| How to Measure an Angle Without a Protractor Posted: 08 Mar 2019 04:00 PM PST The easiest way to measure an angle is to use a protractor. However, if you don't have a protractor handy, you can determine the size of an angle using the basic geometric principles of triangles. You'll need a scientific calculator to solve the equations. Most smartphones are equipped with them, but you can also download a free app or access a free calculator online. The calculations you need to make depend on whether you're measuring an acute (less than 90 degrees), obtuse (more than 90 degrees but less than 180), or reflex angle (more than 180 degrees but less than 360).[1] - Draw a vertical line connecting the 2 rays of the angle. To determine the number of degrees in an acute angle, connect the 2 rays to form a triangle. Line up the short end of your ruler with the bottom ray, then draw a vertical line intersecting the other ray using the long side of your ruler.[2]
- The vertical line creates a right triangle. The angle formed by the adjacent side (the bottom ray of the angle) of the triangle and the opposite side (the vertical line) measures 90 degrees.
- Measure the length of the adjacent side to find the run. Place the end of your ruler at the vertex of the angle. Measure the length of the adjacent side from the vertex to the point where it intersects with the opposite side.[3]
- This amount is the run value in your slope equation, where slope = rise/run. If you measured 7, your equation at this point would be "slope = rise/7."
- Measure the length of the opposite side to find the rise. Set the short end of your ruler flush against the adjacent side of the triangle. Measure the length of the vertical line from the point where it meets the adjacent side to the point where it meets the upper ray of the angle (the hypotenuse of your triangle).[4]
- This amount is the rise value in your slope equation. If you measured 5, you would fill in your equation so that "slope = 5/7."
- Divide rise by run to find the slope of the angle. The slope is the steepness of the diagonal line, or hypotenuse, of your triangle. Once you know this number, you can calculate the degrees of your acute angle.[5]
- To continue the example, the equation "slope = 5/7" would yield "slope = 0.71428571."
- Use your calculator to determine the degrees of the angle. Type the value for slope into your scientific calculator, then press the inverse tan button (tan-1). This will give you the degrees of the angle.[6]
- To continue the example, with a slope of 0.71428571, the angle is 35.5 degrees.
- Extend the bottom ray of the angle in a straight line. Mark your vertex with a dot, then use the long side of your ruler to draw a straight line to the left of the vertex. The bottom ray of the angle should be a single long line that extends below the open top ray of the angle.[7]
- Make sure your line is perfectly straight. If it is angled up or down, it will ruin the accuracy of your equation.
- Draw a vertical line connecting the top ray and the line. Line up the short end of your ruler with the bottom ray at a point where the long side crosses the top ray. Follow the long side to draw a line straight up from the bottom ray that connects the two.[8]
- Effectively, you have created a small right angle underneath the obtuse angle you want to measure, turning the top ray of the obtuse angle into the hypotenuse of your right angle.
- Measure the length of the bottom line from the vertex. Place your ruler below the bottom line, with the beginning at the vertical line creating the right angle. Measure the length from that point of intersection to the vertex of the original angle.[9]
- You're determining the slope for the angle of the acute triangle, which you can use to calculate the degrees in the acute angle. The bottom line is the run value in the equation "slope = rise/run."
- Measure the length of the vertical line. Line up the short end of your ruler with the bottom line of the small acute triangle. Read up the ruler to the point where the vertical line meets the open ray of your obtuse angle. This is the length of your vertical line.[10]
- The length of your vertical line is the rise value in the equation "slope = rise/run." Once you know the values for both rise and run, you can calculate the slope of the acute angle.
- Find the slope of the acute angle. Divide the rise value by the run value to determine the slope of the acute angle. You'll use this value to calculate the degrees of the acute angle.[11]
- For example, the equation "slope = 2/4" would yield "slope = 0.5."
- Calculate the degrees of the acute angle. Enter your slope value in your scientific calculator, then press the inverse tan button (tan-1). The value displayed is the number of degrees in the acute angle.[12]
- To continue the example, if your slope is 0.5, the acute angle is a 26.565-degree angle.
- Subtract the degrees of the acute angle from 180. A flat line is a straight angle with 180 degrees. Since you drew a straight line, the sum of the acute angle you calculated and the obtuse angle will be 180 degrees. Subtracting the degrees of the acute angle from 180 will give you the degrees of your obtuse angle.[13]
- To continue the example, if you have an acute angle of 26.565 degrees, you have an obtuse angle of 153.435 degrees (180 – 26.565 = 153.435).
- Identify the smaller acute angle associated with the reflex angle. A reflex angle has more than 180 degrees but fewer than 360. This means that if you look at the reflex angle, you'll also see an acute angle inside the rays of the reflex angle.[14]
- By determining the degrees of the acute angle, you can calculate the degrees in the reflex angle. You can use the basic slope equation and the inverse tangent function on your scientific calculator to find the degrees in the acute angle.
- Draw a vertical line connecting the rays of the acute angle. Line up the short end of your ruler with the ray of the angle that is horizontal rather than diagonal. Then draw a vertical line that meets the horizontal ray of the angle.[15]
- The horizontal line becomes the adjacent side of your triangle, and the vertical line becomes the opposite side of the acute angle you want to measure.
- Measure the rise and the run of the acute angle. In the equation "slope = rise/run," the rise is the length of the vertical line, or opposite side of your triangle. The run is the length of the horizontal line, or adjacent side of your triangle.[16]
- Measure the horizontal line from the vertex to the point where it meets the vertical line. Measure the vertical line from the point where it meets the horizontal line to the point where it meets the diagonal line.
