| How to Get the Gasoline Smell Out of a Car Posted: 11 Oct 2017 05:00 PM PDT Gasoline has a pervasive odor that can make your car reek. In addition, it can make you light-headed, dizzy, or nauseated. The first thing to do is deal with a spill right after it happens, if you can, by getting rid of as much gasoline as possible. Then you should scrub the spill down. You can also try a variety of tricks to help lessen the odor. However, if you can't locate the source of the spill, you should have your car checked out by a mechanic, just in case you have a gas leak. EditFinding and Removing the Spill - Locate the odor. Sometimes the hardest part is figuring out where the smell is coming from. Often, the culprit is where you've dragged gasoline in on your shoes or where gas has spilled out of a can in the back. Use your nose to sniff out the likely source of the smell.[1]
- Soak up any gasoline. If the spill is new, press a cloth on the spill to get up as much gasoline as you can. It's best to use old rags, as you likely won't want to keep them once you're done.[2]
- Let the gasoline evaporate. Once you've soaked up as much as you can, let the sun do the rest. Leave the car open in a sunny spot, so it will dry out the spot and draw the gasoline into the air. Try to leave it open for at least 4 to 5 hours.[3]
EditCleaning the Spill - Make a cleaning solution. Create a simple solution of carpet shampoo and water. Use about 3 cups (720 milliliters) of tap water to 1/2 a cup (120 milliliters) of shampoo. Stir it gently until it is well combined.[4]
- Another option is mixing together vinegar, baking soda, and water in equal parts.[5]
- You can also dissolve a bit of dishwashing soap in water, and apply that instead.[6]
- Scrub the mixture in. Using a nylon brush or a rag, apply the mixture to the spill. Scrub it in, applying more solution as you need it. Make sure to use a rag or brush that you don't mind throwing out.[7]
- Dab the solution up. Once the stain seems to have lifted, dab at the solution with old rags. Make sure you are using different rags in each step. Get up as much as you can with the rag, then let it air dry in the sun.[8]
EditEliminating the Smell - Rub in some coffee grounds. Some people have good luck using coffee grounds to eliminate gas smells. All you do is rub grounds into the affected area. After a week or so, vacuum up the coffee, and the smell should be lessened.[9]
- Some experts recommend trying a short coffee treatment before you shampoo the area.
- Pour on the baking soda. Some people cover up the smell by dousing it in dry baking soda. They leave the baking soda on it all the time, switching it out monthly or so by vacuuming up the old and adding a fresh layer.[10]
- You can also use baby powder instead of baking soda.
- Add a layer of kitty litter. Another option is kitty litter, which is designed to absorb moisture and smells. Pour it on the spill, and leave it for at least a day before vacuuming it up. You may need to repeat the process several times.[11]
- Try an odor-eliminating spray. These sprays are designed for fabrics, so they may make a difference when it comes to a gasoline smell. Spray it on generously, and then allow it to air dry.[12]
EditThings You'll Need - Old rags or towels
- Sunlight
- Carpet shampoo, dishwashing soap, or baking soda and vinegar
- Coffee grounds, kitty litter, baking soda, or odor-eliminating spray
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone Posted: 11 Oct 2017 09:00 AM PDT There's not a lot of room for adventure and excitement in your comfort zone. To add a little zest to your life, it's important to try new and sometimes scary things. Stretch your limits! Getting outside of your comfortable box may be tough at first, but facing unfamiliar challenges can make you happier and more fulfilled in the long run. To become a pro at taking these chances, learn to think positively about stepping out of your comfort zone. Then you can work to make your new attitude stick with you for the long haul. EditTrying New Things - Pick activities that challenge you. Think about a few things that scare you or make you nervous. Write them down on a list, and put a star next to the one you want to start with. You can tackle the others later.[1]
- Your list may include things like: "Go skydiving, read Moby Dick, write a short story, go on a blind date."
- Write a mission statement about your challenge. Come up with a reason (or a few) that you want to tackle this obstacle. Ask yourself what you're going to get out this new experience. Once you have your answer, write it down on a piece of paper and keep it with you. This can be a little phrase you repeat to yourself every time you're thinking about backing down.[2]
- If you're going on a blind date, for example, you might tell yourself: "I've gone on lots of dates I set up myself, and I haven't met someone I can picture myself with long term. This could be my chance!"
