| How to Repair a Lawn Mower Posted: 01 Jul 2021 05:00 PM PDT It's a beautiful sunny day and a perfect time to mow your lawn. All is well in the world. That is, until your mower starts acting up—or worse, won't start at all. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to repair your mower and get it up and running again. To make it easier for you, we've put together a handy list of repairs you can make to fix and maintain your mower so it'll be there when you need it most. [Edit]Remove the spark plug before you start any repairs. - It'll make sure the blade doesn't start up. Find the spark plug, grab the cap, and pull it straight off. Then, use a spark plug wrench to unscrew and remove the spark plug so you can inspect it and safely repair the mower.[1]
- If you don't have a spark plug wrench, you can use a socket wrench instead.
[Edit]Replace the air filter if it's dirty. - A dirty filter can cause your mower to break down. Find the air filter on the side of your mower's engine. They're usually covered by a plastic or metal cover. Use either a screwdriver or a wrench to remove the screws or bolts and take off the cover. Pull out the filter and inspect it for cracks, tears, or holes. If the filter is really dirty, swap it out for a new one that's the same make and model.[2]
- If your mower's engine is running really rough, loses power while you're using it, or won't start up at all, it could be because the filter is clogged or damaged.
[Edit]Pull out the dipstick to check the oil level. - Add more oil if your mower needs it. Look for a handle near the top or on the side of your mower's engine. Pull the handle to slide out the dip stick. Wipe the stick on a clean cloth, reinsert it into the mower, then slide it out again to check the oil level. If it's low (there's usually a line on the dipstick that indicates how much there should be), top it off with the oil specified in your owner's manual. Replace the dipstick when you're finished.[3]
- Having too little oil can cause your mower's engine to overheat and shut down.
- Make sure you use the oil your owner's manual says to use. Otherwise, it could damage your mower's engine.
- If you don't have your mower's owner's manual, try looking up the make and model online to see what oil to use.
[Edit]Drain and replace the oil if it's black. - Dirt can damage and affect your mower's performance. Lawn mower oil should be golden brown and there shouldn't be any dirt or debris floating in it. If your oil is dirty or dark, tip the mower over on it's side and allow the oil to drain completely into a container. Then, fill it back up with the oil specified in your owner's manual.[4]
- Go online to find a used oil collection site so you can properly dispose of your old oil.[5]
[Edit]Replace the fuel in your mower if it's old. - If it was left in the tank over the winter, it can affect your engine. Use a siphon to safely remove the fuel from the tank of your mower into a fuel-safe container. Once the tank is completely empty, refill it and try starting it up.[6]
- Check your local guidelines about how to properly dispose of old fuel.
[Edit]Tighten your spark plug if it's loose. - Use a wrench and turn it clockwise. Look for the spark plug on the side of your mower's engine. It'll look like a small piece of metal pointing sideways and covered by a protective rubber cap. Over time, the plug can get loose in it's socket. Fortunately, it's a pretty easy fix. Take a wrench and give it a gentle turn until it's tightened up. If you were having trouble starting your mower, give it a go and see if that helps.[7]
- If tightening the spark plug doesn't work, you'll need to remove it before trying any other repairs.
[Edit]Look for a loose or disconnected wire around the spark plug. - Remove the spark plug cap to inspect the wiring. Check to see if the wire that connects it to your mower is loose or disconnected. If it is, firmly push the wire back into the spark plug. If your mower wasn't starting, try reinstalling the spark plug by screwing it back into place and starting it up to see if that fixes the issue.[8]
[Edit]Clean the spark plug if it's dirty. - Use a wire brush and some spark plug cleaner. Take a rag and clean the area around the spark plug on your mower to help keep dirt and gunk from getting onto the plug. Apply spark plug cleaner to the plug and use a wire brush to gently brush any deposits.[9]
- It's pretty common for oil, grease, grime, dirt, and grass to get onto your spark plug, which can prevent it from working properly.
- You could then reinstall the plug by screwing it back into the socket and test out your mower if you were having issues starting the engine.
- Look for spark plug cleaner at your local auto repair shop.
[Edit]Check the spark plug for corrosion and cracks. - Replace it with a new one if it's defective. Look all over the spark plug to see if you can find rust, chips, or cracks anywhere on the surface. If you do, swap out the plug for a new one of the same make and model so it'll work in your mower.[10]
- You can find spark plugs at your local auto repair shop. They cost about $10-$15 USD.
