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Dealing with carpet stains can be a bit tricky -- you can't pull up wall-to-wall carpet, pre-treat the stain and throw the whole thing in with a load of laundry. Nor can you take it to a dry cleaner to have them deal with it. The key to dealing with a stain on carpet is knowing what the substance is, or at least having a general idea, to determine a suitable approach to cleaning. Much like laundry, the methods to treat different types of stains on carpet vary.
Clothing made from acrylic is a common fashion staple, particularly throughout the colder months. Acrylic garments are often oversize or bulky in order to provide warmth and a more universal fit than other fashion options. However, acrylic clothing can sometimes prove to be a bit too bulky, but it can be sized down for a more form-fitting look through the process of machine washing and drying.
Denim -- especially raw or selvage denim -- should be maintained in certain ways to preserve fit and color. Denim should be stretched to fit the wearer -- but not to stretch out of shape. Unlike regular chinos or relaxed jeans that are just washed and thrown in the dryer, denim care is more procedural. Taking care of denim the right way ensures that years later, the jean maintains a look that is affected by life and wear, not laundering cycles.
Mold forms on clothing when the articles are left wet or damp for a day or more. This growth is especially likely in dark environments, such as when wet workout wear is tossed into a hamper and forgotten. Mildew is another form of mold-like fungus sometimes appearing on clothing, and the same techniques are used to mitigate it. Although mold is unsightly and creates a musty odor, tested methods for removing the spores exist, making the items fresh and clean once again.
When you fall in between clothing sizes, your wardrobe and closet space may look a bit cluttered. Whether a collection of multiple sized garments is a result of constantly losing or gaining weight, you can take control by smartly weeding through your garments. A closet jammed full of pants and tops that you only wear part time will frustrate you, especially when you want to get dressed quickly. Establish order in your closet while you cope with shifting sizes.
You can keep your hairspray from turning white by making sure that you're using the appropriate kind of heating tool. Keep hairspray from turning white with help from a New York City-born hair and makeup artist in this free video clip.
Anyone who's ever tossed a red shirt into a load of white laundry by accident knows the curse of unintentionally pink socks. New clothes often have excess dye that needs to be washed out, so it's especially important to wash them with like colors. Separating your laundry and washing it correctly helps keep all of your clothes looking their best.
Since the first pair was made in 1947, Wrangler jeans have become synonymous with cowboys and rodeos. Even those who don't ride horses to work love the durability of Wranglers, which come in a variety of cuts, styles and shades. Whether you choose the classic raw blue denim or a pair of Cowgirl Cut straight-legs, proper washing will help keep your new Wranglers from shrinking. To maintain your jeans' original size and shape, forgo the washer and dryer in favor of hand-washing.
High heels can instantly take your ensemble from ho-hum to fabulous. Day or night, the look of heels dress up any style, but what those heels are hiding can be not so glamorous. High heels put strain on your soles, so it’s no wonder they can cause sweaty feet, thus making them even more of a challenge to maneuver in. Taking a few simple precautions and steps can help you get around in your high heels without damp, and smelly, sweaty feet.
Evening chic is a nebulous term for a dress code, typically applied to a social or cocktail event. Unlike formal events that require a suit or black tie, evening chic is in many ways equal to business casual, with many of the same rules. Men should look, at once, polished but not too dressed up in order to most accurately fit the evening chic description.
Dark-washed denim is a bit more elevated and professional than lighter washes. Find out what to pair with dark-washed jeans with help from a fashion and lifestyle expert in this free video clip.
You'd be surprised by the common items, like toothpaste, that you can use to remove mug stains right at home. Learn about magic mug stain removal with help from a cleaning expert known as "The Green Cleaning Coach" in this free video clip.
If you always find yourself between sizes, you can begin weeding out clothes by carefully following a few basic rules. Weed out clothes when you are always between sizes with help from the owner and creative director for Ose in this free video clip.
The best white blouse for women is a really important item to keep in your wardrobe. Find out about the best white blouse for women with help from an experienced fashion and lifestyle expert in this free video clip.
Removing blacklight reactive ink from the skin may be tricky, but it certainly isn't impossible. Find out how to remove blacklight reactive ink from the skin with help from a certified makeup artist in this free video clip.
Bleaching furniture can help get rid of stains and other unsightly blemishes that may be present on the original finish. Bleach furniture with help from a master precision craftsman in this free video clip.
Getting a stain out of a Wallabee shoe requires a few key things, like vegetable oil and a soft cloth. Get a stain out of a Wallabee shoe with help from an L.A.-based visual artist and product developer in this free video clip.
Certain types of lipstick can lead to a white residue on your lips if you're not careful. Keep your lips from getting white residue while wearing lipstick with help from an experienced New York makeup artist in this free video clip.
Face makeup has a tendency to stain clothing if you're not careful. Learn how to get face makeup out of clothing with help from a certified professional makeup artist in this free video clip.
A product called "Goof Off" is great for removing ink marker from pine furniture. Remove ink marker on pine furniture with help from a master precision craftsman in this free video clip.
