| How to Make a Microwaved Oreo Cake Posted: 05 Jun 2018 05:00 PM PDT Most cakes take hours to prepare and bake. If you want to whip up a cake that's easy to cook, is chocolaty and sweet, and only requires a few ingredients, this is the cake for you. This toothsome microwaved Oreo cake only takes five minutes to microwave, leaving you with a dark, fudge-like, moist cake. EditIngredients - 20 Oreo cookies
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 tablespoon oil for greasing
- Grease a microwave-safe bowl with the oil and cover with parchment paper.
- Crush the Oreo cookies. Place the Oreo cookies into a plastic Ziploc bag and close it tightly. Whack the bag with a rolling pin or other kitchen tool until the cookies are crushed.
- Pour the crumbed cookies into a microwave-safe bowl.
- Stir in the baking powder, milk, and sugar with a spoon. Mix until smooth and well-combined.
- Microwave the batter on high heat for 5 minutes. The cake may have moist spots on the sides and tops when it's finished cooking. This is normal and will go away after it's done cooling.
- Remove the cake from the microwave and let it cool until cool.
- Gently take the cake out of the bowl and place it on a serving plate.
- Serve. Slice the cake into pieces using a cutting knife. Drizzle icing, frosting, or extra crushed Oreos if desired. Enjoy!
- Any other type of cookies that are small and chocolate flavored can also work in place of the Oreos.
- Use the highest power on your microwave when cooking the cake. It's recommended to place your microwave on 800 Watts.
- Top the Oreo cake with a scoopful of vanilla ice cream for a sweeter flavor.
- You can also place the Oreo cake batter into a microwave-safe mug instead of a bowl.
- Be sure the cake fully cools before removing it from the bowl. If it's still hot, the cake will break and collapse.
- Avoid adding too much sugar or milk into the cake batter. The texture of the cake will be effected when it's microwaved.
EditThings You'll Need - Microwave-safe bowl
- Spoon
- Ziploc bag
- Rolling pin or other kitchen tool
- Microwave
- Cutting knife
- Serving plate
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations |
| How to Use a Tension Rod Posted: 05 Jun 2018 09:00 AM PDT Tension rods are a convenient way to divide space or hang light curtains. They're fairly easy to install and remove since you don't need any additional hardware to use them. With a little bit of creativity, however, you can use them for other purposes too, such as hanging paper towel rolls, organizing your baking sheets, or creating pet barriers! EditInstalling a Tension Rod - Measure the space between 2 facing surfaces. A tension rod needs to be placed in between 2 hard, flat surfaces that face opposite one another, such as the space between 2 closet walls, 2 cabinets, or in a window frame. Use a measuring tape to measure the distance between these 2 surfaces so that you know what length to get.
- Even though tension rods are adjustable, they can only expand so much. You may need to buy a longer rod.
- Purchase a rod that's longer than your measurement. Tension rods lose their strength as you expand them. If you were to expand a tension rod to its full length, it won't be able to hold up very much weight at all. As such, you should buy a rod that's longer than what you need when fully expanded.
- For example, if you need to fill a space, get a rod that can expand up to .
- Check the weight capacity of your tension rod as well. If you will be hanging heavy items from it, you will need something with a larger weight capacity.
- Push the tension rod through a curtain, if desired. If your window is very wide, adding 2 curtain panels might be more convenient. In either case, make sure that the entire curtain is on the rod and that the ends are exposed; you don't want to trap the ends of the curtain when installing the rod.
- Alternatively, slide curtain rings onto the rod; you can use the clips that are attached to the rings to hang your curtain later.
- You don't need to do this step if you won't be adding curtains.
- Twist both ends of the tension rod to unlock it. If you take a look at your rod, you'll notice that it is actually made up of 2 rods that are set into one another. Grab hold of the rod to either side of the center seam. Twist the thinner rod clockwise or counterclockwise to unlock it; the direction may vary from brand to brand.
