| How to Clean a Genuine Leather Sheepskin Rug Posted: 09 Dec 2019 04:00 PM PST Natural sheepskin rugs are very easy to care for, and when washed properly, they can look like new again. If your rug is small and relatively new, you can wash it on a delicate cycle using your washing machine and sheepskin detergent. Otherwise, it's best to hand wash your rug, swishing it around gently in a tub with cool water and sheepskin detergent. By letting it dry flat and brushing out any knots, your sheepskin rug will be fluffy and clean in no time. [Edit]Removing Excess Dirt and Tangles - Shake your rug outside to get rid of excess dirt. Bring your rug outside and hold it over the ground, shaking it back and forth so the dust and dirt falls off. This won't remove all of the dirt, but it will help get rid of bigger chunks that aren't so ingrained into the sheepskin.[1]
- Try hitting the rug lightly with your hand to help dislodge extra dirt as well.
- Read your rug's label to see what kind of washing is recommended. Your rug should have come with a label attached to it, telling you how to properly care for the rug so it stays healthy and presentable. Read the label, looking for the recommended way to wash the rug, such as hand washing or whether it can go in the washing machine on the delicate cycle.[2]
- If you can't find the label, don't worry. Opt to hand wash the rug just to be on the safe side.
- If your rug is small, or about the size of a doormat, you can put it in the washing machine.
- If you have a larger rug, hand washing it is best. It may damage your washing machine or not wash well on a delicate cycle.
- Brush your rug before washing to remove any tangles. This will prevent your sheepskin rug from becoming matted after it's wet. Use either a regular brush or a brush specifically designed for sheepskin. Work your way across the whole rug, combing out any knots.[3]
- A wide-tooth comb works well too.
- Work slowly and gently to prevent damaging the rug.
[Edit]Washing the Sheepskin by Hand - Fill a tub with water and sheepskin detergent. Fill your bathtub or a large plastic tub with cool water. Pour in sheepskin detergent, reading the directions for the exact amount that's recommended. Avoid using a regular detergent, as this could damage your rug.[4]
- Be aware that submerging your sheepskin rug in water will likely cause it to shrink a bit.
- If you're still not sure how much detergent to use, measure out about a capful using the lid on the detergent bottle.
- Immerse your rug in the water and swish it around gently. Get as much dirt out as possible, moving the rug around in the water gently to dislodge it. You can also gently scrub any spots you see using a soft clean rag. Continue swishing the rug around in the water for roughly five minutes.[5]
- Be gentle during this process so you don't cause unnecessary matting.
- Drain the dirty water from the tub and refill it with clean water. Unplug the drain and let the dirty water drain out, holding the sheepskin rug out of the drain's way. Once all the dirty water is gone, plug the drain and refill the tub again with cool, clean water.[6]
- Add more sheepskin detergent to the water if you think the rug is still dirty, though it's best to add a smaller amount than you did the first time to make rinsing out the soap easier.
- Move the rug around in the clean water for a final rinse. Swish the rug around in the water again, removing any final remnants of dirt and detergent. Use your hands to gently rub the rug, helping to remove soap and dirt.[7]
- If you notice that the water is getting dirty again, drain and refill the bath. Do this as many times as is necessary until the water stays pretty clean.
[Edit]Using Alternative Cleaning Methods - Wash small rugs on a delicate cycle using sheepskin detergent. This works well for rugs that are roughly the size of a doormat. Put the rug in the washing machine and refer to the bottle of sheepskin detergent for how much detergent to add to the washing machine. Wash the rug on a delicate cycle, making sure not to use hot water.[8]
- Use a detergent specifically for sheepskin so it doesn't damage your rug.
- Hot water is bad for the leather in the rug, causing it to shrink or harden.
- Sheepskin detergents, which can be found online or in a cleaning store, are often very concentrated so you won't need to use as much as you would a regular detergent.