- Divide rise by run to find the slope of the acute angle. Plug the values you found for the length of the vertical and horizontal lines into your slope equation. When you divide the length of the vertical line by the length of the horizontal line, you'll get the slope for the angle.[17]
- For example, if your horizontal line measured 8 and your vertical line measured 4, your equation would be "slope = 4/8." The slope of your angle would be 0.5.
- Use your calculator to find the degrees of the acute angle. Type the value you got for the slope of the angle into your scientific calculator, then press the inverse tangent button (tan-1). The value displayed is the degrees of the smaller acute angle.[18]
- To continue the example, if your slope is 0.5, the acute angle would measure 26.565 degrees.
- Subtract the degrees of the acute angle from 360. A circle has 360 degrees. Since a reflex angle is an angle of more than 180 degrees, you relate it as a portion of a circle. The degrees of the reflex angle and the degrees of the smaller acute angle would add up to 360.[19]
- To continue the example, if the smaller acute angle measures 26.565 degrees, the reflex angle would measure 333.435 degrees.
- Make sure the trig functions of your scientific calculator are set to measure in degrees, not radians.
- Slope is the relationship between rise and run. The unit of measurement you use to quantify the lengths of the 2 lines is irrelevant – just make sure you're using the same unit for both lines. In other words, if you measure the length of one line in centimeters, you should also measure the other in centimeters.
EditThings You'll Need - Scientific calculator
- Ruler
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Promote Gender Equality Posted: 08 Mar 2019 08:00 AM PST Promoting gender equality is a movement that people are focusing on around the globe. Since this is so large scale, you might be wondering what just one individual can do. There are actually a lot of things you can do to make a difference! Unfortunately, it's likely that you've either witnessed gender inequality or even been a victim. It's frustrating, and can be really hard to cope with. The good news is that you can make a change. The time to get started is now! EditBeing a Vocal Advocate for Equality - Learn about gender equality. If you're standing up for gender equality, it's important to educate yourself. Take some time to learn about some of the major issues, such as inequality in the workplace and the cost of healthcare. You can read scholarly articles about the subject because you want an expert, objective take on the subject. [1]
- You can get started by researching gender equality online. Pull up articles using search engines such as Google Scholar or an academic database like JSTOR.
- You could also take a course on gender either at your local college or online.
- Educate others about gender equality. You can share what you've learned with others. This doesn't mean you should go around lecturing everyone you meet, but you can definitely correct misconceptions.[2]
- For example, if someone at work says they don't believe that the wage gap is true, you could say, "Actually, it is true that statistically women are paid less than men. Here, let me show you this interesting article I read on the subject."
- Make sure not to dominate the conversation. Other people might have helpful information to share, too. Be ready to listen.
- Speak up if you witness sexism. You likely witness examples of sexism every day. It could be in the form of gender stereotypes, inappropriate comments, or unwanted advances. If you see something that seems off, it probably is. Don't be afraid to speak up. [3]
- Maybe you've seen one of your friends put down a female sports reporter. Speak up and say, "Women are just as qualified as men to talk about baseball."
- You might feel objectified if someone on the street catcalls you. You have the right to say, "Stop!"
- For example, if you are at a bar and a patron keeps touching a female server, you could say, "Excuse me, she's trying to do her job. Let's keep things professional."
- Be aware of safety. If the person seems volatile, don't confront them. Your safety is the most important thing.
- Use social media as your platform. You can use your social media accounts to promote gender equality. One way is to share information about upcoming events. You could post a link to a women's march in your area and say, "I'll be there! Who wants to join me?"
- You can also support large social media campaigns such as #MeToo. If someone you know shares their story, offer a supportive statement.[4]
- Educate yourself about intersectionality. Intersectionality means that all aspects of identity must be considered, especially when examining oppression. For example, a Latina women cannot separate her ethnicity from her gender identity. Both must be considered when looking at the specific challenges she faces. These pieces of identify intersect.[5]
- Avoid making feminism about groups of people in power. If you are a white cis person, make sure to include other groups in your discussions so that you can understand different perspectives and experiences.
- Promote the rights of trans and nonbinary people, in addition to women. Remember that not everyone fits into the traditional categories of male and female. When promoting gender equality, support trans and binary people in the following ways:
- Don't assume someone's gender
- If you're not sure of pronouns, listen or ask
- Respect the person's terminology
- Support gender neutral restrooms
EditPromoting Gender Equality in the Workplace - Listen to women. Sometimes women struggle to be heard in the workplace. They are more likely to be interrupted or dismissed. Be an advocate for the women in your workplace.[6]
- If you see a woman trying to break into the conversation, say, "I'd like to hear additional thoughts on the issue. Julie, what do you think?"
- Make sure women receive credit for their ideas and work. Women often are not given enough credit for what they do in the workplace. If your female colleague comes up with an innovative way to streamline office communication, take some time at the next team meeting to say, "Let's all thank Kate for her great ideas about implementing this new system."[7]
- Give women constructive feedback. People tend to give women vague feedback, such as simply saying "good job" or "you need to improve." Men typically receive much more specific feedback, which helps them to improve. Make it a point to give the women you work with helpful feedback.[8]
- If you're a manager, you might say, "I really liked your ideas about how to improve productivity. Next time the subject comes up, I'd like you to volunteer to take the lead on implementing changes."
