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Certain clothing items demand the use of dry cleaning, which uses a very tiny amount of water and a combination of solvents to remove grease and dirt. Unfortunately, dry cleaning can leave behind a strong smell if the solvents are not completely removed during the process. Use natural household materials to eliminate the strong scent -- and other bad odors, such as smoke -- and freshen up clothes without damaging them.
There are times to take fashion risks and times to stick with the tried and true. When you want to play it safe, few outfits are as fool-proof as a blue button-up shirt with khaki pants. Whether you want to shake up the style or keep it classic, here are some ways to wear this all-American outfit.
Named for its leaves that sport cross-like markings, the iron cross begonia (Begonia masoniana) provides interest to the home or outdoor garden with its rough-textured foliage. Individual leaves bear the overall shape characteristic of other begonia varieties with green margins and dark brown centers. Iron cross begonias grow outdoors as perennials in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 11, but will grow indoors in containers in any zone. They prefer fast-draining, moist, nutrient-rich soils and partial shade.
Altering your binder requires a few different tools, like seven pieces of decorative paper and card stock. Get altered binder ideas with help from an expert with an extensive background in drawing, including a college education at Columbia in Chicago in this free video clip.
Curing static and wrinkles from your clothes isn't something that always requires you to have easy access to an iron. Cure static and wrinkles without the iron with help from a cleaning expert known as "The Green Cleaning Coach" in this free video clip.
Just because you want to clean your curtains doesn't mean that you're going to have to make an expensive trip to the dry cleaners. Clean curtains without a dry cleaner with help from a cleaning expert known as "The Green Cleaning Coach" in this free video clip.
When a suit doesn't fit quite right, you don't have to rush out to the store and buy a new one. Find a tailor to get a suit adjusted with help from a Washington, DC-based image consultant in this free video clip.
Doing a press iron T-shirt is something so easy that it will soon become second nature. Learn how to press iron a T-shirt with help from the owner and operator of a printing company in this free video clip.
When wearing khaki pants, you're always going to want to pay very close attention to the other types of clothing that you choose to wear. Find out what color matches khaki pants the best with help from a fashion magazine writer and the creator of a popular lifestyle blog in this free video clip.
Applying bore oil on your guitar requires a good cloth and the right technique. Apply bore oil on your guitar with help from an experienced guitar builder and repair technician in this free video clip.
Your body type should always play an important role in how you choose to alter your clothing. Alter clothes for full figures with help from a personal stylist in this free video clip.
Combining khaki pants and shirt colors isn't something you should do without any pre-planning. Combine khaki pants and shirt colors with help from an American heiress and model in this free video clip.
Using a steamer on your clothes always requires you to keep a few very particular things in mind. Use a steamer on clothes with help from a certified image consultant in this free video clip.
Making folded clothes in Illustrator requires you to really have a handle on how different articles of clothing look in a folded state. Make folded clothes in Illustrator with help from a well versed web, graphic and illustrative designer in this free video clip.
You can save a lot of money by altering your denim jeans right at home, on your own. Learn about do it yourself denim jeans alterations with help from a wardrobe stylist and fashion blogger in this free video clip.
Washable marker needs to be removed from dry clean only clothing in a very specific way so that you don't damage the material. Remove washable marker from dry clean only clothing with help from a third generation owner of Arrow Leathercare in this free video clip.
Hemming pant legs yourself is a great way to save a lot of money. Find out how to hem pant legs with help from a fashion and style expert in this free video clip.
A gap that develops between two stairs can be an unsightly blemish on an otherwise beautiful staircase, collecting dirt and distracting from the material and construction of the stairs. When a gap develops between two stairs, it may be a sign of the staircase settling or the wood aging and drying out. Whatever the cause, it's best to start with simple repair procedures before replacing stair components in an attempt to solve the problem. While caulk can fix a small gap, a larger gap may require rope that will expand and contract along with the wood of the stairs, or…
Boats with low transoms commonly feature higher inner walls, which creates an area known as a splashwell. This area is designed to catch any water that splashes over the transom. This water is diverted from the splashwell via scuppers, which only permit the flow of water from the boat without allowing water to enter the splashwell. In some cases, wiring for electrical features may be placed inside the splashwell area, and saltwater entering this area may damage the wiring. Protecting this wiring is a fairly straightforward process.
Altering the shoulder of a jacket requires some basic sewing skills and proper measurements to ensure that the alterations meet your needs. When preparing to alter the jacket, measure the distance between the shoulder's edge and the neck. Then, make sure that your adjustments line up with those measurements. If you take too much off the shoulder, you will end up with a scrunched up shoulder. Taking too little off the shoulder makes the shoulders look droopy, rather than form fitting.
How small you can make a suit through alteration depends on a few different things. Find out how small you can make a suit through alteration with help from a fashion and beauty industry professional in this free video clip.
Making t-shirts with iron-ons can be accomplished very quickly so long as you know what you're doing. Make t-shirts with iron-ons with help from a fashion expert in this free video clip.