- Spot-clean the rug if you don't want it to shrink. The rug might get smaller if it's submerged in water. To prevent this, use a clean rag and some sheepskin detergent to wash the rug without putting it all the way in water. Dampen the rag with cool water and detergent, and gently scrub the rug going in the direction of the fur. Then, use a clean rag dampened with water to remove excess detergent.[9]
- Continue rinsing out your rag and gently scrubbing the area until the dirt is gone.
- Take the rug to a dry cleaner if it's dyed. Washing a dyed sheepskin rug by hand or in the washing machine could ruin the color. In this case, it's best to take the rug to a professional dry cleaner to maintain its appearance.[10]
[Edit]Drying the Sheepskin Rug - Remove the rug from the tub or washer and gently squeeze out water. Hold up the rug over the tub or sink and squeeze sections one at a time to get rid of excess water. Be careful not to twist the rug and wring it out, as this may affect its natural shape once it's dry.[11]
- Continue squeezing the rug until it's damp but not dripping.
- Use a towel to remove excess water for a gentler approach. If you don't feel comfortable squeezing your rug, take it out of the bathtub or washer and lay it out on the floor. Blot the rug using the clean towel, helping to soak up extra water. Keep doing this until the rug is no longer dripping with water.[12]
- Line the floor with a large towel to avoid getting the floor soaking wet.
- You could even do this after you've squeezed excess water out to speed up the drying process.
- Lay the rug flat to dry in a warm environment. Avoid putting the rug in an area where it's in direct heat, such as in the sun or right next to a fireplace or heater. Place a towel down on the ground to absorb the excess moisture, and spread out the rug in its natural shape. Let the rug dry in this position for a few hours.[13]
- Hanging the rug to dry isn't recommended because this stretches out the skin.
- When the rug is dry, it will feel stiff.
- Placing the rug in direct sunlight or near a strong heat source can ruin the shape of the rug.
- Brush the rug throughout the drying process to soften it. Some people like to comb out the rug when it's still wet, while others wait until it's completely dry before combing it out. Consider brushing the rug when it's wet with a large-tooth comb, and then again when it's dry using a sheepskin brush to make it extra fluffy.[14]
- A pet brush works well to brush the rug when it's dry, making it fluff up more.
- If your rug is yellow, washing it won't fix the discoloring, as this is caused by sunlight and age.
- If something spills on your rug, act quickly to blot up the stain before it sets in.
- It's best to wash your sheepskin rug in the spring, summer, or autumn months when it can dry naturally outside (but not in direct hot sunlight).
[Edit]Warnings - Submerging your rug in water will cause it to shrink.
- Don't put your rug in the dryer on a tumble dry setting.
- It's risky to wash a sheepskin rug that's more than 15 years old, as the leather may fall apart.
- Never use regular laundry detergent on your sheepskin rug.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Wide-tooth comb
- Brush (a sheepskin brush or a pet brush)
- Sheepskin detergent
- Bathtub or large plastic tub
- Clean rag
- Large clean towels
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Take CBD Oil Posted: 09 Dec 2019 08:00 AM PST If you're dealing with issues like pain, anxiety, insomnia, or seizures, you might be interested in using cannabidiol (CBD) oil to find relief. CBD oil is found in cannabis plants and is typically derived from hemp. While CBD is a component of marijuana, it won't get you high like THC. Additionally, CBD oil is now legal to buy, sell, and use in many areas, though you'll need to check the laws where you live.[1] You have several options for administering CBD oil, and it may take some experimentation to figure out how much works best for you. However, check with your doctor before using CBD oil and if you're treating seizures or have side effects. [Edit]Administering CBD Oil - Take CBD oil capsules for a simple option that's easy to measure. If you want a convenient, easy way to use CBD oil, capsules may be your best option. Check the label on your capsules to get the recommended dose, then take them as directed. You'll likely start to notice effects in about 30 minutes.[2]
- Capsules typically don't provide relief as quickly as other CBD oil delivery methods. However, they're easier to use and convenient to carry with you. Additionally, capsules ensure you're getting the same dose each time.
- Look for capsules at a drugstore, a dispensary, or online.
