A new coat of paint in a different color can make a world of difference on even the most insignificant of items.
- Always get permission before you permanently alter any furniture in your room.
- If possible, try to get pieces of furniture that match each other or are part of the same set.[9]
- Create texture and layers.[10] Add vibrant accent rugs and well-constructed bean bag chairs to your floor to provide an additional pop of color and to give the space a little more texture. Stack a few bright throw pillows on your bed and nestle a few into the bean bag chairs.
- Stack a few warm colored blankets on your bed in the wintertime for a cozy look.
- Try hanging colored lights (like Christmas tree lights or Chinese lanterns) around a window, your bed or a bookcase. This can add a fun dimension to your room.
- Fold blankets and place them into a basket for a neat way to store and display them.
- Make a nice desk or bookcase the focal point of the room. If you have a nice piece of furniture, such as a bookshelf or desk, move them around into the more visible areas of your room. Clean up and organize your desk or bookcase so that it looks its very best. This will give your room a much more mature vibe.
- Make sure to declutter the dresser and bookshelf and only display your nicest items on it to make it seem more grown up.
- Reposition your bed. While it usually depends on the size of your room, your bed is probably the current focal point.[11] The traditional place for a bed is on the wall opposite the door, so this would be the most mature looking choice.[12] If you have a nice bed frame and headboard but your bed can't be seen from the door, move it so that it becomes the focal point.
- If you aren't sure, go with the arrangement that makes your room look the least cluttered. Open spaces are streamlined and more adult-looking than a cramped room.
- If at all possible, don't put your headboard against the same wall as your bedroom door, since this can have a disorienting effect on anyone who enters.
[Edit]Organizing and Maintaining the Room - Move or remove your stuffed animal collection. Put your stuffed animals out of sight in your closet, gift them to a younger sibling or store them in the attic. The last thing a mature-looking bedroom would ever have is a pile of plush dolls on the bed or lined up on the window sill.
- Also remove any dolls and put visible toys out of sight. Store them in your closet or give them away. The same goes for childish books.
- In order to make your room look more grown up, you have to be willing to put away some of your favorite childhood things.
- However, you don't have to get rid of everything! Keep a favorite item out and store the rest away.
- Eliminate extra clutter. If you have too many chairs, too many photos on the wall, or too many clothes bursting out of your closet, sort through them and get rid of some things. Consider donating the items that are in good condition to a local shelter or Goodwill.
- Simplifying and organizing your room will lend it a sleeker, more mature vibe.
- Use brightly colored storage boxes to organize your loose items. You can organize your room and add a pop of additional color at the same time.[13]
- Tidy your closet. Hang up all of your clothes neatly instead of leaving them in a pile on the floor. Get a hamper (bonus points for getting one that matches your room's color scheme) and always put your dirty clothes in it. Keep the hamper in your closet unless you're doing laundry.
- Sort through your closet and get rid of any clothing and items that you've outgrown.
- Get a new set of clothes hangers that are sturdy and identical. Get rid of any mismatched or broken hangers.
- If you want to go a step further, organize your clothing on the rack by color or by function.
- Vacuum and dust at least once a week. Keep everything clean and put away any loose items on the floor. Store your backpack, school items and sporting equipment in the closet and vacuum in there as well. Remove any loose trash and empty your trash can.[14]
- Keeping your room tidy definitely gives your bedroom a much more mature vibe.
- You may also want to get a nice looking hamper to throw dirty laundry into so you will not be tempted to throw it onto the floor.
- Make your bed every day. Incorporate this into your daily routine and do it every morning. It's a simple act, but also a very adult one. Making your bed will instantly give your room an orderly and more mature atmosphere.[15]
- If you've moved your bed to be the focal point of the room, making it every day is a must.
- You may also want to arrange a few throw pillows and blankets on the bed to make it look appealing. This may even help you to feel less stressed when you enter the room.