Removing lint from your clothes is something you can do in a few different ways depending on your overall preferences. Remove lint from clothes with help from a certified image consultant in this free video clip.
Not all types of shirts are going to go well with black acid wash jeans. Find out about shirts that go with black acid wash jeans with help from an independent clothing and graphic designer in this free video clip.
Being a homeowner/housekeeper also requires you to play the part of Sherlock Holmes as you encounter accidents, messes and mishaps that call for cleaning intervention. Such is the case when you find a sticky substance on polar fleece clothing and blankets. “Chewing gum,” Sherlock would say. Such an esteemed problem solver also would know that the best way to remove gum is to literally freeze it off, provided that you can fit the clothing or blanket in the freezer. Regardless, there's more than one way to wipe a slate clean. Just take a page out of Sherlock’s book and try…
Hairstylists, dog groomers and others use Oster's Blade Wash to keep their clippers clean. Sharpened blades go dull more quickly if you don’t keep them clean, no matter what type of clipper you use. So, you should use Blade Wash or another cleaner to keep your blades clean and sharp, unless manufacturers’ instructions indicate otherwise.
Oiled oak serves as a classic finish for home furnishings, countertops and floors. The finish tends to darken with repeated oilings. Depending on the original color of the oak, such as white oak, golden oak or dark oak, the results of this natural darkening process can be subtle or result in a significant change in the oak's color over time. Applying a refinishing oil darkens the finish, which helps to hide surface scratches, stains, blemishes or other imperfections or damage to the oak. Darkening the oak can also help it to coordinate better with other elements of your decor.
Grease stains on carpeting can be tricky to get off, but they're not impossible. Learn about grease stains on carpet with help from a carpet cleaning professional in this free video clip.
When water is not draining properly from your washing machine, it might be the result of a malfunctioning pump. The pump drains water from the washing machine tub and into the house drainage line. Washing machines either have an electric pump or a direct drive pump. Direct drive pumps rely on the motor directly and don't have any wires. Electric pumps connect to the motor with a belt and have two wire connections to check with an ohmmeter to ensure the pump electrical current is operating correctly. Using an ohmmeter to test a washing machine pump only lets you know…
Using a dishwasher to clean utensils is quick and convenient. However, dishwashers don't always clean items to satisfaction, and cooking and eating utensils might leave your dishwasher with food stains. Moreover, harsh water might cause utensils to rust or dull. Keeping your utensils in good condition requires constant care. Fortunately, there are simple and effective techniques for removing stains and restoring your eating and cooking utensils.
If you are getting rid of your old washing machine, stop before you throw it out. Recycling the usable parts of an old machine makes a lot more sense than discarding them. If you have do-it-yourself skills, there are other uses you could put the motor to. Even if you have no such skills, the motor may be an item you could resell or gift to someone else.
General Electric's WHDSR209DWW model washer is a standard-sized washer with a 3.2-cubic-foot capacity. This machine is able to wash more laundry in fewer loads, even if you're washing bath towels or jeans. However, as a mid-sized washer, it can't handle bulky or oversized items like comforters.
Keeping that new silk or wool scarf looking new years after you first wear it may prove challenging as any stain threatens the appearance of these delicate fabrics, even a simple water stain. Chemicals are not recommended, nor is casually tossing the garment into your washer and dryer. These fabrics require special care. Before you trek to your local dry cleaner, however, simple items found around your household can provide fashion rescue on the spot.
Removing bright red or purple berry juice on dry cleanable clothing by hand saves you cash off your dry cleaning bill. Act quickly, since you'll have better luck removing a fresh stain than an old one. You have two cleaning options, depending on the exact wording of your garment's care label.
A toilet that bubbles when clothes are being laundered in the washing machine is indicative of an overflow that results when another plumbing fixture drains. Since the toilet is usually the lowest plumbing fixture – meaning it is the one closest in height to the floor -- an overflow will generally manifest in the commode. Bubbling could be just the first step, and the overflow may advance to actually overflowing the toilet if the problem is not rectified.
Padded toilet seats are more than just a comfortable bathroom accessory. They can provide support for people suffering from hip displacement, bursitis and back issues. Some people, however, may be reluctant to use a soft toilet seat because of the misguided notion that it is difficult to clean. You can use safe, inexpensive products to remove unsightly stains from a padded toilet seat and keep it hygienic.
Learning how to wash and care for your 501 STF (Shrink to Fit) jeans will ensure that you get the look and the color of denim you desire. Levi's 501 jeans are considered to be the original blue jean, with Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss receiving the patent on May 20, 1873. True 501 fans understand that there is a very specific shrinking and breaking in period for 501 STF jeans. The soaking method is the most popular and dates back to cowboy days when they would wear their jeans through creeks or soak them in horse troughs. In fact,…
Osnaburg is a heavy-duty fabric that is often used to make burlap bags but is also popular for home decorating because it is thick and sturdy. Untreated, osnaburg is usually oatmeal or light brown in color but can be bleached to create a canvas for a fabric print or to achieve a white color. If you have a piece of osnaburg you plan to use for a project, there are two methods for bleaching it. You can bleach the color out of it or you can use color-safe nonchlorine bleach to clean the fabric without compromising the color.