- Put a tincture under your tongue to feel the effects fast. Shake the tincture bottle well to mix the ingredients, then use an eyedropper to measure out 1-2 drops of CBD tincture. Squeeze the drops under your tongue and hold the tincture in place for 30 seconds before swallowing.[3]
- If your tincture comes in a spray bottle, spritz it once on the inside of each cheek.
- A tincture can start working in as little as 15 minutes, but you'll likely start feeling the effects in about 30 minutes.
- Tinctures often come in different flavors to make them tastier.
- Use a topical massage oil to treat chronic pain at the site. CBD topical oils typically contain both CBD oil and a carrier, such as coconut oil or beeswax. A massage oil is great for treating achy muscles and joints, as well as chronic pain. Put the massage oil on your fingers, then use your fingers to massage the oil directly onto the area you want to treat. Make circular motions on your skin as you apply the oil.[4]
- You may notice less pain immediately, but it's more common to get relief in 30 minutes to a few hours. However, keep in mind that some people don't get relief from CBD oil.
- If you don't like the first oil you try, consider using a different product. You might buy a massage oil that has a higher concentration of CBD oil or a different carrier. For instance, CBD oil diluted with coconut oil might work better for you than CBD oil mixed with beeswax.
- Consume CBD oil edibles if you don't mind waiting for the effects. You might enjoy munching on CBD candies, treats, and other food products. Check the serving size directions, then eat your edible as directed. While these products are usually fun and easy to use, they may not work as well as other CBD products because they go through your digestive system. You'll likely feel more relaxed in about 2-4 hours, but it's possible edibles won't work for you.[5]
- It typically takes about 2-4 hours for your body to digest enough of the product for the CBD oil to enter your bloodstream. However, sometimes the food can mask the CBD effects in your body, as everyone is different. If edibles sound fun to you, try them to see if they provide the effects you want.
- Vape CBD oil to feel calm and relaxed quickly. Smoking CBD oil is the quickest way to feel the effects. The easiest way to smoke it is to use a vape pen, which heats the CBD oil into a vapor that you can inhale. Purchase a vape pen battery and CBD oil cartridge from a smoke shop, dispensary, or online. Then, follow the directions on your vape pen battery to smoke the contents of the cartridge.[6]
- Vape pen batteries are the base of a vape pen, while the cartridge is the part that contains what you're smoking.
- You might feel the effects of CBD oil within 30 seconds of inhaling it.
[Edit]Getting the Right Dose - Ask your doctor for a dosage recommendation. Your doctor is your best resource for dosing instructions, especially if you're treating a medical condition. Tell your doctor that you want to try CBD oil, then ask what products they recommend. Finally, talk to them about their dosage recommendation.[7]
- Your doctor may be able to recommend a particular brand.
- Be open with your doctor about your chosen delivery method. They may recommend you avoid methods that might aggravate a medical condition that you have. For instance, they might recommend that you avoid vaping if you have asthma.
- Check the dosing instructions on the label of a commercial product. Most CBD products come with instructions for dosing. Read the product directions carefully to make sure you're using it correctly. Additionally, don't exceed the recommended dosage on the label, even if you don't get the results you want.[8]
- It's possible that some CBD products will work for you, while others won't. Don't try to take more a product that isn't working. Instead, switch to a different product.
- Try an online calculator if you want a more precise dose. Do a quick online search for CBD dosing calculators, which are typically offered by sites that sell CBD products. Then, enter how many mL of oil the bottle has, how many mg of CBD oil the product contains, and how much you weigh. Using this information, the calculator will estimate how much oil you need in each dose.[9]
- If you buy your CBD oil online, check the website to see if they have their own calculator. This will help you get the most accurate dosing.
- Use the smallest dose that provides you relief. You may need to experiment a bit to find the right dose for your needs. Start with the smallest dose for your product, such as 1 drop of tincture, 1 puff of vapor, or 1 gummy edible. See how that dose affects you. If you don't get the results you want, increase your dose and try again.[10]
- You may need to experiment with dosing with each different product that you try. For instance, 2 different tinctures may have different concentrations of CBD oil, meaning you'll need to figure out your best dose for each one.