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Clean Cloudy Glasses Posted: 10 Mar 2022 04:00 PM PST Glasses made cloudy by grime, damage, or dirtiness can reduce your vision to next-to-nothing. While there is little you can do to restore scratched lenses to a clearer state, there are tricks you can use to clean your cloudy glasses efficiently while preserving the lenses.[1] With the right supplies on hand and the knowledge of proper lens cleaning, soon you'll be seeing blue skies where once you only saw cloudy lenses. [Edit]Cleaning Cloudy Lenses - Acquire a soft, clean cloth. In most cases, when you purchase your glasses from an optometrist, optical office, or eye boutique, you will also receive a microfiber cloth intended for cleaning your lenses. This cloth is ideal for cleaning smudges and cloudiness.
- If you've lost or misplaced your microfiber cloth, find a soft, clean substitute cloth. Cotton, so long as it's clean, should be suitable.[2] It is important to use fabric that is not treated with fabric softener as that can cause streaks on the lenses.[3]
- You should avoid using: coarse fabrics, like wool and certain synthetic fabrics, facial tissue, or toilet paper, as these will cause tiny scratches to form on your lenses over time.[4][5]
- Make use of glasses cleaner. These solutions are specially formulated to cut through dirtiness without doing harm to your lenses or coatings that may be on your lenses. Spritz a moderate amount of the cleaner onto your lens and wipe it clean with your soft, clean cloth.
- Do not use your saliva to clean your lenses. Saliva won't clean especially well and is unhygienic.[6]
- Clean with dish soap and warm water. If you don't happen to have glasses cleaner on hand, you can use a drop of dish soap and warm water to cut through grime and leave your lenses pristine.[7] Use your fingers and carefully spread the soap over the surface of your lenses. Rinse the lenses clean of soap with warm water, and you're ready to move on.
- Wipe your glasses with your soft cloth. After applying your cleaning solution, you can take your soft cloth and wipe your lenses dry in gentle, circular motions. You should try not to use scrubbing motions, which can lead to lens damage over time.[8]
- Inspect lenses for stubborn stains. Depending on just how dirty your glasses really are, you may need another application of cleaner before you lenses become fully clean. After using your cleaner or dish soap and hot water, wipe your lenses with your soft cloth.[9]
- Break up nose pad residue. Oil and dust can collect in the nook between your nose pads and lenses, creating a cloudy film in the area close to your nose. By using a soft bristle toothbrush, dish soap, and warm water, you can bust up this grimy buildup, though you should be careful not to scrub your lenses with the toothbrush.
- Fill a basin or container with warm water and soap.
- Dip your cleaning toothbrush into the solution and swish it around.
- Gently scrub at the metal arm that connects your nose pad to your glasses frames.
- Swish your toothbrush in your water/soap solution to remove dirt and gunk that accumulates on your brush.
- Rinse your glasses under warm water.
- Check for remaining grime and buildup and repeat scrubbing until fully clean.
[Edit]Making Homemade Lens Cleaner - Gather your supplies. Homemade lens cleaner won't damage the coating on your lenses like some other cleaning agents might, but you can count on it to cut through the clouds and smudges on your glasses. This is also a cheap alternative to ready-made eyeglass cleaner in the event that you ran out or weren't given any at your previous visit to the eye doctor. To make your own lens cleaner, you will need:
- Dish soap
- Isopropyl alcohol (or witch hazel)
- Measuring cup
- Microfiber cloth
- Small spray bottle
- Water[10]
- Prepare your supplies. You should clean your spray bottle and measuring cup before mixing your glass cleaning solution. This is because any dirt or dust left behind in these can contaminate your homemade lens cleaner. This is especially important if you are using a general purpose spray bottle that might have previously contained other household cleaners.
- Mix the liquids of your cleaner in equal parts. Now that your measuring cup and spray bottle are clean, you should measure your water and isopropyl alcohol in a 1-to-1 ratio and add each to your spray bottle.[11][12] Swirl your bottle gently to mix the solution.
- For example, you may want to combine 1 ounce of water with 1 ounce of isopropyl alcohol in your spray bottle.
- Add your dish soap.[13] For this recipe, you will only need a very small amount of dish soap to give your lens cleaner some added smudge-fighting action. Put one drop of dish soap into your mixed solution of water and isopropyl alcohol. Cap your bottle and swirl its contents gently to infuse the solution with soap.
