| How to Have a Fun, Interesting Conversation Via Text Posted: 07 Apr 2016 05:00 PM PDT It can be a bit intimidating to have a fun or interesting conversation via text, especially if you're trying to win over a new friend or have your eye on a potential significant other. The key to being a great texting conversationalist is not to overthink it and to be comfortable bringing up whatever's on your mind. EditHaving a Lively Conversation - Start with a simple topic. You don't have to reinvent the wheel here; just asking your friend if she's seen the latest episode of your favorite show or what she did over the weekend is a great way to start a conversation. If you pick something that interests both of you, such as sports, TV, or the upcoming elections, then you'll be off to a great start.
- Don't put too much pressure on yourself to pick the best conversational topic ever, at first. If the one you start with is a no go, then you can always find a way to change the topic. Remember that there's a bit less pressure to maintain a seamless conversation than you'd feel over the phone or in person.
- If the person doesn't bite or sounds busy, just switch to another topic that you're sure will generate some more enthusiasm.
- Ask for an opinion. People love it when you ask for their opinion and they are always happy to give it, whether you're in person or texting. If you show that you really care about what the person thinks, then he or she will be happy to keep talking to you. Focus more on listening to what the other person has to say than giving an opinion of your own.
- Try to keep your questions open-ended. Instead of asking, "Did you like the new movie?" ask, "What did you think of the new movie?" or "Why didn't you like the concert?" This gives the person more to work with.
- Keep your texts upbeat and fun. Even if you're bored, it doesn't mean that you have to let the other person know. If you constantly complain of boredom, then the other person may lose interest and stop texting, thinking they're boring you. Instead, focus on the positive things in your life and show some enthusiasm about whatever topic you're discussing.
- Avoid using words repetitively. It's hard to have an interesting conversation when you get the same old, monotone replies every time: "Lol", "Ah", "Wow", "Oh", etc. Try to mix it up a little bit to let the other person know you take an interest in what they have to say. This will keep the conversation more fun than if you say the same old thing all the time.
- You can use some emoticons or exclamation marks to generate some enthusiasm, though you don't have to overdo it, either.
- If you're just having a bad day and aren't up for being overly enthusiastic, let your friend know.
- Give your texts personality. Remind the other person that there's an actual human being behind the words on that little phone screen. Add smileys and emoticons, or use text laughs, such as "lol", "rofl", "cqts", etc, if that suits your texting style. You want your friend to see your unique texting patterns, just as no one else could sound like you if you were to have a conversation in person.
- Don't worry so much about telling your friend what he or she wants to hear; it's much more important that you let the real you shine through than putting on some kind of a front.
- If you're normally a bit goofy or silly, let this come through! Don't be afraid to be a little bit ridiculous; no one is judging you.
- Talk about what you're doing. Another way to get an interesting conversation going is to talk about what's going on with you. Even if you're just watching television or getting ready to help your mom bake a pie, bring it up to see if it can spark an interesting conversation. This can also transition into having your friend talk about what he or she is doing. This is a way to feel closer to your friend and to feel more engaged in his or her life.
- Make sure you're more interested in what your friend is doing than whatever is going on with you. Make your friend see that you really care about what's going on with him or her.
- Avoid sending one-word texts. It may be much easier on your thumbs than taking the time to type out a real message, but one word can seldom start a conversation. Whether you're asking a one-word question or giving a one-word response, this can't lead to a very stimulating conversation. The more words you use, the more you'll have to work with in terms of having a fun and interesting conversation.
- If you do send a one word text, follow it up with a longer explanation or more information. It's okay if you like to talk in shorter sentences as long as you can keep the conversation going.
- If there's really nothing more to say on the topic, you can follow up with a more open-ended question of your own or a comment about a new topic.
- Even if the person asked you a "yes" or "no" question, this doesn't mean you should end it there; say "Yes and…" or "No, but…" and elaborate on your opinion or rationale. This will keep the conversation feeling more flexible and dynamic.
- Send random, off-the-wall texts. There's something fun and playful about never knowing what a person will say next. Surprise him or her with a totally unexpected response, or a question that seems to come out of nowhere. Spontaneity is key, and it will make for another great string of conversation!
- Just like in a real conversation, you don't want to overthink every word you have to say, or things will drag. Instead, if you suddenly want to bring up something funny that happened in class that day, or the topic of the weirdest documentary ever that you saw last night, go for it.
