| How to Become a Medical Physicist Posted: 12 Mar 2020 05:00 PM PDT A medical physicist is a technician who works with medical imaging technology to map out parts of the human body. Medical physicists aren't medical doctors, but work closely with doctors in diagnosing and treating patients. A medical physicist's salary is usually much higher than physicists working in universities or research institutions, making this an attractive career choice for many people interested in natural science.[1] To start this career path, pursue a college degree in physics and a master's degree in medical physics. If you want to work in a university, continue on to a PhD. Then complete a 2-year residency to gain practical knowledge in the field. Complete 3 tests from the American Board of Radiology to get board-certified and practice as a licensed medical physicist. [Edit]Completing the Educational Requirements - Major in physics for your undergraduate work. The first step in becoming a medical physicist is establishing a firm background in physics. There are no undergraduate degrees in medical physics, so most students complete a BS in physics with some life science or medical electives to prepare them for graduate work. Earn your physics degree for an important step towards becoming a medical physicist.[2]
- Take courses that involve laboratory and research work as well. You'll be a stronger candidate for graduate programs if you have hands-on experience like this outside the classroom.
- If you didn't major in physics, a bachelor's degree in engineering or a similar natural science could also qualify you for graduate study in medical physics.
- Even though there are no undergraduate degrees in medical physics, some schools give recommended tracks to design a course program for students who want to pursue graduate work in medical physics. See if your school offers this service, or find a sample course track online.[3]
- If you're at all unsure on what courses will prepare you for graduate work in medical physics, speak with an adviser at your college.
- Apply to CAMPEP-accredited Master's degree programs in medical physics. The Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs (CAMPEP) is responsible for certifying medical physics graduate programs. Explore certified MS programs and find out the admissions requirements for each. Usually, programs require your transcripts, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Some may also require an interview. Keep track of each program's requirements and due dates so you submit all your applications correctly.[4]
- Highlight any lab or non-classroom experience you have in your personal statement. Medical physics is a hands-on field, so graduate programs will like to see candidates with hands-on experience.
- Keep your grades up during college to increase your chances of getting into graduate school. Many graduate programs require at least a 3.0 GPA for entry.
- For a current list of graduate programs offering medical physics degrees, visit http://www.campep.org/campeplstgrad.asp.
- Complete your MS degree in medical physics. Master's programs in medical physics require 2 years of full-time study. Starting in the fall, these programs provide a rigorous schedule of classwork and practical lab or internship duties. At the end of the program, you may have to write a master's thesis or take a comprehensive exam. Work through the program to obtain your MS degree in medical physics.[5]
- Always work with your program adviser to design your program so you know the correct courses to take for your degree.
- Some universities require an internship during the program as well. This provides hands-on training in the field and will help you build experience to find a job.
- Programs require either a master's thesis or a comprehensive exam to complete your master's degree. Some give you a choice, and some require one or the other. Follow your program's requirements to complete the degree.
- Pursue a PhD if you want to enter university work. For most jobs in the medical physics field, an MS degree is all you need for entry. But if you want to work at a university, either as a teacher or a researcher, you'll probably need a PhD. Find CAMPEP-accredited PhD programs, just like you did for your MS, and apply for entry. PhD programs usually require 30 more credits of coursework, a comprehensive examination, and a detailed research project that results in your written dissertation. This could all be 3-5 years or more of work. When you finish, you'll be qualified to hold university positions in medical physics.[6]
- Make sure your career goals require a PhD before making the commitment. You may be able to work with only an MS, meaning you won't need several more years of schooling.
- A PhD may also open new career opportunities in industry work as well. The degree isn't required for entry-level work, but it may qualify you for promotions and pay raises later on. If you feel like your career reached a plateau, a doctorate may open new doors.
