| How to Clean Shoe Insoles Posted: 05 Aug 2017 05:00 PM PDT Your shoes' insoles can get pretty worn out after a while. With every step you take, the porous inserts absorb dirt, oil and perspiration, which can eventually lead to bacteria and mold. Killing these germs and banishing the stench they cause can be difficult, but it's not impossible, provided you know the right tricks. For mild odors, you can simply scrub the insoles with soap and water. To save funkier foot liners, you may have to turn to more intensive solutions like baking soda or rubbing alcohol. EditScrubbing Insoles with Soap and Water - Remove the insoles from your shoes. Lift the insoles from the footbed and slide them out the opening. Brush off any loose dirt, dust, lint or other debris so that you can focus your attention on the more soiled spots. Place recently worn insoles somewhere nearby to air out before you begin cleaning.
- If your shoes don't have removable insoles, you'll have to carefully clean inside the shoe by hand. An unused toothbrush can come in handy in these situations.
- Put machine washable shoes through a gentle cycle while you work on the insoles.[1]
- Combine soap and hot water in a large container. Fill the sink or a separate bucket and squeeze in a few drops of a mild liquid dish detergent that will blend easily in water. Stir the soap and water together to form a solution.[2]
- Hot water will work better than cold for loosening stuck-on dirt and stains.
- In most cases, a gentle scrub with soap and water will be enough to eliminate unpleasant smells from lightly-worn insoles.[3]
- Dip a stiff-bristled brush in the soap solution. A nylon dish brush or similar tool will work well for this purpose. Wet the bristles and shake off the excess solution. You only want to use a small amount of soapy water at a time to prevent the insoles from getting too wet.[4]
- The key to successfully cleaning most shoe insoles is not to oversaturate them with water. Too much moisture can damage insoles made from leather, foam and composite materials.[5]
- You can also use a soft dish sponge regular cotton washcloth to do your scrubbing.
- Brush down the entire insole with the soapy water. Work the soap solution into the surface of the insoles using tight, circular scrubbing motions. Concentrate on the areas around the heel and toes where stenches and stains are most noticeable. Once you're finished with the top of the insoles, flip them over and go over the bottoms as well.[6]
- Rewet the brush with fresh soap solution as needed.
- After scrubbing the insoles, clear away visible soap residue with a clean cloth or sponge.[7]
- Allow the insoles to air dry. Now the insoles have been cleaned, you'll want to make sure they've had a chance to dry completely before wearing them again. This will prevent odor-causing bacteria from returning, as they're drawn to warm, moist places. Once they've dried sufficiently, slide them back into your shoes and put them through their paces.[8]
- You can speed up the drying process by leaving the insoles in a well-ventilated area or propping them up near an air conditioner or space heater.
- If the weather is good, place the insoles out in the sun to dry. Not only will this air them out faster, the UV radiation from sunlight will actually help kill any lingering germs that the soap solution may have missed.[9]
EditDisinfecting Insoles with Rubbing Alcohol - Mix together alcohol and water in a small spray bottle. Pour in an equal amount of each liquid and shake thoroughly to make sure they're properly distributed.[10]
- Regular isopropyl alcohol has powerful antibacterial properties, making it perfect for cleaning delicate clothing items.
- If you don't happen to have any rubbing alcohol on hand, a slightly higher concentration of distilled white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide will also do the trick. Be warned, however—vinegar can leave behind its own odor that may take a few wears to fade.[11]
- Spray the insoles with the alcohol mixture. Place the insoles on a flat, waterproof surface. Give each one a generous misting on both sides. Use as much alcohol as you need. It dries quickly, so there's no need to worry about getting the insoles too wet.[12]
- As an alternative to a spray bottle, you can soak the corner of a clean cloth in alcohol and rub it into the insoles by hand.
- This method can be used to clean the rest of the shoe, as well.
- Set the insoles aside to dry. Relocate them outside or somewhere else where they can receive plenty of airflow. The alcohol will soon evaporate and take the water with it, leaving your insoles clean, disinfected and smelling fresh again.[13]
- Don't wear the shoes again until they've had time to dry. Doing so will just introduce new germs and moisture.
EditDeodorizing Insoles with Baking Soda - Fill a large container with baking soda. Shake a few ounces of the baking soda into a Tupperware container or quart-sized Ziploc bag.
- Make sure that the container you choose has a lid or some other means of closing and sealing.
