| How to Fit a Backpack Posted: 05 Sep 2019 05:00 PM PDT When choosing a good hiking or travel backpack, you need to measure your torso length as a guideline for choosing the size of pack. After that, it's important to try on different packs and adjust all the belts and straps correctly to find one that fits your body just right. Take your time to find the right fit, and you'll have a trustworthy, comfortable backpack to hit the trail or the road with for years to come. [Edit]Measuring and Choosing Packs to Try On - Have a friend measure your torso with a flexible cloth tape measure. Measure from your iliac crest (the very top of your hip bone) to your C7 vertebrae (the vertebrae at the base of your neck). This will give you your torso length to use to determine your pack size.[1]
- Find your C7 vertebrae by standing up straight and bending your head forward and down at the neck. The neck vertebrae that sticks out the farthest is your C7 vertebrae.
- The iliac crest is the top of the pelvic bone that sticks out at the side of your torso. Feel where the pelvic bone sticks out at the frontside of your stomach with your fingers, then follow it back by running your fingertips along it to find the top of it )just below your ribcage).
- Place your hands on your hips, between your thumb and forefinger, to mark the line of the iliac crest for the helper. They can then place the measuring tape in the center of your back between your 2 thumbs to line it up with your iliac crest.
- Go to an outdoor store that offers a wide variety of packs to try on. You want to try on several different packs to test out the subtle differences in construction and find the best fit. Your torso size is a general guideline, but different packs will fit your body type differently.[2]
- Outdoor outfitters like REI in the United States or MEC in Canada are great stores to go shopping for a pack.
- You can also get measured for a pack at the store if you can't find a friend to do it for you or you don't have a flexible tape measure.
- Choose a size of backpack based on your torso length. Look for an extra-small pack if your torso length is up to about or a small pack if your torso length is between . Find a medium pack if your torso length is between or a large pack if it is more than .[3]
- These sizes are approximate and can vary from company to company, so make sure to check sizing charts for each brand of pack you want to try on.
- Many packs are adjustable and can fit a range of torso lengths, so there is no substitute for trying on packs and adjusting all their straps to check the fit.
- Try on as many packs as you can to find the best one for you. Never pick the first backpack you try on, even if you think it fits perfectly. Try on all the packs of your size and that meet your other needs (like volume or your budget) so you can compare them and be sure of which one is the best fit.[4]
- Although it may be tempting to choose a backpack just because it is cheaper or on sale, it's better to choose the pack that fits you best. Your backpack is one of the most important pieces of gear you will purchase for hiking or travelling, so it's worth investing a bit more to get one that you are most comfortable with.
[Edit]Trying on and Adjusting a Backpack - Load about of weight into the pack. Most outdoor stores have sandbags that will allow you to test packs out with weight in the. Pack some gear (similar to what you would carry on the trail) into the pack if there are no sandbags available.[5]
- It's important to load some weight into the pack before trying it on to simulate what it will feel like under a full load.
- Loosen all of the belts and straps on the backpack before putting it on. Loosen everything including the shoulder straps, hip belt, load lifters, and sternum strap. This will allow you to adjust them all in the proper order to fit the pack.[6]
- The hip belt is the belt at the bottom of the back that wraps around your hips and buckles in the middle. The shoulder strap tighteners are the straps that hang from the bottom of the shoulder straps. The load lifters are the short straps at the top of the shoulder straps. The sternum strap is the strap that goes across your chest.
- Put the backpack on your back loosely. Carefully hoist the pack up and put your arms through the shoulder straps so the pack is sitting loosely on your back. Don't tighten anything yet.[7]
- To properly and safely hoist a loaded pack, start by grabbing the loop at the top of the pack with one hand while it is resting on the ground. Slightly bend your knees, then slide the pack up your thigh and let it rest. Put the opposite arm through the shoulder strap and swing the pack around to your back while leaning forward slightly. Slide your remaining arm through the last shoulder strap.
- Fasten and tighten the hip belt to check if it supports the weight of the pack. Clip the buckle of the hip belt to fasten it around your waist. Tug the straps on each side at the same time until the hip belt is tight, but not pinching you.[8]
- If the pack fits correctly, the middle of the hip belt will rest directly on top of your iliac crest. The padding will cover your hip bones and start to wrap around towards your stomach, but not wrap around the front of your stomach.
- You want to feel like the weight of the pack is resting completely on your hips with the hip belt tightened and the shoulder straps still loose. When you are hiking with a fitted backpack, 80% of the weight will be on your hips, and the other 20% on your shoulders.
