| How to Get Dry Paint Out of Clothes Posted: 16 Aug 2021 05:00 PM PDT It's a scenario that might be very familiar to you. Maybe you're repainting a room in your home, putting the finishing touches on your latest work of art, or doing some at-home crafting with your kids, when you accidentally get a splash of paint on your clothes – but you don't notice until it's dry! You might think your clothes are ruined, but don't give up hope. With a few simple techniques, you should be able to remove the dried paint – whether it's latex, acrylic, or oil – and have your clothes looking like new again in no time. [Edit]Removing Latex or Acrylic Paint - Determine if the paint is latex-based. Oil-based paints are rarely used in home decorating anymore, so your paint stain is probably a water-based latex. Check the label on the tube or can of paint you used to see if it says 'latex' or 'acrylic latex.' Proceed with the following method if the paint is latex-based, also called water-based.
- If you can't find the original paint tube or container and still aren't sure, try testing a small area of the surface you were painting. Dip a cotton ball into a little bit of denatured alcohol and rub it over a tiny surface area of your painting project. If the paint comes off, it's latex-based. If it doesn't come off, it's oil-based.[1]
- If you don't want to risk wiping paint off your project, think back to how you cleaned your brush. Oil paints require solvents like mineral spirits or turpentine to wash brushes, whereas latex-based paints only need water.[2]
- Spray the dried paint stain with aerosol hairspray to loosen the paint. Saturate the stain completely. The alcohol in the aerosol hairspray will loosen the dried paint.[3]
- Use rubbing alcohol instead if you don't have hairspray. Dab the paint stain with a clean wet cloth, then saturate it with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol). Slowly pour the alcohol straight out of the bottle directly onto the stain.[4]
- Do a test first on an inconspicuous spot of fabric to make sure the hairspray or alcohol won't discolor your clothes.
- Rub the fabric with a butter knife to remove as much paint as possible.[5] If your fabric isn't too delicate, use a butter knife to gently scrape at the paint. Run your knife back and forth across the saturated stain until the paint loosens up.[6]
- Use a toothbrush instead of a knife for more delicate fabrics. Take a soft bristle toothbrush and rub it back and forth across the stain. Loosen up as much of the dried paint as possible.[7]
- Run the clothes under hot water to rinse away the loosened paint. Blot the fabric with a towel to dry it a little. Repeat the process of saturating the stain with hairspray or rubbing alcohol, scrubbing at it, and then rinsing until the stain is no longer visible.
- If you want, try spraying the fabric with stain remover while you're running it under the hot water.[8]
- Launder the clothes as normal. Wash your clothes in the washing machine according to the instructions on the care tag. Dry them in the dryer or let them air dry, depending on their specific laundering instructions.[9]
[Edit]Getting Oil Paint Out of Your Clothes - Determine if your paint is oil-based. Latex-based paints are more common in home improvement projects, but your paint could still be oil-based. Check the tube or container your paint came in. If you can't find it, think back to whether you cleaned your brush with water or a solvent like turpentine or mineral spirits. Oil-based paints require solvents for washing brushes.[10]
- Perform a strip test on a small area of the surface you were painting. Dab a cotton ball in a bit of denatured alcohol and rub it across a tiny area of the paint. If the paint doesn't come off, it's oil-based.[11]
- Scrape off paint with a blunt knife, if your clothes aren't delicate. Rub gently at the fabric to loosen up as much paint as you can. Take care not to damage the material.[12]
- Use a soft toothbrush instead of a knife, if your fabric is delicate. Scrape the toothbrush over the paint. Loosen up as much as you can.[13]
- Lay the stain face down and blot with turpentine.[14] Put the fabric down on some paper towels or clean cloths. Dip a sponge in a bit of turpentine and dab the stain from the back to press the paint out of the fabric, rather than further in. Tamp the stain with the sponge. Repeat the process until you can't get any more paint out this way.