Your birch veneer furniture is actually likely made of particle board with a thin layer of birch wood -- the veneer -- on top. Veneers are an inexpensive alternative to solid wood for tables, desks, bookcases and cabinets, and they are often pretreated with a protective coating. Proper care for birch veneer pieces is important, as damage or wear may lead to chipping, leaving particle board exposed.
The Polaroid One600 camera is a camera that takes analog pictures that will develop instantly. The film for a Polaroid One600 camera comes in black cartridges that load into the front of the camera. Another interesting feature about Polaroid One600 film is that it can be manipulated during the developing process, allowing a photographer to create a distressed look to their photos. It is a great way to create unique and artistic images with your Polaroid One600 camera.
With iron-on transfers, a side of paper with a printed image is pressed onto the fabric and then ironed, which transfers the image to the fabric. Iron-ons enable you to create customized T-shirts with images or designs. These images can be taken with a digital camera or created through various software programs. They are then printed with an inject printer, using specialized transfer paper. Heat transfer is the most affordable way to transfer a design on a single T-shirt. Also, heat transfers can be performed on 100 percent cotton.
Health and environmental concerns about volatile organic compounds have fostered the use of water-based polyurethane as a protective floor coating. Oil-based polyurethane is still used, however, especially in garages and other settings that can be thoroughly ventilated. Both polyurethane types are good clear “top coats” for wood and painted floors, including garage floors. Polyurethane is easy to apply, though it’s important to work carefully. With water-based polyurethane, which dries very quickly, it’s also important to work quickly and maintain a “wet edge” to prevent application lines.
Silk is one of the most intimidating fabrics to iron, and for good reason. The all natural fabric is spun from silk thread that comes from the silk worm. It is extremely delicate and easily damaged. Ironing silk is risky, and requires patience and a slow hand. Learning how to do it properly will ensure your garment is being cared for properly and you also will save a few dry cleaning dollars.
Hemp is sometimes called a miracle fabric. It is known to be incredibly durable and weather-resistant. Environmentalists love it because it consumes little water compared to trees, is easy to grow and produces little waste. Manufacturers love it because it is cheap and versatile. When it comes to cleaning your hemp hat, there's not much to it, with a few basic items you most likely have in your home.
Image distortion -- it comes in every shape and color. As a photo retoucher, you sometimes face the helpless feeling that none of your skilled efforts can salvage some of the distorted images you're examining. Your best hope lies in quantifying the forms of pixel distortion that a photo contains, then devising an approach to minimize damage you may not be able to eliminate.
After a thorough cleaning of your Frigidaire gas stove, you may be left with a non-stop clicking noise coming from the appliance. The clicking noise comes from the ignitors, which create the sparks necessary to light the burners. Although this is not harmful to your range, it may be harmful to your patience, as the excessive clicking can be quite bothersome, especially if you are working in the kitchen.
To achieve a crisp, ironed look and knife-edge crease in their trousers, Marines use specific techniques for starching and ironing. Although some of the effect is created by the permanent crease manufactured into many Marine uniforms, you can achieve a similar look with hand-washable trousers in natural fabrics such as cotton, wool or linen. Knits and some synthetics may not hold a crease to Marine standards.
Satin is the term used to describe a fabric that is weaved in such a way that it has a high, glossy sheen. It can be made from many types of materials, including silk, polyester, rayon or cotton. When a satin fabric rubs against another fabric or item, it can change from a neutral to positive charge. This causes the static, which occurs most often in a hot, dry environment. To get static out of satin, try one of several effective techniques, but read the fabric care label first to avoid damaging the material.
Incorrectly ironing a cotton polyester garment can result in a burnt hole where the fabric once was. One thing to remember about ironing is that not all materials are treated equally. Different types of fabrics, such as poly-blends, must be ironed with more caution so as to not ruin the garment. One of the more notable characteristics of poly-blends is that they are unable to withstand high temperatures.
To add a decorative touch to faucets, doorknobs, microwaves and other appliances, many manufacturers "brush" these items. This involves applying an abrasive element to the metal, which creates a visible texture and helps reflect light. Once brushed, the nickel is coated for smoothness and protection from corrosion. However, the brushed nickel is still susceptible to water spotting and pitting, especially if the appliance is located in an area of high humidity. With regular cleaning, you can help prevent damage to your brushed nickel fixtures.
Tencel is the official brand name for Lyocell, a fabric created from wood pulp, by the Tencel Group. Tencel Lyocell mimics rayon in its feel. The natural fiber is highly reputed for its environmental friendliness, and Tencel Lyocell garments are simple to maintain. Lyocell does wrinkle easily, however. Hanging pants made from Tencel overnight can stave off crinkles in the fabric. Yet an iron can also neaten a pair of Tencel pants in a pinch. Standard ironing technique tames Tencel Lyocell well.
KWC, which manufactures lines of sleek, stainless steel faucets, is known for creative designs. You have probably seen these faucets in modern homes, bars and restaurants. They come with the same components as other faucets, such as temperature regulators and nozzles. To keep these faucets looking and functioning at their best, they need to be regularly maintained. You can perform this maintenance daily and in a matter of minutes.