[Edit]When to Seek Medical Care - Call your doctor if you experience any side effects. While it's rare, CBD oil may cause side effects, especially if you take a large dose. Usually, side effects are mild and go away on their own. However, consult your doctor to make sure you don't need treatment if you experience the following side effects:[11]
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- Get a prescription for CBD oil if you're treating seizures. While CBD oil is an effective anti-seizure medication, the products available in stores may not be effective. Your doctor can prescribe Epidiolex, a CBD treatment that's proven to treat seizures. Unfortunately, over-the-counter treatments typically aren't safe to use for treating seizure disorders. Visit your doctor to get the CBD treatment that's right for you condition.[12]
- Use your CBD oil according to your doctor's directions to treat your seizure disorder.
- Talk to your doctor before using CBD oil. While CBD oil is generally safe, it's not right for everyone. It might worsen certain conditions and may interact with some drugs, including blood thinners. Talk to your doctor to make sure it's safe for you to use CBD oil before trying it.[13]
- Tell your doctor what you plan to use CBD oil to treat.
- CBD oil is now legal in many places, but some areas still have laws that prohibit it. Check that it's legal in your area before you purchase it.[14]
- While there's scientific support that CBD oil helps seizure disorders and may help with pain, anxiety, and depression, there's no proof that it helps treat other conditions.[15]
[Edit]Warnings - Check with your doctor before you use any natural treatments, including CBD oil. It can interfere with certain medications and may worsen some conditions.[16]
[Edit]References |
| How to Become a Farmers Market Vendor Posted: 09 Dec 2019 12:00 AM PST Farmers' markets have grown in popularity and become important places for people to buy their food. Shoppers enjoy having access to fresh food and meeting the people who produced it. If you run a farming or agriculture business, you can expand your business considerably if you become a vendor at a farmers' market. Investigate the different markets around your area and determine which is best for you. Then submit all your application materials. If you're chosen, select your best products, make an eye-catching sign, and interact with your customers. If you make a good impression, you can earn lifelong customers for your business. [Edit]Finding the Right Market - Search for farmers' markets near you. As a first step, find out if there are any farmers' markets near you. If you already know of local markets, then you don't have to do much searching. Otherwise, you have many options for finding one.
- The US Department of Agriculture keeps a directory of all the farmers' markets in the country. Find one near you by typing your zip code into https://www.ams.usda.gov/local-food-directories/farmersmarkets.
- You could also search "farmers' market near" your town name to find locations.
- You can travel to a farmers' market, but keep in mind that your products have to stay fresh on a long car ride. If you have products that perish quickly, consider sticking with closer markets.
- Determine what vendor category you fall under. Farmers' markets usually host a multitude of vendors, ranging from farmers to artisans to beekeepers. The application will likely ask your category so the market can place you properly. Know what you produce and what you'll be bringing to the market to categorize yourself properly.[1]
- Common categories include: producers, usually applying to farmers and ranchers; value added, for people who use raw and local ingredients to make food; prepared food, for bakers or chefs who use non-local or store-bought ingredients; and artisans, for people who make crafts.
- Some markets specialize in particular vendor types. Check if a market you're considering has a particular vendor need, or if anyone can apply.
- Compare farmers' markets that appeal to you. You will probably have several choices for which markets to apply to, and they each may offer different advantages. Think carefully about the strengths and drawbacks of each location to decide which market is best for you. For example, one market may specialize in the product you sell, but be very far from your farm. Another might be closer to you, but charge a higher fee. These are all factors you should weigh when making your decision.[2]
- Stay organized by making a spreadsheet and plugging in relevant information about every market you're considering. Important information could include the location, commuting time, fee, and required application materials.
- Pay particular attention to the fees each market charges. The point of selling at a farmers' market is making money, so keep all expenditures within your budget. Otherwise you could end up losing money by participating.
