| How to Wash Linen Curtains Posted: 07 Jun 2018 05:00 PM PDT Curtains are a lovely addition to any home; they add softness to the room while also adding privacy. Not all curtains can be cleaned in your washer; some require dry cleaning. Some are more durable and can be thrown in your washer, and more delicate ones have to be washed by hand. Be sure to check the washing instructions on the tags. A few minutes making sure your curtains are clean can make a big difference to your room! EditWashing Curtains in Your Washing Machine - Machine-wash your curtains if they are made from a more durable, thicker linen. It's the most effective way to thoroughly clean the dust and dander from your curtains. Be sure to check the backing of the curtains to make sure they can be laundered this way.
- Take the curtains down from the windows and prepare them for washing. If there is a stain on the curtains, spot treat them with laundry detergent or a mild soap. You may want to test a small spot on the curtains before pre-treating the stains to make sure the color doesn't run. Test the color-fastness of the linen in an area that isn't easy to see like on the backside of the curtain.
- Put the curtains into your washing machine and set it to "delicate." The setting may also be labeled as "hand-wash." Using hot water for linen will wear it out over time, so use the warm or cold setting to keep the fabric from becoming misshapen. The fabric may need to be stretched out gently after the washing process.
- Add the desired amount of detergent to the washing machine. White curtains may benefit from a mild bleach or whitening detergent. Mixing white curtains and colored curtains may lead to color-bleeding, however. [1]
- Because the curtains may not be as durable as clothing, you should use a detergent that is colorless and not heavily scented.
- Natural or biodegradable detergents may work best for your curtains.
- Dry the curtains out until they are no longer dripping wet. Thicker curtains will probably need to be ironed out later to remove wrinkles and creases, and it's best if they are slightly damp while they are being ironed.Put them in the dryer on the delicate cycle. Set the machine on a low heat setting and make sure not to overload the dryer. The curtains need room to move so that they can get a proper airflow. It may take longer for the curtains to dry if they are floor-to-ceiling length.
- Hang the curtains outside to dry in the sun. Hang the curtains outside in an area that receives a good breeze. If you don't have a clothesline, you may be able to string a line between structures like your house and the fence.
- Iron the curtains using vertical strokes. While the curtains are still slightly damp, set the iron to a low heat setting and iron them in long, length-wise strokes. You may need to gently stretch the fabric out to get them to their original size if the curtains shrunk during the drying phase. [2]
EditWashing the Curtains by Hand - Wash your curtains by hand if they are made from a more delicate material like sheer linen or lace. The delicate materials may snag or unravel in the washer even in the delicate cycle, and you don't want to risk ruining or damaging your curtains while you're trying to clean them.
- Soak the curtains in a vessel filled with cold or warm water. Using a mild detergent, gently agitate the curtains to release stains and dust. You can gently scrub difficult stains if there are any. Don't wring the fabric as it can cause creasing that may be difficult to get out.
- Floor-to-ceiling curtains should be placed in your clean bathtub.
- Shorter curtains may be able to fit in your kitchen or utility sink. [3]
- Hang the damp curtains on the shower rod to dry. Leave them on the shower rod until they are not dripping wet. The curtains need to dry completely in a well-ventilated area, so you have to completely dry them elsewhere.
- Dry the curtains out most of the way. For very delicate curtains, you may find that hanging them outside to dry on a breezy, sunny day is the best way to dry them since the dryer can cause snagging even on the delicate cycle. If you prefer the dryer, place the curtains in a mesh garment bag to protect them from tattering.
- Iron the curtains to release the wrinkles. While the curtains are still slightly damp, Set the iron to a low heat setting and iron them on a flat surface on the side that doesn't show. You may need to gently stretch the fabric out to get them to their original size. [4]
- Sheer linen curtains and other delicate curtains may be damaged by the heat of the iron. Put a t-shirt between the iron and the curtains to ensure they don't get burned.
- Some irons have a steaming option for delicate materials. You don't hold the metal plate to the material; you hover it over the materials and allow the steam to heat it.
- Steaming is a good option for delicate curtains that might be damaged by an iron. Some steamers attach to your vacuum and others are hand-held.
EditShaking out and Scenting the Curtains - Shake the curtains out to release the dust and dander. Take the curtains down from the rod and vigorously shake them until no more dust is coming off. You may also spray the curtains with a scented fabric spray or steam them with a hand-held steamer to refresh them. Freshening the curtains up should be done at least every 3 months.
- Vacuum the curtains using the brush attachment. You can leave them hanging and gently run the brush attachment over them to remove built-up dust or lay them on a flat surface to keep dust from falling off while vacuuming. [5]
- If you have an especially powerful vacuum, you may want to be careful about using the hose to dust curtains. Curtains can easily be sucked into the vacuum.