- Bring a buddy for some added support. Doing something new on your own can make it even more challenging. There's no reason you can't rely on friends or family to help you get out of your comfort zone! Pick someone who's naturally adventurous to be your partner in trying new experiences.[3]
- Do some research to get more information. You might be shying away from trying this new activity because you feel like you're facing a big question mark. To answer all your lingering questions, go online and read about it. Look for reputable information that can help you feel more knowledgeable and prepared.[4]
- Try for .gov, .org, or .edu websites when you can. Otherwise, be sure to avoid sites with misspellings or formatting problems.
- The internet can sometimes be overwhelming. While it's a great idea to be more informed, don't dig so deep that you start scaring yourself with scenarios that are unlikely to happen to you.
- For example, perhaps you're thinking about moving to a New York City for a promotion, but you've never lived in a city before. Read everything you can about New York to learn how to live there safely and happily. You can find the best neighborhoods for your personality and needs, and get excited about all the fun things in your future!
- Break the activity down into small steps. If you're feeling intimidated or overwhelmed by the challenge you've picked for yourself, don't do it all at once. You can make it a multi-step process that will let you slowly climb that mountain.[5]
- Maybe you want to go skydiving, but you're feeling terrified about jumping out of that plane. Go to the top of a really tall building and take a peek over. Then, try a smaller-scale activity that involves heights, like parasailing or bungee jumping at a theme park.
- Give yourself an ultimatum. Don't give yourself an out. Tell yourself that you're trying this new thing, or you'll "take away" some other daily activity you enjoy. If you don't like the new thing, you never have to try it again.[6]
- The punishment for your ultimatum should be primarily mental, but if you're really struggling, make it concrete. Say to yourself: "No coffee for a month if I don't try this."
EditThinking Positively to Overcome Fear - Visualize challenges as chances to grow. The biggest obstacle keeping you from stepping out of your comfort zone is fear, especially fear of failure. Instead of focusing on the possibility of failure, think of steps outside your comfort zone as opportunities. You may be right around the corner from changing your life for the better![7]
- Stepping out of your comfort zone can make you happier and more fulfilled. Keep those positive possibilities at the front of your mind to push out the fears.
- For example, you want to throw your name in the ring for a promotion that just came up at work, but you're terrified of not getting the job. Instead of focusing on that outcome, imagine what could happen if you get it!
- Coach yourself through scary situations. Some good self-talk can really help you step outside your comfortable box. Repeat encouraging, positive phrases to yourself. Use your name and the first person to make it more effective.[8]
- You can say something like: "Jenna, I know you're scared, but you're going to try this anyway. Just think about how much fun you could have! You're strong and brave."
- You can even find a quiet spot or a private bathroom and talk to yourself out loud in the mirror.
- This can be especially helpful for helping you with that final push. You're in the plane, ready to jump out for your very first skydiving experience. Don't stop now!
- Practice deep breathing to release stress. Take deep breaths and focus on filling your belly with nice, clean air. As you breathe in, picture yourself also taking in confidence. Once this confidence has filled you up, it's there to stay. Release your breath and your insecurities along with it.[9]
- This can be a great daily exercise, or something you do right before you need an extra boost of confidence. For example, be sure to take a few deep breaths before you meet your blind date.
- Picture the worst-case scenario to put your fear in perspective. Ask yourself, "what's the worst that could possibly happen?" Think about ways you could deal with those circumstances if they happened. Once you're prepared for the worst, you can only be happily surprised by something better![10]
- Avoid answering your question with crazy possibilities like: "I could die." If you do this, then follow it up by thinking through how unlikely that is.
- For example, you've been wanting to take a cross-country road trip, but all you can think about is getting stranded if you break down or run out of gas. You can make plans for this! Bring along an extra gas tank. You can even invest in a radio that can allow you to get in touch with emergency services if you're out of cell phone range.
EditMaking Long-Term Changes - Do small daily activities to challenge yourself. Look for ways to step outside of your comfort zone by taking tiny actions.[11] Once you've made stepping out of your comfort zone into a daily routine, it'll be much easier to handle bigger challenges.[12]
- For example, you could start up a conversation with a stranger at the grocery store, listen to a new genre of music on your drive to work, or try a different flavored coffee in the morning.
- Change your usual habits to mix it up. If you're stuck in a rut, break the pattern! Look for spots in your life that feel repetitive or monotonous. Target these as opportunities to step outside your comfort zone.[13]
- For example, if you always order vanilla ice cream, go for caramel next time.