- Tighten the shoulder straps until they hug your shoulders and upper back. Pull the ends of the straps away from your body and down towards your hips. Tug the shoulder straps until they are snug, but not so they are pinching your armpits.[9]
- If the pack fits right, the straps will hug your shoulders from back to front with no spaces between the straps and your shoulders. You will still feel most of the weight of the pack on your hips.
- If you can't get the shoulder straps to be snug and comfortable, or if there are any gaps between the straps and your shoulders, then the torso is likely too long for you and you need to try another size. If the torso length is adjustable, take the pack off again and shorten the length.
- Tighten the load lifters to even the back panel of the pack out with your back. Pull down on the tabs of the straps to tighten them until the straps make about a 45-degree angle down from the back panel of the backpack. Tighten them enough to bring the upper part of the pack closer to your back, but not so tight that the shoulder straps start digging into you.[10]
- It's ok if the angle of the straps is between a 30- to 60-degree angle. You are just aiming for a snug fit, without causing any pinching or creating spaces between the shoulder straps and your shoulders.
- If you feel like the pack is pulling you backwards, then tighten the load lifters a bit. If the back of your head is hitting the top of the pack, then loosen them a bit.
- Not all packs have load lifters. High-volume packs usually come with them, but small lightweight packs often don't because there is no need for them.
- Fasten the sternum strap to bring the shoulder straps slightly closer. Clip the buckle on the chest strap and tighten the strap just enough to bring the shoulder straps closer without constricting your chest. Loosen it if the outside edges of your shoulder straps start to lift off your chest.[11]
- The sternum strap should rest across your chest about below your collarbone. You don't want to feel it across your neck and you don't want it to constrict your breathing in any way. Many sternum straps can be adjusted up and down on the shoulder straps to find the ideal position.
- The sternum strap's main purpose is to secure your shoulder straps in place. Make sure that fastening and tightening it keeps them from slipping without changing the fit of the backpack.
- Walk around in the store to see how the pack feels while moving. Lean slightly forward as you walk, just as if you were on the trail. Try this with several different packs to find the one that feels most comfortable for you.[12]
- Retail outdoors stores sometimes have small fake "trails" so you can try walking with the pack up and down inclines and over simulated rough terrain.
- Many pack makers and retailers offer generous return and exchange policies, so you can try a pack out for a while and take it back if you decide it doesn't work for you in practice.
[Edit]Choosing the Best Fit - Choose a pack with a hip belt that rests perfectly on your iliac crest. The hip belt of a well-fitting pack will be centered on top of your iliac crest. It won't be any higher or lower.[13]
- If the hip belt slides below your iliac crest while you are trying on the pack, then it is too big. If it rests on your lower back, then it is too small.
- Choose a backpack with snug-fitting, comfortable shoulder straps. Make sure the straps don't rub against your neck. Check that there is no space between the straps and your shoulders when they are adjusted to fit.[14]
- If the shoulder straps rub against your neck when the pack is adjusted to fit, then the harness of the shoulder straps is probably too narrow for you. If the straps don't hug your shoulders, then it might be too wide.
- Pick a backpack with a comfortable chest strap that secures the shoulder straps. Check that the chest strap doesn't rub against your neck or constrict your breathing when it is adjusted. Make sure that you can tighten the strap enough to hold the shoulder straps in place on your shoulders without making them dig in or restricting your arm movement.[15]
- If tightening the strap doesn't hold the shoulder straps against your shoulders, then you might need a pack with a narrower harness. If tightening it to hold the shoulder straps in place causes discomfort, such as pinching, then try a pack with a different chest strap or wider harness.
- Select the lightest pack that fits you and has the features you need. Remember that you will be carrying anywhere from in your pack when it is fully loaded. Every bit of weight you can cut down on by choosing a lighter pack counts for comfort on the trail or the road.[16]
- Choose a backpack that has only the features you need and will use. For example, some backpacks come with lots of extra straps and add-ons for carrying extra gear. These can be useful, but they also add weight. If you don't need all the extra features on a pack, then choose another one that fits you but is lighter.
- Adjusting the straps during a hiking trip is normal. Make sure the shoulder straps, load lifters, and hip belt on the pack you want to buy are easy to adjust while it is on.