- Look around yourself for inspiration. The simplest, most common household item can spark a great conversation. It could be anything from a used napkin to a DVD.
- Make your texts legible. While the occasional misspelling or abbreviation is cute and acceptable, it's not fun when a person strains their eyes trying to decipher your texts. Try to keep chatspeak to a minimum, especially if you're talking to a person you haven't texted too often before; give people a little while to get used to your texting style before you use anything too colloquial.
- Plus, nothing will slow down a conversation faster than having the person you're texting ask you for clarification or having to repeat yourself.
- Avoid boring, cliché, everyday conversations. The usual small talk is helpful when you're absolutely desperate, but it seldom makes for memorable conversations. Instead of "Fine weather we're having", try to think of something more original. This is especially important if you're trying to win over a new friend or a potential significant other; you don't want to to say what everyone else is saying.
- Avoid saying things that are too simple or basic, such as, "What's up?" "I've had such a long day," or "I'm tired today." You've got to give the other person a bit more to work with if you want to stand out.
- Reminisce. If you're texting an old friend, you could always bring up the past to have a few laughs or to have a nostalgic moment. It's hard to go wrong with "Remember the time..." or "I miss when...". Just make sure your sentiment doesn't turn too nostalgic, or the both of you may end up with that empty longing feeling and won't be able to continue the conversation.
- Reminiscing like this may come off as random in the middle of a conversation, but if you want to kick off a conversation with an old friend you haven't spoken to in a while, then sometimes the perfect thing to say can be, "Remember that time when…"
- Send picture messages or messages with sound. These are extra fun! Send along a funny picture of yourself, or a cool graphic. Add audio of your favorite song, or weird sound effects, for added fun. Audio or picture messages are bound to get you both talking and laughing. This is a great way to wrap up a fun conversation, too. Leaving your friend with a lasting image will make that friend eager to pick up your next texting conversation.
- Just make sure you're texting someone with a phone that is able to accept photos, sound effects, or other fancy additions. You don't want to confuse your friend or make your friend feel left out by sending along a video or an image your friend can't see.
EditFollowing Proper Etiquette - Make sure you really listen to what the person is telling you. You may be too worried about what you're going to say next or may be really excited to share your opinion about something to notice what the person you're talking to is telling you. Maybe that person has a secret he'd really like to share, or maybe something is off and he's clearly upset though he hasn't said this explicitly. Pay attention to what the person is saying so you can respond appropriately.
- You don't want to seem self-absorbed by ignoring signs that the person wants to talk or has something to share. If the person seems like he's not telling you the full story, or if something really exciting happened to him, then give him his turn to speak.
- Carefully read over what the person wrote, especially if the message is really long, before responding. You don't want to look like you're only half listening when you ask a question about something the person just told you one minute ago.
- If the person is talking about something important and serious, then make sure you're free to really engage with him. If your friend is telling you about her grandmother's death, then you should call her and talk about it instead of half-answering her because you're in your math class.
- Don't overthink it. One thing to keep in mind when you pick up your phone to start a texting exchange is that you shouldn't put too much pressure on yourself. Don't worry about saying the most perfect first line or telling the most hilarious story. If you obsess over this too much, then it will take way too long for you to actually contact the person you want to talk to, or to continue the conversation; the person may think you're busy or losing interest when in fact, you're obsessing over what you're going to say next.
- It's much better to keep the flow of an imperfect, natural conversation than to spend ten minutes crafting the most amazing story ever. Plus, you don't always know what the person you're texting is up to, and you may have missed your chance to talk to that person for hours.
- Be patient. If you just started a texting conversation, or even if you're in the middle of a slow-moving conversation, you should consider that the person you're talking to may be in the middle of something, or may be having a texting conversation with someone else, too. You don't want to rush things or seem impatient by repeating your question, sending a ton of question marks after your initial comment, or being rude or snippy until the person gets back to you.
- Remember that the benefit of a texting convo is that you have a bit more time to craft a response. The downside is that the person you're talking to may not be as engaged as he or she would be if you were talking in person; it's best to accept that instead of putting the person off by acting impatient.
- Keep the conversation balanced. One thing you should keep in mind is that there should be a balance to the conversation. You don't want the person to feel like you're doing all the talking, or that you're asking so many questions that he or she can hardly keep his or her answers straight. Just as in a real conversation, you should aim to do about half of the texting, and make sure to let the person share his or her ideas instead of being overwhelmed by yours.