[Edit]Getting Board Certification - Take part 1 of the American Board of Radiology (ABR) certification test. After you complete your MS degree, you're qualified to take part one of the ABR's certification test. This is a knowledge test based on the material in your MS coursework. The ABR accepts applications for the exam in the fall, and tests are administered at a Pearson testing center. Study and pass this test to move on in the certification process.[7]
- Complete a residency to qualify for full board certification. After completing your MS degree, you're qualified for residency programs. These 2-year programs give you practical experience working in a clinical setting. This training prepares you to practice as a medical physicist independently. It also qualifies you to take the next 2 parts of the ABR certification test to become fully certified.[8]
- The CAMPEP also accredits residency programs. For CAMPEP-approved residencies, visit https://www.campep.org/campeplstres.asp.
- Different programs may have different application requirements and timelines. Investigate all the programs you're interested in and keep track of their different requirements.
- Residencies are competitive, and most programs only let in 1 or 2 residents per year. Apply to multiple programs to increase your chances of being matched.
- Pass part 2 of the ABR certification test. After completing your residency, you're qualified to take the second part of the ABR test. This is a practical test based on the knowledge you'll gain in your residency. Questions cover working diagnostic machinery and applying therapeutic treatments. Apply for the exam when you're finished with your residency and visit a nearby Pearson testing center to take it. If you pass, you'll be able to take part 3 for full certification.[9]
- Get board-certified by passing the oral ABR test. Part 3 of the ABR test is an oral exam. Testers will ask you to apply the knowledge you've gained through your education to real-world problems. They are testing your practical problem-solving ability and communication skills. Apply for the exam on the ABR website. You'll receive an invitation to take the exam 5 months before the exam date. Spend that time studying so you're prepared. When you pass your oral exam, you'll receive full board certification to practice as a medical physicist.[10]
- Find medical physicist jobs by searching online job boards. Once you're board certified, you can work independently as a medical physicist. Jobs are posted on internet job boards for specialized medical physics websites, as well as normal job sites like Monster. Find postings and submit your application materials to get a job in medical physics.[11]
- Professional organizations like the American Institute of Physics and the American Association of Physicists in Medicine usually post jobs on their websites. Start on these sites for postings tailored to your expertise.
- You can also search job postings at particular hospitals or universities. Some may not appear on other websites.
- Remember to call some of your old professors, bosses, or contacts that you met throughout your education. They may know about job openings that aren't posted yet.
[Edit]References |
| How to Deal with Feeling Overwhelmed Posted: 12 Mar 2020 09:00 AM PDT Being overwhelmed can leave you feeling exhausted, defeated, and stressed to the max. Fortunately, you might be able to lift your emotional load so you can feel better. When you're feeling overwhelmed, calm yourself down by removing stimuli and activating your body's relaxation response. Then, use thought exercises to help you regain your sense of control and change your work habits so you don't feel overloaded. [Edit]Calming Yourself Down - Sit in a quiet space that's free of distractions to calm down your senses. If you're already overwhelmed, any stimulus can make it worse, including things like TV shows, music, and noises from your environment. To help yourself feel calmer, go somewhere you can turn off all distractions and sit in a quiet space. Stay there for at least 5 minutes or until you feel calmer.[1]
- If you can, go outside and sit on a bench by yourself.
- If you're at work, close the door to your office or go to the restroom to be alone.
- If you're at home, lie down on your bed for 5-10 minutes.
- Meditate for 10-15 minutes to clear your mind. Meditating can instantly calm you down because it clears your mind and helps you improve your breathing. For a simple meditation, sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. When your mind wanders, gently bring it back to your breath. Sit in meditation for at least 10 minutes to help you feel calmer.[2]
- If you're having trouble focusing on your breath, try counting each breath so your mind doesn't wander.
- If you prefer a guided meditation, look for 1 online or download a free meditation app, like Insight Timer, Headspace, or Calm.
- Use breathing exercises to activate your body's relaxation response. When you feel stressed and overwhelmed, your chest might feel tight and your breathing may naturally get faster. Slowing your breaths to a natural rhythm helps you naturally feel calmer, so do breathing exercises to help you relax. Here are some breathing exercises you can try:[3]
- Do "om" breathing: Breathe in slowly through your nose, then say "om" or hum as you exhale through your mouth.