- Gather the necessary paperwork and submit the market application. All markets may have different application processes that they usually list on their websites. They often ask for some of the same documents, however. Common materials include an application form, a copy of your business license, proof of your business insurance, and a signed vendor agreement. Ready all of these materials ahead of time before submitting.[3]
- If you haven't already, register your farm as a business before applying to farmers' markets because most markets require you to be a legal business.
- Look into obtaining business insurance as well, since your farm usually needs insurance before it can sell at the market.
- Remember that each farmers' market has its own deadline for applications. If you miss this deadline, you will have to wait until next year to sell at the market. Keep track of the submission dates and have all your paperwork ready for the application.[4]
- Plan your commute to the market location. Location is important when considering farmers' markets because in many cases, you'll be transporting perishable items. If you'll be traveling long distances, make sure you have a truck with refrigeration to prevent food from spoiling on the trip. Distance in also important because if you run out of inventory, you'll have to restock. If you have a 4 hour trip back to your farm, this will be difficult.[5]
- Calculate your transportation costs as well. High gas prices can cut into your profit margin.
- Also consider the travel time. Will you have to get up at 3 AM every day to be there when the market opens? Is this something you want to do?
- Contact the market manager if you have any questions. Even after you look into a farmers' market, you may still have questions. In this case, don't hesitate to reach out to the market manager. They are responsible for making sure the market runs smoothly and would be happy to answer any uncertainties you might have.[6]
- The market website may list someone's name and contact information, or it may just give you a general phone number. In either case, state your question clearly to increase you chances of receiving a sufficient answer.
[Edit]Preparing to Become a Vendor - Find out what your booth size will be. This information is important so you will know how much inventory you can fit in your tent. Find out early on how much space you have so you can plan your inventory accordingly.[7]
- A common lot at farmers' markets is by . Use this as a reference for how much inventory you can bring.
- When you do find out your booth size, calculate how much inventory you can fit in your tent. You want to strike a balance between offering as many products as you can while still looking presentable and orderly.
- Figuring out the ideal amount of inventory to pack is a learning process. You can look up how many visitors per day the market received in past years to get an idea of how many customers you might have. Adjust your approach if you need to. For example, if your cart sells out by noon one day, plan to pack more inventory the next day.
- Practice setting up and breaking down your tent. The day the market starts is not the time to have any unexpected problems. Make sure you know how to smoothly set up your tent and any other equipment so you can get started selling right away.[8]
- Markets usually have regulations on how tents should be weighed down and secured. Conform to all of these rules for everyone's safety.
- Make sure everyone who will be running your booth is capable of setting up and breaking down the tent as well. If you're sick one day, you may need someone else to fill in for you.
- Also make sure any equipment you'll be using is in working order too. If you'll be using refrigerators, sinks, or stoves, practice setting them up and make sure they work.
- Select only your best products for the market. No matter what you sell, you want your customers to see the very best from your farm. Sort your products carefully and remove any damaged or undesirable ones.[9]
- If you sell produce, find the largest and most colorful examples to attract customers. Wash them with cold running water to give them a shine.
[Edit]Selling at the Market - Get to the market in time for opening. Farmers' markets open early, usually no later than 8 AM. Arrive before opening time so you have time to set up. This way, your booth will be ready when customers start arriving.[10]
- Dress appropriately as well. Read the weather reports and know what to expect. If it will be warm in the morning but rainy in the afternoon, plan accordingly by bringing a jacket you can wear.
- Create an eye-catching display. There is a lot of competition at farmers' markets, so you have to try and stand out. Remember that selling at the market is an advertisement for your business. Hopefully, if people like your products, it will bring you more sales. Work hard to design an appealing display so customers want to stop and look at your products.[11]
- Start with a large, colorful sign. Put your farm name and business logo on this sign so all visitors can clearly see who you are. Remember to follow any rules about sign sizing.
- Use smaller signs to describe what makes your products unique. For instance, "Just picked this morning!" will appeal to people looking for the freshest food.
- Arrange your products so they look neat and orderly for your customers. Don't just throw things around. This will make your display look sloppy. Customers prefer a well-organized stand.
