How to Clean Soccer Cleats Posted: 29 Mar 2020 05:00 PM PDT Soccer cleats look completely flawless when they're first bought, but it doesn't take long for them to get covered in dirt, mud, and grass. Cleaning soccer cleats might seem like an intimidating endeavor, however, with a mild cleaning solution and a little bit of elbow grease, dirt-caked and scuffed up cleats can look brand new in no time. [Edit]Cleaning The Soles of The Cleats - Knock off excess dirt. After playing in your soccer cleats, take them off. Hit the cleats against each other, sole facing sole, to remove as much excess dirt, grass, and mud, as possible.[1]
- Dry clean excess dirt from the soles. Use a soft-bristled brush or a cleat specific cleaning tool to scrub the bottoms of the cleats.[2] This will loosen any dry clumps of built up grass and mud on the sole and between the spikes.
- When cleaning the sides of the sole that are close to the upper of the shoe, consider switching brushes, and using a toothbrush. A toothbrush will still have abrasive bristles to loosen dirt, but it will be more controllable and easy to focus in on the area you're scrubbing.
- Be careful not to use a stick to remove grass and dirt from the soles of your cleats. A stick could scratch the soles and damage your shoes.[3]
- Mix your cleaning solution. The cleaning solution should consist of warm water and a small amount of cleaning solution. Cleaning solutions like dish soap or hand soap work really well. Fill up a container with about two cups of warm water and add about a tablespoon of soap. Mix the water and soap around with the toothbrush until the mixture starts to become sudsy.
- You don't want to add a lot of soap to the cleaning solution, especially if you are planning on cleaning leather cleats. A small amount of soap will suffice.
- Clean the soles with the soapy solution. Now that you've mixed your soapy solution, dip the soft-bristled brush you used earlier to dry clean the soles in the soapy solution and scrub the soles of the shoes.[4] When the brush becomes filled with dirt and grass, run it under a stream of clean water from a sink, dip it into the soapy solution again, and continue scrubbing.
- Again, you can use a smaller toothbrush to wet clean the cleats when you move to the upper sides of the shoe, near the top portion of the shoe. The toothbrush will allow you to continue cleaning the sides of the soles, with the precision of a smaller scrub brush.
- Wipe the soles clean. Dip a paper towel into the soapy solution and wipe the soles of the shoes to remove any last bits of dirt and grass. The paper towel will gather any remaining debris, and allow you to use your fingers with the paper towel, and reach the areas in between the spikes.
[Edit]Cleaning The Upper Portion of The Cleats - Remove and clean the laces. Unlace the laces from the cleats, and dip them in the soapy solution. Let the laces sit for approximately 10 minutes, then use your fingers and toothbrush to gently scrub the laces and remove dirt build up.[5]
- After scrubbing the laces, run them under clean water, and lay them out on a towel, on a flat surface, to dry.
- You could even lay the laces out in sunlight, but keep in mind that sunlight could possible fade the coloring of the laces.[6]
- Clean the tops of the cleats with a toothbrush. Dip your soft-bristled scrub brush or toothbrush in the soapy water, and scrub the tops of the cleats.[7] Start scrubbing at the middle area of the cleats, near the laces, and work your way down to the sides of the shoe. This will allow the watery dirt to naturally fall downward to the sides of the cleats.
- Don't forget to scrub the tongue of the cleat as well. With the laces removed, you can scrub all areas of the cleat's tongue.
- It may be helpful to insert one hand into the cleat while the other hand scrubs the sides of the cleat.[8]
- An alternative and equally effective cleaning method for cleaning the upper portions of cleats, is using a cleaning eraser sponge.
- Clean the tops of the cleats with a cleaning eraser sponge. Dip a cleaning eraser sponge into the soapy solution. Wring it out with your hands until most of the water is gone from the eraser. Hold onto the shoe and use the eraser to rub areas of the top portion of the cleat.[9]
- Be sure to rub the tongue area of the shoe as well, now that it's more accessible with the laces removed.