- Hold onto both ends firmly after you unlock it. Don't let the rod expand wider than the space you need to fill.
- If you put a curtain on your rod, scrunch the curtain towards the middle so that you have something to grab on to.
- Slide the tension rod between the 2 walls and let it expand. If you need to, push both ends of the rod towards the middle. Slide it into the space between your 2 walls, then loosen your hold on the rod so that it can expand.
- The spring inside the rod will push the ends away from each other. This tension will cause the rod to become wedged between the 2 walls.
- If you added curtain rings earlier, now is the time to clip the top of the curtain to the hooks that are attached to the rings.
- Remove the rod by compressing it. Hold 1 end of the tension rod and pull it down first; this should be enough to loosen it so that you can pull it out. If it doesn't, press both ends of the rod towards the middle to compress it, then pull it down.
- If the rod is still stuck, ask someone to compress it for you while you pull down on it.
- To store the rod, compress it all the way, then twist the narrower rod counterclockwise or clockwise to lock it.
EditOrganizing in Your Kitchen - Add a rod under your sink, then hang spray bottles from it. Open the cabinet beneath your kitchen sink. Place a tension rod horizontally inside the cabinet, then hang your cleaning detergents from it.[1]
- This only works for cleaning detergents that come in a spray bottle. The trigger will act like a hook.
- Hang the rod high enough so that you have room under the spray bottles for other items.
- Maximize your storage by adding a small pail, basket, or caddy. Place items like sponges or scrubbies inside.
- Place rods vertically between 2 shelves to create slots for baking sheets. Stand 2 tension rods vertically between 2 shelves. The first rod should be from the edge of the self. The second rod should be from the back of the shelf. Repeat this process to create more slots, then slide cutting boards and baking sheets between the slots.[2]
- How far apart you keep the tension rod pairs is up to you. You need them to be far enough to fit a cutting board or baking sheet. About should be plenty.
- Use tension rods in deep drawers to organize lids. Open up a kitchen drawer that is deep enough to store your lids. Insert a few tension rods, about apart to create slots. Slide your desired lids vertically into the slots, like files into a filing cabinet.[3]
- You can insert the rods across the width of the drawer or down its length. It's up to you.
- How far down the drawer you place the rods is up to you. About 1/3 to 1/2 way down is ideal.
- Use the front half of the drawer to store the lids, and the back half to store the matching pots, pans, or Tupperware containers.
- You can use this technique to store other items too, like rolls of aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
- Elevate spice jars with a tension rod to save space. Open up your cabinet and arrange your spice jars in a row along the back. Insert a tension rod just above jars, then stand more spice jars on top of it.[4]
- If the spice jars won't stand up on the tension rod, move the rod forward by about to create a small gap. The jars will tilt back into this gap.
- You can create more "shelves" by adding more rows of tension rods.
- Use a tension rod as a paper towel rack under a cabinet. Slide a roll of paper towels onto the rod first, then place the rod horizontally under a cabinet. Expand the rod until each end is braced firmly against the adjacent walls. You can also use this to store kitchen towels above a sink.[5]
- Make sure that you hang it low enough so that you can unravel the paper towels without them scrapping against the bottom of the cabinet.
- If you are using this as a hand towel rod, you can hang other items from the rod too, like spray bottles and scrubbies.
EditOrganizing Other Rooms - Use a tension rod to store rolls of paper or ribbon. Slide a roll of wrapping paper onto the rod, then place the rod between 2 shelves or walls. Repeat the process with rolls of ribbon, then place it below or above the wrapping paper.[6]
- Stagger the rods. The lower rod should be closer to you, while the upper rod should be further back and closer to the wall.
- Maximize your craft storage by hanging baskets from the rods. Place items like scissors or tape into these baskets.
- Put several rods into a closet and use them as a shoe rack. You will need 2 rods for each row of shoes. Place 1 rod towards the back of the closet, about from the wall. Place the second rod about below it, and towards the front of the closet. Set your shoes on top of the rods, with the toes pointing forward.[7]
- The exact distance between the rods depends on the length of your shoes. The smaller your shoes are, the closer together the rods should be.