- Turn every day into a learning experience. Change the way you view your day-to-day life. Look at each day at a chance for you to learn something new. Remember that this can only happen if you're stepping outside your comfort zone.[14]
- You can do this by always making an effort to find ways to grow. Start a book you've been meaning to read. Buy a different newspaper than the one you always read. Take a different route to get to work. You never know what you'll learn about the world when you explore different sides of it!
- Sometimes getting out of your comfort zone can require lot of time. Don't panic, be patient and always believe that nothing is impossible.
- Don't confuse stepping out of your comfort zone with being reckless.
- It's good to not know what will happen, to ignore dangers a little bit less, and to take risks a little bit more. Just don't ignore dangers too much -- always keep yourself safe and do not take risks you will end up regretting in the future!
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
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| How to Dull Paint Posted: 11 Oct 2017 01:00 AM PDT Whether you need to tone down the finish or mix up a more muted shade, there are lots of ways to dull down paint. If you already painted your project and don't like the finish, do not fret; you can dull the finish down with a quick coating of spray-on or brush-on matte sealer. If you are painting something, and need a more muted shade of a certain color, you will need to apply a little bit of color theory to dull the paint down. EditApplying a Spray-On Sealer - Get a can of clear, matte, acrylic sealer. Check the label to ensure that it is matte. Spray-on sealers are suitable for large surfaces. If you want to dull just one detail, you should use the brush-on kind.
- You can find matte acrylic sealers alongside the spray paints in arts and crafts stores.
- Make sure that the painted surface is dry and cured. If you originally painted the surface with acrylic paint or spray paint, you likely won't have a curing time. Other types of paint, however, such as enamel and house paints, may have a curing time. In this case, you should wait until the surface has cured and is no longer tacky.
- Move the project to a well-ventilated area. Outdoors would be the best, but if you can't work outside, a large room would be your next best choice. If you are working indoors, open up a window and turn a fan on; point the fan away from the project.
- Set the project onto a sheet of newspaper. You can also use a piece of paper for small objects, a paper bag, a trash bag, or even a cheap, plastic table cloth. This will protect your work surface.
- Shake the can for 2 minutes. Most cans may say that you only need to shake them for 10 seconds, or until you can hear the little ball rattle inside. There is nothing wrong with shaking the can for longer, however, and the extra 1 minute and 50 seconds will really make a difference![1]
- Spray on a thin, even coat. Hold the can about 12 inches (30 centimeters) away from the piece. Spray the sealer on using neat, even overlapping strokes. Don't worry if the coat looks too thin; you can always apply more coats. When it comes to spray-on sealers, it is better to apply several thin coats rather than one thick coat.[2]
- Wait for the sealer to dry. If you need to, rotate the object, and spray the other sides. Wait for each side to dry before moving onto the next one. If the coverage is not enough for you, you can apply a second coat of sealer, but you must allow the previous coats to dry.
- Some sealers have a curing time in addition to a drying time. Check the label on your spray can to make sure.
EditApplying a Brush-On Sealer - Get a bottle of clear, matte sealer. You can use acrylic sealers or polyurethane sealers. You can also try a decoupage sealer, such as Mod Podge, but keep in mind that it is not waterproof and that it may turn tacky over time.[3]
- Brush-on sealers are great for paper crafts as well as small, details.
- Get a brush that's suitable for the area you are covering. A flat paintbrush will work the best for most surfaces. Another option would be a foam brush. If you are dulling small details, such as letters or vines, choose a round brush with a pointed tip. The bigger the surface you are painting, the wider the brush should be.
- Choose a brush that has taklon, sable, or kanekalon bristles. Avoid bristle and camelhair brushes.
- Make sure that the surface to be sealed is dry. Some types of paint, such as enamel and house paint, will have curing times as well. If the surface feels tacky or soft, it has not finished curing, and you should wait a little longer before coating it.
- Place the object onto a sheet of paper to protect your work surface. You can also use other disposable coverings, such as paper bags, wax paper, paper plates, etc. This will protect your work surface against any drips or overhang.[4]
- Dip the brush into the bottle, then scrape it across the rim. Dip the brush no more than halfway up the bristles, otherwise you will overload the brush. Scrape one side of the brush against the rim of the bottle to remove excess sealer.
- If the brush is too big for the neck of the bottle, pour some of the sealer out onto a small dish.
