| How to Angle Park Posted: 17 Jul 2017 05:00 PM PDT Whereas most normal parking spots are perpendicular, angled parking spots allow drivers to glide into the spot with minimal steering. This makes them a quicker, more efficient way to park, especially in areas with a lot of traffic like parking garages and city streets. Because of how little maneuvering is involved, learning to park at an angle couldn't be easier. As you approach the spot, cut the wheel gently until you're even with the lines or cars beside you, then place your vehicle in park and save valuable time getting where you're going. EditPulling Into an Angled Parking Spot - Locate a parking spot. As you enter the garage or lot, keep your eyes peeled for a vacant spot. Angled parking spots are most commonly used in high-traffic areas, so spots may come and go quickly. Look for telltale spaces between cars or other drivers who are preparing to leave.[1]
- Make sure you're paying attention while scanning for an opening to avoid an accident.
- Angled parking spots take up less space than perpendicular ones. For this reason, they're often seen in commercial lots, multilevel garages and busy side streets.[2]
- Check for traffic in both directions. Look from left to right to make sure there are no cars coming. Be sure to also watch the drivers in front of you in case they slow down or make a sudden turn. When you're certain that your path is clear, begin approaching the spot slowly.[3]
- You should always be in the habit of checking for traffic, pedestrians and other potential obstacles, even when you're just parking.[4]
- If the parking spot is on a one-way street, you won't have to worry about any cars other than the ones behind you.
- Put on your turn signal. Using your turn signal will let oncoming vehicles know that you're about to park and indicate which direction you'll be turning. That way, they'll be able to adjust their speed or come to a stop to give you the room you need to pull into the spot.[5]
- It's important to use your turn signals correctly to let other drivers know your intentions. Activate your right turn signal if the parking spot is on your right; switch on your left turn signal if it's on your left.
- You can also use your signal to show that you're waiting on a spot to open up in a crowded lot.
- Turn into the spot slowly. Reduce your speed as you near the parking spot. Press the brake lightly and let your vehicle coast until it's alongside the spot. When your mirrors are even with the line on the side nearest to you, begin turning the steering wheel to guide the front end of the vehicle into the spot.[6]
- The slower you're traveling, the more room for error you'll have when making the turn.[7]
- If you're going too fast as you get closer to the spot, you may accidentally overshoot it.
- Center your vehicle in the spot. Continue turning until the front end of your vehicle is in line with the edges of the parking spot. Inch forward and come to a stop at the line, curb or wall that marks the end of the spot. Ideally, your vehicle should be pulled up as far as it can go—this will make you less likely to get rear-ended.[8]
- Use your windows and mirrors to double check that you're lined up correctly.
- If you happen to pull in crooked, put your vehicle in reverse, back halfway out (checking behind you before you do) and straighten up.
- Put the vehicle in park. Once you've come to a complete stop, hold down the brake pedal and slide the gear shift to the "P" position. This will place your vehicle in park. Turn off the engine. You can now safely exit the vehicle.
- Keep your foot on the brake until the vehicle is securely parked.
- It may help to apply the parking brake if you're parking on an incline. This will prevent the vehicle from rolling out of the spot.[9]
EditBacking Out of an Angled Parking Spot - Put the car in reverse. Start the engine and press your foot down on the brake pedal. Move the gear shift to the "R" position. You'll now be ready to back out of the spot.[10]
- Don't forget to disengage the parking brake if you put it on while parking.
- Check behind you for cross traffic. Before you begin backing out, turn your head to scan for oncoming vehicles. They might be harder to see when exiting the spot, so look twice just to be on the safe side. Don't start backing out until you're sure no one is approaching.[11]
- Look over the same shoulder as the direction you'll be turning.[12]
- The white reversing lights on the back of your vehicle will alert other drivers that you're preparing to pull out of the parking spot.
- Begin backing out slowly. Pull straight out of the spot, using the brake to control your speed. Keep your foot on the brake the whole time you're easing out. Check again for oncoming traffic once your line of sight is clear. [13]
- Never back out of a parking spot with your foot on the accelerator.