- Do abdominal breathing: Lie down and place 1 hand on your chest and the other on your stomach. Slowly inhale through your nose to draw air into your abdomen, causing your stomach to rise. Then, slowly exhale through puckered lips. Repeat for 5 minutes.
- Perform rhythmic breathing: Breathe in to a count of 5, then hold your breath for a 5 count. Finally, slowly exhale to a count of 5. Repeat for 5 breaths.[4]
- Go for a walk outdoors to calm your body and mind. Being in nature helps you instantly feel more calm, and being physically active releases mood-boosting hormones that can counter your stress response. When you're feeling overwhelmed, go outside for a quick break. Walk for at least 5 minutes.[5]
- If you can, walk for 30 minutes to get the full benefits of physical activity. However, it's better to go for a short 5-minute walk during a break than to not go at all.
- Clean up your work space to help you feel calmer. Clutter and disorganization can add to your feelings of being overwhelmed. Remove items that you don't need at the moment and place them out of sight, such as in a cabinet. Then, straighten and organize the materials you need out on your work space. This will help you feel less stressed by your environment.[6]
- Write in a journal to help you process your thoughts. Journaling for a few minutes may help you release your stress or process the thoughts that are overwhelming you. Write about how you're feeling right now and what you might be able to change to help you feel better. As you write, try to identify actions you can take to help you feel less overwhelmed.[7]
- Writing down your thoughts helps you work through your emotions, relieve your stress, and prioritize your concerns.[8]
- You might write, "It seems like everyone wants too much from me, and I don't think I can say 'no.' I have so much to do that I don't even know where to start. I need help to get all this done. Plus, I think I need a break so I can get my thoughts together."
[Edit]Regaining Your Sense of Control - Replace negative thoughts with positive self-talk. Your inner critic can add to your feelings of being overwhelmed by pointing out all of your perceived faults. Fortunately, it's possible to quiet this negative voice and replace it with empowering thoughts. When you catch yourself having a negative thought, challenge that thought with facts. Then, replace the negative thought with something neutral or positive.[9]
- As an example, let's say you catch yourself thinking, "I'll never get all this done." Challenge this thought by reminding yourself of times you've completed difficult tasks in the past or by reminding yourself that it's okay to focus on the priority tasks if there's too much on your plate. You might replace that thought with something like, "I will finish if I persevere," or "I'm going to do my best and trust that it's enough."
- Similarly, you might catch yourself thinking, "I'm letting everyone down." To counter this thought, list all the ways you've helped your family or friends, as well as what they've done for you. Then, tell yourself something like, "My family and friends know I care about them," and "Most of this pressure is coming from myself, not my family. I need to treat myself with the love I give them."
- List 5 things you're thankful for to help redirect your thinking. When you're feeling overwhelmed, you might feel like everything is an obstacle. However, you likely have a lot of blessings in your life. Counter your negative emotions by practicing gratitude. Write down or say aloud 5 things that you're grateful for to remind yourself of positive things in your life.[10]
- You might say, "I'm grateful for my best friend, my cat, my comfy bed, my delicious lunch, and time to pursue my hobbies."
- Complete an easy task to give you an instant mood boost. Pick a small task or something you enjoy to check off your to-do list. Don't worry about whether or not it's a priority task. Just focus on accomplishing something so you feel empowered to tackle the tasks that are making you feel overwhelmed.[11]
- Having a sense of accomplishment can help you shake the feeling of being overwhelmed.
- For instance, make an important phone call, send an email, file some paperwork, wash a load of laundry, or make your bed.
- Practice mindfulness to stay grounded in the present moment. Being in the present helps you avoid being overwhelmed by worries about the future or concerns about the past. To be more mindful, engage your 5 senses of sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. This can help you focus on what's happening now rather than what's causing you worry. Here are some ways to engage your senses:[12]
- Sight: Describe your environment or pick out all of the blue items.
- Sound: Pick out the sounds you hear in your environment or turn on instrumental music.
- Smell: Focus on the scents around you or sniff an essential oil.
- Touch: Notice how your body feels sitting or walking or feel the texture of an item in your environment.
- Taste: Stick your tongue out to taste the air, eat a candy, or sip on tea.