- Challenge gender expectations. Women are much more likely than men to receive negative comments about their personality. For example, a strong woman might be labeled "bossy" or "shrill". The next time you hear someone make comments like this about a woman, ask them for a specific example. You can also say, "Would you have the same reaction if a man had acted the same way?" [9]
- Celebrate and encourage women. Women often don't get enough credit for their accomplishments in the workplace. Make sure to acknowledge their contributions. You could say, "Julie brought in the most new accounts this year. Let's all give her a round of applause." [10]
- Help increase female confidence by encouraging them to go for promotions or new positions. You could say, "You definitely have what it takes to be the team lead. You should apply!"
EditBecoming Politically and Socially Active - Use your vote to support female and feminist candidates. Do your research on candidates and find out where they stand on women's rights. Support those candidates by voting for them. One of the best ways to implement change is to get more people into office who are willing to fight for gender equality. [11]
- Remember to vote in local, state, and national elections. They're all important!
- Contact your representatives about important policies and legislation. Let your representatives know that gender equality is an important issue to you. Reach out to them and ask them to stand up for gender equality. You can call or email your representatives. You can also make an appointment to visit them in person at their office.[12]
- For example, you can call your Senator to voice your views on funding for Planned Parenthood. You can say, "I am your constituent and I want you to work to make sure Planned Parenthood receives more funding."
- Attend marches or rallies. Look for events that are being held near you. There might be a rally about women's healthcare or about equal pay. Go to a march or rally and take some friends with you! This is a great way to show your support for gender equality. [13]
- Join an organization that promotes gender equality. Many workplaces have groups for females. These groups can be for women to talk about issues that they are dealing with and also a time for women to support each other. Ask around to see if your office has a group like this. If not, ask if you can start one. [14]
- Most colleges and universities will also have these types of groups. Many even have a women's center, which will sponsor events that promote gender equality.
- Run for office. If you want to enact change, holding office is a great way get started. You can start by running for city council or the school board. Or shoot for the stars and run for a state or national office. There are lots of resources out there to help you with your first campaign. Check out Emily's List and Run for Something for help. [15]
EditFinding Causes to Support - Research different organizations that focus on supporting gender equality. There are many ways that you can make a difference in your community, but don't forget that this is a global issue. Take some time to look for organizations whose mission you agree with before supporting them.[16]
- You can start with a simple Google search. Read the "About" section on websites, and take a look at what the organization stands for.
- Maybe you've heard about the Time's Up movement. Check out their website to see exactly how their legal defense fund will help people dealing with sexual harassment, abuse, or inequality in the workplace.[17]
- You can broaden your search to look for organizations that work on more specific issues. You could look for an organization that helps victims of domestic violence, for example.
- Donate money to a cause by making an online donation or writing a check. Once you've found an organization you'd like to support, you can make a difference by donating money. You can make a one time donation or set up a recurring option.[18]
- For example, if you are interested in supporting women's healthcare, make a donation to Planned Parenthood. You can simply click on the "Donate" button on their website.
- Your monetary donation will help ensure that women can receive affordable health care for things like pap smears and breast exams.
- If you can't afford to give money, give your time. Contact the organization and ask how you can volunteer.
- Raise money for an organization by fundraising. There are many ways to raise money. You could collect donations and organize a silent auction, or you could try posting about an organization on social media. Raising funds will allow you to donate more money so that the organization you've chosen can continue it's work. It will also help bring more awareness to the cause.[19]
- Try making a post on social media saying, "To celebrate my birthday this year, I'd love it if my friends and family can support the cause that is important to me." Add a link where they can simply click to donate.
- Remember that everyone can promote gender equality, not just women.
- Don't be afraid to speak up if you notice discrimination.
- Find a support system if you are personally dealing with inequality.
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Be Brave in Front of a Group of People Posted: 08 Mar 2019 12:00 AM PST Talking in front of a group of people can be a nerve-wracking experience. Public speaking is one of the most common fears, but you can still talk to a large group even if you're feeling nervous. Whether you're giving a speech, trying to speak up at meetings, or talking with friends, staying confident will help your voice be heard! EditPresenting a Speech - Practice before you need to get in front of people. Start by reading your speech out loud without anyone around so you get used to giving your presentation. When you get more comfortable speaking to yourself, find family members or close friends that will listen in a private setting. Ask for any feedback and try your presentation multiple times until you feel comfortable in a group.[1]
- Work your way up to presenting in front of a large group. Try speaking to 1 person and gradually increase how many people you invite to listen.
- If you can, use a microphone similar to what you'd use at the final presentation.
- Double check any notes or outlines you're using while you speak. Make sure any electronics you're using during your presentation work and that all distractions are turned off. Look over any note cards or documents you're using to make sure everything is in the correct order. If you need to, make adjustments with a pen and highlighter so you can easily see them while presenting.[2]
- Do your best to memorize as much of your speech as possible just in case you leave your notes at home or there are technical difficulties.
- If your speech relies on visuals, make sure to practice explaining what your pictures or graphs are in case the projector doesn't work.
- Do a few stretches to loosen up. When you get nervous, your body will feel tight and stiff. Stretch your arms, back, and legs 15 minutes before you're supposed to give your presentation so you don't feel as tense.[3]
- If you're feeling antsy, try shaking your arms out to relieve the stress
- Focus on getting through 5 minutes at a time. If you have to give a longer presentation, look at the time you're speaking in 5-minute chunks. Memorize the moments in your speech that happen every 5 minutes when you're practicing. This way, instead of worrying about the entire speech, you only have to focus on what you're saying for a small increment of time.[4]
- If you're calm during the first 5 minutes of your speech, you'll maintain that feeling for the rest of your speech.