- Although the hips should absorb most of the weight, you can tighten the load lifters and shoulder straps to occasionally take some weight off of your hips on a long day of hiking.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Flexible measuring tape
- Sandbags or gear
- Outdoor supply store
[Edit]References |
| How to Make a Smoothie Posted: 05 Sep 2019 09:00 AM PDT Blending up a smoothie might be one of the tastiest ways to get your daily fruits or vegetables. Fortunately, you don't really need a recipe to make a delicious smoothie. Consider what you have on hand and what flavors you'd like in the smoothie. For example, blend yogurt with peaches for a creamy smoothie or include peanut butter if you want a protein-rich drink. Make substitutions according to your diet and enjoy your custom smoothie! [Edit]Ingredients [Edit]Strawberry Banana Smoothie - 2 cups (300 g) of frozen strawberries
- 1 fresh banana, peeled
- of your choice of milk
- 1 cup (220 g) of ice
- 1 tablespoon (21 g) of honey
Makes 2 smoothies [Edit]Mango Peach Smoothie - 3 cups (495 g) of chopped mangos
- 2 cups (450 g) of chopped peaches
- 1 cup (285 g) of plain Greek yogurt
- of milk
- 1 teaspoon (2 g) of grated ginger
- Honey, to taste
- 4 fresh mint leaves, optional
Makes 2 smoothies [Edit]Vegan Green Smoothie - 1 frozen banana
- 1/2 cup (50 g) of mixed frozen berries
- 1 tablespoon (7 g) of flaxseed meal
- 1 tablespoon (16 g) of natural peanut butter
- of plant-based milk, such as soy or hemp milk
- 2 cups (450 g) of fresh spinach
Makes 1 smoothie [Edit]Coconut Berry Smoothie - 1½ cups (232 g) of blueberries
- of unsweetened coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon (1 g) of fresh mint leaves
- of lime juice
- 1 teaspoon (7 g) of honey
- 1 cup (220 g) of ice
Makes 1 smoothie [Edit]Coffee Protein Smoothie - of cold coffee
- of almond milk
- 1/2 of a frozen banana
- 1 tablespoon (14 g) of light chocolate or vanilla protein powder
- 2 ice cubes
Makes 1 smoothie [Edit]Citrus Smoothie - 1 orange, peeled and quartered
- ¼ of a lemon, peeled, quartered, and seeded
- ½ cup of (75 g) of pineapple chunks
- ¼ cup (60 g) of frozen mango chunks
- 1 cup (220 g) of ice cubes
Makes 1 smoothie [Edit]Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie - 1/4 cup (62 g) of creamy peanut butter
- 2 bananas
- of milk
- 1/2 cup (120 g) of plain or vanilla yogurt
- 2 tablespoons (14 g) of cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup (165 g) of ice
Makes 2 smoothies [Edit]Creating a Custom Smoothie - Pour of liquid into a blender. If you put the liquid into the blender first, the machine will have an easier time combining the ingredients. Although milk and juice are common smoothie liquids, you could use water, coconut milk, yogurt, or non-dairy milk, such as soy, hemp, or almond milk.[1]
- If you'd like to cut some of the smoothie's sweetness, you could use cold tea or vegetable juice
- You can combine different liquids. For example, use 1/2 juice and 1/2 water if you don't want the smoothie to be as sweet.
- Put 2 to 3 cups (350 to 525 g) of fruit into the blender. Most smoothies include fruit and you can choose a single type or a combination. You can also decide if you'd like to use fresh or frozen fruit. Frozen fruit will make your smoothie slightly thicker, so you may want to leave the ice out when you blend it. Keep in mind that some fruits, such as bananas or mangoes, are so sweet that you might not need to use additional sweeteners. Try making a smoothie with any of these fruits:[2]
- Berries: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries
- Citrus: oranges, grapefruits
- Pears
- Stone fruit: peaches, plums, nectarines, cherries
- Mangos
- Bananas
- Papayas
- Add vegetables if you'd like a fresh-tasting smoothie that isn't very sweet. Cut back the amount of fruit you use so you use a total of 2 to 3 cups (350 to 525 g) of fresh produce. You might use 1 cup of fruit (175 g) and 1 cup (175 g) of vegetables, for instance. Leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, blend easily.[3]
- You could also try celery, cucumber, or bell peppers.
- Scoop in additional dairy if you'd like to thicken the smoothie. Instead of pouring in more milk, which will make the smoothie thinner, add a scoop of Greek yogurt or frozen yogurt. The Greek yogurt will add protein and firm up the smoothie while the frozen yogurt will make the entire smoothie taste creamier and thick.
- Experiment by using different flavors of yogurt. You could match the flavors of the fruits or use complementary flavors. For example, make a peach smoothie with peach Greek yogurt or try a peanut butter smoothie with chocolate frozen yogurt.
