How to Deodorize a Car Posted: 11 Sep 2017 05:00 PM PDT Cars develop smell over time from food, pets, messes, and other sources. Luckily, a car is usually easy to deodorize in a few simple steps. Clean your car thoroughly and apply substances to remove odor. If you notice a potentially dangerous smell, like the smell of gas, seek professional assistance immediately. Most smells, however, can be dealt with without mechanics or professional cleaners. EditCleaning out Your Car - Look for sources of odor. If you notice an unpleasant smell in your car, search your car for a potential cause. Search the floor of your car for anything that could cause odor, like clothing, spills, or food. Be sure to search under seats, in between seats, any compartments or cup holders, and in the trunk.[1]
- Toss out any obvious causes of a bad smell. Get a large trash bag and toss any obvious causes of odor, such as food wrappings, old napkins, and anything else. Even things like magazines can cause a musty odor if they become damp. Removing any items from your car that don't need to be there can help cut down on odor. [2]
- Use a vacuum to clean your car's interior. Make sure to clean everywhere in your car, including under rugs and carpeting and under seats. Vacuum down the seats as well. Make sure to place the vacuum's nozzle into the nooks or crannies of seats so you can get any dirt and debris lodged in between seats.[3]
- You can use a handheld vacuum if you have one at home, but making a trip to a car wash is usually more effective. You can use the nozzle vacuum cleaner there, which should be able to thoroughly remove dirt and debris from your car that may be causing a bad smell.
- Remove any spills and stains from the carpeting. If you notice any spills while you're cleaning, use a commercial carpet cleaner or a shampoo from a department store. Apply the cleaner to the floor according to package directions. Then, rub the cleaner into a stain with a soft cloth or sponge and then rinse the cleaner from the car with water.[4]
- Most cleaners should be diluted with water prior to use.
- Make sure to test the cleaner on a small, unnoticeable portion of your car's floor first to make sure it's safe to use on your car's interior.
- Wipe down any non-carpeted surfaces. In addition to cleaning the carpet, wipe down any non-carpeted surfaces like the dashboard. Remove any spills and stains from these areas using a non-purpose cleaner.
- You should test any cleaner you use on a small, inconspicuous portion of the car first to make sure it doesn't cause damage.
EditApplying a Deodorizing Substance - Spray down vents with an AC cleaner. With time, a car's air conditioner vents build up dirt and debris that can cause an unpleasant smell in your car. Make sure to treat the AC while deodorizing your car. Buy an AC cleaner made for cars at a local hardware store. Spritz down the vents of the car's air conditioning system with the cleaner. This will help reduce bad smells.[5]
- Place a container of dryer sheets in the car. Simply fill a container with dryer sheets and place it somewhere in your car. Dryer sheets can help absorb unwanted odor and also give off a pleasant scent. After cleaning your car, placing dryer sheets in the car can help eliminate lingering odors.[6]
- Treat your car with white vinegar. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Spritz this mixture onto any areas in your car that are producing a bad smell. Saturate the area and let the vinegar absorb into the car. Then, use a scrub brush or other cleaning tool to scrub out the vinegar mixture. This should leave the car smelling significantly fresher.[7]
- Use a pet deodorizer on pet smells. Pet deodorizers are made with specific enzymes that are designed to lift and eliminate pet odors. Brands of pet deodorizers vary in how they are used, but most of them are spritzed onto a stain and left to sit for a specific time period. You then rinse the pet deodorizer out.[8]
- Make sure to test any pet deodorizer you're using on a small, unnoticeable area in your car first to make sure it doesn't cause a stain or damage your car.