- Pro tip: bring your old spark plug with you so you can make sure you pick out the right replacement.
[Edit]Clean or replace the fuel line if it's clogged. - Blast the line with compressed air or replace it if it's cracked. Look for a small air hole on the top of your fuel cap. If it's clogged, hit it with a shot of compressed air to clear it. If the air hole is clear, the problem may lie in the fuel line. Remove the metal housing covering your engine, and lift out the fuel tank. Disconnect the fuel line with a pair of pliers, blast some compressed air through it to clear it, then reinstall it. If the line is cracked or damaged, replace it with a new one. Then, reinstall the outer housing.[11]
- A clogged or damaged fuel line can cause your mower to not start.
- If your mower has a valve at the bottom of the fuel tank, switch it to the "Off" position before you remove the tank.
[Edit]Wipe the underside of the mower if it's dirty. - Grassy buildup can affect the blade and lead to rust. Carefully lift or tip your mower on it's side over so you can access the blade area. Take a damp cloth and remove any grass build-up that could be affecting the blade. It'll also help protect your mower against rust.[12]
- It might seem like a simple fix, but it can be super effective.
- If you notice any loose bolts, screws, or wheels, use a wrench or screwdriver to tighten them up. It can help increase the life-span of your mower.
[Edit]Warnings - Always make sure your mower is turned off and the spark plug is removed before you start working on it.
[Edit]References __LIST__ |
| How to Avoid Awkwardness During Video Dates Posted: 01 Jul 2021 09:00 AM PDT Dating from home gained a lot of traction during the pandemic, but it's still a popular option even as things open back up. For one thing, it's a great way to get a feel for a potential match from the comfort of home. It can be a lot cheaper than going out to a restaurant or bar, too. If you haven't done it before, you might be worried that it will be a little awkward—but with a little preparation and the right attitude, you can turn a video date into a really fun experience that might just lead to in-person romance! [Edit]Agree on a time for the date to start—and end. - Having an end time will give you an out. It's normal to agree when you'll meet for an in-person date, but when you're video dating, it's a good idea to pencil in the general time for the whole date. That way, if you're not really feeling things, you'll have a built-in excuse to end the call—and you can always let it go on longer if you're having a good time.[1]
- Bow out gracefully by saying something like, "This has been fun, but I promised my sister I'd call her at 9, so I have to wrap things up."
[Edit]Do something to calm your nerves beforehand. - It's totally normal to get butterflies before a date. Make a little time to relax ahead of time to help you get rid of some of those butterflies. Exactly how you do that depends on what you find relaxing—you could take a long shower, listen to your favorite playlist, or light a candle in a comforting scent like peppermint or lavender.[2]
- If you prefer a more physical release for your anxious energy, go for a run or spend some time in the gym!
- Give yourself a pep talk—if you catch yourself feeling nervous, say something like, "I feel this way because I'm really excited!"
[Edit]Test out your app and camera ahead of time. - Don't get tripped up by technology woes. At least an hour before your date, log in to your video chat app. If you've never used the app before, click around a little to get familiar with the settings. Then, set up your camera or phone so your camera is at a flattering angle. If you spend a little time setting up before the date starts, you won't start out awkwardly adjusting your camera or talking into a muted mic—that could throw off your game for the rest of the date![3]
- Try to make sure your camera is at about eye level—it's a flattering angle, and you'll look the most like yourself.[4]
- Make sure you have good lighting—natural light is best, but if the date is at night, place a lamp or string lights in front of you to create a soft glow without harsh shadows.
[Edit]Get some privacy. - Wear headphones and lock your door if you live with people. There's nothing more awkward than someone barging in on your date, especially if you really start to get flirty. If you have roommates or live with your parents, put on headphones so you'll be the only one who can hear what your date is saying, and set up your camera in a room where you can be alone—like your bedroom.[5]
- Make sure you tell your housemates that you'll be on a call so they'll know not to interrupt you.