- Vehicles in the travel lane technically have the right of way, so be sure to stop if you see another car coming.[14]
- Turn the wheel slightly as you exit the spot. When you're halfway out of the spot, start cutting the wheel gradually in the same direction you pulled in. Since the spot is at an angle, you won't need to turn much. Just make a smooth, loose arc, reversing until you're pointed straight ahead.[15]
- The key to steering in reverse is to turn the wheel whichever way you want the rear of the vehicle to go.
- Angled spots are meant to be exited the same way they're entered. Cutting the wrong way will force you to make a much sharper turn and may leave you facing the wrong direction.
- Line your vehicle up with the main drive. Come to a complete stop, then shift the vehicle into drive (the "D" position on the gear shift). Rotate the steering wheel to straighten out your front tires. Wait until the lane ahead of you is clear to begin moving forward.
- Make sure you have adequate clearance on all sides before you proceed to drive off.[16]
- Keep an eye out for other drivers attempting to leave their parking spots.
- Drive away. Once you're safely out of the parking spot, increase your speed and return to the flow of traffic. Congratulations, you've successfully angle parked!
- Watch your speed until you're out of the parking lot or garage.
- Always leave your seat belt on until you're finished parking.
- Avoid accidents by eliminating distractions, keeping your wits about you and practicing defensive driving skills.
- If you're ever unsure whether or not you'll be able to fit in a given spot, it's usually safest to pass it up and look for another with more room.
- Backing into or pulling through a parking spot will make it easier to get out when you're ready to leave.
- Some newer cars are equipped with backup cameras, which can come in handy when backing out of an angled spot with low visibility.
- Pay attention to where you're going at all times. Collisions are a frequent occurrence in garages and parking lots.
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Make Lip Balm Posted: 17 Jul 2017 09:00 AM PDT Do you use lip balm a lot? If so, making your own is a great way to save money. Best of all, you can choose exactly what goes inside to create a special blend that's perfect for you. If you can't decide, then you can try a pre-made recipe instead. A single recipe will yield several jars of lip balm. You can store them in the fridge or give them away to friends and family members as gifts. EditUsing Petroleum Jelly - Place 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of petroleum jelly into a heat-safe bowl. This will serve as the base for your lip balm.[1] Try to use the original, plain, unflavored kind of petroleum jelly. The kind that is already tinted and colored is actually lip balm!
- Melt the petroleum jelly in the microwave. Heat the petroleum jelly for 30 seconds. Give it a quick stir, then heat it for another 30 seconds. Keep heating it at 30-second intervals, stirring between each one, until the petroleum jelly is liquid.[2] The petroleum jelly should be clear, with no lumps or clumps. This will take about 3 to 4 minutes total.[3]
- Add some color and/or shimmer, if desired. This step is completely optional. It can make you lip balm double-up as a lip stain or lip gloss. Choose one of the additions from the list below, then stir it into your lip balm base.
- Use crushed blush or eye shadow to add color.[4] A smidge of lipstick will also work.[5]
- Add color and shimmer with cosmetic-grade glitter or mica powder.[6] You can also use edible shimmer dust meant for cake decorating.[7]
- Add color and flavor with powdered drink mix. Be aware that it may not dissolve very well.[8]
- Add ¼ teaspoon of coconut oil for extra nourishment. You don't have to do this, but it will help make the lip balm more nourishing. It will also give the lip balm a nice, subtle scent and flavor.[9]
- Add flavor with extracts, essential oils, or powders. Again, you don't have to do this, but it's a nice way to take your lip balm to the next level. Add in a few drops of essential oil or extract; peppermint and spearmint are great choices! You can also try a flavored drink mix or cocoa powder instead.[10]
- If you are using a powdered drink mix or cocoa powder, keep in mind that this will change the color of your lip balm.
- Pour the lip balm into small, clean, empty lip balm container. Choose a small, plastic jar with a screw-on lid. You can find such jars online in stores that sell soap-making supplies. You can also find them in art supply stores and supermarkets along the travel-size cosmetic items. Choose something that is about 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) in diameter. You have enough melted mixture to fill several such jars.
- Mini mint tins work especially well for this as well!
- Wait for the lip balm to set. Set the lip balm down someplace where it won't be bumped. Leave the lid off, and wait for it to harden. This may take 1 to 2 hours, however.[11] If you are in a hurry, you can stick the lip balm into the fridge or freezer for 10 to 15 minutes instead.