- Include spices, herbs, or flavorings to make a unique smoothie. You'll get a lot of delicious flavor from the produce you use, so you don't have to add spices unless you want a very specific flavor. For example, if you want warming flavors, add a few pinches of cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, or cardamom. For a strong herbal flavor, put 1 to 2 sprigs of fresh herbs, such as basil or lavender.
- You could also add a few drops of an extract. Try vanilla, lemon, mint, or almond extract, for instance.
- Add nut butter, oats, or nuts to give the smoothie a filling texture. If you'd like more protein in your smoothie, add 1 to 2 spoonfuls of your favorite nut butter, rolled oats, or tofu. You might want to include interesting textures by mixing in a handful of nuts or seeds, such as chia seeds, flaxseeds, or sunflower seeds.
- Once you've blended the smoothie, you may want to include even more unique textures. You could stir in a handful of dried fruit, a few spoonfuls of toasted coconut, a small scoop of mini-chocolate chips, or a handful of crushed graham crackers.
- Include a scoop of protein powder or your favorite supplement. If you'd like to add protein, but don't want your smoothie to taste like peanut butter, add about 2 tablespoons (28 g) of protein powder. The powder will quickly dissolve in the smoothie. This is also a great chance to use any powdered nutritional supplement you're taking.
- Try blending your collagen supplement into your morning breakfast smoothie, for instance.
- Mix in your choice of sweetener according to your taste. You can use your favorite type of sweetener to enhance the flavor of your smoothie. If you don't want to use standard sugar, try adding a few soft dates or dried figs, prunes, or apricots. You can also drizzle honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup into the smoothie.[4]
- If you're unsure how much sweetener to add, you may want to blend the smoothie and then taste it. This will give you a better idea of how much sweetener to use.
- Add about 1 cup (220 g) of ice. If you'd like a thick smoothie, start with at least 1 cup (220 g) of ice and add more as needed. If you're using frozen fruit, you could leave the ice out since the frozen fruit will act like ice. Keep in mind that if you leave the ice out with fresh fruit, your smoothie will be more like juice.[5]
- You can freeze any of the smoothie ingredients to help the drink firm up. For example, instead of using fresh berries, open a bag of frozen berries and pour them directly into the blender.
- Cover the blender and blend the smoothie for about 1 minute. Keep blending until the ingredients are combined and as smooth as you like. Then, pour the smoothie into 1 or 2 serving glasses and enjoy!
- If you need to store extra smoothie, pour it into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 8 months. Keep in mind that the smoothie will begin to melt in the fridge and you may want to blend it with more ice before you serve it. To serve the frozen smoothie, transfer it directly to the blender and mix it until it's smooth.
[Edit]Trying Specific Combinations - Make a classic strawberry banana smoothie. This naturally sweetened smoothie is a popular smoothie for good reason. You'll need to blend 2 cups (300 g) of frozen strawberries with 1 fresh banana, of milk, 1 cup (220 g) of ice, and 1 tablespoon (21 g) of honey. You can taste the smoothie and add more honey if it's not sweet enough for your taste.[6]
- For a really strong strawberry flavor, try using strawberry milk!
- Create a creamy smoothie with mangoes and peaches. Make a refreshing fruit smoothie by blending 3 cups (495 g) of chopped mangos with 2 cups (450 g) of chopped peaches, 1 cup (285 g) of plain Greek yogurt, of milk, and 1 teaspoon (2 g) of grated ginger. Then, taste the smoothie and add honey until it's as sweet as you like.[7]
- If you'd like a slightly minty taste, add 4 fresh mint leaves before you blend the smoothie.
- Substitute any type of yogurt you like. For example, use peach yogurt for an extra fruity flavor.
- Blend spinach with berries to make a vegan green smoothie. Smoothies are a great way to sneak in your daily veggies. Put 2 cups (450 g) of fresh spinach into a blender along with 1 frozen banana and 1/2 cup (50 g) of mixed frozen berries. Then, add 1 tablespoon (7 g) of flaxseed meal, 1 tablespoon (16 g) of natural peanut butter, and of plant-based milk, such as soy or hemp milk, before you blend the smoothie.[8]
- If you don't like flaxseed meal or peanut butter, you can leave them out or use your favorite nut butter or spread.
- To make this smoothie thicker, add 1 tablespoon (16 g) of extra peanut butter at a time. To thin it, blend in of liquid at a time.