- If your shoes have heels, you can create a steeper angle between the 2 rods, because the heels will hold onto the first rod.
- Use a tension rod to display your scarves, bags, or jewelry. Add some S-shaped shower hooks onto a tension rod, then place the rod into your closet. Use the hooks to hang things like scarves, bags, or necklaces.[8]
- If you are using scarves, you can hang them directly onto the rod without hooks. Keep them in place with slipknots.
- A slipknot is where you fold a scarf in half, tuck the folded end behind a rod to make a loop, then pull the tails through the loop to tighten the knot.
- Maximize your closet storage with tension rods and shelving units. Place a shelving unit into the middle of your closet, right against the back wall. Place a tension rod to the left of the shelf, near the top, and a second rod towards the middle. Repeat this with another set of rods to the right of the shelf.[9]
- Use the shelf to store folded garments, like jeans and T-shirts. Use the rods to hang nicer garments, like blazers and dress shirts.
- How much space you leave between the tension rods depends on the length of your clothes. Hang them high enough so that the hems of your clothes don't bunch up.
- The width of the shelving unit is up to you, but something that's about one-third the width of your closet would be ideal.
- Add a tension rod to your bath or shower to store extra products. Place this tension rod against the wall, so that it is opposite to the shower curtain. Add S-shaped shower hooks to the rod, then hang your loofahs, scrubbies, and other items from the hooks.[10]
- Hang a mesh shoe pocket organizer from 2 hooks, then fill the pouches with shampoo and conditioner bottles.
- The shoe organizer must be made from mesh, otherwise it will collect water and develop mildew.
EditFinding Other Uses for Tension Rods - Hide clutter with custom curtains. Measure the height and width of the space you want to cover, such as under a bed or desk. Sew a curtain panel according to these measurements, then slide it onto a tension rod. Insert the tension rod under the bed or desk legs, then adjust the curtain to your liking.[11]
- Instead of sewing 1 long panel, sew 2 to 3 narrower panels. This will make it easier to access the things you need.
- This works great for bunk beds, shelves, and entertainment cabinets. You can even use it in place of closet doors.
- If you have a cat, place the litter box under a table, then cover the sides of the table with your makeshift curtains.
- Place a tension rod in a sunny window and hang plants from it. Slide small metal pails onto a tension rod, then place the rod into a sunny window. Place potted herbs into the pails for an instant, mini herb garden![12]
- Don't plant the herbs directly into the pails as they don't have good drainage. Put them into smaller plastic pots first, or leave them in the pots that they came in.
- Convert a deep drawer into a filing cabinet with 2 tension rods. Place 2 tension rods inside a deep drawer, 1 on each side. Get some hanging file folders meant for a filing cabinet, and place them inside the drawer; the hooks will sit right on the rods.[13]
- Place the rods down the length of the drawer on the left and right sides. Don't place them towards the front and back.
- The rods need to be high enough so that they can hold up the folders. About from the bottom should be enough.
- Thin, slender rods will work the best for this. Don't use thicker ones, or they will create too much bulk.
- Attach a tension rod to both sides of a curtain to create a pet barrier. Decide on the height of your pet barrier, then sew a curtain panel that has a pocket on both the top and bottom edges. Slide a tension rod through each pocket, then insert it into your doorway. If you need to, use thumbtacks to secure the sides of the curtain to your doorframe.[14]
- The bottom edge of the curtain must have a pocket and be attached to the bottom rod, otherwise your pet will just crawl under it.
- Use 1 panel for this, not 2, otherwise your pet will find a way to crawl between the panels.
- The barrier needs to be tall enough so that your pet can't climb over it, but low enough so that you can step over it.