- Remember that it's more important to be interested than interesting. Instead of telling the person a million fascinating facts you learned that day, you're much better off asking the person about his day, his ideas, or his experiences. People like talking about themselves more than you think.
- Call the person up if you want to talk about something really serious. Though texting can be perfect for having a lighthearted conversation with one of your friends when you have nothing better going on, you want to avoid dropping a bomb on the person in the middle of what the person thought was a fun and interesting conversation. If you have some big news, or even some bad news, to share with the person, then you may be better off calling the person up or sharing your news in person.
- You want the person to be emotionally prepared for the gravity of the situation, not caught off guard.
- For example, you're causally chatting with your girlfriend about last night's television when she suddenly announces she's pregnant. Put yourself in their shoes: how would you feel if your friend dropped a bombshell on you through text?
- Use the conversation to deepen your relationship in person. Remember that your texting relationship with a person can help you get closer, but it can never define your entire relationship. You should use texting to make conversation with the people you like and to get to know them again, but you shouldn't let it replace human contact or real conversation. As much as you may like texting your new friend or love interest, you have to make an effort to call that person and to spend time with him or her in person if you really want your relationship to flourish.
- You can use texting as a jumping off point into having a real life connection with the person. For example, if you're both talking about how your favorite movie is playing, you can ask a simple question like, "Want to go together?" Or if you're both talking about how bored you are, you can say something like, "Want to go out for ice cream?" Don't be shy about it; know that your friend probably wants to spend more in-person time with you, too.
EditFinding Interesting Topics to Text About - Ask for advice. People love it when you ask them for advice, because it makes people feel good to think that they are knowledgeable about something and that they have wisdom to share. It doesn't have to be something really serious; just something you know the person would have an opinion about. Here are some questions you can ask:
- "I'm going to Santa Cruz for the first time this weekend. Any suggestions for places to eat?"
- "What do you think I should get my boyfriend for his birthday? I'm completely stumped."
- "Which dress do you think I should wear to the school dance? I can't decide."
- Follow up about something the person told you in person. One way to show the person that you really do care is to ask about something you talked about earlier that day, or even earlier that week. This shows the person that you really do pay attention and care about what happens when you're not just texting each other. Here are some ways you can follow up:
- "Hey, how is your grandmother doing? Is she still in the hospital?"
- "Did you get that waitressing job you applied for last week?"
- "How was your trip to Big Sur? I've always wanted to go."
- Suggest something fun to do together. Another way to start a lively conversation is to suggest an activity that you and the person you're texting can do together. It can be something far in the future or later in the week; if the activity sounds fun, then you'll have plenty to talk about via text as you figure out the details. Here are some suggestions you can make:
- "What do you say to going to an 80s cover band concert with me next month? We can dress up in neon..."
- "Want to check out the new Wolverine movie this weekend? I heard popcorn is free this Sunday!"
- "Have you ever had Cambodian food? There's a new restaurant in town and I heard it's cheap and delicious."
- Compliment the person. Compliments are never overrated, and you don't have to see the person face to face in order to give a meaningful compliment. A small compliment can be a great way to start a conversation and to make the person feel like you really care. As long as you're being genuine and not making the person feel uncomfortable, this is a great way to chat over the phone. Here are some great things you can say to compliment a person over text:
- "You were amazing in your basketball game yesterday. I was so impressed."
- "I loved the denim jacket you wore today. You're so awesome at wearing retro clothes."
- "Thanks for helping me study for the math test last night. You're such a good friend and I couldn't have aced it without you."
- Talk about fun plans you have for the weekend. Another way to have a lively conversation is to mention something fun that you're doing over the weekend or later in the week. This can be a great way to talk about something you're interested in, to share some funny information about yourself, or even to encourage the person to join in and spend some quality time with you. Here are some things you can say:
- "I'm going to a water park with my cousin this weekend. I always thought they were kind of corny, but I'm really excited."
- "I'm taking a ceramics class this weekend. Should be pretty cool."
- "I'm actually going to Tahoe with my family this weekend. I've never gone skiing before."
- Encourage the person. If the person you're talking to has a big test, an interview, or just another important event going on, then you can send the person a text to show that you're thinking of him or her and that you wish him or her the best. A bit of encouragement can be just the thing the person needs to succeed and to feel like you really care. Here are some ways to wish the person some good luck:
- "Good luck on your test tomorrow. I know you'll rock it!"