- Let go of the idea of perfection because it's an impossible goal. The need for perfection is a common cause of feeling overwhelmed. It's not possible to be perfect, so stop holding yourself to such a high standard. When setting expectations for yourself, act like you're addressing a friend.[13]
- Try focusing on what you've accomplished, not on what you didn't. With a work project, you might list things like, "reached a project milestone" and "outlined a course of action." If you're overwhelmed in your relationship, you might remind yourself that you've "worked on your communication" and "scheduled a date night." If you feel overwhelmed as a parent, you might remind yourself, "my kids are happy and well-cared for" and "I always tell my kids how much I love them."
- Talk to other people in your position to help you recognize reasonable expectations.
- Work with a therapist if you constantly feel overwhelmed. While everyone feels overwhelmed at times, you shouldn't feel that way all the time. If you do, talk to a therapist about how you feel and what you can do to change it. They'll teach you new ways of thinking and behaving that can help you feel less overwhelmed.[14]
- Ask your doctor for a referral to a therapist or look for 1 online.
- Your therapy appointments may be covered by insurance, so check your benefits.
[Edit]Changing Your Habits - Make a list of the concerns that are overwhelming you. Write down everything that is on your mind, such as tasks you need to do, worries that you have, or upcoming deadlines. Put a star next to the things that are bothering you the most. Getting these thoughts out on paper may help you feel better. Additionally, it helps you identify what you need to prioritize.[15]
- It's okay to make multiple lists if that helps you sort out your thoughts. For instance, you might decide to make a "to-do list" and a "worries" list.
- Prioritize what's most important so you can narrow your to-do list. You may be overwhelmed because you're trying to do too much. To help you decide what's essential and what's not, rank everything on your to-do list. Then, identify the items that must get done. If you have any extra time, add a few of your "nice to get done" tasks to the list.[16]
- Put the full list in a place where it's out of sight. This will help you relax because you've gotten it all out on paper but aren't looking at it constantly.
- Set time limits for big tasks and projects. It's easy for your schedule to get dominated by time-consuming activities, which can be super stressful for you. Protect your time by blocking off hours to work on these tasks. This leaves you time to complete the other tasks on your to-do list.[17]
- For example, let's say you're working on a big project at work. You might block off most of your workday for that project, but don't think about it when you're at home.
- Similarly, you might be planning a wedding. Set aside 1-2 hour blocks of time to work on the details, but don't worry about it when you're at work or spending time with friends and family.
- Focus on 1 task at a time instead of multitasking. You might feel like multitasking helps you accomplish more, but it actually slows you down. Not only does it make it harder for you to get things done, multi-tasking also increases your stress. Stop trying to do multiple things at once. Just focus on 1 task at a time.[18]
- Similarly, don't jump from task to task. Complete 1 task before you start another one.
- Say "no" when something isn't a priority to you or you lack time. It's likely that people are going to ask you for your time. It's okay to say "yes" to things that are important to you. However, start saying "no" when you don't really want to do something or you just don't have time for it. This will help you avoid overscheduling yourself.[19]
- For instance, say "no" to volunteer duties you don't have time for or to an invitation to attend a party if you know you need some down time.
- Ask for help when you need it. Everyone needs help sometimes, so don't be afraid to reach out to others when you're overwhelmed. Similarly, delegate tasks when you're able to do so. This allows you to take things off your plate so you're less overwhelmed.[20]
- For instance, you might delegate tasks at work or ask your coworkers for assistance. Similarly, split up the housework if you live with someone or pay someone to help you get the chores done.
- Make sure you're taking good care of yourself. Feeling overwhelmed might be a sign that you're physically or emotionally tired.
[Edit]Warnings - While it's normal to occasionally feel overwhelmed, feeling constantly overwhelmed might be a sign that you have an underlying mental health condition, like anxiety. Talk to a counselor or therapist to make sure you get help if you need it.
