| How to Clean Car Plastic Posted: 22 Jul 2022 01:00 AM PDT Practicing good car maintenance both inside and out will help your vehicle both hold resale value and be a source of pride for you. Your car has both interior and exterior plastic. To clean the interior plastic, start by vacuuming and then using a soft cloth and a plastic safe cleaner. When cleaning your exterior plastic, wash your car first and then apply a degreaser. Always finish your cleaning sessions with some sort of protectant. [Edit]Cleaning Interior Plastic - Vacuum the interior. Before you begin, vacuum out your car to remove any debris.Your cleaning products will work much better if you vacuum before getting started. Using a soft brush attachment on the vacuum nozzle will help prevent scratching. [1]
- Remove the floor mats and shake them before you start vacuuming.
- Be extra careful around any knobs or vents. These areas can be easily damaged.
- Dust the plastic. Use a soft damp cloth (water only) or soft hand-held dust mop (available in the car care section of any grocery or discount store) to clear away dust. A small, soft-bristled paintbrush works well to clear dust from crevices such as around the gear shift and hand brake, the radio controls and other tight spaces where dust can settle.[2]
- You can also use a soft-bristled toothbrush and Q-tips to clean crevices and hard to reach areas.
- If you used a damp cloth, go back with a dry soft cloth to dry the plastic.
- Treat stains. If your plastic is stained, apply a very small amount of mild soap, laundry detergent, or plastic auto cleaner to a damp cloth. Never apply any cleaning solution directly to the plastic. Wipe the area until it is clean. Follow up with a clean, dry rag.[3]
- Always test an inconspicuous piece of plastic before you apply it to all of the plastic in your car.
- If you are using a commercial plastic cleaner, follow the instructions on the packaging.
- Turn the cloth to a clean spot when it begins to show dirt. You do not want to redistribute dirt throughout your car.
- Apply a protectant. Once your plastic is cleaned, apply a protectant. Visit an automotive store or the automobile section of a large retailer to find a plastic protectant. Only apply the protectant to clean surfaces. You do not want to lock in any dirt or grime.[4]
- Again never spray products directly on the plastic. Always use a clean, soft cloth or a foam applicator pad.
- Use polish. To add some shine to your plastic, use a plastic polish or an oil such as olive oil or boiled linseed oil. Put some oil or polish on a soft cloth and then rub it into the plastic. Then use a clean soft cloth to rub away any excess product.[5]
- You can purchase boiled linseed oil from a hardware or paint store.
- There are also all-in-one products that act as both a polish and a protectant. This is convenient and cuts down on the amount of products you have to buy.[6]
[Edit]Taking Care of Exterior Plastic - Wash your car. Pre-soak your car with water for 5 minutes to remove any stubborn dirt. Place a few drops of a mild liquid soap (e.g. Ivory soap) in a bucket of water and use a sponge or car wash mitt to clean your car. Wash your car in sections and rinse with plain water. Start at the top of your car and work your way down. Once you have cleaned your entire car, rinse the car with water again.
- Clean your car in a shaded area to prevent your car from getting too hot. If the surface of the car is too warm, the soap may dry and you will have to wash your car multiple times.
- Dry your car with a clean, soft, dry towel or drive your car around the block.
- Apply a degreaser. Once you have washed the car, spray a light degreaser on a towel and apply it to the plastic areas of your car. Wipe your car using a medium amount of pressure. If the area has buildup, scrub with a brush. Be careful not to scrub the paint.[7]
- Purchase a light degreaser that is safe for cars. Visit your local automotive store or the automotive section of a large retailer like Walmart or Target.
- The degreaser will also remove any buildup from other products that you applied.
- Restore dull plastic. Many cars these days have black plastic trim. This trim can begin to look dull and worn. A restoring product will provide a deep clean and restore some of the color. Apply a couple of nickel sized drops of the solution on a soft towel and rub it into the plastic areas using medium pressure.[8]
- These products will remove stains and improve the color.