- "Get some rest before your interview. You're going to wow them."
- "Kick some butt in the soccer game this afternoon! I'll be cheering in the stands."
- Do not text while driving. By doing so, you're endangering yourself, as well as those around you.
|
| How to Recover from a Strained or Pulled Muscle Posted: 07 Apr 2016 09:00 AM PDT Muscle strains, also called pulls, occur when the small fibers within a muscle are stretched beyond their limits, which results in a partial or complete tear (rupture). All muscle pulls are categorized as either Grade I (tearing of a few fibers), Grade II (more extensive fiber damage) or Grade III (complete rupture).[1] Most mild-to-moderate muscle strains heal within a few weeks, although your recovery may be quicker and more complete if you follow some tried-and-true home remedies or seek professional treatment. EditRecovering From a Muscle Strain at Home - Take it easy and rest your strained muscle. Most muscle pulls occur from either lifting too much weight, doing something too often (repetition), moving awkwardly or experiencing trauma (car accident, sports injury).[2] The first step with any muscle strain (and most musculoskeletal injuries in general) is to rest it. This may require taking a few days off work or away from the team, but muscles recover quicker if they are given the appropriate time to rest. If your muscle pull takes longer than a few weeks to recover, then either a significant proportion of the muscle fibers are torn or there's involvement of a related joint and ligaments.
- Dull, achy pain is usually indicative of a muscle strain, whereas sharp and/or shooting pain with movement is often caused by joint / ligament sprains.
- A moderate-to severe muscle strain will usually cause a bruise to form pretty quickly, which indicates some blood vessels that feed the muscle are damaged and leaking.
- Apply something cold if the muscle injury is acute. If your muscle strain is acute (within a few days old), then inflammation is likely an issue and should be addressed.[3] When the muscle fibers tear, the immune system sends lots of fluid containing white blood cells. White blood cells clean up the debris from the damaged cells and connective tissue and lay the framework for a healing response; however, too much inflammation creates pressure, which causes more pain. As such, using cold therapy (ice or a frozen gel pack wrapped in a thin towel) should be applied to muscle strains as soon as possible because it constricts local blood vessels and reduces the inflammation response.[4]
- Cold therapy should be applied for 10-20 minutes every hour (the larger or deeper the affected muscle, the longer the time), then reduce the frequency as the pain and swelling subside.
- Compressing the ice against the muscle pull with the help of an elasticized bandage will help to further impede the swelling, as will elevating the affected area.
- Apply moist heat if the injury is chronic. If your muscle strain has lingered on and become chronic (longer than a month old), then inflammation control is not such a pressing issue. Instead, the muscle is likely weakened, too tight and lacking in normal blood flow, which translates into inadequate nutrients (oxygen, glucose, minerals). The application of moist heat can decrease muscle tension and spasm, increase blood flow and promote healing in chronically strained muscle tissue.[5]
- Use a microwavable heat pack and apply it to your sore muscle(s) for 15 – 20 minutes at a time, three to five times per day, until the tension and stiffness fade away. Herbal bags usually contain bulgur wheat or rice, as well as soothing herbs and/or essential oils such as lavender.
- Alternatively, soak your chronically strained muscle in a warm Epsom salt bath for 20 – 30 minutes because it can significantly reduce pain and swelling in muscles.[6] The magnesium in the salt is thought to help the muscle fibers relax and the warm water promotes circulation.
- Don't use dry heat, such as heating pads, on your chronically strained muscles because you risk dehydrating the tissue and making the issue worse.
- Take anti-inflammatory medicine. As mentioned, inflammation is a major contributor to the symptoms associated with acute musculoskeletal injuries such as strains, so taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pills during the initial stages of the injury is also a good strategy.[7] Common anti-inflammatories include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve) and aspirin, but they tend to be hard on the stomach, so limit your use to less than two weeks. Anti-inflammatories are for symptomatic relief only and don't stimulate healing, but they can certainly allow you to resume work or other activities (when it's appropriate) in more comfort.
- Ibuprofen is not appropriate for young children, so always consult your doctor before taking any medications or giving them to your kids.
- For more chronic muscle issues, consider taking a muscle relaxant (such as cyclobenzaprine) to reduce muscle tightness and/or spasms.