[Edit]References |
| How to Make Your Own Multi Purpose Cleaner Posted: 12 Mar 2020 01:00 AM PDT Making a multi-purpose cleaner is often cheaper than buying pre-made formulas. You can make your own cleaning formulas using common household products like hydrogen peroxide, pine oil, and sodium borate. If you want to go a more natural route, you can use vinegar and essential oils. An ammonia solution is best to clean heavy grime stuck on a variety of indoor and outdoor surfaces. Choose a homemade recipe based on the products you typically keep in your home and the types of materials you plan to clean. [Edit]Ingredients [Edit]Using Hydrogen Peroxide - of hydrogen peroxide (3%)
- of water
- of lemon juice (or 2 to 3 lemons)
[Edit]Making Heavy-Duty Disinfectant - of hot water
- of powdered laundry detergent (bleach-free)
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of sodium borate (Borax)
- of pine cleaning oil (8% to 12%)
[Edit]Creating Natural Scented Cleaner - of hot water
- of powdered laundry detergent (bleach-free)
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of sodium borate (Borax)
- of pine cleaning oil (8% to 12%)
- White vinegar
- Water
- Citrus rind (optional; lemon or orange peels)
- Essential oils (optional; lavender, tea tree, sweet orange, eucalyptus)
[Edit]Cleaning with an Ammonia Solution - of water
- of sudsy ammonia
[Edit]Using Hydrogen Peroxide - Fill an opaque spray bottle with of 3% hydrogen peroxide. Choose a non-clear spray bottle that can hold at least of liquid and pour in of hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is known to have disinfectant qualities, so it a perfect ingredient for killing household bacteria.[1]
- Most hydrogen peroxide blends sold at drugstores are 3% concentrations, but check the label just in case.
- It's important to use an opaque spray bottle because light can cause the hydrogen peroxide to decompose into water over time.
- Add of water to the bottle. Use a measuring cup to measure out of room temperature water and pour it into the bottle. Diluting hydrogen peroxide is necessary because inhaling fumes from straight hydrogen peroxide can irritate your lungs.[2]
- Use warm or hot water if you plan to use all or most of the cleaning solution right away on floors or other large areas. Hot or warm water will slightly increase the solutions bacteria-killing power.
- Pour in of lemon juice and shake the bottle. Use the same measuring cup to measure out of bottled lemon juice and pour it into the spray bottle. Screw the spray head onto the bottle and shake the solution to combine the ingredients. The acid in the lemon juice will add a fresh scent to your solution and help disintegrate scum and grime.[3]
- Lemon juice can kill bacteria like salmonella and E. coli.
- You can also squeeze 2 or 3 medium lemons to extract of juice.
- Shake the solution and use it on porcelain, hardwood, and granite surfaces. Use the cleaning solution to disinfect and clean mildew off of porcelain toilets, sinks, bathtubs, and showers. It will also disinfect granite, sandstone, slate, and quartzite kitchen or bathroom countertops. Hydrogen peroxide cleaner is especially effective on hardwood floors because it can remove stains while keeping the wood free from moisture in the process.[4]
- Let the solution sit on the surface for 2 or 3 minutes before you wipe it away for extra sanitization.
- A hydrogen peroxide solution will help remove any stains and odors from pet urine, vomit, and feces.
- This solution will remove hard surface stains from coffee, tea, or food.
- You can use a hydrogen-peroxide based cleaner on marble, limestone, onyx, or travertine, but make sure to wipe these types of surfaces with a damp cloth afterward.
- Store hydrogen peroxide cleaner upright for up to 6 months. Place the bottle of hydrogen peroxide cleaner upright where it won't come in contact with any flammable chemicals in case it spills. If you put it someplace with other cleaning supplies, make sure to avoid putting it near a bottle of vinegar or another cleaning solution containing vinegar.[5]
- Mixing hydrogen peroxide and vinegar together form corrosive acid, which can irritation your lungs, skin, eyes, nose, and throat.
- Hydrogen peroxide is most effective up to 45 days after exposing it to air, but it will still maintain cleaning power for up to 6 months.