- Delicate curtains may be too light to vacuum at all. Shaking them out, steaming them, or lint-rolling them may be the best option.
- Put the curtains into the dryer and air-fluff them for 10-15 minutes. You should use no or low heat and rehang them immediately to avoid wrinkles setting in. You can also freshen their scent with a fabric-safe scented spray. [6]
- Use a lint-roller or dryer sheet on the curtains. You can do this while they're still hanging. Both products will remove the dust, and the dryer sheet will leave a pleasant scent. You may want to vacuum the floor nearby the curtains to pick up any fallen dust and dander.
- Curtains need only be cleaned once or twice a year.
- Steaming curtains while they're hanging on a line outside or on their rods releases wrinkles quickly and effectively. A hand-held steamer can be used for this.
- Read the cleaning instructions on the tags of the curtains if you haven't removed them.
- Linen has a tendency to shrink, especially when subjected to heat. It is recommended to hang dry them to avoid unnecessary shrinkage.
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Use Coffee Grounds as a Body Scrub Posted: 07 Jun 2018 09:00 AM PDT Coffee contains caffeine, which may help reduce the appearance of cellulite when used as a scrub. It can also help tighten your skin, and stimulate blood flow as well.[1] While you can always buy a coffee scrub from the store, you can make a simple, cheaper one at home using ingredients from your cupboard. EditIngredients - 1 cup (112 g) coffee grounds
- 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (52 g) coconut oil
EditLuxurious Scrub [3] - 1/2 cup (56 g) coffee grounds
- 1/2 cup (115 g) coconut palm sugar
- 1/4 cup (52 g) coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tablespoon (7.5 mL) vanilla extract
EditCoffee Scrub Cubes[4] - 1/2 cup (56 g) coffee grounds
- 1/2 cup (105 g) coconut oil
EditMaking a Simple Scrub - Mix together the coffee grounds and brown sugar. Pour 1 cup (112 g) of coffee grounds into a bowl. Add 1/4 cup (50 g) of brown sugar. Stir the 2 ingredients together with a spoon or fork.
- You can use fresh or used coffee grounds, but make sure that they are dry.
- The sugar is there for exfoliation. The coarser the sugar is, the more exfoliating the scrub will be. For example, if you want a super-exfoliating scrub, try turbinado sugar.[5]
- If you have sensitive skin, even normal sugar may be too harsh for you. Try brown sugar instead; it is much softer than other types of sugar.
- Melt the coconut oil, allow it to cool, then stir it in. Melt 1/4 cup (52 g) of coconut oil in the microwave or over the stove in a double-boiler. Allow the oil to cool to room temperature, then stir it into the coffee-sugar mixture. Do not add the coffee-sugar mixture into the oil while it is still hot, or it will dissolve.
- Coconut oil is very nourishing and moisturizing for skin. If you can't find any coconut oil, or simply don't want to use it, you can try olive oil instead; you don't need to heat it.
- Coconut oil melts quickly; it should only take 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave, or 1 to 2 minutes over the stove.
- Coconut oil can clog drains. If you are concerned about this, consider using fractionated coconut oil; it is already in liquid form and doesn't harden.[6]
- Transfer the scrub into a glass jar. A short jar with a wide mouth will be the easiest to use and reach into. Avoid using plastic jars, as chemicals from the plastic can leach into the scrub.
- Keep a lid on the jar when you are not using the scrub. It does not matter if it is a latch-hook lid or a screw-on lid.
- Use the scrub in the shower or bathtub 1 to 2 times per week. Scoop out about 1 tablespoon (7.5 g) of the scrub, and rub it over your arms and legs using a smooth, circular motion for about 60 seconds. Rinse the scrub off when you are done.
- You will probably need to use 3 to 4 tablespoons (30 to 45 g) total in order to exfoliate your entire body.
- Focus on the areas that have cellulite.[7]
- Coffee scrubs tend to be harsher than other types of scrubs, so limit yourself to once or twice per week.[8]
- Store the scrub in the fridge and use it within 2 weeks. The scrub may last longer than that, but if you notice it starting to look or smell off, you should discard it.[9]
EditMaking a Luxurious Scrub - Combine the coffee grounds with the coconut palm sugar. Pour 1/2 cup (56 g) of coffee grounds into a bowl, then add 1/2 cup (115 g) of coconut palm sugar. Stir them together with a spoon or fork.[10]
- The coffee grounds can be used, but they must be dry.
- If you can't find coconut palm sugar, you can use other types of sugar, such as organic cane sugar or brown sugar.
- The sugar is there for exfoliation. The larger, coarser the grains are, the more exfoliating the scrub will be. If you want a gentle scrub, stick with brown sugar.