- Try some light stretching. Muscle stretching is mainly thought of as an injury prevention strategy, but it can be used during injuries also (albeit with caution and common sense).[8] Once the initial pain of the acute injury settles down after a few days, consider doing some light stretching just to keep the muscle pliable and prevent spasm. Start with two to three times daily and hold the stretches for 15 – 20 seconds while taking deep breaths. Chronic muscle strains are likely even more in need of stretching, so increase to three to five times daily and hold for about 30 seconds until the discomfort fades away.
- If you stretch properly, you should not have more muscle soreness the following day. If you do, then it may be an indication you've overstretched and need to go easier by reducing the intensity of the stretches.
- A common cause of "overstretching" is doing stretches while the muscles are cold. As such, make sure to get your blood flowing or apply moist heat to any muscle before you attempt to stretch it.
EditSeeking Help with Recovery - Go for a deep massage. If your home remedies don't seem to be impacting your recovery as well as you hoped, or if you just want to augment what you're doing, then consider seeing a professional massage therapist for a deep tissue rub down. A deep massage is helpful for mild-to-moderate strains because it reduces muscle spasm, combats inflammation and promotes relaxation.[9] Start with a 30 minute session and allow the masseuse to go as deep as you can tolerate it without wincing. Your therapist may also do trigger point therapy that focuses in on the injured muscle fibers.
- Always keep well hydrated after a massage in order to flush inflammatory by-products and lactic acid from your body. If you don't, you may experience a mild headache or nausea.
- If your budget doesn't allow for professional massage therapy, then consider using a tennis ball or foam roller as a substitute. Depending on where the strain is, use your body weight to roll over the tennis ball or foam roller until you feel the tension and pain start to dissipate.
- Get therapeutic ultrasound treatments. Therapeutic ultrasound machines produce high frequency sounds waves (not audible to people) by vibrating crystal material, which then has a therapeutic impact on soft tissue and bone. Although it's been used for over 50 years by physicians, physiotherapists and chiropractors for a variety of musculoskeletal injuries, the exact ways it impacts tissue is still not entirely understood. It produces a thermal effect (heat) on certain settings, which is of benefit to chronic muscle strains, but it also seems to reduce inflammation and promote healing on entirely different (pulsed) settings, which can help with acute injury.[10] Ultrasound frequency can be altered so that it penetrates the body either superficially (on the surface) or much deeper, which is great for shoulder and low back strains.
- Ultrasound treatment is painless and lasts from three to 10 minutes depending on the location and if the injury is acute or chronic. Treatments may be repeated one to two times daily for acute injuries, or less frequently in chronic cases.
- Although a single ultrasound treatment can sometimes provide substantial relief to a strained muscle, more than likely it will take three to five treatments to notice significant results.
- Consider muscle stimulation treatments. Another type of treatment that can be effective for both acute and chronic muscle strains is electronic muscle stimulation.[11] Electronic muscle stimulation involves the placement of electrodes over injured muscle tissue in order to transmit electrical currents and cause contraction. For acute strains, muscle stimulation devices (depending on the settings) can help pump out inflammation, reduce pain and desensitize nerve fibers. For chronic strains, electronic muscle stimulation also has the ability to strengthen muscle and "re-educate" the fibers (allow them to more efficiently contract in unison).
- Health professionals most likely to use electronic muscle stimulation include physiotherapists, chiropractors and sports physicians.
- Electronic muscle stimulation devices can be readily purchased from medical supply and rehabilitation stores, as well as online. They are much more affordable than ultrasound devices, but they should only be used under the supervision or advice of a healthcare professional.
- Consider infrared therapy. Also in the realm of frequency therapy is infrared radiation. The use of low-energy light waves (infrared) is able to speed up wound healing, reduce pain and decrease inflammation, particularity in chronic injuries.[12] Use of infrared therapy (via a hand-held device or within an infrared-emitting sauna) is thought to penetrate deep into the body and improve circulation because it creates heat and dilates blood vessels. Treatment times vary from 10 – 45 minutes depending on the injury and whether it's acute or chronic.
- In some cases, significant pain reduction occurs within hours after the first infrared treatment, but your results may vary.
- Pain reduction is typically long lasting — weeks or sometimes even months.
- Healthcare professionals most likely to use infrared therapy include chiropractors, osteopaths, physical therapists and massage therapists.
- To help prevent muscle strains, establish a warm-up routine prior to engaging in any strenuous physical exercise.
- Poor conditioning can leave your muscles weak and more prone to strain.