- Speak slowly to calm your nerves. As you're delivering your speech, it's easy to speak too fast because you're nervous. When you feel like you're rushing through your speech, pause and take a breath before continuing so you can slow down.[5]
- Be careful not to speak too slow or your audience may find the speech boring.
- Aim to speak at approximately 190 words per minute to keep a steady, but effective pace to your speech.
- Continue your presentation even if things go wrong. Focus on your speech rather than any technical issues that may occur. If your microphone stops working, set it down and just continue with a louder voice. If you had a projector or a slideshow, continue on the parts of your speech that don't require any visuals.[6]
- Avoid getting stressed out over technical issues since the people working behind the scenes will be working on the problem.
- Don't draw attention to your nervous feelings since it could distract the audience from the main point of your presentation. Instead, continue with your speech like everything is fine.
- Thank your audience for listening to you if you're giving a speech. Make sure to say thank you at the beginning and end of your presentation so your audience knows that you appreciate them. Showing gratitude can also help show people that you are confident and makes your speech stand out more.[7]
- If you're giving a presentation where other coworkers or people helped you, make sure to thank them during your speech so you give them credit.
EditSpeaking up at Meetings - Prepare something to say before the meeting starts. If you know the subject of the meeting you're attending, try to find a problem you want to address or a concern you have. Write them down on a notepad to bring with you to the meeting so you're reminded to bring it up.[8]
- Make sure to talk about something you're knowledgable in so you don't overstep any boundaries.
- If the meeting is about a specific problem, brainstorm a few answers or suggestions you could bring up during the meeting.
- Talk to other people one at a time before the meeting starts. Arrive at your meeting early so you don't feel rushed or short on time. As other people arrive, make small talk with them so you feel more comfortable and confident. That way, you build a good repertoire with others before saying something to the entire group.[9]
- Say something within the first 10-15 minutes of the meeting. If you wait too long to speak during your meeting, other people may bring up your point. Aim to be one of the first few people to speak within the first 10-15 minutes so you can establish a confident voice.[10]
- Even if you don't have something substantial to say, affirming another person's comment can make an impact.
- Pose thought-provoking questions related to the meeting topic. Listen carefully to what other people in the meeting bring up and ask questions if you have concerns about their approach. Talk about "next steps" or a different method that you may think works better. As you ask these sorts of questions, others will notice that you make useful contributions and that you care about your job.[11]
- Ask your manager or mentor for feedback about how you've spoken up. Once the meeting is over, talk to someone you trust about how much you spoke during the meeting. Ask them what you could change about how you speak to the group. They can tell you if you should talk more in the meetings or if you're speaking too much, and offer pointers on what to do next time.[12]
- Speaking to a higher-up also shows initiative in your job and makes you seem like a hard worker who's looking to improve.
EditTalking in a Group Conversation - Position yourself in the middle of the group you're talking with. Instead of standing at the edge of a conversation, try to insert yourself into the middle of the group so you're more likely to be included. When you're there, others feel like you're part of the discussion and talk to you more.[13]
- Even if you don't speak all the time while you're in the middle of the group, stay engaged by making eye contact and having an interested expression.
- Remind yourself to say something every few minutes. If you haven't said anything in a few minutes, make a comment or ask a question related to what you're talking about. This can help bring up new conversation topics or steer the conversation in a direction that you want to talk about.[14]
- Actively listen to the conversation so you can contribute. For example, if someone mentions that they saw a movie, ask if they enjoyed it and why.
- If you feel too much pressure while making conversation, let yourself be quiet for a little while to ease your stress.
- If you're a new person in a group of people who all know each other, make sure to chime in since they may not acknowledge you as much on their own.
- Try making small contributions to the conversation so you don't seem quiet. Even if you aren't leading the conversation, you can still make your voice be heard. Small interjections, such as, "Yeah, totally," or, "No way!" can help add to the conversation and make you feel like you're involved.[15]
- Starting with small talk can help ease you into being more confident in future conversations.
- Work your way into a conversation if you're being excluded. If other people are talking amongst themselves but they aren't including you, do your best to add comments or contribute your point of view. If they're talking about something you're unfamiliar with, ask questions about it so you can feel more involved.[16]
- For example, if you hear your friends talking about a movie, you could ask, "I saw that too. What did you think of it?"
EditHaving Confident Body Language - Take slow and deep breaths beforehand. Take some time to breathe so you can calm down. Breathe in through your nose for 5 seconds, and then hold your breath for 1 second before you exhale through your nose or mouth. Keep taking deep breaths for 2-3 minutes until you feel more relaxed.[17]
- Many phone apps can guide you through breathing in order to calm down. Look for one on your device's app store.
- Smile often. Smiling makes your voice sound happier and will help hide your nerves while you're talking to a group of people. Others will see you as a friendly, confident, and approachable person.[18]
- Make sure to smile at appropriate times. For example, smiling throughout an entire eulogy at a funeral may not work the best, but you may smile if you're sharing a funny memory.
- Maintain eye contact while you talk. Avoid looking at a wall or the floor since other people in the group will see that you're nervous. Pick a few people around the room to focus on while you're talking so they feel connected with you and to draw them into what you're saying.[19]
- Avoid staring at one person for too long so they don't feel uncomfortable.
- Keep good posture and body language while speaking. Straighten your back instead of slouching since this will make you look more confident. Keep your head high and your shoulders back so you can take deep breaths and calm down if you need to.[20]
- Avoid crossing your arms in front of you since it will make you seem closed off.
- Learn from each opportunity you have to interact with a big group so you can improve in the future.
- Always arrive early to places so you don't feel rushed and anxious.
- Wear clothes that are appropriate for the occasion that are also comfortable. That way, you'll feel more confident and relaxed while speaking.