- Baking soda is often touted for its ability to absorb and trap stubborn smells so that they can be dealt with without the need for deep-cleaning.[14]
- Place the insoles inside the container. Slip the insoles into the baking soda so that they're completely submerged. It may help to position them upside down so that the entire upper surface will stay in constant contact with the powder. The more surface area the baking soda covers, the better it will work.[15]
- The insoles should be mostly dry before you apply the baking soda.
- If you're unable to find a suitable container, set the insoles out and sprinkle the baking soda directly over the top.[16]
- Let the insoles sit overnight. Seal the container and find an out of the way place to store it. By the time you wake up the following morning, the baking soda should have locked in the strongest odors.[17]
- For best results, the baking soda should be allowed to do its thing for at least 6–8 hours.
- Baking soda is one of the simplest solutions for persistent odors, as it doesn't require any scrubbing, wiping or washing.[18]
- Remove and replace the insoles. Open the container and dispose of the baking soda. Shake the remaining powder off of the insoles and let them sit out in the open for a few minutes before putting them back in your shoes. Afterwards, you should no longer be able to notice any unwanted smells.[19]
- Baking soda treatments can be used as often as you need to keep your insoles from stinking up your shoes.
- Get in the habit of disinfecting and deodorizing your shoes' insoles every few months, or more frequently if you're especially active or tend to do a lot of walking in them.
- For insoles that are worse-for-wear, try using a combination of cleaning methods. For instance, you can start by scrubbing them the soap and water, then spraying them with alcohol or treating them with baking soda (or both).
- Combine regular cleaning with a regimen of food powder or odor-eating products to keep your insoles fresh for longer.
- Since dirty insoles are most often the result of sweat and bacteria being transferred from the body, it's important to keep your feet clean.
- Avoid cleaning shoe insoles in the washing machine. Soaking can destroy foot liner materials and cause them to come apart faster.
- While most insoles are salvageable, not all of them will be. If you discover that your shoes still smell after you've attempted a few different remedies, you may be better off throwing them out and replacing them with a new pair.
EditThings You'll Need - Hot water
- Mild liquid dish detergent
- Rubbing alcohol
- Baking soda
- Stiff-bristled nylon brush, washcloth or sponge
- Enclosed container
- Spray bottle
EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Exercise While Sitting at Your Computer Posted: 05 Aug 2017 09:00 AM PDT For many people, being glued to a desk with a computer is a part of their daily routine. But sitting at the computer all day may not be good for your body or mind. It may cause backaches due to poor posture, discomfort from lack of movement, weight gain and anxiety.[1] You can get exercise while sitting at your computer by doing cardiovascular conditioning and building your muscles with strength moves. EditGetting Cardiovascular Activity - Execute jumping jacks. Sit up with a straight back. Bend your knees and keep them together. Your toes should just touch the floor. Open your legs and extend your arms overhead simultaneously. Keep doing this movement quickly for 30 reps. This exercise can build your endurance and get your blood flowing, which may help you think better.[2]
- Do these exercises with just your legs if you need to type.
- Get in a run. Extend your legs and point your toes. Bend your arms at your sides or keep them on the keyboard. Engage your core muscles and lean back slightly until your shoulder blades just graze the back of the chair. Then lift your legs slightly in front of you and bend your left knee toward your chest. Angle your right shoulder towards your left knee. Quickly change to the to the other side for 30 alternating reps. This kind of running can build your cardiovascular fitness and strength.[3]
- Go for a waterless swim. Engage your core muscles and tilt yourself back at the waist. Your legs hang over the side of your chair. Kick them in a fluttering motion for 30-50 reps. This can increase your endurance and strengthen your leg muscles and abs.[4]
- You can also try flutter-kicking your arms, either along with your legs or separately. Do this above your head or in front of your body.