- Slide a tension rod through the handles of drawers to baby-proof them. Simply close all of your drawers, and slide your tension rod vertically down through all of the handles. Keep in mind that this only works with drawers that have C-shaped handles, and not with knobs.[15]
- This is best for drawers that you don't use regularly, as you will need to remove the tension rod each time that you want to open them.
- This is also a great solution for nosey pets who have learned how to open drawers.
- If you're worried about a rod slipping, screw a plastic bottle caps onto the walls first, then set the rod into them. They will act as cups or brackets to hold the rod up.[16]
- If you need to, use a stepladder or a stepstool to reach the area you want to add the tension rod.
- Tension rods come in all sorts of colors and finishes. Choose the one that matches your room.
- In general, thicker tensions rods are best for heavy-duty jobs, like holding up curtains. Thinner tension rods are better for lightweight jobs, like creating dividers.
- Tension rods can dent drywall. Place them over studs, or insert brackets.[17]
EditThings You'll Need - Tension rod
- Stepladder (optional)
- Curtain (optional)
- Curtain hooks/rings (optional)
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Fix Vinyl Scratches Posted: 05 Jun 2018 01:00 AM PDT While there is no foolproof way to repair scratches on vinyl, you can try using wood glue to remove dust and even out the surface of your record. Clean your record with a dry brush, liquid cleaning solution, or a toothpick to remove additional dirt and debris. To prevent scratches, always hold your record from the edges and store it properly when not in use. If your record still skips after cleaning it a few ways, you may need to purchase a new one. EditUsing Wood Glue - Apply wood glue over the entire record as it spins on your turntable. Place the tip of your wood glue at the edge of your inner label, and squeeze the bottle with light pressure. As the record spins, continue squeezing out the glue so it creates lines around your record. Stop when you reach the outer edge. You should have thin, even lines over all of your record.[1]
- Your record will have stripes of glue following the circular grooves of the vinyl.
- If you squeeze out too much glue on the vinyl, that's okay. You will even out the amount of glue. However, if you use too much towards the outer edge, use a paper towel to wipe up the excess.
- If you are worried about getting glue on your turntable, you can apply the glue to the record on a table instead. The spinning of the turntable helps spread the glue across your record.
- Use a piece of cardboard or cardstock to spread the glue. Take a piece of cardboard or cardstock about wide, and touch it to the outer edge of your record. Let your record continue to spin, and the glue will spread out and cover the record as it moves. Then, lift up on your card and place it at the inside of your record to spread out all of the glue.[2]
- You can leave your hand stationary and let the spin of the record spread the glue for you.
- You will have a smooth, even surface of wood glue covering the entirety of your record.
- Stop your turntable and let your the glue dry for around 24 hours. You can leave your record on your turntable overnight. To see if the wood glue is dry, you can gently touch the outer edge of the glue with your finger. If it still feels sticky, let it sit for 1-2 more hours and try again.[3]
- You can also leave your record on a piece of newspaper to dry if you do not use a turntable.
- Peel away the dried wood glue starting at the outer edge of your record. Using your index finger and your thumb, pull up on the outer edge of the wood glue. Then, lift up with steady, consistent force to peel away all of the glue. Remove the glue slowly and gradually to try to pull it up in 1 piece.[4]
- If your wood glue does not peel in 1 solid layer, that's okay! Lift up at another edge and peel away the glue until it is completely removed.
- Avoid touching the surface of your record as you peel away the glue.
- Play your record to test the sound. Put the arm of your turntable onto your record and power it on. Listen to your record, and the part of the song that used to skip may play clearly now. Wood glue can help your vinyl by capturing even the toughest dirt and dust.[5]
- Keep in mind that using wood glue does not guarantee your record will be fixed.
- The wood glue provides a thorough clean of the entire record by removing any dirt and debris and smoothing over uneven vinyl surfaces.
- If your record still skips, try another coat of wood glue or another vinyl cleaning method. You could also search online for a professional vinyl restorer near you.