- Fatigued muscles from intense exercise are also more likely to succumb to injury.
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Clean Sperrys Posted: 07 Apr 2016 01:00 AM PDT Sperry shoes need to be cleaned carefully to avoid damaging the leather. Suede and nubuck Sperrys should only be cleaned by brushing them with a leather brush. Full-grain leather can be cleaned with mild detergent or leather cleaner. Here are the best methods to use when cleaning Sperry shoes. - Brush the shoes with a soft bristle brush.[1] Use a leather brush or soft toothbrush to gently brush away any dust, dirt, or debris from your shoes.
- This method is primarily used for suede and nubuck Sperrys. These types of leather are more sensitive and less resistant to moisture than full grain leather. As a result, the primary means of cleaning them is simply by dry brushing.
- Brush the shoes using short strokes that move in the same direction. Scrubbing the shoes in multiple directions will create scars.
- When possible, use a rubber bristled brush instead of a nylon bristled brush. Rubber is less likely to scar the leather than nylon.
- Focus on the areas that are notably dirty.
- Apply steam to the shoes. Heat water in a steamer or kettle. Hold the steam roughly 12 inches (30.5 cm) away from the shoe to further loosen the dirt.
- Only perform this step for suede Sperrys, not for nubuck ones.
- Do not hold the steam much closer to the shoes than this. Suede is sensitive to moisture, and being exposed to too much steam too quickly could cause damage.
- Rub the shoes down with a suede bar. Focus on stains and marks. Rub the suede bar over these areas to clean them.
- If necessary, you can slightly dampen the suede bar to help remove more stubborn stains. The suede bar will not become wet easily, but it is still advisable to use caution when wetting it so that you do not soak the bar or the shoe.
- Re-brush the shoes. Use the same soft bristled brush to gently brush the shoes.
- Brushing the shoes during this step will help to lift the small pieces of thread that stick up, giving suede and nubuck their trademark textures. These pieces of thread are known as the "nap."
- Failing to brush the shoes after this step will cause them to look flattened, and their texture will become distorted.
- Treat the shoes with a protective spray. Follow the directions on the can of leather protective spray to apply a thin coat of sealant over the shoes.
- This step is only optional, but it will increase the longevity of your shoes.
- After applying the protective spray, allow the shoes to dry for 24 hours.
EditSoap and Water - Remove the insole and laces. The insoles will be washed separately, and the laces will fray if washed.
- If the laces are considerably dirty, you may want to consider replacing them.
- The insoles are easy to remove. Grab the end of the insole and lift it up and back to ease it out of the Sperry.
- Soak the shoes.[2] Quickly dunk the shoes in a bucket of cool water to get the entire shoe wet.
- Instead of dunking the shoe, you could also douse the exterior with cool water using a spray bottle or cup of water.
- Avoid using hot water, which is more likely to cause the leather to shrink.
- Scrub some dish soap onto the shoes. Dab roughly 1 Tbsp (15 ml) of mild dish detergent onto the outside of the shoe. Use a soft bristled toothbrush or leather brush to spread the soap over the entire exterior of the shoe, scrubbing as much of the shoe as possible.
- Use mild dish detergent free from dyes and scents. These added chemicals are more likely to have a negative reaction with the leather. A mild dish soap works best and is least likely to cause a problem.
- Scrub the insoles. Dip the soft brush into a solution of water and dish soap. Thoroughly scrub the insoles with this brush to clean them, washing the insoles on both sides.
- For notably strong odors, you can sprinkle baking soda or foot powder over dry insoles before scrubbing them with a dry soft bristled toothbrush. Do not get any baking soda or foot powder on the leather.
- Dry the shoes. Lay the shoes out flat, in a partially sunny spot, and let them air dry for 24 hours.
- Avoid spots with direct, full sun, since too much sun may cause the leather to crack as it dries.
- The insoles should also be dried in the same manner.
- Condition the leather. Following the instructions on your bottle of leather conditioner, wipe the conditioner onto the exterior of the shoes using a soft cloth.
- Using a leather conditioner is especially important if you wash your Sperry shoes with detergent. Detergent has a tendency to dry the leather out, and conditioner will help to revitalize the leather, infusing moisture back into it.
- Reassemble the shoes when done. Place the insert back into the shoe and re-thread the laces.
EditSpot Cleaning with Nail Polish Remover - Soak the shoes. Quickly dunk the shoes in cool water to moisten them.