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
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| How to Steam Dresses Posted: 07 Mar 2019 04:00 PM PST Instead of ironing a wrinkled dress, try steaming it! The steam makes the fibers relax, which gets rid of the wrinkles, and the heat kills odor-causing bacteria. Steaming is also a great way to refresh dresses that can't be laundered frequently. If you have a steamer, you'll need just a few minutes of time to get your dress ready-to-wear. If you don't have a steamer, try placing your dress in the bathroom while you run a hot shower—the heat can release wrinkles while you're getting ready. EditFollowing Best Practices - Use your steamer on cotton, silk, wool, and polyester dresses. Most blended fabrics can be steamed, as can most finer materials like cashmere, silk, satin, and lace, but those materials should always be tested beforehand if they haven't been steamed before.[1]
- If you have a dress that is pleated or has creases, you'll want to use an iron rather than a steamer. A steamer can't create or reinforce creases.[2]
- Avoid steaming dresses that have leather or suede materials. These materials are more likely to melt or warp if you apply steam to them. If the leather or suede doesn't cover a large part of the dress, you could always try covering that section with a clean towel and steaming around it. Just use caution and don't hold the steamer over the edge between leather and fabric for too long.[3]
- Similarly, any kind of plastic or waxy material shouldn't be steamed.
- Test delicate materials before starting the steaming process. Steam can discolor, warp, and even shrink certain kinds of fabrics. Run the steamer along the inside of the dress in the back. Choose a small section, just square. Steam that section as you normally would, and then let it dry and cool down. Check the section afterwards for signs of discoloration or shrinkage. If there aren't any, then you're good to go![4]
- If you don't think the dress should be steamed, you may want to take it to a professional cleaner.
- Steam expensive garments through a white cloth to protect them. If you're steaming wrinkles out of a wedding dress or any other expensive garment, avoid getting steam directly onto the dress itself. Instead, use a white cloth as a barrier between the steamer and your dress. A clean white towel or handkerchief would work well for this process. Simply hold it against the dress as you steam it, moving it along with you as you go from section to section.[5]
- Store your more expensive dresses, like a wedding dress or gown, on padded hangers to protect the shoulders from getting misshapen (since a steamer can't reshape fabric).
EditUsing a Handheld Steamer - Hang your dress on a hook in a non-cramped space. Choose a location where you'll have ample room to maneuver the steaming wand and where you'll be able to move the dress around easily. A hook on the back of a door would work well, or you could even hang it off of the shower rod in your bathroom. Always hang the dress from a hanger, and then hang the hanger from a hook (don't hang the dress directly on a hook).[6]
- Some steamers come equipped with stands. If yours does, feel free to use it!
- If you aren't ready to invest in a steamer yourself, try borrowing one from a friend first. That way you can try it out and make sure it's an investment you want to make.
- Fill up the steamer with distilled water. Non-distilled water has minerals in it, which can cause a hard, white deposit to appear in your steamer. Buy distilled water from the store, and put fresh water into your steamer every time you use it.[7]
- If you notice a build-up of minerals in your steamer (if you've been using non-distilled water), fill up the reservoir 1/3 of the way with white vinegar and 2/3 of the way with distilled water. Run the steamer until most of the liquid is gone, and then dump out the liquid that remains. Fill up the reservoir again with distilled water only, and run the steamer again to make sure all the vinegar is gone.
- Warm up the steamer and depress the main button for 1 minute. This gets rid of the old reservoir water and purifies the nozzle so that it doesn't transmit any bacteria to your dress. Keep holding in the main button until there is a continuous stream of steam.[8]
- If you use your steamer often, it might not take the full minute to get the steamer ready. Just make sure there are no more "coughs" or bursts coming from the steamer before you actually move on to the dress.
- Pull the dress taut and steam it section by section to eliminate wrinkles. Hold the steamer about away from the dress in one hand. Use your other hand to pull the fabric of the dress taut. Work in sections from the top to bottom, and spend 1 to 2 minutes on each area, moving the steamer in long, slow, downward strokes until you see the fabric relaxing.[9]
- For example, if you have a long-sleeved dress you could start by steaming each arm, then the front chest area, the midsection, and the bottom front section. Then turn the dress over and do the top of the back, the middle of the back, and the bottom of the back.
- If you place the steamer too close to the dress, you'll leave watermarks and the steam will get backed up, which could result in a burst of steam that damages the dress when you finally pull it back.[10]
- For wedding dresses made of tulle, lace, and chiffon, work in small circles rather than long strokes. Wedding dresses made of other materials should be steamed by a professional.[11]
- Tackle heavy wrinkles by applying steam directly to them. If there are areas that are heavily wrinkled, hold the steamer over them for 30 to 60 seconds at a time. Keep pulling the fabric taut and watch to see when the wrinkles start relaxing. Once they're gone, continue with steaming the rest of the dress.[12]
- Remember to not press the steamer directly against the fabric, even when directly treating big wrinkles. It could burn or discolor the fabric.
- Let the dress dry completely before you put it on. After you steam the dress, leave it alone for about 10 minutes so it has time to dry and cool off. While the dress won't be wet, it will be a little damp from the steam. Putting it on right away could make the wrinkles set back in.[13]
- A great way to keep your clothes in good shape is to take a few minutes to steam your garments after you've worn them. So when you get home, take some time to steam your dress before putting it back into the closet.