EditUsing Beeswax, Oils, and Butters - Set up a make-shift double-boiler. Fill a saucepan with 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 centimeters) of water. Place a heat-safe glass bowl on top of the saucepan. If you don't have such a bowl, you can set a glass canning jar into the water instead. Don't turn the stove on just yet!
- Place 3½ tablespoons (52.5 milliliters) of a carrier oil into the bowl. A carrier oil is a liquid, food-grade oil. It serves as the base of your lip balm and both nourishing and moisturizing. You can use all one type, or a combination of different types. Great carrier oils and their uses include:[12]
- Coconut oil smells and tastes great. It's solid at room temperature, but it melts quickly.
- Olive oil is a great, easy-to-find oil. You likely have it at home!
- Sunflower oil helps heal damaged skin.
- Sweet almond oil is great for making lips silky-soft.
- Add ½ tablespoon (7.5 milliliters) of another type of oil. You can use the same type of oil as before (coconut, olive oil, etc) for a simple recipe. You can also use this opportunity to add a richer oil, such as:[13]
- Apricot kernel oil is great for sensitive and/or mature skin.
- Avocado oil is very rich and ideal for moisturizing dry lips.
- Castor oil helps add a glossy shine to the lip balm.
- Hemp seed oil helps condition lips.
- Jojoba oil is great for softening and nourishing dry, chapped lips.
- Pomegranate seed oil is another rich oil. It helps nourish dry, dull lips.
- Add 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of beeswax. Try to use shaved beeswax or beeswax pellets; they will be easier to melt. If you are a strict vegan, use ½ tablespoon (7.5 grams) of candelilla wax instead.[14]
- Add 1 tablespoon of solid butter. No, this is not the butter that you put on your toast. Solid butters are any type of oil that is solid at room temperature. You can leave them out if you want to, but they help make the lip balm more creamy. Great solid butters to use in lip balm include:[15]
- Mango butter
- Shea butter
- Cocoa butter with little bit more of your carrier oil. Note that this butter can be drying.
- Kokum butter with a little bit more of your carrier oil.
- Melt the ingredients. Turn the stove on and set the heat to medium-low. Wait for the water heat up and for the ingredients to melt.
- Remove the bowl from the saucepan. Set it down onto a heat-safe surface and stir the ingredients together until the color is consistent. You do not want any streaks or swirls.
- Stir in 5 to 10 drops of essential oil, if desired. You can skip this step if you want to, but the essential oils will give your lip balm a nice fragrance and flavor. Not all types of essential oils are safe to use on skin, but the following types are:[16]
- Vanilla absolute is sweet and delicious, like a pastry.
- Peppermint or spearmint are cool and refreshing. You can use up to 16 drops.
- Mandarin, orange (sweet), or tangerine are sweet and tangy.
- Lemon or lime are safe as long as they are distilled and not cold-pressed.
- Lavender and rose have a wonderful scent, but not everyone likes their flavor.
- Clove, as long as it's used sparingly (1 to 2 drops)
- Camphor or tea tree oil are great for cold sores, but must be used sparingly—only 1 to 2 drops.
- Pour the lip balm into small, clean, lip balm containers. You can buy them online from stores specializing in soap-making supplies. You can also find them in supermarkets, right alongside the other travel-sized items. Some container stores may also sell them. Look for something that is around 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) wide.
- Make sure that the containers are clean.
- Wait for the lip balm to set. Place the jar down, cap off, some place where it won't be disturbed. Let it set and harden. This should take less than an hour. Depending on the size of your container, it may even take 10 to 15 minutes. If you are in a hurry, however, you can pop the jar into the fridge or freezer for a few minutes.