[Edit]Making Heavy-Duty Disinfectant - Pour of hot water into a spray bottle. Choose a spray bottle large enough to hold of liquid and fill it with of hot tap water. Hot water will increase the cleaning solution's bacteria-fighting power.[6]
- Use water that's hot but not boiling. Boiling water could partially melt the inner lining of the plastic bottle.
- Stir of powdered laundry detergent into the water. Use a measuring cup to dole out of powdered laundry detergent and add it to the water. Stir it together with a narrow stirring spoon, knife, or straw until it has fully dissolved.[7]
- Avoid using a powdered laundry detergent that contains bleach because it will damage porous surfaces like wood, drywall, and natural stone.
- Add 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of sodium borate to the bottle and stir. Sodium borate has antimicrobial properties that can help keep mold from growing on non-porous surfaces. Use measuring spoons to dole out (15 grams) of sodium borate and stir it into the solution.[8]
- Borax is a brand name sodium borate product that you can find in the laundry aisle at most grocery or big-box stores.
- Mix in of pine cleaning oil. Pine cleaning oil is a common disinfectant used in lots of household cleaners for its antimicrobial properties. As a plus, it will leave your home smelling like pine trees! Use a measuring cup to measure out of pine cleaning oil and add it to the solution. Stir it well with a narrow spoon, knife, or straw.[9]
- Some pine oil cleaners are merely pine-scented don't contain pine oil. Check the label to ensure it's made up of 8% to 12% pine oil.
- This solution can be used on any surface unless you've used detergent containing bleach. If you've used bleach, don't use this formula on porous surfaces like wood, natural stone, and drywall.
- Note that pine cleaning oil is not the same as pine essential oil.
- Store the spray bottle in a cool place out of reach of children and pets. Ingesting any cleaning solution that contains pine oil and laundry detergent is poisonous and can be fatal. Place the bottle in a high cupboard that children and pets can't get to.[10]
- The solution will continue to work for 1 year, but it's most effective if you use it within 6 to 8 months.
- Note that the hot water will turn cold as you store it. The solution will still disinfect, but it won't be as powerful.
[Edit]Creating an Aromatic Vinegar Cleaner - Fill a spray bottle halfway full with white vinegar. The acidity in vinegar can break down grime and soap scum, so it's a great natural alternative to common cleaning chemicals. Choose a spray bottle of any size and fill it up halfway with plain white vinegar.[11]
- Note that vinegar isn't a disinfectant so it won't kill bacteria like staphylococcus.
- As an alternative, use distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Fill the rest of the bottle with plain water. Hold the bottle under the faucet and fill it to the top. The less water you use, the more potent the cleaner will be. However, it's still important to dilute it so you can use the solution on any surface.[12]
- For instance, you can use undiluted vinegar to clean heavy grime or soap scum off of porcelain, but it will leave a cloudy residue if you use it on windows or mirrors.
- Add fresh citrus rind or essential oils for scent if desired. Put 4 or 5 lemon or orange peels into the bottle to add a hint of citrus aroma. Or, use 5 to 10 drops of your favorite essential oil to give your all-purpose cleaner a fresh scent.[13]
- Sweet orange, eucalyptus, ylang-ylang, and lavender are all great choices if you dislike the smell of vinegar because they're strong, distinctive scents. Essential oils won't entirely mask the smell of vinegar, but they can dampen it.
- Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties, so it's the perfect way to increase the cleaning power of your homemade cleaner.
- Adding scent won't entirely mask the smell of vinegar, but it will help!
- Note that if you use fresh citrus peels, you'll need to remove them 24 hours after mixing the solution to prevent them from rotting. To remove them, pour the mixture through a sieve into another container then pour it back into the original spray bottle.
- Shake the bottle before using it each time. Give the bottle a quick shake before you start spraying surfaces. This will ensure your added scents are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.[14]
- If you didn't use added scents, you don't need to shake the bottle.
- Avoid using a vinegar solution on hardwood floors, granite, marble, natural stone, and aluminum surfaces because it can cause discoloration and etching.