EditRunning a Hot Shower - Hang your dress from the shower rod. Put your dress onto a sturdy hanger, and then hang that off of a shower rod. Position the hanger so that the dress isn't too close to the showerhead (you don't want the dress to get wet). You can do this before you take your next shower, or anytime you need to steam your dress.[14]
- This is a great way to steam dresses and other garments when you've been traveling and don't have access to a steamer.
- While using the shower is great for getting rid of minor wrinkles, it may not get out really large, heavy creases in the fabric.
- Close any windows or doors. If the bathroom has windows or doors leading to other rooms, close as many of them as you can. This will keep the steam in the main area of the bathroom, which will help it permeate your dress a lot better.[15]
- Don't run the exhaust fan.
- Run a hot shower for 10 minutes. Turn on the water as hot as it will go (unless you're showering, in which case just turn it to whatever temperature you prefer), and then let the water run for 10 minutes. If you aren't showering or using the bathroom, you can leave the room and do something else while your dress is getting steamed.[16]
- The hotter the water, the steamier the room will get. And the steamier the room, the better your dress will turn out.
- Pull the dress taut in sections to remove the wrinkles. After the 10 minutes are up, go ahead and turn off the shower. Leave your dress hanging and pull each section of the dress taut to erase the wrinkles. For example, if there were wrinkles running across the skirt of your dress, pull the bottom of the skirt down so that the fabric is stretched tight. This eliminates the wrinkles because the fabric was relaxed by the steam. Pull the bottom of the dress, the sleeves, and the midsection if the dress has a waist.[17]
- You can also use your hands to smooth down the dress and look for other wrinkles you need to pull out.
- Let the dress dry completely before you put it on. The dress may not be wet, exactly, but it might have some moisture from the steam clinging to it still. Leave it alone for 10 to 15 minutes to let it dry and cool off before you wear it.[18]
- If there are wrinkles that didn't come out, you may need to iron the material or use a steamer.
- Take your time and steam slowly. You might think that waving the steamer around will make the process faster, but it won't. Be methodical as you steam your dress.[19]
- Always keep the steamer hose as straight as possible. Avoid bending over—that might cause the hose to bend. Instead, bring the fabric up to you.[20]
- If you have a dress with lots of embroidery or embellishments on it, steam it inside out to protect the decorations.
- Never steam a dress while you're wearing it. You could burn yourself![21]
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Make a Camping Toilet Posted: 07 Mar 2019 08:00 AM PST For many people, one of the roughest aspects of camping is going without the comfort and familiarity of a modern toilet. However, if you're out in the boonies without a toilet in sight, don't fret; you can easily make your own! All you need to make a portable camping toilet is a large bucket, a garbage bag, and either a pool noodle or some plywood and a toilet seat. EditUsing a Pool Noodle - Cut your pool noodle to be just shorter than the bucket's circumference. Use measuring tape to measure the circumference of the rim of the bucket. Then, use a utility knife to cut your noodle to be about shorter than this measurement.[1]
- The noodle needs to be slightly shorter than the bucket's circumference so that you're able to fit it entirely around the rim of the bucket without the edges of the noodle's ends bumping up against each other.
- Use a utility knife to slice open 1 side of the pool noodle. Draw a line down the length of the noodle from top to bottom to guide your knife when you go to slice it. Opening the noodle this way will allow you to set it snugly along the rim of the bucket.[2]
- After you cut open the side of the noodle, use your hands to gently pull the 2 sides of the cut you just made apart. Make sure the noodle has been completely cut open before you move on to the next step.
- Secure the noodle to the rim of the bucket with epoxy adhesive. Place epoxy adhesive along the inside of the pool noodle, making sure to closely follow the manufacturer's instructions for usage. Then, place the noodle onto the rim of the bucket and push it downward so that it "snaps" into place.[3]
- You can also opt to skip the epoxy adhesive entirely and just make your toilet out of a bucket and pool noodle. However, without the epoxy, the noodle seat will be less secure when you go to sit on it.
- You can buy epoxy adhesive at any home improvement store.
- For best results, allow your epoxy to cure for at least 24 hours before using your camping toilet.
EditAttaching a Toilet Seat to a Bucket or Chair - Trace the outer and inner circumferences of the toilet seat on plywood. Lay the toilet seat on top of a piece of plywood and use a pencil or marker to trace around the interior hole and the outside of the seat. Be sure to mark the holes in the back where the seat will be screwed into the plywood, as well.[4]
- If possible, add a second, slightly larger circle around the tracing of the interior hole and plan to cut along this second line so that your piece of plywood is smaller than the actual toilet seat. This will make it less likely for waste to accidentally get onto the plywood.
- Cut out the tracing with a jigsaw and drill out the attachment holes. Cut along the exterior tracing first, then cut out the tracing of the interior hole. Use a drill bit that is equal in size to the bolts you're using to attach the seat to the plywood.[5]
- Your toilet seat most likely came with bolts and nuts that you're meant to use to install it. If for some reason you're missing these materials, bolts that are in diameter will probably work for your toilet.
- If you plan on using a chair for your camping toilet, be sure to drill a hole in the chair that is the same size as the interior hole of your plywood piece.
- Attach 4 small blocks of wood to the bottom of the plywood piece. These will act as stoppers to prevent the toilet seat from sliding off of the bucket or out of the chair when you go to use it. Use nails or screws to attach the wood pieces to the bottom of the plywood on all 4 sides.[6]
- Drive a nail or a screw down through the plywood piece and into each piece of wood in order to attach them.
- These wood pieces can be any size or shape, as long as they fit inside of the bucket. For best results, use pieces that are at least long and that aren't wider than the toilet seat itself.