- Alternatively, you could also spray or pour cool water on the Sperrys instead of dunking them. If you do opt to moisten the shoes by spraying them, you may consider only spraying the areas that have notable stains or marks.
- Spot cleaning is only done on specific parts of the shoe, namely, those that have stains or marks. You should not clean the entire shoe using this method.
- Soak a cotton ball in nail polish remover. Dab a little nail polish remover onto a clean cotton ball and squeeze slightly to wring out excess moisture.
- For best results, use an acetone-based nail polish remover.
- Apply the polish remover to notable stains. Blot stubborn stains with the cotton ball soaked in nail polish remover. Continue dabbing the area with the cotton ball until the stain lifts off the leather.
- Do not scrub the shoes, since this may be too harsh on the leather.
- Nail polish remover is especially helpful for removing stains on light-colored leather.
- Dry the shoes. Place the Sperrys in a partially sunny location and let them dry, flat, for 24 hours.
- Do not position the shoes in bright, direct sunlight, since this might be too strong and could dry the leather out too quickly.
- Condition the leather. Rub leather conditioner over the exterior of the shoes to moisturize the leather after washing it.
- Follow the instructions labeled on your brand of leather conditioner.
- Conditioning the leather allows you to replace some of the moisture lost in the cleaning process.
EditLeather Cleaner - Remove the insoles and shoe laces. Set the shoe laces aside and prepare to clean the insoles separately.
- Clean the insoles with soapy water. Dip a soft bristled toothbrush in a solution of warm water and mild dish detergent. Scrub the insoles using this toothbrush, washing both sides thoroughly.
- To remove strong odors, use a dry toothbrush to scrub dry insoles with baking soda or foot powder. Do not allow the baking soda or foot powder to get on the leather.
- Apply leather cleaner to a soft cloth. Use specialized leather cleaner or Sperry-specific leather cleaner. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth, massaging it into the cloth gently.
- A microfiber cloth works best, but any soft cloth should work effectively. Avoid abrasive fabrics and paper towels, however.
- Wipe the shoes down with the cloth. Gently scrub the exterior of the Sperry shoes with the cleaner-coated cloth.
- Apply the leather cleaner using small, circular buffing motions. Rub the cleaner over the entire surface of the leather, focusing on notably dirtied areas but covering the entire exterior surface.
- Remove debris with a soft bristle brush. Scrub dirt and debris from the shoes using a leather brush or soft bristled toothbrush.
- If you do not notice any debris on the surface of the shoes, you can skip this step.
- Condition the leather. Use a soft cloth the gently massage the leather conditioner into the leather.
- Follow the instructions on your brand of conditioner to apply it accurately.
- Buff the conditioner into the surface of the leather using small, circular motions. Apply gentle yet even pressure.
- Dry the shoes. Let them lay flat for 24 hours. Place them in a place with partial, indirect sun.
- Do not dry the shoes in full, direct sun, since this is more likely to dry the leather out too quickly.
EditWashing Machine - Remove the insoles and place them into a laundry bag. Tie a knot at the top of the open end of the mesh laundry bag to prevent the insoles from slipping out.
- Both the shoes and the insoles can be washed in the washing machine, but the insoles must be washed inside the laundry bag to prevent them from getting lost or damaged inside the machine.
- A pillowcase can also be used instead of a laundry bag.
- Also remove the shoe laces. Set them aside until after the shoes have been washed.
- Wash the shoes and the insoles in the washing machine. Transfer the laundry bag and the Sperry shoes to the washing machine. Add a small amount of laundry detergent and set the washer for a long cycle in cold water.
- Do not use warm or hot water. The leather is more likely to shrink or crack when exposed to hot water.
- Dry in the sun. Place the shoes in partial, indirect sunlight and dry for 24 hours.
- Do not set the shoes out in full, direct sun, since it may cause the leather to shrink or crack.
- Treat the leather. Apply a thick layer of leather conditioner or mink oil over the surface to add moisture back into the leather.
- Follow the instructions on the conditioner to apply it correctly.
EditThings You'll Need - Leather brush or soft bristled toothbrush
- Suede bar
- Dish detergent
- Water
- Soft cloth
- Nail polish remover
- Cotton ball
- Leather cleaner
- Laundry detergent
- Mesh laundry bag or pillowcase
- Leather conditioner, mink oil, or protective spray
EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
No comments:
Post a Comment