- If you can, try to schedule your date when you'll be home alone. If that's not an option, try turning on a fan to create some white noise so you'll have a little more privacy.[6]
[Edit]Wear pants. - Avoid an embarrassing on-camera wardrobe malfunction. One of the perks of video chatting is that your outfit only has to be cute on top—it's totally fine to rock a comfy pair of sweatpants. However, don't go completely bottomless—one wrong camera tilt or an unexpected reflection could leave you and your date seriously blushing![7]
[Edit]Have a list of questions and conversation topics ready. - Switch to something new if things start to stall. When you're on a date in person, you can always talk about what's happening around you if the conversation fades—like the decor, music, food, or even the people at the table next to you. It can be a little harder to keep things flowing on a video chat because all you can really see is your date's face and a little of the room behind him. Prepare for that ahead of time by making a cheat sheet with a few questions that will help you get to know your date a little better.[8]
- Try to stick to open-ended questions instead of questions that can simply be answered "yes" or "no." For instance, instead of asking, "Do you like football?" you might ask, "What's your favorite sports team, and why?" (If they say they don't like sports, try asking what they like to watch in their free time!)
- You might also ask about hobbies, what they do for work, where they're originally from, or what kind of music they listen to.
[Edit]Use your hands while you're talking. - You'll seem more relaxed and confident. If you keep your hands down in your lap the whole time, your body will seem stiff and you'll seem uncomfortable. Instead, relax and just gesture normally. That will help your date get a much better idea of who you normally are—and when you seem more comfortable, it will probably help them feel a little more at ease, too.[9]
- Try to avoid touching your face, though—that can make you seem like you're feeling upset or insecure.
[Edit]Give your date your full attention. - It will be pretty obvious if you get distracted. When you're talking on the phone, you can sometimes get away with doing other things, like checking your email or scrolling social media. If you're video-chatting, though, the other person is able to see whatever you're doing. Try to keep your full attention on your date, or else they might start to feel like you aren't really that interested in them. So awkward![10]
- Turn off the notifications on your phone or computer so you won't be distracted if you get a text or email during the date.
- Of course, there might be distractions you can't avoid—like your cat walking across the keyboard or the smoke alarm going off in your apartment. If something like that happens, apologize and laugh it off, then get back to the date as quickly as possible.
[Edit]Practice active listening when your date is talking. - Nod, smile, and look at your date to show you're listening. Video dating can lack a little of the nuance of dating in-person. That's because you can't rely as much on cues like body language and eye contact to tell how the other person is feeling. To overcome that, make a point of giving your date visual feedback while they're talking—like nodding slowly to show that you're really feeling what they're saying or smiling when they make a good point.[11]
- If you want to give the impression that you're making eye contact, look directly at your camera—not at your date on the screen. This can take a little practice, but it will help the date feel more intimate.[12]
- Smiling is a great way to flirt with your date without saying a word![13]
[Edit]Plan an activity to do during the date. - Staying busy can help you avoid awkward silences. Just because you can't meet in person doesn't mean your video date has to be boring. Agree on an activity ahead of time, or surprise your date by giving them a couple of choices once the date starts. That way, you'll have plenty to talk about without necessarily having to just stare at each other the whole time. For instance:[14]
- Have a meal together
- Stream a movie, show, or concert[15]
- Do a virtual tour of a museum or zoo[16]
- Play online trivia or board games
- Take an online class
- Live-stream
[Edit]Laugh it off if something awkward happens. - It's okay if everything isn't perfect. Your screen might freeze up, or you and your date might accidentally talk over each other because the syncing is off a little. If that happens, don't get too worked up about it—it's all part of video dating. If you overreact, you'll seem uptight, but if you can just go with the flow, you'll show your date how cool you really are.[17]
- It's fine to mention it—that can actually take some of the awkwardness away. Try saying something like, "At least we won't have to worry about tech problems if we meet up in real life, right?"