- Secure the toilet seat to the plywood with bolts and nuts. Screw the bolts through the hinge on the back of the toilet seat and through the drill holes on the back of the plywood piece. Attach the nuts to the ends of the bolts on the underside of the plywood to secure the plywood to the toilet seat.[7]
- The hinge is the plastic piece on the back of the toilet seat that connects it to the lid.
- Place the toilet seat over your bucket or chair to finish your toilet. Push the seat through the hole in the chair if you're using one, or simply place it over the top of your bucket. Make sure all 4 bottom pieces of wood fit snugly and securely in the bucket or in the hole in the chair.[8]
- Be sure to place a bucket underneath your chair before you use your new camping toilet.
EditUsing Your Camping Toilet - Place a bag inside the bucket. Make sure the bag goes all the way down to the bottom of the bucket and that the top of the bag completely covers your noodle seat. For best results, use a heavy-duty garbage bag that doesn't easily rip.[9]
- If you're worried about odor, you can also use special odor-blocking garbage bags instead of ordinary bags. You can buy these at any grocery store.
- Pour of absorption medium in the bottom of the bag. Use sawdust, cat litter, dirt, or some other absorption medium to soak up any liquids in the bag and suppress the odor. You'll also use this medium to cover your waste every time you finish using the toilet.[10]
- After you use the toilet, pour enough sawdust or cat litter into the bag so that your waste is completely covered.
- For convenience, keep your absorption medium in a separate garbage bag and use a plastic cup to scoop the medium into your toilet.
- You can get sawdust from a sawmill or lumberyard or buy sawdust at a feed store.
- Take the bag out of the toilet and tie it closed once you're done with it. Again, make sure you've covered your waste before you take out the bag. Use a double knot when tying the bag to make sure it's securely closed and that none of the contents will fall out.[11]
- Dispose of the bag and sanitize the inside of the bucket after every use. Tie the bag containing the waste closed, then place it inside another bag and tie this second bag closed as well. Take the bags to a drop-off facility for hazardous waste in order to dispose of them properly.[12]
- You can sanitize the inside of the bucket by washing it with dish soap and warm water.
- Do not simply leave your bag at the campsite when you head home; this is considered littering.
- If you want to ensure you can use your camping toilet in privacy, place it inside a cheap pop-up tent to create a makeshift outhouse near your camping site.
- Keep some toilet paper in a sealable plastic bag or old coffee can inside your bucket when you're not using your toilet. Then, simply take the toilet paper out of the bucket before you insert your garbage bag. This way, you'll never forget to bring toilet paper with you when you use the toilet!
- You can also attach the toilet paper to the handle of the bucket, if you don't plan on moving the bucket very much.
- Take along heavy-duty garbage bags for your waste. You'll likely need more than 1 bag if you plan on camping for an extended period. Take enough bags to change bags every 2 or 3 days, depending on the number in your camping party.
EditThings You'll Need - Pool noodle
- plywood
- 4 small pieces of wood
- Jigsaw
- Utility knife
- bucket
- trash bags
- Epoxy adhesive
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
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| How to Relieve Foot Pain from Standing All Day Posted: 07 Mar 2019 12:00 AM PST If your feet are tired and achy after a long day of standing, you likely want to find some relief! Simple home remedies like a warm water soak, foot massages, and over-the-counter pain medications will help with some of the achiness, and you can also try some stretching exercises to relieve discomfort. If you can, avoid standing in the same place for extended periods to help prevent the pain in the first place. Also, choose a sturdy, comfortable pair of shoes that fit well and provide support. EditUsing Home Remedies - Soak your feet in warm water for pain relief without medication. Fill a small tub with warm water or use a foot spa meant for that purpose. Add in bath salts, such as Epsom salt, or another type of foot soak if you'd like, then rest your feet in the water for 20-30 minutes.[1]
- The warm water may help relieve pain.
- Avoid foot soaking if you have diabetes. As a diabetic, you're more likely to develop foot problems and infections.
- Try ice if you have a foot injury or your foot is inflamed. Ice can be helpful if your foot is inflamed or injured. Your skin will likely be warm to the touch if it's inflamed. Wrap ice in a washcloth or other thin cloth and place it on your feet for 15-20 minutes. You can repeat this process 2-3 times a day as needed.[2]
- Never place ice directly on your skin, as that can lead to frostbite.
- Give yourself a foot massage to relieve sore muscles. Sit down and bring 1 foot up on the other knee. Pour a dollop of lotion into your hands and then rub your foot down, massaging the ball, heel, and toes. Use your thumbs to press deeper into your foot muscles, rubbing them with a circular motion.[3]
- Gently move your toes back and forth with your fingers to stretch the muscles.
- Repeat with the other foot. If you have someone willing, you can even ask them to massage your feet!
- Take NSAIDs to help with inflammation and relieve pain. NSAIDs include pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium. They can help with pain relief, particularly if your feet are slightly swollen after standing on them all day.[4]
- Talk to your doctor about which NSAIDs are right for you. If over-the-counter versions aren't enough, discuss prescription options.
- Always read the bottle for the recommended dosages.
- Try oral analgesics if you can't take NSAIDs for pain. Analgesics are solely pain medications. They don't help with inflammation, but they can provide relief, particularly if you can't take NSAIDs for medical reasons.[5]
- Check the bottle for recommended dosages.
- Acetaminophen is a common over-the-counter pain medication. Don't mix it with alcohol. Also, be aware that this medication is in many over-the-counter medication mixes, such as cold-relief drugs. Always check the bottles so you don't overdose on acetaminophen.