- Mix frozen blueberries with coconut milk for a refreshing smoothie. For a smoothie that doesn't contain dairy, milk, or bananas, blend 1½ cups (232 g) of blueberries with of unsweetened coconut milk, 1 tablespoon (1 g) of fresh mint leaves, of lime juice, 1 teaspoon (7 g) of honey, and 1 cup (220 g) of ice.[9]
- Use any type of berries in this smoothie. For example, try blackberries or raspberries.
- Combine cold coffee with milk for a coffee protein smoothie. Instead of reaching for a cup of hot coffee in the morning, make a filling coffee smoothie. Blend of cold coffee with of almond milk, 1/2 of a frozen banana, 1 tablespoon (14 g) of light chocolate or vanilla protein powder, and 2 ice cubes.[10]
- If you don't like almond milk, use any type of milk, such as cow's milk, soy milk, oat milk, or hemp milk.
- For an even heartier smoothie, add 1/4 cup (22 g) of rolled oats.
- Blend citrus fruits with mango and pineapple for a sunny-looking smoothie. Peel and quarter 1 orange and 1/4 of a lemon. Put the citrus into a blender along with ½ cup of (75 g) pineapple chunks, ¼ cup (60 g) of frozen mango chunks, and 1 cup (220 ml) of ice cubes. Then, blend the ingredients until the citrus fruits release their juice and the mixture is smooth.[11]
- If you'd like an even creamier smoothie, add 1/2 cup (140 g) of plain or flavored yogurt.
- Whip up a rich chocolate peanut butter smoothie. Peel 2 bananas and put them into a blender along with 1/4 cup (62 g) of creamy peanut butter, of milk, 1/2 cup (120 g) of plain or vanilla yogurt, 2 tablespoons (14 g) of cocoa powder, and 3/4 cup (165 g) of ice. Blend the ingredients until the banana is smooth and combined.[12]
- Try making this smoothie with your favorite nut butter. You could use almond, hazelnut, or cashew butter for a change.
- Drink your smoothie immediately after you blend it. Most smoothies will start to separate if they're stored in the refrigerator after blending.
- If you're diabetic or watching your sugar intake, avoid adding extra sweetener, such as honey. Remember that fruit will break down into sugar when your body digests it.
[Edit]Warnings - Use caution when you clean the blender blade. These spin easily and are very sharp.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Knife and cutting board
- Blender
- Spoon
- Serving glass
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Clean Old Wood Posted: 05 Sep 2019 01:00 AM PDT Whether you want to clean old wood furniture, cabinets, a cutting board, wood floors, or any other type of old dirty wood, there are several similar methods you can use. No matter what method you decide to try, it's important to always test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the wood you want to clean to make sure it doesn't damage the finish or discolor the wood. Then, you can proceed to clean the whole wood piece to restore its shine! [Edit]Removing Dirt with Dish Soap - Wipe down the wood with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to remove dust. This will get rid of regular amounts of dust so you can get to the stuck-on dirt underneath. Give the whole wood object you want to clean a thorough wipe-down with the cloth.[1]
- If there is a lot of dust on the wood and a dry cloth doesn't do the trick, then you can wipe it down with a barely-damp microfiber cloth instead to get rid off all the dust.
- Test a drop of liquid dish detergent on a hidden area of the wood. Put a drop of mild dish detergent onto a corner of a clean microfiber cloth. Rub it onto an inconspicuous area of the wood and watch to see if it causes any discoloration or removes the finish.[2]
- If the wood looks the same where you test the detergent, then it's safe to proceed with cleaning the whole piece.
- You will be able to see after a couple of minutes whether the detergent hurts the finish.
- Mix 2-3 drops of dish detergent in of water. Pour approximately of water into a bowl or container of some kind. Squeeze in 2-3 drops of mild liquid dish detergent.[3]
- Don't worry too much about the exact ratio, you just want to create a diluted dish detergent and water solution. A bit more detergent or less water won't affect how it cleans.
- As an alternative to liquid dish detergent, you can use an oil soap. Mix the oil soap with water in the proper ratio according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Soak a microfiber cloth in the solution and wring it out. Dip a clean microfiber cloth into the water and detergent mixture and let it get completely soaked. Wring it out back into the container so it is just barely damp.[4]
- You don't want to soak the wood while you are cleaning it, so it's important that the cloth isn't dripping wet.
- Wipe down the whole wood piece with the wet microfiber cloth. Brush the damp cloth with light pressure over the entire surface of the wood. Scrub harder at any gummy or particularly dirty spots until they disappear.[5]
- Try to clean the wood as fast as you can so you don't let it stay wet for too long. Water can warp wood if it soaks into it.