EditCleaning Away Dirt - Use a dry vinyl brush to remove surface dirt and dust. Place your record on your turntable and turn it on. While the record spins, lightly hold the brush on the surface of your record to sweep away any impurities and static build-up. Keep your brush on your record for 1-3 spins, then angle your brush at the edge of your record and slowly remove it.[6]
- Most record brushes have 2 rows of bristles, 1 to sweep of the dust, and 1 to remove static.
- Be sure to clean your brush after each use. That way, you do not spread debris to and from your cleaning brush.
- While this will not erase scratches, it will help your turntable pick up as many grooves in your record as possible, helpful to avoid skipping parts of the song.
- Purchase a record cleaning kit to use professional cleaning products. Visit a music store or search online to find a kit. Most come with a liquid cleaning solution, directional brush, and smaller brush used to clean the directional brush. Then, follow the specific directions outlined in your kit's instructions to clean away surface debris.[7]
- Your directions will likely have you apply the cleaning solution, then use the brush to sweep away extra dirt.
- Make your own cleaning solution to deep clean on a budget. Combine ¼ cup of 90-99% isopropyl alcohol, ¾ cup of distilled water, and 1 or 2 drops of dishwasher fluid in a spray bottle. Place your record on a microfiber cloth, and spray the solution on your record. Wait 30 seconds to let the liquid fill the grooves, and wipe away the liquid with another microfiber cloth. Then, soak another microfiber cloth in distilled water, and wipe off both sides of your record.[8]
- This will remove fingerprints and grime that a record cleaning brush cannot pick up.
- Avoid spraying the label of your record.
- You can repeat the process for both sides of your record to thoroughly clean away dirt and dust.
- Rub a toothpick back and forth over the scratches with soft pressure. Locate the scratches of your record, and angle 1 wooden toothpick at the scratch. Apply a little pressure, and rub back and forth on the scratch. Do this for any and all scratches on your vinyl. Rubbing the scratch with a toothpick helps get into the small cracks and lift up stubborn debris.[9]
- Take your time when cleaning with a toothpick and be careful not to scratch other areas of your record.
- This may not fix the scratch, but it can help remove any surface debris from your vinyl.
EditProtecting Your Vinyl - Place your record in its inner sleeve after you finish listening to it. Plastic sleeves come in either paper or plastic material. When you finish listening to a record, carefully slide your record in between both sides of material as a first line of defense.[10]
- Your vinyl will come with an inner sleeve when you purchase it. You can also purchase replacement sleeves online or in music stores.
- Store your record in its outer sleeve when not in use. When you purchase a record, it comes in a cardboard outer sleeve. You can also purchase replacement plastic sleeves. After you place your record into its inner sleeve, slide it into its outer sleeve. The outer sleeve adds another layer of defense.[11]
- If your outer sleeve is worn and you can see the ring of your record, consider purchasing a replacement plastic outer sleeve.
- Designate a shelf or crate for your record collection. When you expand your record collection beyond 1 or 2 records, it is important to keep them safe to prevent damages. You can securely keep your record either on a shelf or in a crate, and always store them vertically.[12]
- You can purchase a shelf or crate at a home store or online. You can also make your own!
- Keeping your records in piles can warp the records or the covers.
- Avoid touching any part of your vinyl besides the edges and inner label. Handing your record correctly prevents scratches, dirt, and fingerprints from appearing on your record. The grooves of your record are delicate and contain the musical information to play the songs, so do your best to not touch them.[13]
- Close your turntable's lid if you have one to prevent airborne dust. Some turntables have an attached lid. When you are finished listening to your vinyl, flip the lid overtop of the turntable to keep out dust and debris.[14]
- Keeping your turntable free of dust is helpful because it lowers the risk of transferring dust onto your record.
- Keep your record out of direct sunlight, heat, or cold areas. Drastic temperatures can warp your record and cause inconsistent playback.
- Never clean your record with rubbing alcohol, lighter fluid, furniture polish, toothpaste, or steel wool. All of these can cause permanent damage to your vinyl.[15]
EditSources and Citations
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