- Do toe taps. Stand facing the front of your chair. Lift up your right arm up and tap the chair with your left toe at the same time. Alternate sides quickly for 45 to 60 seconds. This targets your cardiovascular system and can strengthen your legs, abs, and arms.[5]
EditBuilding Strength with a Chair - Work your arms with press ups. Sit on the edge of your chair and bend your knees while keeping them together. Hold your arms at your side so that your hands are on the chair seat. You can also hold the arm rests. Then press through your hands so that you lift up slightly. You may even get taller. Release and repeat the press up for 30 reps.[6]
- Squeeze your knees and butt muscles together while pressing down on your hands for a challenge.[7]
- Sculpt your pecs with chest squeezes. Make a goalpost shape with your arms by keeping your upper arms parallel to the floor and your lower arms perpendicular to it. Engage your chest and arm muscles and press your forearms together. Then lift your arms up about one inch. Return to the starting point and do as many reps as you can while holding proper form.[8]
- Build leg muscle with toe and heel raises. Sit up straight and engage your calf muscles so that your heels rise up and you are on your toes. Then release your heels back to the floor before repeating this exercise for 30 reps. You can also reverse the motion by lifting your toes off the floor instead of your heels for 30 reps. These exercises target and build the muscles of your lower leg and knee.[9]
- Add resistance by placing a large book on your knees while raising your toes and heels.
- Hit your quads and hamstrings with leg extensions. Sit with your glutes on the edge of your chair and your knees bent. With your knees still bent, lift up one leg. Straighten out your leg, hold it for a second or two, and return to starting position. Repeat on the same leg for 15 reps before switching to the opposite leg.[10]
- Make the extensions more challenging by extending both legs simultaneously. This has the added benefit of strengthening your core, too.
- Squeeze your glutes. Sit up straight and clench the muscles of your lower back and bum. Keep squeezing for 30 seconds and release for 30 seconds. Do as many reps as you can or aim to do a certain number each hour. This can build and sculpt your glutes.[11]
- Do crunches on the chair. Sit up straight, bend your knees, and keep them together. Hold your hands behind your head and engage your core muscles. Hinge back slightly and just graze the back of your chair. Hinge your body forward at the hips and touch your right elbow on the outside of your left knee. Return to starting position and repeat for 20 alternating reps. [12]
EditChanging Your Desk Routine - Take frequent breaks. Reduce the prolonged amount of time you sit at your desk. Get up and move your body for 20 seconds every 10 minutes. Take a longer break of 2-5 minutes every 30-60 minutes. This can refresh and energize your body and mind as well as provide you with exercise. Some activities you could do include:[13]
- Walking
- Stretching
- Doing jumping jacks
- Doing push ups against a wall or desk
- Performing yoga poses
- Doing neck and shoulder circles
- Doing arm beats (i.e. swinging the arms back and forth at your sides like pendulums while keeping the torso still)
- Use a standing or treadmill desk. Ask your boss if you can use a standing desk or treadmill at your desk set to a low speed. Walk at a slow pace all day or alternate sitting and standing or walking as needed. Not only can this provide you with exercise, but it can also improve your physical and psychological wellbeing during the workday.[14]
- Be aware that treadmill desks may offer more benefits over their standing counterparts.
- Walk whenever possible. Take every opportunity during your work day to move your body. Do things such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, pacing while you talk on the phone, or jogging in place while reading a report. These can ensure you get exercise and may keep your body and brain fresh throughout the day. Other ways to increase movement when you're at the computer include:[15]
- Walking down the hall to speak to colleagues or friends instead of emailing
- Do squats while waiting for your printer or copier[16]
- Hold a walking meeting
- Take the stairs to the restroom on another floor
- It can be surprisingly easy to add exercises into your desk routine. Just standing up can be a good activity if you do it often enough – the motion is a squat.
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Make Calamine Soap Posted: 05 Aug 2017 01:00 AM PDT Calamine lotion is helpful when it comes to soothing dry, itchy skin. Sometimes it's not enough, however, and your skin needs a little more care. Instead of continuously applying calamine lotion, why not try washing yourself with calamine soap? Melt-and-pour soap is a safe and easy way to make a small batch for yourself. If you are an experienced soap maker, you could try making a larger batch using the cold process method. EditMaking Melt-and-Pour Soap - Cut or break apart 12 ounces (340.2 grams) of goats milk melt-and-pour soap base. Cut the soap base into ½ to 1 inch (1.27 to 2.54 centimeter) pieces. This will help the soap melt faster and more evenly.[1] Some types of melt-and-pour soap bases have cutting guidelines, which you can use. Make sure that you are using the melt-and-pour type of soap base, as regular bars of soap from the store won't melt. You can find melt-and-pour soap bases in the craft store and online.
- You can also use 12 ounces (340.2 grams) of white glycerin melt-and-pour soap base instead.[2]
- Melt-and-pour soap is a great way to get started in soap making because you won't be working with lye, which can be dangerous.