- Sprinkle baking soda on seats and carpeting. Baking soda can work for a wide variety odors as it naturally lifts scents. All you have to do is sprinkle baking soda over areas in your car that smell. Let the baking soda sit for a few hours or overnight and then vacuum it up.[9]
- Leave a container of coffee beans in your car. Place seven ounces of coffee beans in a container and leave the container in your car. If you let the beans sit in your car, they should absorb some odor. You can also use coffee grounds, but these may spill and cause mess.[10]
EditSeeking Professional Assistance - Recognize smells that indicate a problem. A fishy smell may indicate antifreeze is leaking into your car. Smells that come from the heat or AC system may indicate mechanical problems. These issues could be dangerous and indicate your car needs repairs, so take your car to a mechanic if you're having trouble with these smells.[11]
- Call a professional if you notice the scent of gas. If your car smells like gas, do not attempt to treat the issue on your own. This can be very dangerous, as it indicates a leak somewhere in the car. Do not drive your car. Instead, immediately contact a mechanic for advice.[12]
- Seek professional treatment for tobacco smells. Tobacco scents can get into a car's interior and usually cannot be removed without professional help. Even thorough cleanings do not always lift tobacco smells. If your car smells like tobacco, you will need professional cleaning to lift the odor.[13]
- Keep in mind, even professional cleaning does not have a 100% success rate at lifting tobacco odor, especially if a car was driven for years by a heavy smoker.
EditThings You'll Need - Trash bags
- Vacuum
- All-purpose cleaner
- Carpet cleaner/shampoo
- Pet deodorizer
- Dryer sheets
- Coffee beans/grounds
- Baking soda
- Air vent cleaner
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How to Welcome the New Kid at School Posted: 11 Sep 2017 09:00 AM PDT Coming into a new school can be very difficult for anyone. You're in a new environment with people you don't know instead of your old friends. If you want to help a new kid feel welcome, making a good first impression is crucial. From there, you'll want to help them get a handle on their new school and integrate themselves fully. EditMaking a Good First Impression - Greet them warmly. Reach out to the new kid first. They might feel nervous or anxious about reaching out to other students, whether it's for friendship or to get help. By being the first to talk to them, you're letting them know there's nothing to worry about. Be positive when talking to them and be kind. Try to greet them early in the school day; this gives you a chance to get to know them and help them out throughout the day.[1]
- You want to be sure to introduce yourself by name and make them feel welcome. For example, you can say: "Hi! My name's Lucy! I'm so happy to meet you. What's your name?"
- Find out more about them. Learn a little about them by asking questions. Show that you're interested in them and want to learn more. Asking about their interests will help you see if you have any points in common with them. You'll also be able to suggest extracurricular activities for them, or even set them up with future friends.[2]
- It's best to do this outside of class. You don't want to get the new kid in trouble with their new teachers. Do this in breaks between classes or at lunchtime.
- Asking them what activities they were involved with at their old school is a great way to help guide them towards activities they can do at their new school.
- Talk just a little about yourself. Don't be afraid to go into your own interests as well. This can help develop a bond with the new kid, especially if you have interests in common. It also gives you a chance to suggest after-school activities for them to try.[3]
- You should give the new kid a bit of information about yourself at the beginning of a school day when you introduce yourself. Something as simple as "I play trombone in the school band" gives them an idea of your interests.
- If your interests involve meeting up after school or on weekends, talk to the new kid about that the day before your meet up. This gives them a chance to know ahead of time, and can be an opportunity for you to invite them to come with you.
EditIntegrating the New Kid - Make sure the new kid is seated near you. It'll be easier for you to help them through the school day if you're near them in class. Speak to your teacher about sitting next to the new student. As long as you explain that you're doing it to be helpful, there shouldn't be a problem.[4]
- Invite them to sit with you at lunch. One of the scariest things for a new kid is not knowing where to sit at lunch. Everyone already knows where to sit, and they're usually stuck eating alone. Save a seat for the new kid and your table and you'll make a great impression.
- If you're used to sitting with your friends, this is a great chance to introduce them to the new kid.
- Introduce the new kid to your friends. Don't try and take full responsibility for the new kid feeling welcome. Introduce them to your friends and to others in your class. This will help them make more friendships for the future and feel comfortable even when you're not around. They might even find a group they completely click with and integrate them completely.[5]
EditHelping Them Handle the New School - Help them with their schedule. On top of getting into a new school, new students have to deal with a whole new schedule. They'll probably have a lot of questions about the classes themselves, where they are and even the teachers.