- Store the bottle out of reach from children and pets for up to 2 years. Vinegar is an eye irritant, so put the bottle of natural cleaner in a place where children and pets can't access it. If you have hydrogen peroxide in your home, place the vinegar-based cleaner away from it or in a different cupboard altogether.[15]
- If the vinegar solution accidentally gets in your eyes, flush them with water for 2 minutes.
- If you, your child, or your pet has swallowed the solution and is experiencing severe pain, call poison control right away.
- If you used fresh citrus peels, remove them from the cleaner 24 hours after mixing the solution to prevent them from rotting.
[Edit]Cleaning with an Ammonia Solution - Fill a spray bottle with of water. Ammonia is extremely strong, so it needs to be heavily diluted to be safe to use on household surfaces. It makes a great kitchen cleaner because it can remove buildup and stains from animal fats (grease), vegetable oils, and wine.[16]
- Note that an ammonia-based cleaner will not kill staphylococcus bacteria.
- Protect your mouth, hands, and eyes before opening ammonia. Ammonia can irritate your eyes and skin, so wrap a bandana or nose-and-mouth mask around your face, wear protective glasses or goggles, and put on rubber gloves before handling and opening the bottle.[17]
- If you wear contact lenses, take them out before working with the ammonia because they can trap gas and trap the ammonia vapors in your eyes.
- Place the spray bottle in the sink and add of sudsy ammonia. Place the spray bottle in the sink in case you spill any of the sudsy ammonia. Putting it in the sink will also prevent you from leaning over the bottle as you pour in the ammonia.[18]
- Leaning over the bottle will give the fumes direct access to your face, so keep both bottles as far away from your face as possible.
- If you can't find sudsy ammonia in stores, you can make your own by adding a dime-sized amount of bleach-free liquid dish soap to regular ammonia. It's important to use bleach-free dish soap because ammonia and bleach create toxic vapors.
- Shake the bottle and use it on ovens, stoves, glass, concrete, and grills. Ammonia will eat away at grime and stains and leave your oven, oven racks, stove, and grill looking brand new. Spray it on, let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes, and then wipe down the surface with a rag. To clean glass, spray it on and wipe it away immediately just like you would with a regular glass cleaner.[19]
- To deep clean your oven racks, make a large batch of ammonia cleaning solution and place it in a large plastic tub. Place the oven racks in the tub and let them soak for 15 to 20 minutes before taking them out and wiping them clean.
- To clean concrete stains in your driveway or garage, spray it on the surface and let it sit for 20 minutes. Then scrub the stain with a bristle brush or old toothbrush.
- This solution can also be used on porcelain bathroom tiles or kitchen backsplashes.
- If you have breathing problems or lung-health issues, avoid using this solution because it may irritate your lungs.
- Store ammonia-based cleaner in a cupboard away from heat, children, and pets. Ammonia isn't flammable, but it's best to keep it away from heat or open flames. Store it in a cleaning closet, cupboard, or garage where children and pets can't get to it.[20]
- If you accidentally inhale a lot of ammonia vapors and experience trouble breathing or a burning sensation in your throat, call an ambulance right away.
- If you accidentally get the ammonia-based solution in your eyes, flush them with water and call for emergency medical care as soon as possible.
- If you spill the solution on your skin or clothing, thoroughly wash your skin with water. If it gets on your clothing, remove your clothes and wash your skin underneath the area where it spilled.
- Keep empty bottles of store-bought cleaners so you can reuse them for your homemade cleaning solutions.
- Use a funnel to help you pour the ingredients into a spray bottle.
[Edit]Warnings - Test the cleaner to make sure it doesn't damage the surface by spraying it on a small hidden part before using it on a larger area.
- If you or anyone in your home has inhaled or ingested any of these cleaning solutions and is experiencing breathing problems, swelling, pain, itching, or any other side effects, call an ambulance right away.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Using Hydrogen Peroxide [Edit]Making Heavy-Duty Disinfectant - Spray bottle
- Stirring utensil
[Edit]Creating Natural Scented Cleaner [Edit]Cleaning with an Ammonia Solution - spray bottle
- Bandana or nose and mouth mask
- Protective glasses or goggles
- Rubber gloves
[Edit]References |
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