- Replace the paper towels or cloths under the stain as needed, if they become too covered in paint.[15]
- If you don't have turpentine, try another removal agent, such as paint thinner.[16]
- Blot the fabric with a cloth or paper towel to soak up excess turpentine. Put a clean cloth or paper towel behind the area. Blot to remove any remaining removal agent.[17]
- Rub a bit of laundry detergent into the fabric as a final spot treatment. Check your care instructions tag to see what laundry detergents are safe for your clothes. Place a small amount on the area that was stained. Lightly work it into the fabric with a cloth or sponge.[18]
- Launder your clothes as you normally would. Follow the care instructions on your tag. Wash and dry your clothes accordingly.[19]
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Deal With Criticism Posted: 16 Aug 2021 09:00 AM PDT Criticism is never fun, whether it's coming from a well-meaning English teacher or from your arch frenemy. If the criticism is meant to be constructive, then you can use it to become a more well-rounded person. And if it's only meant to harm you, then you can work on shaking it off like a bad habit. Check out a few of our suggestions for dealing with all kinds of criticism. [Edit]Give the person a chance to talk without interuption. - Ask the person to explain their feedback. Instead of wasting time denying the criticism, give the person a chance to explain. Don't rush to cut them off or explain yourself—let them talk! If someone is in the middle of telling you something you can do to improve, don't say, "But actually, I already do that..." unless you feel like the person is really off base. [1]
- If your teacher says you need to work harder, don't give them a lame excuse for why you've been slacking off. Instead, note the feedback and try to address it.
- It takes maturity to stay quiet instead of making excuses for why the person is wrong when you're getting valid feedback.
[Edit]Remain calm and don't take it personally. - Tell yourself that criticism is meant to be helpful. It's not supposed to bring you down so you feel inadequate. For instance, if your boss says you've been a little less productive than usual lately, it's not because they think you're lazy; it's because they want you, their employee, to step up your game. If your best friend says that you have a tendency to zone out when she's talking to you, don't think that she's calling you a horrible friend; she just wants you to communicate a little better.[2]
- If your teacher has given you rather critical feedback on a paper, it's not because they think you're stupid or annoying in class; it's because they believe you can do better!
[Edit]Thank the person for constructive criticism that's helpful. - Take a moment to thank someone who gave you friendly, useful feedback. Let them know you appreciate the fact that they told you something that can make you an even better friend, partner, student, or professional. For example, say, "Thank you. I'll consider your suggestion," or, "Thanks, I hadn't thought of doing it that way."[3]
- Thanking people who give you honest criticism is also a sign of maturity and that you're open to improving yourself.
[Edit]Find the truth in the criticism. - Pay attention to the point of the criticism. Don't interrupt, argue, or correct the person who's telling you this. Instead, listen to their criticism so you can break it down and figure out what to do next. This way, you'll get useful information from the criticism instead of dwelling on the hurtful aspect.[4]
- It's totally fine to tell someone that you can't have a constructive conversation at the moment. Let them know you recognize their criticism and that you'd be open to feedback a little later.
[Edit]Remind yourself that everyone can better themselves. - Keep your mind open to suggestions and ways to improve. Think of criticism as a form of feedback. After all, nobody's perfect. Everyone has flaws and that's what makes up human. By recognizing that you're not perfect, you open yourself up for improvement and that's a good thing![5]
- Think about all of the people you know. Can you name a single one who is absolutely perfect? Probably not—everyone is human after all.
[Edit]Imagine how the criticism can make you a better person. - Remind yourself that criticism is a tool for self-improvement. Although criticism might feel harsh or too personal at first, think of it as a gift in disguise. You can use that personalized feedback to make a change so you're stronger as a person.
- For instance, if someone tells you that you've got natural musical talent and you just need to practice, think about what a great musician you could become instead of getting stuck on the criticism.
- If your friend told you that you're obsessed with yourself, that probably hurts. But could there be something helpful behind the message? Your friend might be telling you to be a little more empathetic, to spend more time thinking about others, and to spend less time thinking about yourself. It may be just the nudge you need to make some positive changes.