- Heat the coconut oil, allow it to cool, then add it in. Melt 1/4 cup (52 g) of coconut oil in the microwave or in a double-boiler over the stove. Wait for it to cool to room temperature, then stir it into the coffee mixture. Don't add it in while it is still hot, or it will dissolve the coffee mixture.
- Coconut oil can melt quickly, so this should only take 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave or 1 to 2 minutes on the stove.
- Coconut oil can clog drains. If this of a concern to you, choose fractionated coconut oil; it is already in liquid form.
- If you can't get coconut oil, you can use another oil, such as olive oil. You don't have to heat it first.
- Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Not only will this help make your scrub smell great, but it will also help improve blood circulation and reduce wrinkles. Cinnamon also has antibacterial properties, making it great for acne.[11]
- For a more fragrant scrub, add 1/2 tablespoon (7.5 mL) of vanilla extract in addition to the cinnamon. Note that this won't have any benefits for your skin.[12]
- Scoop the scrub into a glass jar. The best type of jar to use is a short jar with a wide opening because it will be easier to reach into than a tall jar with a narrow opening. Don't use a plastic jar, however, as the plastic can leach chemicals into the scrub.
- Keep the jar tightly sealed when you aren't using the scrub. It can have a screw-on lid or a latch-hook lid.
- Use the scrub in the shower or bathtub. Use your fingers to scoop out about 1 tablespoon (7.5 g) of the scrub. Massage the scrub over your arms and legs using smooth, circular motions for about 60 seconds. Rinse the scrub off afterwards.
- This scrub contains coarse ingredients, so use it no more than once or twice per week.[13]
- Store the scrub in the fridge and use it within 2 weeks. You may be able to keep the scrub around longer than 2 weeks, but watch out for signs of mold. If the scrub starts to look strange or smell rancid, discard it.
EditMaking Coffee Scrub Cubes - Melt the coconut oil, let it cool, then add the coffee grounds. Melt 1/2 cup (52 g) of coconut oil for 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave, then let it cool to room temperature. Stir 1/2 cup (56 g) of coffee grounds into the oil. You can use either fresh or used coffee grounds, but they need to be dry.[14]
- Don't add the coffee grounds while the oil is still hot, or they will dissolve!
- Do not use any other type of oil for this, including fractionated coconut oil. You want the coconut oil to harden, and liquid oil won't do this.
- Be aware that coconut oil can clog drains. If this happens, simply run hot water down the drain to melt and clear the coconut oil.
- Transfer the scrub into a muffin tin with a spoon. You can use a mini muffin tin or a regular-sized muffin tin. Keep in mind that you will be using only a small amount of the scrub at 1 time, so smaller is better here!
- There is enough scrub to fill up all of the compartments on 1 regular-sized muffin tin or 2 mini muffin tins.
- You will get about 12 large cubes from a large muffin tin, or 24 small cubes from 2 mini muffin tins.
- Silicone baking and ice cube molds are a great option, especially if you desire a cute shape!
- Leave the scrub in the freezer until it's frozen. Place the muffin tin(s) into the freezer, then leave them there until the scrub hardens. This should only take 5 to 15 minutes, but it may take longer.
- The coffee grounds may separate from the coconut oil, which is fine.
- Transfer the scrub cubes into a freezer-safe container. A plastic Tupperware container or Ziploc bag would work great for this. This way, you will free up your muffin tin and will have more space in the freezer.
- Use 1 to 2 coffee scrub cubes at 1 time. When you are ready to use the scrub, take 1 to 2 cubes into the shower with you, then rub them over your body using smooth, circular motions. The heat from the shower and your skin should cause them to melt quickly. Rinse the scrub from your skin when you are done.
- Plan on using 1 large cube or 2 small cubes.
- Like other types of coffee scrubs, this scrub is harsh, so don't use it more than once or twice per week.
- Store the scrubs in the freezer when you are not using them. Not only will this help them keep their form, but it will also keep them dry. Even if you leave them in the fridge, you may get moisture into the coffee grounds, which can result in mold!
- The cubes can last several months in the freezer.
- Consider using a tub stopper. This way, you can just remove the stopper and discard the grounds into the trash can.[15]
- If the coconut oil clogs the drain, run hot water for about 5 minutes to melt and clear the oil.[16]
- Scrub your entire body with a dry body brush before you step into the bath or shower. This will help stimulate your blood circulation make the scrub more effective.[17]
- Use the scrub before shaving, not after. If you use it after shaving, you may irritate your skin.[18]
- You can use these scrubs on your face, but it would be best if you use brown sugar and a lightweight oil (i.e.: grapeseed) instead.
- These scrubs may dry your skin, so be sure to use moisturizer afterwards.[19]
- Be realistic in your expectations. While the scrub may improve the appearance of cellulite, you should consult a doctor if you wish to eliminate it completely.