- Some good products you can try include Poorboy's Trim Restorer, TUF SHINE Black Restore Kit, or Black WOW, or Mother's Back-to-Black cream.[9]
- Always read the instructions before using the product on your car.
- Apply a protectant. A good protectant will protect the exterior plastic from UV rays and keep the trim looking like new. Spray the protectant on a clean, soft towel and wipe it on your car using a back and forth motion. The protectant should only take a few minutes to dry.[10]
- These protectants can often be used on multiple surfaces such as plastic, vinyl, and rubber.
- Always degrease the surface before applying the protectant.
[Edit]Maintaining a Clean Car - Clean your car regularly. Clean the interior of your car once a month, and the exterior of your car twice a month. If you have a regular cleaning schedule, your cleaning sessions will not take as long. If you cannot clean your car this often. At least try to clean your car at regular intervals.[11]
- You may need to clean your car more often if you live near the coast, have salted roads in the winter, or live in a wooded area with tree sap.
- Remove and shake out your car mats once a week as well.
- To clean car carpet, attach a carpet brush to the end of a cordless drill. Clean the surface with a special stain remover or foaming wash—the drill does most of the work for you. You can also use specialized brushes for upholstery and rubber, if needed.[12]
- Remove trash daily. Your car is not a trash bag. Remove empty cups, plastic wrappers, or any other trash every day. It may help to keep plastic bags in your car for trash collection. You can then throw the bag away at the end of the day.[13]
- Read the owner's manual. Before you do any interior cleaning, read your owner's manual. Your car materials may be sensitive to certain cleaners or your manufacturer may recommend specific cleaning products. Always test products in an inconspicuous spot before you apply it to all of the interior.[14]
- The owner's manual may also have cleaning tips for your car. If you do not have a hard copy of the manual, you can often find the manual on the manufacturer's website.
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| How to Choose Comfortable Walking Shoes Posted: 21 Jul 2022 05:00 PM PDT Walking is a stress-free, easy way to stay fit and healthy. Like with any other activity, having the right equipment is the key to success. To make sure that you choose the right walking shoe, look for important features, try them on in the store, and find a good fit. [Edit]Looking for Important Features - Support your heel with a snug heel counter. This area of the shoe should comfortably cup the back of your heel. If the heel counter fits correctly, then it can help keep your feet from pronating or supinating when you walk. Make sure that it feels nice and snug but not too tight.[1]
- Pronating means your heels point outward and you put most of your weight on the insides of your feet when you walk.
- Supinating means your heels point inward and you put most of your weight on the outsides of your feet when you walk.[2]
- Look for a shoe with slight roominess in the toe box. The toe box is the part of the shoe that surrounds your toes. It's important that this part of the shoe allows your toes to wiggle and bend freely. However, too much space can cause excessive shifting and ultimately, discomfort. Shoot for a nice middle ground.[3]
- Look for outsoles with good traction. The parts of your shoes that make contact with the ground are called the outsoles. Inspect this under part of the shoe to be sure that there are grooves. These will help create traction when you walk, which can prevent you from slipping and falling.[4]
- Make sure the midsoles are made of cushioning material. Midsoles are arguably the most important part of the shoe. This is the area of the shoe between the upper part of the shoe and the tread.[5] Feel the midsoles with your hand to assess their softness and resiliency. Try on shoes with midsoles made of gel, foam, or air. All of these materials do a great job of cushioning and minimizing impact each time your foot hits the ground while you walk.[6]
- Ensure good shock absorption with quality insoles. The soles of your feet should feel well-cushioned in your walking shoes. It's crucial that your insoles shape well to your foot and are supportive because their job is to absorb the impact that your foot has on the shoe.[7]
- If you find a shoe that seems great in almost every area but doesn't have quality insoles, you can always buy some gel inserts to get the support you need.[8]
- Assess each shoe's breathability. When you're walking and getting your heart rate up, your feet may sweat a little. Make sure to get a shoe that has a breathable membrane and also always wear breathable socks when you're walking. Shoes that trap the moisture can cause painful blistering and general discomfort.[9]
[Edit]Trying on Shoes - Try the shoes on at the end of the day. Everyone's ankles and feet swell at least some over the course of the day, so it's better to try on shoes in the late afternoon or evening than in the morning. It's better to get a shoe that feels a touch loose sometimes than one that's too tight on your foot.