EditTrying Other Recipes - Make a healing, honey-flavored lip balm. Melt the beeswax half-way in a double-boiler. Stir in the coconut oil and a dash of honey. Let everything melt, then remove the double-boiler from heat. Stir in 2 vitamin E capsules and a few drops of essential oil (if desired). Pour the mixture into empty lip balm containers and let it cool and harden.[17]
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) beeswax
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) coconut oil
- Dash of honey
- 2 vitamin E capsules
- Essential oil (optional)
- Get some lip plumping action with cinnamon essential oil. Melt the coconut oil and beeswax in a double-boiler. Add the vitamin E oil, honey, and essential oil. Pour the mixture into empty lip balm containers and let it harden.[18]
- 4 tablespoons (60 grams) coconut oil
- 1½ tablespoons (22.5 grams) beeswax
- 2 to 3 vitamin E capsules
- ¾ tablespoon (11.25 grams) honey
- 15 drops cinnamon essential oil
- Add pumpkin pie spice to make a lip balm fit for Fall. Melt the almond oil and the beeswax in a double-boiler. Stir in the honey and the pumpkin pie spice. Pour the mixture into small, lip balm containers, and let it harden.[19]
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) sweet almond oil
- 1 teaspoon beeswax
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- Use freeze-dried berries to tint and flavor your lip balm. Grind the strawberries or raspberries in a blender or food processor, then set them aside. Melt all of the ingredients in a double-boiler. Stir everything together. Pour the mixture through a fine, mesh strainer into empty lip balm containers, and let it harden, stirring occasionally. Discard anything caught in the strainer.[20]
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) beeswax
- ½ tablespoon (7.5 grams) coconut oil
- ½ tablespoon (7.5 milliliters) sweet almond oil
- ⅛ teaspoon vitamin E oil
- 2 to 4 tablespoons (14 to 28 grams) freeze dried strawberries or raspberries
- Trade out beeswax for a crayon to get colored lip balm. Peel the wrapper off of a crayon and break it into pieces. Melt it in a double-boiler along with the coconut oil. Add in some essential oil, if desired. Pour the melted mixture into empty lip balm containers, and let it harden.[21]
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
- 1 high-quality crayon
- 1 to 2 drops essential oil (optional)
- Add rose petals for a touch of luxury. Melt all of the ingredients in a double-boiler. Stir everything together, then pour the mixture into empty lip balm containers. If you want to leave out the petals, pour the mixture through a fine, mesh strainer. Allow the lip balm to cool and harden before using it.[22]
- 4 tablespoons (60 grams) beeswax
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) shea butter
- 1 teaspoon sweet almond oil
- 1 teaspoon coconut or vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (56 grams) dried rose petals, crushed
- You can make multiple flavors/colors from one batch. Create the base first, then separate it into smaller bowls. Add in your desired colors, flavors, and fragrances, then pour it into lip balm containers.
- Petroleum jelly will give you softer lip balm. Beeswax will give you firmer lip balm.
- Decorate the lids on your containers with beads, shells, or rhinestones. Use a strong glue, such as E6000.[23]
- If you don't have a double-boiler, prepare the lip balm in a wide-mouthed jar. Set the jar into a pot filled with a few inches/centimeters of boiling water to melt everything.[24]
- Add some color and shimmer with edible shimmer dust. You can find it in the cake decorating section of a craft store.[25]
- Mix and match drink mix flavors. You can use the lemonade flavor to lighten up a berry flavor and turn it from pinkish-red to a lighter pink.[26]
- You can flavor lip balm with a candy-making flavor oil. You will need 1/4 to 1/2 dram. A small bottle of flavoring oil is typically 1 dram.[27]
- If the lip balm did not turn out quite right, melt it over a double boiler. Add more oil if it was too hard, or more wax if it was too soft. Pour the melted lip balm back into its container, and let it set up again.[28]
- Check craft stores and online suppliers for essential oils, butters, waxes, and lip balm containers.
- For a quick and simple lip balm, simply apply coconut oil over your lips.[29]
- Experiment with your favorite oils. As long as the basic ratio stays the same, you can swap out one oil or butter for another without changing the texture of the lip balm.
- Petroleum jelly will only mix with other oil soluble substances. Don't be surprised when some of your non-oil based substances form a separate layer.
- It's best to keep the lip balm in the fridge, especially if it contains oils and butters.
- If you add color from a makeup product, make sure it's safe for use on lips. Don't add nail polish or another product that contains chemicals that shouldn't be ingested.
- Make sure that the containers you are using are clean. If they are dirty, you risk introducing bacteria into your lip balm, which could make you very sick.
EditThings You'll Need EditQuick Lip Balm - 2 tablespoons (30 grams) petroleum jelly
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Spoon
- Powdered blush or eye shadow (optional)
- Powdered drink mix, essential oil, or extract (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon coconut oil (optional)
- Clean, empty lip balm containers
EditMaking Custom Lip Balm - 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) carrier oil
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) beeswax
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) solid butter
- 5 to 10 drops essential oil.