- The next time you hear some constructive criticism, embrace it! Think of criticism as a tool for personal growth.
[Edit]Create actionable steps to improve yourself. - Write down the things you want to work on and how you can improve. Okay, so you've decided that your English teacher, boss, boyfriend, or best friend is completely right, or at least somewhat right. Now, write down the thing you need to work on along with actionable things you can do to improve.[6]
- For instance, if your teacher tells you that you need to do more research for a paper, come up with a study schedule. Include research sources that you'll check out and mark off of your list as you go. This way, you'll be really prepared for the next assignment.
- Some criticism can be hard to work on. For example, if a romantic partner tells you that you're too needy, you may need to work on giving them some space—hang out with other people, stop texting them constantly, and make time for yourself.
[Edit]Differentiate between useful and harmful criticism. - Constructive criticism can be helpful while destructive criticism is hurtful. Figure out where the feedback is coming from to identify the intentions of the person who's giving it to you. For instance, if a teacher or parent gives you criticism, it's probably because they want you to improve and do better. Unfortunately, some people might criticize in order to make you feel bad and it's important to recognize that.[7]
- Try to focus on the message as well as the delivery. If someone's yelling at you, it's probably destructive criticism while someone giving constructive criticism will talk to you reasonably.
- If you think someone's criticizing you just to be hurtful, then you can think about why the person might have said such a thing. Maybe the person was jealous or just in a bad mood. Whatever the reason, remind yourself that it had little to do with who you are.
[Edit]Tell yourself that criticism only hurts if you let it. - Remember that words are just words. What was that thing your mother told you about "sticks and stones" not being able to break your bones? Sure, you thought it was silly in third grade, but now that you're older, it's probably starting to make sense. In the end, destructive criticism can't physically hurt you. It's just a series of words connected together, so try not to take it too personally.[8]
[Edit]Work on being less sensitive. - Challenge yourself to control your emotions and avoid overreacting. If people think you are sensitive or you tear up every time someone gives negative feedback, they will be less likely to tell you the truth. Plus, you don't want people to feel like they're walking around on eggshells whenever they talk to you. Work on accepting your flaws and looking for ways to improve.[9]
- Trying to be less sensitive? Ask people for feedback instead of running away from it and when you get criticism, listen for the useful information instead of responding emotionally.
- Remember, focus on the message and its intention to help you instead of dwelling on all of the "mean" or "hurtful" things that were said to you.
[Edit]Maintain your self-confidence. - Embrace the things that you like about yourself. It's easy to take criticism to heart and start feeling down, but you shouldn't let it affect your confidence. Love who you are and how you look—don't let what other people think make you think less of yourself![10]
- If you're unhappy with who you are, ask yourself why. Make a list of a few things you don't like about yourself and figure out what you can change. You might need to learn to accept things that you can't change, too.
- Hang out with people who make you feel good about yourself. If people give you destructive criticism, you may not want to spend much time around them.
- Keep in mind that criticism should be constructive advice. If it's meant to be harmful, you may need to learn how to deal with insults.
- It can take some practice to effectively deal with criticism. Keep up the good work and remind yourself that everyone experiences criticism at some point.
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| How to Clean a Mascara Brush Posted: 16 Aug 2021 01:00 AM PDT A mascara brush, sometimes called a spoolie, is a vital tool in any makeup kit. Unfortunately, they can get gross pretty fast. Whether you're just cleaning off excess clumps or trying to get rid of bacterial buildup, read on for some simple tips on how to clean and care for your brush! [Edit]Wipe off excess mascara any time you use the brush. - Use a tissue to get rid of clumps before you apply mascara. Grab a clean, dry piece of bathroom or facial tissue and swipe your mascara brush over it once or twice after you pull it out of the tube. This gets rid of the blobs of excess makeup that cause those annoying clumps.[1]
- When you're done using the wand, wipe it again—especially if you don't store it inside the tube of mascara.