[Edit]References __LIST__ |
| How to Get Bad Smells out of a Microwave Posted: 01 Jul 2021 01:00 AM PDT It only takes one yucky item to stink up the microwave, leaving it to smell like burnt popcorn, rancid soup, or some other foul odor. Before you resort to any harsh chemicals, consider testing out some cleaning remedies that are all-natural, like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. You can also use the microwave to mask the odor with a more pleasant scent, like coffee or berries. [Edit]Using Natural Cleaning Remedies - Avoid heating anything made of metal in the microwave. Foods and beverages take in the heat created by a microwave, while metallic items cause this heat to bounce around. This may start a fire and/or damage the inner-workings of your appliance, leaving you with far worse problems than a bad smell.[1]
- Don't put any kind of metal into the microwave—both aluminum foil and metal utensils can damage your appliance.[2]
- Heat up white vinegar mixed with water to remove any bad smells.[3] Boil of water and of white vinegar by heating it in the microwave for at least 4 minutes. Once the mixture is steaming, let it sit for another 5 minutes before you open the door and wipe out the inside with a damp rag or paper towel. You can use a mixture of soap and water to clean out the microwave.[4]
- After the microwave boils the water for four minutes, let the bowl stay in the microwave for another 15 to cool off and keep freshening up the scent.[5]
- Depending on the wattage of your microwave, it might take less than 4 minutes for the vinegar mixture to boil. Check the user manual for your microwave to see if the manufacturer lists any recommended heating times.[6]
- Deodorize your microwave with lemon juice if you don't want to use vinegar. Stir of lemon juice and of water into a small bowl, and heat the solution for 4 minutes or until it's boiling. Keep the door closed for 5 minutes to let the mixture cool down, and to let the steam spread throughout the smelly microwave.[7]
- A single lemon slice contains about of juice. You'll need half of a lime to get the same amount.
- As an alternative, place 2-4 lemon slices on the bottom of a small container filled with of water. Microwave the mixture for 4 minutes, or until it reaches a boiling, steaming temperature.
- You can use lime, orange, or any other type of citrus juice if you'd prefer not to use lemon.
- Remove bad stains and smells with baking soda if you'd prefer a less acidic method. Dip a sponge or rag into the mixture of of baking soda and of warm water. Use this solution to thoroughly scrub all parts of the microwave. Clean the appliance by wiping in a circular motion. If splattered food has solidified inside of the microwave, apply of baking soda to a sponge or cloth to attack the stain more directly. [8]
- This method accomplishes 2 things at once, as it allows you to clean and freshen your microwave!
[Edit]Introducing a Nicer Scent - Warm up some coffee grounds to make your microwave smell like java. Place a container of of ground coffee mixed with of water in the microwave and heat the mixture for around 3 minutes. This won't just remove bad odors, but it will also leave your microwave smelling like fresh coffee![9]
- This method works best with coffee grounds that have already been used.
- Warm up vanilla extract instead of coffee to create a sweeter smell. Heat a mixture of of vanilla extract and of water for at least 2 minutes, or until it's boiling and creating steam. Don't take the bowl out right away—while the mixture is still hot, let the steam spread throughout the microwave to overwhelm all of the bad odors. Wait at least half an hour before removing the bowl and dumping out the mixture.[10]
- Remove any extra moisture from the microwave by wiping it out with a cloth or paper towel.
- Put a bowl of cloves in the microwave overnight to add a spicy aroma instead of heating something up. Pour of cloves into a container and set it inside the microwave. There's no heating involved for this method—instead, you'll shut the door and leave the cloves to sit all night. The closed microwave door allows the spicy aroma of cloves to fill your microwave and cancel out any bad smells.[11]
- Heat up a covered bowl of berries if you want your microwave to smell fruity. Take a mixture of your favorite berries and place them in a small container. Secure the top of the bowl with plastic wrap, and microwave the berries for several minutes. As the fruit heats up, their scent will begin to spread through the microwave, thus cancelling out any bad odors.[12]
- You can use any kind of berry for this. Make sure you like the scent of whichever fruit you choose to microwave.
- Try to keep the plastic wrap from touching any of the berries. This helps keep the berries smelling fresh, even if the plastic wrap melts.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Using Natural Cleaning Remedies - White vinegar
- Water
- Lemon juice
- Lime juice (optional)
- Orange juice (optional)
- Baking soda
[Edit]Introducing a Nicer Scent - Ground coffee
- Vanilla extract
- Cloves
- Berries (various kinds)
- Plastic wrap
- Cleaning out your microwave with rubbing alcohol can also remove some bad smells.[13]
- Before you close the door, allow the microwave to dry after cleaning it.[14]
[Edit]Warnings - If you heat up any bowls or containers, make sure that the material is microwave-safe.
- Let heated liquids sit in the microwave for several minutes before removing them.
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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