- Apply your cleaner and wipe away the clouds. Spray a moderate amount of your lens cleaner onto each lens. Now you can take your clean microfiber cloth and wipe away all the gunk that has accumulated on your glasses.[14]
- If you don't have a microfiber cloth intended for glasses, clean cotton should do the job.[15]
[Edit]Preventing Cloudiness - Use a clean, soft cloth always. The microfiber cloth that may have come with your glasses is ideal for cleaning your lenses, but even this can become dirty over time. Using a cloth that has dust on it will cause your lenses to develop small pits and scratches over time, creating cloudiness. To avoid this, only clean your glasses with a clean, soft cloth.[16]
- Protect your lens cloth from the elements. The more dust and grime that is on your lens cleaning cloth, the more damage you will do to your lenses over time. Every time you dry, wipe, or polish your lenses, you will be scraping these particles against your glasses.
- To keep your lens cloth cleanest, you may want to hold it in a glasses case that you carry with you throughout the day. You might also put this cloth in a plastic baggie or other container and tuck it away in a backpack or satchel.
- Wash your lens cleaning cloth. Depending on the cloth your are using, cleaning procedure can vary. A soft cotton piece of fabric can be washed normally, but you should follow the directions that came with your cloth. For cleaning a microfiber cloth, you should:
- Separate it with like-fabric items.
- Add a small amount of liquid detergent to your washing machine. Do not use fabric softener — this remains on the cloth and can leave streaks when using it on lenses.
- Set your washing machine to cold.
- Insert your microfiber cloth and like-cloth items into the wash.
- Air dry or use a dryer on a low/no-heat setting.[17]
- Clean your lenses regularly. Over the course of a day your glasses will normally collect dust, dirt, and oil from your face and hands. By cleaning your lenses regularly with glass cleaner or warm water and a drop of dish soap, you can cut down on the overall daily cloudiness you may experience.
- Keep your glasses in a case when you're not wearing them. This will keep dust from settling on the glasses and protect them from harm if they are knocked over. Instead of placing your glasses on your bedside table at night, for instance, place them in their case and then put that on your bedside table. This will also protect your glasses from getting broken or damaged if you knock them over when not in use.
- Many anti-glare coatings have a treatment that repels dust, oil, and water. This can significantly reduce the amount of cleaning that you need to do on your glasses.
[Edit]Warnings - Be gentle while cleaning, the last thing you want is a permanently scratched lens, broken nose pad, or bent frame.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Cleaning Cloudy Lenses - Dish soap (optional)
- Glasses
- Glasses cleaning solution (optional)
- Microfiber cloth (or clean, soft cloth)
- Toothbrush (optional)
[Edit]Making Homemade Lens Cleaner - Dish soap
- Isopropyl alcohol (or witch hazel)
- Measuring cup
- Microfiber cloth (or clean, soft cloth)
- Small spray bottle
- Water
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Make Better Tasting Instant Coffee Posted: 10 Mar 2022 08:00 AM PST Instant coffee dates back to at least 1890 and has been a major industry for over a century.[1] Most consumers, however, like it for the convenience and not the taste. Learn how to leave "coffee flavored water" behind, but be prepared for trial and error. [Edit]Ingredients - Water (bottled or filtered might be best, depending on your local water supply)
- Instant coffee
- Milk or cream (optional)
- Sugar (optional)
- Flavorings, such as cocoa powder, vanilla, or cinnamon (optional)
- Flavored creamer (optional)
- Flavored syrup (optional)
- Vanilla extract (optional)
[Edit]Improving Your Technique - Buy quality instant coffee. Almost no instant coffee brands can compete with ground, but some are pretty decent. Try to find packaging labeled "freeze-dried," which tends to produce a truer coffee flavor than "spray drying."[2] If the label doesn't specify, check the consistency: granules are more likely to be freeze-dried than powder is, though this is not a guarantee.[3] Finally, more expensive brands tend to taste better.
- If you're not sure where to start, try Medaglia d'Oro or Starbucks VIA Colombia. These tend to convert more coffee snobs than most brands.
- Instant espresso powder is a different product, meant for baking instead of drinking.[4]
- Heat a kettle of water. Don't use water that's been sitting in your kettle, which can pick up off-flavors or become "flat" from repeated boiling. If you live in a hard water area or your tap water just tastes bad, put it through a water filter first.