Sometimes it’s difficult to tell whether that yellowish stain on your favorite linen tablecloth is from the vinaigrette dressing you served with salad or from the zesty marinade sauce you served with dinner. But if you’ve identified the stain as oil-based, you may be able to remove it. The sooner you address the stain, the better, since the less time a stain has to settle in, the better your chance of removing all traces of it.
Starch is a natural complex carbohydrate derived from plants such as corn. The corn is often dried and ground into a fine powder that is then mixed with water. The starch is applied to clothing, often by spraying it from an aerosol can or adding the powder to laundry water, to stiffen the clothes and prevent them from wrinkling. It is most often used on clothes such as dress shirts to help stiffen the collars and cuffs. Too much starch on your clothes causes excessive stiffness and makes the fabric shiny. Starch is a water-soluble substance and washes off of…
The interior of a traditional top loading washing machine is very different to the interior of an infusion top loader, which is designed to be economical in water usage. Traditional washers have a tall agitator in the center of the tub. The agitator moves laundry around in the detergent solution to clean it, and in the rinse water to remove all traces of soap. In an infusion washer, the infusor covers much of the bottom of the tub and its height is less than half a traditional agitator's. The sides of an infusor tub are lined with fill holes, arranged…
Your washing machine is running, and as long as the washer is operational, nobody can flush the toilet. To be more specific, the toilet will probably flush once, using up the water in the tank, but the tank fails to refill and the toilet is unable to flush as a result. The reason why your toilet won’t flush when you wash clothes is usually either insufficient water supply or inefficient water pressure, depending on the type of toilet you have and the location of your home in relation to the source of your household water.
When a washing machine begins to age, the bearings might go bad. The machine can limp along for a while with noisy bearings but eventually the bearings will go completely, leaving a non-functioning washer. If your washer has enough wear and tear, it might be better to find optional uses for it than to spend the money to fix it.
Like the white coats of physicians and laboratory technicians, the classic white chef's coat was chosen for its symbolic value. Because it shows any dirt or soil immediately, it holds cooks to a high standard of personal cleanliness, which is clearly a good thing for people whose profession is cooking food for others. Of course, if you're the cook, keeping your jackets white is an ongoing concern.
Chamois shirts are made from cotton, not the garment's eponymous material. A ubiquitous fabric, cotton poses a shrinking hazard. Even preshrunk cotton may shrivel somewhat when first washed. To discourage this, treat a chamois shirt in the same way you would other delicates when laundering. Washing machines can vary significantly in their settings and processes; always choose the least harsh options to clean chamois shirts. Alternative washing methods may also help maintain your shirt's size.
Sports jerseys are usually made out of knitted cloth, and are often subject to an assortment of stains, depending on the sport. Employ a procedure that will remove the stain from the jersey using common household items that can be found in most supermarkets.
Many people put off doing their laundry properly, letting it pile up in baskets or lying in the laundry room waiting to be ironed. While doing laundry will likely never be at the top of most people's lists of fun things to do, there's no reason it has to feel painful. If you make your laundry room a beautiful place where you want to spend time and invest in machines and detergent that you love, the process may become more relaxing than stressful.
Ink stains can leave major marks on furniture, upholstery and clothing. Printer and pen inks may leave stains that seem impossible to remove. While there are many tips and tricks for removing deep printer ink stains, few methods remove the stains completely. One tried and true solution is found in ether-based cleaning solutions. Since ether is a potentially toxic substance, don't attempt this project without the appropriate protective equipment.
Quick disconnect couplers for water hoses let you change out different types of equipment quickly to use with a single set of water taps. For example, a pressure washer for cleaning house siding requires a steady supply of water, but some homes may not have an outdoor tap. Using the water tap for a washing machine in the garage or laundry room solves this problem. Rather than use pliers to unscrew the washing machine hoses every time you want to use the wall faucets, hook up quick disconnect couplers instead. This time-saving convenience takes only a few minutes to connect.
Leather requires care to protect it from long-term damage. If you spill oil on the leather, the oil is absorbed into it, making it difficult to remove. Address spills as soon as possible to ensure the best results. Oil is drawn out of leather quicker when it is a fresh spill than when it soaks in.
Although chlorine bleach is known for its whitening properties, it contains chemicals that may produce pale yellow stains on objects. Plastic surfaces, such as serving bowls and acrylic bathtubs, are susceptible to yellow streaks when exposed to chlorine bleach for extended periods. Failure to promptly and thoroughly rinse bleach off plastic, such as during cleaning, is commonly responsible for the discoloration. Promptly get yellow bleach stains out of plastic to restore its appearance.
The perfect pair of denim jeans provides excellent fit and comfort. Denim is made from cotton fibers. These natural fibers shrink when exposed to high heat. Denim labeled as preshrunk is less prone to extreme shrinkage, although some shrinking is still possible. Improper washing and drying can cause the denim to shrink a full size, making that previous perfect fit into a too-small size. Constant shrinking and stretching weakens the cotton fibers, making the denim more prone to ripping and fraying.