- Apply the sealer to the object in neat, even rows. Use the wet side of the brush as you run it across the object from one side to the other. When you run out of sealer, dip the brush into the bottle again, and scrape the excess sealer off. Keep the layer thin and even; it is better to apply several thin coats rather than one thick coat.[5]
- If you are working on details, such as letters or vines, trace the details with your pointed brush.
- It helps to keep both the surface and the brush wet with sealer as you work.
- Allow the sealer to dry. Once the sealer is dry, you can flip the object over, and seal the other sides. If the object has multiple sides, like a box, you'll need to wait for the previous side to dry before moving onto the next one.
- If you are sealing paper, move the object while the sealer is still wet, otherwise you risk sealing it to your protective covering.
- Apply another coat of sealer, if needed. Before you add the second coat, sand down the surface with a very fine grit sandpaper. If you sealed tiny details, such as letters or vines, you won't need another coat.
- Wait for the sealer to dry completely. Most brush-on sealers have a curing time as well. The curing time can be as short as a few hours to as long as several days. Check the label on your bottle of sealer for more specific curing times.
EditMixing Dull Paint Colors - Understand color theory. Many colors have a warm shade and a cool shade. For example, you can have a warm blue with purple undertones, and a cool blue with green undertones. You can also have a warm yellow with orange undertones and a cool yellow with green undertones.[6]
- Mix complementary undertones together. Mixing a cool blue (green undertone) with a cool yellow (green undertone) will give you a bright, vibrant green. If you want a dull green, however, you should mix a warm blue (purple undertone) and a warm yellow (orange undertone). You can apply this theory to other shades as well. For example, a warm red (orange undertones) and a warm blue (purple undertone) will give you a dull purple.[7]
- Add some white to get a muted, pastel shade. White can lighten shades, but it won't make them brighter. If you were to add some white to dark green paint, you won't get a bright, leafy green; you will get a pastel, muted dark green instead. In most cases, plan on using equal amounts of color and white.[8]
- If possible, use titanium white; zinc white tends to be too translucent.
- Add some black to get a muted, murky shade. In most cases, black paint will not always make something darker. For example, if you were to add black paint to yellow paint, you won't get a dark yellow. Instead, you will get a murky, dark green. Be careful with black paint, however; a little goes a long way![9]
- Black paint typically has blue undertones to it.
- Mix in a bit of a complementary color. Complementary colors are colors that lay opposite of each other on the color wheel. Adding a little bit of a complementary color to your first color will help dull the shade down. For example, if you wanted to dull down red paint, you would add a little bit of green paint to it. The more you add of the complementary color, the more grey the first color will become.[10] Examples of complementary colors include:
- Red and green
- Blue and orange
- Yellow and purple
- Always mix a test swatch. Mix oil paints or acrylic paints on a palette with a palette knife. Dilute watercolor colors first, then mix them in a separate palette with a watercolor or camelhair brush. If you are working with bottles or cans of paint, mix them in a smaller jar or dish first, and keep track o the proportions. Never mix whole cans of paint all at once.
- If you don't care about the finish, you can lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper. Look for something that is around 140 and 220-grit. Wipe any dust away with a tack cloth afterwards.
- Try a deglosser or liquid sander solution. Work in a well-ventilated area and follow the instructions on the bottle carefully, as each brand will be different. Coat the piece afterwards with a matte sealer or varnish.[11]
- Match the spray-on or brush-on sealer to the type of paint you used. If you used an oil-based paint, use an oil-based, polyurethane sealer. If you used a water-based paint, use a water-based polycrylic sealer.[12]
- Oil-based sealers can be tough to clean off of brushes. Consider using a cheap, disposable brush for oil-based sealers.[13]
- For a smoother finish, apply 2 to 3 coats of sealer, sanding between each one.[14]
- Always work in a well-ventilated area with spray-on sealers. If you start to feel lightheaded, take a break and get some fresh air.
EditThings You'll Need EditApplying a Spray-On Sealer - Object to be dulled
- Clear, acrylic, matte spray sealer
- Protective covering (i.e.: newspaper, plastic tablecloth, paper, etc.)
EditApplying a Brush-On Sealer - Object to be dulled
- Brush-on sealer in matte (i.e.: Mod Podge, acrylic sealer, etc.)
- Taklon, sable, or kanekalon brush
- Protective covering (i.e.: paper, wax paper, paper plate, etc.)
- Tray or dish for sealer (optional)
EditMixing Dull Paint Colors - Paint
- Palette
- Palette knife
EditSources and Citations
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