- If you're elderly, it's especially important to get a shoe that fits a little looser to compensate for arthritis pain, bunions, and other growths and types of foot pain.
- Bring a pair of your own socks. In order to get a true idea of how a shoe fits, you'll need to try it on with whatever kind of sock you usually wear, whether that means high, low, thick, or thin socks.
- Also bring inserts if you usually wear them.[10]
- Measure your feet. Each time you go shoe shopping, you should measure your feet. The size of your feet can change slightly over time. Either measure your feet yourself with the shoe sizer that's in the store or have a friend, family member, or store employee help you. Measure both feet while standing up.
- If one foot is larger than the other, look for a shoe that fits the larger foot well.[11]
- Do the wiggle test. When you put a pair of shoes on, wiggle your toes and see if you have enough space in them. You should have at least half an inch of room between the tip of your longest toe and the front wall of the toe box. If you don't, try going up a size.[12]
- Walk around the store in the shoes. Once you've found shoes that are really feeling comfortable and supportive, take a walk around the store in them.[13] Walking is primarily what you'll be doing in the shoes, so it's important to test out how they feel when you add in the movement factor.
[Edit]Finding a Good Fit - Make sure the width and length are both right. Calluses and blisters can form as a result of wearing a shoe that's too narrow or wide. Wearing a shoe that's too short can crowd your toes, which is especially painful and problematic if you have any deformities or disorders, such as bunions or hammertoes.[14]
- Prioritize good motion control if you have low arches. Many who have flatter feet deal with problems involving muscle and joint stress. If you have significantly low arches, focus on finding a shoe with good motion control so that your feet can be better stabilized.
- Also, look for a shoe with a straight last. The last refers to the overall shape of the sole.[15]
- Get a shoe with good cushioning if you have high arches. High arches put a lot of strain on muscles and joints because they don't absorb shock as well. Look for a shoe that has a generous amount of cushioning if you have a higher arch in order to improve shock absorption.
- Try a shoe with a curved last.[16]
- Look for firm midsoles if you have a neutral arch. In addition to straight or semi-curved lasts and moderate rear foot stability, neutral feet are best supported by firm midsoles. Make sure that your shoes have these features if you don't think your foot falls under either arch type.[17]
- If you're a larger individual, you may benefit from purchasing shoes that are made for jogging or running. These shoes have support and padding for extra impact that you may need in order to be comfortable and avoid unnecessary pain.
- Keep track of how many miles you have put on your shoes, and replace them every .
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| How to Teach Your Toddler to Pedal a Bike Posted: 21 Jul 2022 09:00 AM PDT Teaching your child to pedal a bike is an exciting, and challenging, endeavor. However, wikiHow is here to help you introduce your child to the concept of pedalling, adjust the bike so that your child feels comfortable, and ultimately teach your child how to pedal. [Edit]Introducing Your Child to Pedalling - Introduce your child to the bicycle. While you do not need to go into detail explaining what each part of the bike does, it does help to give your child an idea of what they will be riding around on. Bring your child's bike out and set it up so that your child can look at it.
- Point out where your child will sit, where the pedals are, and how the wheels move.
- Plan to begin teaching your child how to pedal when they are between three and six years old. If you show your child how the pedals work before the age of three, they might not understand your instructions.
- Demonstrate the action of pedaling. Put your foot or hand on the pedal and make the pedal rotate in order to show your child how the pedal works. Point out that when the pedal moves, the wheels also move. Let your child push the pedals with their hands so they can begin to get a feel for the movement.
- Hold the bike up while you do this so that the wheels can move freely and your child can see the bike in action.
- Have your child practice pedalling on your hands. Have your child sit in a chair that is roughly the same height as the bike seat. Sit across from your child, facing them. Put your palms at the height of the pedals and have your child place a foot in each of your palms.