- If there are any resources available at your school to help students with their schedules, check if the new student has access to these. If they don't, try and help them get access to these. For instance, many schools provide their students with an agenda, or a printed list of events planned for the year.
- Check in with them frequently. The first day is particularly stressful for new kids, and you'll want to make sure they're doing well throughout the day. Try to make yourself available frequently after that too, though. Make sure you're also checking on the new kid throughout their first few weeks at their new school.
- If you're comfortable doing so, you can give the new kid your phone number or social media contact info. This gives them the chance to reach out to you whenever they need it.[6]
- Be ready to help them with homework if you share classes. Changing schools can be especially jarring, especially if it's done after the beginning of the year. A new kid's head might be spinning with all the new things they have to learn about their school and fellow classmates. If you really want to help them out, offer to do your homework together. You can take some time between classes or at lunch to help them with anything they're having difficulties with.
- If English is the new student's second language, you can be very helpful by giving them a hand with their homework.[7]
- Tell them good things about your school. Discuss what you especially like about your school and encourage them to get involved!
- Remember that the new student probably has a lot on their mind. If they don't seem so interested in being your friend, this does not necessarily mean that they don't like you or appreciate your gestures. You may need to step back and give them some time before jumping right into the friendship.
- A nice idea might be to invite the new kid to hang out with you and your friends. It would make this student feel very included and welcome in social settings.
- Don't take control, don't be bossy. Let them choose to be their own person.
- Treat them as you would treat any other friend.
- Be aware that they may feel overwhelmed. If if seems that they aren't listening to you, or they're not paying attention, they're probably absorbing all the things around them. Don't yell at the new kid, he or she might start crying (if in a young grade) or maybe start to tremble and get scared. Stay nice and repeat things slowly.
- If you don't have a lot in common, don't worry! Having differences is just as good! Compare your backgrounds - you never know how close differences can bring two people!
- Try not to be "clingy." If you sense that the student might need some space, let it be. When you meet people for the first time, it might be hard for them to open up to you right away.
- Do not try to keep them from forming their own friendships. If they wish to befriend your worst enemy, so be it!
- Have fun! You may be doing a favor, but this is most certainly not a job. Be especially welcoming because you want to, not because you have to. Make sure to be sincere.
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How to Diamond Paint Posted: 11 Sep 2017 01:00 AM PDT Diamond painting is similar to painting by number, except that instead of using paint, you are using tiny, flat-backed rhinestones, crystals, or diamonds. You can purchase diamond painting kits online and in some well-stocked arts and crafts stores. The process can look intimidating, but it is actually quite simple. Once you know what to do, you can find the project both relaxing and rewarding. EditSetting Up the Canvas - Purchase a diamond painting kit. You can find these online although some well-stocked craft stores may also carry them. Each brand will be a little different, but most kits will contain the following: a pre-printed canvas, flat-backed diamonds, a tray, a pen-like tool, and a packet of gel or wax.[1]
- Understand how to read the canvas. The canvas is composed of tiny boxes that are colored and labeled with numbers, much like a cross-stitch canvas. Each number corresponds to a diamond color. The numbers are written on a chart, with the corresponding bag and diamond color written below or next to it. The chart is typically printed on the side of the canvas.
- Some squares may contain a letter or symbol instead; threat this as a number.
- Unroll the canvas and tape it down onto a flat surface. If the canvas won't lay flat, roll it back the other way, then unroll it. Spread it down onto a flat surface, then secure the edges with masking tape.
- This project can be time consuming. Consider taping the canvas to a board, which you can move out of the way easily.
- Peel back part of the plastic covering on the canvas. Do not peel all of the plastic away; 1 to 2 inches(2.54 to 5.08 centimeters) will be plenty. Run your fingernail along the plastic to crease it so that it doesn't roll forwards.[2]
- Some kits come with pre-cut plastic strips. In this case, simply peel the first strip off.
- Pour out your first crystal color into the tray. Take a look at the patch of canvas you just exposed. Choose a box to start with, and note the number in it. Look the number up on the chart, then find the bag with the same number. Open up the bag, and pour out some of the crystals onto the tray that came with your kit.