- Melt the soap in a double-boiler or in the microwave. There are two ways you can do this: in a double-boiler on the stove or in a glass container the microwave. Choose the method that works the best for you, then remove the soap from heat. Keep it in the container you melted it in.
- Stove: Assemble a double-boiler. turn the heat on to low. Add the soap to the top bowl. Allow the soap to melt most of the way, stirring occasionally. Take the pot off the stove, then let the soap finish melting.[3]
- Microwave: heat the soap for 30 seconds. Give it a stir, then heat it for 10 seconds. Stir it once more, then continue heating and stirring at 5 second intervals until the soap has melted.[4]
- Stir 2 tablespoons of calamine lotion into the melted soap. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pot while you stir. This will help keep things from settling on the bottom.[5]
- Break apart 5 vitamin E oil capsules and add them to the soap. This is not absolutely necessary, but it will help make the soap more nourishing.[6]
- Add 2 drops of red soap making dye, if desired. Stir them in with a spoon until the color of the soap is consistent and no streaks remain. You don't have to add the dye in, but it will help make your soap more pink and reminiscent of calamine lotion.[7] You can also leave out the dye if you prefer.
- Make sure that you are using soap making dye. Candle dye and fabric dye are not skin safe, and food coloring can stain.
- Add 0.25 to 0.5 ounce (7.5 to 14.8 grams) of fragrance oil, if desired. Once again, you don't have to do this, but it can make the soap smell nicer. Use a calming fragrance, such as rose or lavender. If this is for a kid, try something associated with the color pink, such as bubblegum or cotton candy.[8]
- Make sure that fragrance oils meant for soap making. The kind used for making candles are not considered to be skin-safe.[9]
- You can try using essential oil instead of fragrance oil. Make sure that it is skin-safe as not all essential oils are.
- Pour the soap into a soap making mold. You can use a round or square PVC mold. You can also use individual soap molds as well. If you use a round or square mold, you will need to slice the soap into smaller bars after it dries.[10]
- For a more unique mold, cut off the bottom 3 inches (7.62 centimeters) of six water bottles, and use that instead.[11]
- If the mixture forms bubbles, spray the surface with rubbing alcohol. This will make the bubbles disappear.[12]
- Allow the soap to cool and dry. This will take 30 minutes if you are using several small molds. It may take up to several hours if you are using one big mold.[13]
- De-mold the soap. Simply turn the mold over, and pop the soap out. You may have to wiggle the sides to loosen the soap. If you used a large mold, such as a round or square PVC mold, you will need to slice the soap into smaller bars. You should be able to make 3 to 4 bars.[14] Once you pop the soap out of the molds, it is ready to use!
- If you used plastic water bottles as molds, you'll need to cut the bottles apart with a craft blade, then slide the soap out.[15]
EditMaking Cold Process Soap - Protect yourself and your work surface. You will be working with lye, which can be dangerous if not handled properly. Put on a pair of goggles, a mask, rubber gloves, and along sleeved shirt.[16] Have an accurate, digital scale ready. Your measurements must be precise, or they may not saponify properly.
- You will use the scale to measure everything, including the liquid ingredients.[17]
- This recipe will make a lot of soap. You can resize this recipe to make a smaller amount, but you will need to use an accurate soap-making calculator to convert the amounts.[18]
- Prepare the water and lye solution. Measure and pour 38 ounces (1123.79 grams) of cool water into a large pitcher first. Next, measure out 15 ounces (425.25 grams) of lye and sprinkle it into the water.[19] Let it heat to 200°F (94°C), then stir with spoon for 30 seconds to dissolve the lye.[20]
- Never add water directly into lye, as this will cause the lye to erupt.[21]
- Use a pitcher designated specifically for this purpose. Do not reuse this cup for anything else.
- There are different types of lye used for soap making. You want to use Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH).[22]
- Set the lye solution aside so that it can cool down. Cover the pitcher with lid, then place it some place where it won't tip over. Let the solution cool down to 100 and 125°F (38 to 52°C). This can take 30 min to 2 hours.[23]
- Melt the oils and butters. You will need: 2 pounds (907.2 grams) coconut oil, 2 pounds (907.2 grams) olive oil, 1 pound 6 ounces (623.7 grams) soybean oil, 1 pound 2 ounces (510.3 grams) palm oil, 0.8 ounces (22.68 grams) coco butter, and 0.4 ounces (11.34 grams) shea butter.[24] You can do this in a large pot or in a double-boiler, if you can find one big enough. Heat them up to somewhere 100 and 125°F (38 to 52°C).[25]
- Stir the cooled lye solution into the oil and butter mixture. Wait for the oil and butter mixture to cool down to at least 125°F (52°C), then pour in the cooled lye solution. Mix everything together using a stick blender set to low speed. Keep the blender near the bottom of the pot.[26]
- Be careful so that the mixture doesn't splash. It hasn't saponified yet, so it is still caustic and can cause burns.