- Now push your child's feet up and down in the same movement that she would do if they were pedaling.
- Once they have gotten a feel for the movement, have your child 'pedal' with your hands.
- Have your child practice with their legs. Ask your child to lie down on the floor. Lie down across from them so that the bottoms of your feet are touching the bottoms of their feet. Put your feet up in the air (with their feet still touching yours) and begin to pedal like you would on a bike.
- Have your child try to push your feet in a pedalling motion to help them gain the strength they will need to push the pedals on the real bike.
- Demonstrate pedalling using your own bike. Sit on your bike and slowly pedal so that your child can see how you move your legs (and how the wheels move because of the pedalling you are doing).
- Try to pedal slowly at first, and then more quickly as your child gains a better understanding of what you are doing.
- Let your child watch other children ride their bikes. Bring your child to a park where other kids ride bikes. Watching their peers may help your child to compartmentalize the process of pedalling.
[Edit]Adjusting the Bike - Choose the right size of bike. Because your child is a toddler, they should have a toddler-sized bike. If the bike is too big, your child won't be able to reach the pedals, so take them to pick out the bike when you purchase it.[1] To determine if the bike is the right size:[2]:
- Help your child to get on to the bike. Have them stand above the top pipe of the frame with both feet on the ground. If they can do this comfortably, the bike is the appropriate size.
- Adjust the seat height. Seat height is very important for proper pedaling. Begin by putting the bike seat at its lowest level so that your child can practice pushing the bike (rather than pedalling). Once your child is ready to start pedalling, adjust the seat so that it is consistent with their height.[3]
- To determine the seat height, make sure that your child can reach the pedal with her whole foot when the pedal is the lowest position.
- Put a helmet on your child. It is very likely that your child will tip over or fall off the bike while they learn how to pedal. Because of this, a helmet is of the utmost importance.[4]
- Fit the helmet so that when it is strapped to your child's head, it doesn't wiggle very much, but is also not glued to your child's head.
- The helmet should also sit level across your child's forehead.
- Consider have them use knee and elbow pads along with a helmet as they get older.
[Edit]Helping Your Child to Practice Pedalling - Consider putting training wheels on your child's bike. If your child is very scared of falling, consider helping them by putting training wheels on their bike so that they can practice pedalling without the fear of falling.
- Once they have mastered riding the bike with training wheels, take the training wheels off and proceed to the next step.
- Select a grassy area with no traffic. Grass is good to practice on because it provides a cushion for when your child falls while they practice pedalling.
- Pick a spot that has a gentle slope to it to help your child practice going up and downhill.
- Have your child practice going downhill without pedalling. The hill should decline just enough that the bike can roll without your child pedalling it. You can even take the pedals off of the bike to help your child practice. Instruct your child to avoid touching the ground with their feet until they make it down the hill. Doing this will help them to gain a sense of balance.[5]
- Once your child can go down the hill comfortably, put the pedals back on and have your child place their feet on the pedals. Instruct them to avoid pedalling, but instead to just go down the hill with their feet on the pedals.
- Set the pedal up so your child can start pedalling without training wheels. Bring your child (and the bike) to a flat surface. Have your child get on to the bike, with one foot on the ground holding them up. Bring one pedal up so that it's at its tallest height and ready for your child to place their foot on it and start pedalling.[6]
- Explain again that the bike will begin to move when they press the pedal down with their foot.
- Explain the act of pedalling on each alternate pedal. Explain that you need to push the pedal alternately. Show that when one pedal is up, the other is down. Explain that your child needs to push one pedal down first, and then push the other when down when it is at its highest point.[7]
- Remind them that the faster they pedal, the faster the bike will go.
- Hold on to your child while they practice pedalling. Hold on to the bike seat and have your child begin to pedal. Run behind or beside the bike while your child pedals on their own.[8]
- When they (and you) feel confident with her pedalling skills, allow them to try pedalling on her own. You can even give them a little push to help get their momentum going.
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