- Some kits come with multiple trays. You can use the other trays for the other colors in that section.
EditApplying the Diamonds - Dip your pen tool into the gel or wax that came with your kit. Open up the packet of gel that came with your kit. Dip the narrow end of the pen into the gel/wax to pick some up. This will make it possible for the pen to pick up the crystals.[3]
- Some kits come with a special wax pencil that you have to sharpen instead. In this case, sharpen the pencil using a pencil sharpener.
- Some pens will have a wide end too, which you can use to pick up to three crystals at one time.
- Use the pen to pick up a crystal. Gently press the tip of the pen against the top, faceted part of the crystal. Lift the pen away from the tray; the crystal should be stuck to it.
- Keep the tray just below the edge of your canvas; this will make it easier to access.[4]
- Gently press the crystal against the corresponding square. Pull the pen away; the crystal should be stick against the canvas. If you are just starting out, it might be a good idea to press lightly at first. This way, if the crystal is off-set, you can nudge it back into place, then press down on it to secure it.
- This is exactly like painting by number, except that you are using crystals instead.
- Fill the rest of the squares in that section. Work one color at a time and refill the pen with gel as needed. When you finish filling in all the squares with the same number code, move onto the next color. This will help you work faster and stay organized.[5]
- Avoid resting your hand against the canvas; the more you touch the sticky surface, the less tacky it will become.
- Peel away more of the plastic covering, and fill in more squares. Continue filling the canvas in using the same technique as before. Work in 1 to 2-inch (2.54 to 5.08-centimeter) wide sections, one color at a time. When you completely fill in a section, move onto the next one.
- Do not peel the entire plastic covering away, or the adhesive on the canvas will get dirty and lose its tack.[6]
EditFinishing Your Work - Cover the canvas with the plastic sheet that it came with. If you discarded the sheet, you can cover it with a piece of paper or parchment paper; avoid using wax paper.
- Go over the canvas with a rolling pin. This will press down any loose diamonds and secure them.[7] If you don't have a rolling pin, you can use a can or jar instead. You can also gently rub the canvas with your hands instead.[8]
- Stack some heavy books on top of the canvas overnight. This will help further adhere the diamonds to the canvas and ensure that they bond properly. If you don't have any books large enough to cover the canvas, you can use another flat, heavy object, such as a box or cutting board.[9]
- Peel the tape away. Lift the books off first, then peel the plastic covering off. Peel the tape from the corners of the canvas. Do not trim the excess canvas way, as this may cause the fabric to fray.
- Frame the canvas. Remove the glass from the frame first, then insert the canvas into the frame. Fold the excess edges down, then place the backing into place. Leave the glass out, as it will only dull down the diamonds' sparkle.[10]
- For a fancier touch, place the canvas behind a mat first; this will give the canvas an additional border within the frame. Choose a color that complements the diamonds.
- Place the crystals into pill boxes; make sure that they are arranged in numerical order.[11]
- Write the box number on the corresponding diamond bag. This way, you won't have to keep cross-referencing to the code chart.[12]
- Take a moment to flip the diamonds so that they are all right-side-up. This will make it faster to pick them up in the long run.[13]
- Cover your work with the plastic sheeting whenever you take a break. This will protect the diamonds and any uncovered patches of canvas.[14]
- Wrap the pen tool with plastic wrap and cover the gel/wax whenever you take a break. This will keep it from drying out.[15]
- If you lose the pen tool, or if the gel/wax dries out, you can use a rhinestone applicator instead. You can find them alongside the nail polish and nail art supplies in beauty supply stores and well-stocked supermarkets.[16]
- Clean the canvas with a cool, damp cloth. Do not scrub it.[17]
- Do not clean the canvas in the washer/drier. Do not iron it.[18]
- Don't remove the plastic covering all at once, or the glue on the canvas will get dirty and lose its stickiness.[19]
EditThings You'll Need - Diamond painting kit
- Making tape
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Heavy books
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