- You can also buy a simple tool called a Clump Cleaner to break up and remove clumps on your brush. This tool is a small piece of plastic with holes of different sizes. Choose the hole that matches the size of your brush and pull the bristles through it to wipe off excess mascara.
[Edit]Disinfect synthetic brushes with alcohol once a week. - Most mascara wands are made of alcohol-safe nylon. Spray rubbing alcohol directly onto the brush, or pour some into a jar and dip the bristles in. Wrap a clean paper towel around the brush and rub and twist it to wipe away any makeup residue.[2]
- Make sure you know what your brush is made of before you try this, since alcohol can damage brushes made with natural bristles. You may be able to find the material listed on the packaging, if you still have it.
- Some makeup pros recommend doing this before every application of mascara. However, most dermatologists recommend washing or disinfecting your brushes every 7-10 days.[3]
[Edit]Wash natural bristles with baby shampoo every 7-10 days. - This method is gentler on delicate materials like boar hair. Run some water over the bristles of the brush, then squeeze a little shampoo into your hand. Rub the spoolie around in your hand until it's lathered up, then rinse it clean under running water.[4]
- You can also buy a specially formulated makeup brush cleaner or shampoo, but these can be a little pricey. A basic baby shampoo or gentle clarifying shampoo usually works just fine.[5]
- Steer clear of using plain soaps, since these can dry out the delicate bristles of your brush.[6]
[Edit]Soak it in hot water to remove stubborn clumps. - Try this method to get your brush spotless. If wiping and rinsing your mascara brush just isn't getting all the gunk out, you might need to soak it for a few minutes. Boil some water to disinfect it, then wait a couple minutes so it's not still boiling hot. Let the brush soak in the hot water for about 5 minutes.[7]
- When you're done, rinse the brush under cool, running water to wash away any residue that's still sticking to the bristles.
- If you want, you can spritz on a little rubbing alcohol to disinfect the brush after you soak and rinse it. Skip this step if the brush has natural bristles, however.
[Edit]Lay the wand flat to dry. - Let the brush dry completely before using it again. Spread out a towel on a flat surface and set the brush on it. If possible, let the bristle end hang over the edge so air can circulate around the bristles. Don't put the brush upright in a container to dry, since this can cause water to pool around the bristles.[8]
- You may need to leave the wand out overnight for it to dry completely.
- Help the drying process along by gently patting your wand dry with a clean towel after you wash or rinse it to soak up excess water. You can also gently shake the wand to get excess water out.
- If you don't keep your brush in the mascara tube, put it away in a clean makeup brush organizer when you're done. Don't let it touch brushes that haven't been cleaned.
[Edit]Try disposable spoolies for a safer and faster option. - This is the most reliable way to keep your mascara clean. If you're really worried about eye infections, your best bet is to avoid using the same brush more than once. Consider buying disposable mascara brushes that you can dip once and then throw away or recycle.[9] Look for these brushes online or in your local pharmacy or beauty supply store.
- You can still wash the disposable brushes and use them for other purposes. For instance, you can use a mascara wand to groom your eyebrows, touch up your hair dye, or clean delicate items like a computer keyboard or a piece of jewelry.
- Some wildlife rescue organizations even welcome donations of used mascara wands, which they can use to groom rescued animals![10]
[Edit]Replace your brushes every 2-3 months. - Toss your spoolie sooner if it's shedding bristles. Even with regular cleaning, your mascara brush won't last forever. Get a new one after a couple of months to reduce the risk of infections—or loose bristles getting into your eyes.[11]
- The same goes for your mascara. Throw it out and replace it every 3 months, since harmful bacteria can quickly build up in the tube.[12]
- If you get an eye infection, throw away all your eye makeup and brushes right away. Don't use eye makeup at all until the infection clears up, and only use new products once your doctor lets you know it's okay.
- Aim to wash your makeup brushes once every 7-10 days to prevent a buildup of harmful bacteria or fungi.[13]
[Edit]Warnings - Never share a mascara brush or tube with another person, since this could spread infections.[14]
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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