Tablecloths come in four basic shapes: square, rectangular, round or oval. You may want to alter your dining room or kitchen table if it comes in an unusual size, if you want to take out or add a table leaf or if you have recently changed tables and want to change your table covering to suit the new table. It’s a fairly easy project to cut and sew or alter a tablecloth. Work with solid fabric instead of lace or other materials that should not be cut, and be sure to allow for an overhang of about 10 to 11…
A guitar fretboard is commonly known as a fingerboard and can be found on the top neck of the guitar. A fretboard is a simple piece of wood embedded with metal frets. Most commonly you will find a fretboard made out of ebony, maple or rosewood. Whether the wood is finished or unfinished, the cleaning technique is the same. Serious guitar players know to wipe the fretboard down with a dry cloth after every use to keep it clean. A more complex cleaning needs to be done at least once a month to ensure your guitar keeps playing like new.
A clothes dryer can make laundry day easier. If you live in a small home, though, you might not think you have enough space for the appliance. A portable dryer is ideal for apartment and condominium dwellers because of its compact size. Its features are comparable to those of a traditional clothes dryer.
A stomp ceiling brush is a type of large paintbrush that is used to create what is known as a stomped texture on a ceiling. This type of brush can be used as is, or you can modify it so that the brush will create different and unique patterns on the ceiling. There are several ways to customize a stomp brush by cutting the bristles. You can choose to be either random or symmetrical in your changes to the brush.
Secateurs, a type of one-handed pruning shears, make short work of small trim jobs in the garden. Sharp, clean and well-oiled secateurs remain useful for many years, but dull blades and rusted spring mechanisms render the tool useless. Dirty shears can also harbor bacteria and disease organisms from infected plants. Continuing to use the secateurs without proper cleaning spreads these diseases to healthy plants. Wash your secateurs and other tools after every use and before storing them away for winter.
Many people have experienced pulling a favorite sweater from the dryer, only to find that it has shrunk. Experienced launderers know that tumble-drying can shrink both cotton and wool clothing. You can purposely shrink too-large clothing in the dryer, but the high heat may damage cotton by lowering the hardiness of the fibers. Using the washer alone may also allow you to shrink a sweater without these damaging effects, if hot water is used. The heat creates the shrinking effect in both types of fabric, and wool shrinks from dampness and agitation, as well.
The classic trackpad, officially known as the trackball, serves as the central physical interface for many of BlackBerry's smartphones, including the Curve, Pearl, 8800, 8820 and 8830 models. Grease, dirt and residue build up in the chrome ring around the ball with regular use, causing it to stick.
Finding the perfect dress is a constant struggle as Americans evolve in shape, size and ethnicity, but clothing sizes remain unstandardized and outdated. Kate Zernike of "The New York Times" explains that most designers' clothing sizes are based on a national study from World War II, not yet having incorporated the progress of 2004's SizeUSA survey. Because of this, using accessories and products to fit into your dress may be the best bet.
Although sizes vary from suit to suit and each man's body is different, there are some guidelines that you can follow for determining suit measurements just by using the sizes of everyday clothes. While the ideal suit should always be measured to a man's exact specifications, in the case of an emergency, educated guesses can be made by determining waist and chest sizes as laid out in typical size charts that almost all manufacturers reference. So doing a little research work can make a purchase quick and easy with just a minimal amount of tailoring to be done.
People often send their dress pants to the dry cleaner, because they feel this is better for the garment than washing and drying at home. However, the harsh chemicals used to dry clean pants may cause them to wear out faster, according to "GQ" magazine. Laundering your dress pants saves money and could make them last longer. Cotton blends are often safe to put in the dryer, if you follow the care instructions located on the tag.
In vintage movies and newspaper photos, hats are worn by almost everyone, male or female. In the 21st century that's no longer the case, but hats are still an important fashion accessory. A well-made hat, whether constructed of felt, leather or cloth, can last for many years if it's properly cared for. Hat boxes and hat stands help them retain their shape, and regular cleaning prevents wear and keeps them attractive. The most crucial area to maintain is the hat's brim, which is most likely to attract dirt.
A wrinkle-free suit coat counts toward making a positive impression. Your local dry cleaners use professional equipment to remove wrinkles, without harming the suit material. A steam iron offers similar results at home, but using the device incorrectly can cause irreparable damage to the coat. Placing a barrier, such as damp cloth, between the iron and the coat protects the fibers from direct heat. Moreover, the combination of the two produces a wrinkle-free garment.
Several factors may be to blame when the pictures you take with your Fujifilm FinePix S5 digital camera appear blurry and out of focus. A dirty lens, problems with the selected focus feature and slow shutter speeds all may result in diminished picture quality.
If you want your regular jeans to fit more like skinny jeans or you must let out your jeans and hope for skinnier days ahead, altering your jeans in the thigh region is a better choice than consigning them to a heap in your closet. Considering the price of jeans, it makes good sense to alter them yourself. Follow a few tailor’s secrets to help your jeans fit again just as well as they did the day you bought them.