- Set a good price for your products. Pricing your products can be difficult, but it's extremely important. If your prices are too high, you'll drive customers away. If they're too low, you'll lose money. There is a lot to consider when pricing items.[12]
- Calculate exactly how much the item cost you to produce. Then add a percentage on top of that so you make a decent profit.
- Look around the market and see what other vendors are offering for similar products. If your prices are much higher than your competition, you will lose business to them.
- Consider offering deals for larger purchases. For example, your price could be $1 for or $2.50 for . This could entice customers to buy more than they would normally.
- Communicate politely with all customers. Practice good customer service so your farm has a good reputation. Greet all customers and talk with them politely. Always thank them for coming, even if they don't buy anything.[13]
- Having light conversations with customers is a good thing, but keep it short if the market is busy. Other customers who want to buy something could get angry if you ignore them.
- Be polite to the other vendors too! Although you are technically competing with them, there's no reason you shouldn't be kind and courteous to your neighbors.
- Remove products that begin looking lower-quality. Your inventory should look fresh and new through the day. Monitor your inventory periodically and see if any products are no longer looking their best. Brown spots on produce, for example, will turn customers off. Swap these out for a fresher replacement.[14]
- Have backup inventory in your truck or stored in your tent. This way, you can easily replace damaged inventory.
- Consider offering a sale for older items to attract customers looking for a deal.
- Provide samples if the market allows you to. Free samples are a great way to attract attention to your booth. If you sell food items, consider handing out some small samples to show people the quality of your product.[15]
- Wear gloves and wash any food samples thoroughly before giving them to a customer.
- Some farmers' markets don't allow samples for sanitary or legal reasons. Don't do this if your market doesn't allow it.
- Keep your money box in a safe place. You'll be handling a lot of cash at a farmers' market. Keep track of all of it, especially your money box. Lock it when it's not in use, and never leave it unattended. If you need to step away for any reason, leave the money with someone you trust completely.[16]
- This is why you should always bring a partner or assistant to the market with you. You can both take turns watching the booth and money when one of you needs a food or bathroom break.
- Also try to get set up to accept credit and debit cards, if your farmers' market allows it. Many people don't carry much cash, and you could miss out on sales if you can't accept credit or debit payments.
[Edit]Getting More Business Beyond the Market - Hand out business cards at your booth. A well-designed business card can catch a customer's eye and make them remember you. Leave a stack on your booth for people to take. Also place them in the bag when a customer makes a purchase. This can help attract repeat customers who were happy with your products.[17]
- A business card should have your farm name, address, contact information, and social media pages.
- Don't forget to design an appealing logo. If you aren't a good designer yourself, see if any of your friends have design skills. There are also websites like Fiverr where you can look for freelancers to design your logo.
- Create an email list. Email lists are a great way to stay connected with customers. Leave a piece of paper on your booth inviting customers to write their name and email address. Give it an alluring title like "Hear about all our great deals!" Then plug these emails into your email list.[18]
- Use this email list to announce any promotions, sales, or activities you'll be doing at your farm.
- Don't overuse the email list, however. Limit your emails to a few times a month at most. Otherwise people may get annoyed and unsubscribe.
- Ask customers to follow and share you on social media. A huge amount of advertising is done on social media now. Display your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest accounts and invite customers to post on your page. If they take pictures, ask them to tag you.[19]
- Don't be shy about asking your customers for reviews. This is your business. Advertise it!
- If you have ever won awards for your product, bring them and display them so everyone can see your accomplishments.
- It is possible to sell at more than one market, but you'll need a team to do this. Recruit people you can trust to run your different stands.
- Don't forget to bring food and water with you when you're at the market too.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Tent, canopy, large umbrella
- Display table, trestle table, folding table, stacked boxes
- Produce
- Signs and labels
- Licenses or certification (where relevant)
- Transportation vehicles, trailer
- Change and a bum-pack to carry your money on your body
- Calculator, possibly attached to the counter
- Carry bags (optional)
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
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