- Dry off the wood with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Wipe down the wood again thoroughly to dry off all the areas you cleaned. Buff it in circular motions with the clean, dry cloth to remove all moisture and shine it up a bit.[6]
- If you still see any dirty spots after you dry the wood, then you can repeat the process or try another method to get rid of it.
[Edit]Getting Rid of Grime with Mineral Spirits - Work in a well-ventilated area. Work outside if you can, or open up all doors and windows where you will work. This is to avoid breathing in the fumes of the mineral spirits.[7]
- Mineral spirits are also known more commonly as paint thinner.
- Test the mineral spirits on an out-of-sight area of the wood. Put a few drops of the spirits on the corner of a clean cloth. Rub it onto a hidden area and check to see if it damages the finish at all.[8]
- Mineral spirits are safe for most wood finishes, but make sure to always test it on a hidden area and check for discoloration. If there is no discoloration, proceed with the cleaning.
- You will notice right away if the mineral spirits remove any of the finish.
- Moisten a clean cloth with mineral spirits. Pour out enough mineral spirits to just moisten part of the cloth without making it dripping wet. Try to just dampen a corner of the cloth that you can use to wipe down the piece.[9]
- The more mineral spirits you use, the more fumes you will be exposed to as well. This is why it's important to work in a well-ventilated area and not pour out too much of the liquid onto the rag.
- Wipe down the whole wood piece with the damp cloth. Apply light pressure with the damp cloth and rub it all over the wood to wipe away dirt. Scrub any stuck-on dirt spots with your finger inside a corner of the cloth.[10]
- If the wood has any carved parts or hard-to-reach bits, you can use an old toothbrush dipped in mineral spirits to get in them and scrub.
- Wipe away residue from the spirits with a water-dampened cloth. Soak a clean cloth in water and wring it out firmly so it is just barely wet. Wipe down the whole wood piece to remove any residue from the mineral spirits.[11]
- If the wood is still wet to the touch after you wipe it down, then rub it with a clean dry cloth in circular motions to dry it off.
[Edit]Using a Vinegar Solution - Create a 1/16 vinegar and water solution. Mix approximately 1 part white distilled vinegar with 16 parts water in a bucket or other container. This diluted vinegar solution will remove stuck-on dirt and grime from the wood you want to clean.[12]
- It's important to dilute the vinegar with water as concentrated vinegar can discolor some wood finishes.
- Test the solution on a hidden area of the wood. Dip the corner of a clean cloth into the solution. Rub it onto a small out-of-sight area of the wood and watch to see if it discolors the finish.[13]
- If the wood looks fine after you test the solution, then it's safe to proceed with using the vinegar solution to clean the whole piece.
- You will be able to see within a couple of minutes if the solution damages the finish at all.
- Dip the cloth into the solution and wring it out so it is barely moist. Soak the cloth in the solution for a few seconds. Squeeze it out completely until no more drops of the solution come out.[14]
- Alternatively, you can put the solution in a spray bottle and just spray it onto the cloth to moisten it.
- Wipe the damp cloth all over the piece in circular motions. Wipe down the entire piece with light pressure. Scrub away at any sticky or particularly dirty spots with the corner of the rag and your fingers.[15]
- If the rag gets visibly dirty, rinse it out with regular water and wring it out until it looks clean again. Repeat the process until you've cleaned the whole wood piece.
- Buff the wood with a clean, dry cloth. Use circular motions to buff away moisture and shine the finish up. Make sure to cover all areas so you don't leave any water sitting on the surface of the wood.[16]
- If you notice any areas where it is still dirty, just go back over them with the vinegar solution and cloth. If there are any cracks, such as decorative carved areas, then you can use a toothbrush dipped in the solution to scrub inside them.
- If the wood still looks dirty after trying several methods of cleaning it, then consider refinishing it to restore its shine.
- After you've cleaned the wood, then you can polish it to give it an even brighter, shinier finish.
[Edit]Warnings - Always test any solution you are going to clean wood with on an inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn't damage the wood.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Removing Dirt with Dish Soap - Microfiber cloths
- Liquid dish soap
- Water
- Bowl or container
[Edit]Getting Rid of Grime with Mineral Spirits - Clean cloths
- Mineral spirits
- Toothbrush (optional)
[Edit]Using a Vinegar Solution - Clean cloths
- Distilled white vinegar
- Water
- Bucket or container
- Spray bottle (optional)
[Edit]References |
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