- Wait for the mixture to trace. Trace happens after 3 to 5 minutes. It will turn runny and pudding like. If the blender leaves marks on the surface when you pull it out, you're at trace. Be prepared to work quickly during the next few steps as the mixture will start to harden.[27]
- Add the prepared dye to the mixture. Mix about 1 teaspoon of red iron oxide dye with ½ tablespoon of glycerin or olive oil. Stir it into the soap mixture until it is almost the same color as calamine lotion. Don't worry if the mixture looks a little dark. The zinc oxide in the next step will help lighten it up.[28]
- You may not end up using all of your prepared dye.
- Stir in the zinc oxide. You will need between ½ and ¾ cups (663.28 and 994.91 grams). Keep adding the zinc oxide until the mixture is the same color as calamine lotion. Combined with the iron oxide, the zinc oxide will help make your skin less itchy. Both zinc oxide and iron oxide are important ingredients in calamine lotion.[29]
- Stir in the essential oils. You will need 4 ounces (113.4 grams) total. You can use any fragrance or combination of fragrances you what. A combination of chamomile, lavender, and tea tree would work especially well.[30]
- Pour the mixture into an 8-pound (3.6-kilogram) soap making mold. You can also use several smaller molds instead. Some molds will need to be lined with parchment paper or plastic wrap first.[31] Other molds, usually those made from silicone, do not need to be prepared.
- Tap bottom of mold against counter to release any bubbles.
- Some people like to leave the top of the soap bumpy. If you want it smoother, run a spoon over it.
- Cover the soap with plastic wrap and blankets, then wait 24 hours. Wrap some plastic wrap over the mold(s) first, then cover them with blankets and quilts. This will keep the soap insulated while it hardens and saponifies.[32]
- you can take a peek every now and then. If you see a crack forming on the soap, it's getting too hot. Remove the blankets.[33]
- De-mold, cut, and cure the soap. Remove the soap from the mold(s) first, then cut it into bars. Spread the bars out on a baking sheet. Place them some place where they won't be disturbed. Let them cure for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, the soap will have saponified. It's ready to be used![34]
- You can find soap making dyes and fragrance oils online and in craft shops.
- Soaps made using calamine lotion won't be as effective as calamine lotion applied straight to the skin. This is because the lotion gets diluted in the soap.[35]
- Use an accurate digital scale to measure all of your ingredients, including the liquid ones.
- Always wear goggles, gloves, long sleeves, and a mask when working with lye soap. The mixture will be caustic until it saponifies.
- Never pour water into lye. Always add lye to the water.
- Even though the melt-and-pour method is safer than the traditional lye method, you will still be handling ingredients that reach 120F. Be careful![36]
EditThings You'll Need EditMaking Melt-and-Pour Soap - 12 ounces (340.2 grams) goats milk melt-and-pour soap base
- 2 tablespoons calamine lotion
- 5 Vitamin E capsules
- 2 drops red dye for soap making (optional)
- 0.25 to 0.5 ounce (7.5 to 14.8 grams) soap making fragrance oil (optional)
- Soap making mold
- Double-boiler or microwave-safe container
- Spoon
EditMaking Cold Process Soap - 38 ounces (1123.79 grams) water
- 15 ounces (425.25 grams) lye
- 2 pounds (907.2 grams) coconut oil
- 2 pounds (907.2 grams) olive oil
- 1 pound 6 ounces (623.7 grams) soybean oil
- 1 pound 2 ounces (510.3 grams) palm oil
- 0.8 ounces (22.68 grams) coco butter
- 0.4 ounces (11.34 grams) shea butter
- 4 ounces (113.4 grams) essential oils
- ½ to ¾ cups (663.28 and 994.91 grams) zinc oxide
- 1 teaspoon red iron oxide
- ½ tablespoon liquid glycerine or olive oil.
- Rubber gloves
- Goggles
- Dust mask
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Spoon
- Pot
- Hand-held beater
- Soap making mold
EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
No comments:
Post a Comment