- Don't exceed 4,000 milligrams of acetaminophen in 24 hours, and avoid using it longer than 3 days in a row.[6]
- Rub in a topical analgesic for quick pain relief. These medications work in different ways. Some have pain relievers in them, such as the ingredient found in aspirin. Some distract your feet with a different sensation, such as the ones that cool your feet with menthol or eucalyptus. Others create a slight burning sensation that dulls the pain.[7]
- You can find these at your local drugstore.
EditStretching Your Muscles - Use a towel to stretch your feet and Achilles' tendon. Sit on the floor or the bed with your legs out in front of you. Place a towel or large band around 1 foot, aiming for the ball of your foot. Pull the towel towards you to stretch out the muscles in your foot.[8]
- Hold this position for 30 seconds then repeat on the other side. Try doing 3 sets of this exercise.
- Roll your feet over a round object to help with heel pain. Sit down in a chair and place a round object under your foot, such as a foot roller, water bottle, or even a can of soup. Place your arch on the object for a few seconds, pressing down lightly, then roll your arch over the object, going forward and back. Keep rolling back and forth for about a minute.[9]
- Switch to the other foot when you're done.
- Strengthen your feet with a toe-towel pickup. While sitting in a chair, place a washcloth under your foot. Try to pick up the towel with just your toes. Leave your heel on the ground while you do so. You're just lifting your toes to pick up the washcloth off the ground [10]
- Once you've picked the washcloth up, release it and pick it up again, aiming for at least 10 times with each foot.
- This exercise will also increase flexibility.
- Work your calf and foot muscles with a wall push. Stand up and face the wall. Position yourself about away from the wall with your feet shoulder-width apart. Put your hands on the wall and step back with one leg, straightening it out as you do. Bend the knee on your front leg a little until you feel the calf muscle stretch out in the other leg.[11]
- Straighten the front leg again and repeat the exercise 10 times on each side.
- You can also step forward slightly with your front leg, which will bend your back leg a little.
EditTaking Preventative Measures - Balance your weight on both feet. If you lean to one side or the other, you may get poor circulation in your feet, causing more pain and stiffness. Ask your boss if it's okay for you to move things on the floor, such as cords or small rugs, so you're standing on flat ground. Also, check your balance throughout the day to make sure you're positioning your weight on both feet.[12]
- Try compression hose or socks if you have swelling. These types of socks and hose provide extra support to your ankles. They fit tightly around your feet, and they can help prevent achiness as well.[13]
- You can find these at drugstores, online, or at medical supply stores.
- Cut down on friction with 2 pairs of socks. If you have trouble with blisters, doubling up on socks may be the solution. It provides you with extra cushioning, which can reduce your chances of developing blisters. You may need to go a size up for your second pair of socks so they'll fit better over the first pair of socks.[14]
- If you do want to double up on socks, always try on shoes with double socks to see how they fit.
- Stand on a padded mat if you're standing in one place to take pressure off your feet. These mats are also called anti-fatigue mats, and they cover large areas of the floor. They provide cushioning for your feet and legs, which will provide you with some relief over a long day.[15]
- If you don't have a padded mat at work, ask your boss if you can get one. You might say, "Can I speak to you for a minute? I was wondering if you'd consider putting in anti-fatigue mats behind the counter. They don't cost very much and they prevent your employees from tiring out so quickly because they provide cushioning. That means we can work harder for you!"
EditChoosing Supportive Shoes - Get measured for shoes to ensure you choose the right size. Even if you've been measured in the past, it's a good idea to get measured again. Your feet can change over time, and if you're buying the same shoe size you always have, then you could be hurting your feet more.[16]
- Go to a shoe store that specializes in measuring feet and finding the correct fit. Try to get measured annually for shoes.
- Some chiropractors and osteopaths may have a selection of special shoes to help you with your support.
- Try shoes on before buying them to make sure they fit well. Always put shoes on and walk around in them at the store before buying them. Make sure they aren't scrunching your toes and that you have of room between your toes and the end of the shoe.[17]
- Shop for shoes after a day of work. Your feet swell throughout the day, so you want shoes that will still fit comfortably at the end of the day.
- Once you buy a pair, it's a good idea to walk around in them for a bit before trying to work in them. That way, you can see if they are painful or if they rub in a particular spot.
- Find shoes that support high arches if you have them. High arches can cause you pain if your feet aren't properly supported. When visiting a shoe store, as the clerk to help you find shoes with high arches, and you should have less pain when you wear them.[18]
- To check if the shoe will support your arch, take the insole out of the shoe, if possible, and hold it up to your foot. If it matches the contours of your foot, it's likely a good fit. If not, you may need to get another pair.[19]
- If you don't want to buy new shoes, look for shoe inserts made for people with high arches.
- Buy new insoles to customize the fit of the shoe to your feet. If you find your shoe isn't as comfortable as you'd like, insoles can help with that issue. They can lift the heels, for instance, or provide more padding as needed. Some stores even offer machines that will read your feet so you can buy the best insole for your feet.[20]
- If you don't have access to a machine that reads your feet, look at the bottom of your shoes. If you have a normal gait, they should be worn in the middle of your heel and the middle of the ball of your foot. If they're worn more to the outer edge or more to the inner edge, find insoles that will help correct that issue.
- You can find insoles online, in drug stores, or in some shoe stores.
- Consult with a podiatrist if you think you'd benefit from custom-fitted shoes. While insoles can help, if you still have a lot of pain, you may need shoes that have been made just for you. That way, they will support you in all the right ways without creating pressure points.[21]
- If you have constant foot pain or new foot pain, always go see a doctor. You may have a condition that needs medical attention.
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