- Heat-safe glass bowl
- Saucepan
- Clean spoon
- Clean, empty lip balm containers
EditRelated wikiHows
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Clean a Toaster Posted: 17 Jul 2017 01:00 AM PDT The toaster can sometimes be forgotten in the kitchen clean-up, yet it certainly deserves a regular cleaning. Crumbs build up in a toaster over time, so you should periodically deep clean your toaster so it works properly. To clean a toaster, remove the crumb tray from the bottom and clean that first. Then, clean the interior and exterior. When you're done, your toaster will be fresh, clean, and ready to use. EditCleaning the Crumb Tray - Unplug the toaster and move to a workspace. It's vital to unplug the toaster before cleaning it to avoid electric shock.[1] After unplugging your toaster, bring to a large flat surface, like a table or counter. Lay down a layer of newspaper to work over to make it easier to collect crumbs.
- Remove the crumb tray. Most toaster have a removable tray on the bottom called the crumb tray. For the most part, you should be able to easily slide out the crumb tray. If you can't figure out how to remove the crumb tray, consult your instructions manual.[2]
- Shake out the crumb tray. Turn the crumb tray upside down. Give it a good shake to remove any loose crumbs, dirt, dust, or debris.[3]
- You can shake the crumb tray onto the newspaper you laid down. However, it may be easier to shake it over the garbage to dispose of crumbs right away.
- Clean the crumb tray in warm, soapy water. Wipe the crumb tray clean over the sink using warm water and gentle liquid soap. Wash it like you would wash any other dishes. Get it completely clean, removing any stuck on crumbs or stains, and then set it aside to dry.[4]
- Clean a non-removable crumb tray. If your toaster lacks a removable crumb tray, turn it upside down. Gently shake it over the newspaper or your garbage a few times. This should clear out most loose crumbs.[5]
EditCleaning the Rest of the Toaster - Swipe away crumbs from the interior. Use a pastry brush or clean toothbrush to clean out the wires on the interior of your toaster. Use this to wipe away any crumbs stuck inside the wires. Flick away the crumbs in the same direction the wires run.[6]
- It's usually a good idea to turn your toaster upside down and shake it again after removing interior crumbs.
- Wipe down the interior slots. Dampen your toothbrush slightly with vinegar. Place the toothbrush back into the toaster. Use it to rub down the wire bars to get them clean, removing any stuck on crumbs, dirt, and debris.[7]
- Only get your toothbrush damp with vinegar. A sopping wet toothbrush may cause puddles of messy water to form on the bottom of your toaster.
- Clean the exterior of the toaster. Get a cloth damp with vinegar. Use this to wipe down the sides of the toaster.[8] For really tough stuck-on stains, use a bit of bicarbonate of soda/baking soda to scrub off gently. Use a non-scratching sponge or wiping cloth on the toaster to prevent scratches.
EditMaintaining a Clean Toaster - Deep clean your toaster once a month. About once a month, deep clean your toaster. Do so by cleaning the crumb tray and then wiping down the interior and exterior with vinegar. This will keep your toaster from building up too many crumbs and other debris.[9]
- Empty out the crumbs once a week. Once a week, remove the crumb tray and shake it out over the garbage. If you don't have a removable crumb tray, turn the toaster upside down and shake it out over the garbage.[10]
- Wipe down the exterior each day. Every day, when you're doing routine cleaning in the kitchen, do not neglect your toaster. Wipe the toaster down with a wet rag or a rag dampened with vinegar. This will keep too much dirt and dust from building up on the toaster's exterior.[11]
- Some toaster exteriors show up dirt, fingerprints and splatters more than others. Consider this when purchasing your toaster; for instance, stainless steel tends to need more regular polishing to keep its shine and to remove fingerprints than an opaque plastic toaster.
- Only clean a cool toaster. Cleaning a hot toaster is asking to be burnt.
- Only plug into the wall with dry hands.
- Do not immerse the toaster in water under any circumstances.
- Never stick a knife in a toaster. If the toaster is plugged in, you are risking electrocution.
EditThings You'll Need - Toaster
- Vinegar and bicarbonate of soda/baking soda
- Sponge/gentle wiping cloth
- Newspaper
- Space to work in
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
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