EditThings You'll Need EditMaking a Simple Scrub - Mixing bowl
- Fork or spoon
- Mason jar
EditMaking a Luxurious Scrub - Mixing bowl
- Fork or spoon
- Mason jar
EditMaking Coffee Scrub Cubes - Mixing bowl
- Fork or spoon
- Muffin tin
- Freezer-safe container
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
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| How to Make a Cross Stitch Pattern Posted: 07 Jun 2018 01:00 AM PDT Making your own cross stitch pattern is easier than you might think. If you want to create a custom cross stitch piece, you will need a custom pattern. Start by choosing your design, which can be a photograph or a drawing. Then, trace the design onto a piece of grid paper. Complete your pattern by filling in the grid to indicate the stitch placement, thread color, and stitch type. EditChoosing a Design - Use a photograph. You can use a photograph that you took or one you found in a magazine to create your cross stitch pattern.[1] Just make sure to choose a picture with well defined lines and some good contrast in the color scheme. This will make it easier to convert the photo into a cross stitch pattern.
- Use a photo of a flower, a tree, or clouds for a simple design.
- Opt for a photo of a person or landscape for something more advanced.
- It helps if the photo is already the desired size for your cross stitch. However, you could always photocopy or scan the image and resize it.
- Draw something. If you prefer, you can also draw your own design by hand or use a paint program on your computer.[2] Make sure your drawing is something that you can realistically cross stitch.
- For example, if you are new to cross stitch, you might draw a simple flower, some balloons, or a tree.
- If you want something more advanced, you might draw a puppy, a sunset, or a person.
- Drawing freehand is also a good way to form letters and words for your cross stitch.
- Use a cross stitch pattern for inspiration. If you are not sure what type of image might make a good cross stitch design, then look at existing cross stitch patterns for inspiration. Look at cross stitch pattern books in your local craft supply store, or search for cross stitch patterns online.
- Look at patterns that reflect your skill level. Creating your cross stitch pattern based on an advanced pattern may not give you the desired results if you are new to cross stitch.
EditTracing the Design onto Grid Paper - Lay the image you want to use on a flat, backlit surface. Tracing an image is much easier when the image has light coming through it from behind. To backlight your image, use a light box or hold the image against a window on a sunny day.[3]
- Place a piece of grid paper over the image. Grid paper is perfect for creating a cross stitch pattern. Take a piece of grid paper that is large enough to completely cover the image and lay it over the image. Center the design under the grid paper so that it will be about the same distance from each of the edges.[4]
- Trace the edges of the design. Use a pencil to trace the edges of the image onto the graph paper. If your image features multiple shapes, then trace all of these onto the graph paper.
- For example, if your image is a flower, then trace the outer edges of the flower. If your image is a cluster of balloons, trace the outer edges of the balloon cluster.
- Outline the details of the design. After you have traced the basic design onto the graph paper, trace the finer details of your image. Depending on the level of detail you want your cross stitch to have, you can be as detailed or as basic as you would like to be for this part.
- For example, if you are planning to cross stitch a bouquet of flowers, then you may simply trace the borders of the flowers in the bouquet, or you may trace the petals of each flower.
EditCompleting Your Cross Stitch Pattern - Decide on a color scheme. You can use the same colors as the original image, or invent your own color scheme. Gather the colored pencils or markers that you will need to complete your cross stitch pattern.
- For example, if you want to fill in a rainbow design, then you would need red, orange, yellow, blue, green, and purple. For a cluster of balloons in primary colors, you could just use red, blue, and yellow.
- Make X marks in the grid to indicate the borders and fill of the design. Once you have decided on a color scheme, fill in each square on the grid with an X mark to indicate where each stitch will go. Each X indicates 1 full cross stitch in your cross stitch pattern.[5]
- Color code the pattern if desired. You can use color pencils or markers that correspond to the thread colors you want to use. Use the different colors to fill in the grid the way you want the finished design to look.
- If you do not have colored markers or pencils, then you may also create symbols to represent each color. For example, square marks could represent black thread, circles could indicate red thread, an asterisk (*) could indicate yellow, and so on.[6]
- Indicate where special stitches may be required. Depending on how advanced you want to get with your stitch work, you may include some special stitches. If you plan to use a special stitches, make sure to indicate them with the correct symbol on your pattern. Some special stitch symbols include:[7]
- slash mark: half stitch
- triangle: ¾ stitch
- slash mark coming halfway into center of grid square: ¼ stitch
- horizontal line across the center of the grid: backstitch
- solid dot: French knot
EditThings You'll Need - Photo or drawing
- Grid paper
- Light box (optional)
- Pencil
- Colored pencils or markers (optional)
EditSources and Citations EditQuick Summary
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