- If you don't have a kettle, microwave a mug of water before adding the coffee.[5] Microwaved water can "explode" if overheated. Prevent this by putting a wooden popsicle stick or teaspoon of sugar in the cup.[6]
- Measure the instant coffee into a mug. Follow the package instructions the first time you try a brand. If it's too strong or too watery for your tastes, you can adjust the ratio of coffee and water later. Most importantly, use the same spoon and the same mug each time. If you switch to a different size each time, you can't pinpoint a ratio you enjoy.
- If there's no recommendation on the package, try 1 slightly rounded teaspoon (5mL) per 8 oz (240mL).
- Stir in a little cold water (optional). Add just enough cold water to wet all the coffee, stirring it into a paste.[7] This preparation gives your coffee a smoother flavor, although it won't always have a major effect.
- Pour in the hot water. Instant coffee has already been extracted in water before drying, so the flavor is already set. This means the temperature of the water is much less important than for normal coffee. Instant coffee drinkers disagree over whether boiling water can affect the taste. If you're concerned, just let the kettle cool down for a couple of minutes first.
- Stir in the sugar and milk (optional). Even if you prefer black coffee, most instant blends could use the flavor help. Stir in as much or as little as you like, making sure all the sugar dissolves. If your instant coffee has a particularly bad taste, the cream will hide it better than milk.
- Taste and adjust. The most effective way to improve your cup is to keep experimenting and to keep track of what you tried. Try an extra teaspoon (5mL) of coffee next time if the brew was too watery, or add another pinch of sugar if it tastes too bitter. Instant coffee will never be gourmet, but your choices can make it enjoyable.
- Use the same spoon and same mug each time so you have a benchmark for the coffee to water ratio.
- Store the leftovers in an airtight container. Humidity will spoil the flavor of your instant coffee. Keep it out by sealing the container tightly.
- If you live in a humid climate, transfer the leftovers to smaller containers as you use them up. This will minimize the amount of air that contacts the coffee. In extra-humid tropics, the refrigerator might be drier than your cupboards.[8]
[Edit]Customizing Instant Coffee - Replace the water with milk. Some say that the coffee itself is a lost cause. If the techniques above don't help, try replacing all the water with hot milk. Heat the milk over the stovetop until it begins to bubble around the edges. Pour it onto the coffee powder instead of water.
- Keep an eye on the milk and stir occasionally. Unattended milk can overflow rapidly.
- Froth milk into a cappuccino. Your "instant cappuccino" won't impress an Italian, but a little froth can go a long way. If you don't have a handheld frother, froth the milk and instant coffee by whisking or shaking it in a jar.
- To froth up the mixture with a spoon, add the instant coffee and sugar to a cup, then stir in enough water to make a paste. Beat this with a spoon until foamy, then stir in the hot milk.[9]
- Add flavors. Strong, usually sweet flavors are another way to hide poor tastes. Here are a few suggestions:
- Replace the milk and sugar with flavored creamers, or homemade flavored milk.
- Add flavorings such as vanilla extract, cocoa powder, or ground cinnamon, stirred in thoroughly. Careful — it's easy to overdo these if making a single cup.
- Replace the sugar with the flavored syrup of your choice. You can even buy liquid coffee essence or extract to add a bigger punch of coffee flavor. Keep in mind that commercial syrups often include high fructose corn syrup.
- Add coconut oil or butter to your coffee. Not everyone loves this trend, but you might change your mind when you're slogging through a jar of bad instant. After making your instant coffee, toss it in the blender with 1 tsp (5mL) coconut oil or butter and blend until frothy.
- Tea drinkers have a long-running argument over whether to pour in the milk or the hot water first. This decision can affect the flavor of your instant coffee too if you use a lot of milk. Try both to see which you prefer.
- If you can't stand the instant coffee you've purchased to try, don't toss it away. It's great to use in cooking!
- Different sugars taste quite different. Add raw or brown sugar to your coffee for a richer molasses flavor.
- Pat yourself on the back for drinking instant coffee. It produces fewer carbon emissions than drip-filtered coffee![10]
[Edit]Warnings - Ground coffee is a very different product. It will not dissolve in hot water, and stirring it in a cup will not extract the right flavors.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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