- Dry off the cleats. Use a paper towel, or clean, dry rag to dry off the cleats and collect any dirty, soapy water that may be remaining. Dry all parts of the cleats: the tongue, the sides, and the soles.[10]
- Consider stuffing the inside of the cleats with newspaper to absorb any water that may have made it's way inside the cleat.
- Relace the cleats. Once your laces and cleats are completely dry, relace the cleats loosely, put on the cleats, and then make lacing adjustments to make the lacing tighter or looser.
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How to Prepare For a Date Posted: 29 Mar 2020 09:00 AM PDT Whether you've been in the dating game for a while or are getting ready for your first date, your date can go great with a little preparation. To get ready to leave, clean your home and car, pick out a great outfit, and do your hair and makeup. To have a wonderful date, bring some cash with you, show up on time, and be attentive to your date. If you get nervous, take some deep breaths and try not to worry! [Edit]Planning for the Date - Talk to your date about the details of your plans. Ask your date when they are free to get together. There are plenty of ways to have fun together whether this is your first date or you are going out with your steady boyfriend or girlfriend. Do this in person or over the phone.
- You can meet for coffee, get drinks at a bar, or talk over brunch. Or, you can see a movie or play, go for a hike or bike ride, watch the sunset together, or have a picnic. The possibilities are endless!
- Discuss food preferences if you're going out to eat. To prepare for a great night, ask your date what their favorite types of food include. Ask them if they have any food allergies or types of food they really dislike. Then, offer your food preferences to your date so you can find the perfect place to go.[1]
- Working together to pick a restaurant ensures both of you really enjoy the date.
- If your date has a shellfish allergy, you don't want to take them to a seafood house!
- Look over showtimes if you are taking your date to the movies. To plan your movie date, first, ask your date what kind of movies they prefer. Search online for movies currently playing and upcoming showtimes. If you aren't familiar with the movies, watch the trailer to get a sense of the plot.
- If your date really hates scary movies, they may not enjoy the most recent slasher film.
- Find a local state park to take a walk for an active date idea. A great way to get to know your date is by taking a stroll together through the park. If your date is into active activities, look for a long trail to hike on. If your date doesn't hike often, consider a loop that is or so.
- Most state parks have trail maps online, so you can easily plan your route and impress your date.
- Confirm the time and location the morning of your date. On the day of your get together, call or text your date to check in. Make sure the time you suggested to meet works for both of you, and confirm the location of your date. This way, you both can easily change the plans if need be.[2]
- For example, say something like, "Does 7:30 at Kava work for you?" or "Just checking if you're still able to meet at 6:00 tonight. I can pick you up if you need."
- Look up the directions before you leave so you can show up on time. Use the navigation system on your smartphone or search online to find out how far your meeting place is from your home. This way, you can leave your home in time. When going on a date, you always want to be on time so you can set a good impression.[3]
- For instance, if you are meeting your date at the restaurant, search online to figure out how far away the restaurant is.
- If you are driving you and your date, look up how far you are from their home.
- If you think you are going to be late, call or text your date and let them know you are running behind. This way, they don't mistakenly think you are irresponsible or aren't going to show up.
- Bring cash with you to cover the bill if need be. To make your date feel special, you can offer to pay for the meal and/or activities. It is not polite to expect the date to pay, so have some money on you just in case. Offer to pay when you are checking out or when the bill comes.[4]
- Aim to have $50-$150 (£38.09-114.28) or so, depending on the nature of the date.
- For example, if your date pays for dinner, offer to pay for dessert.
- Tidy up your home if your date is picking you up. About 1-2 days before the date, spend some time cleaning up your home. Vacuum or mop the floors, put away dirty dishes, and straighten up any clutter. This way, you can make a great first impression when they show up.[5]
- You can light a candle or burn incense so your home smells wonderful.
- Clean out your car if you are driving your date around. If you are picking up your date, make sure your car is clean and presentable. Bring any extra clothing or items into your home, throw away any garbage, and wipe off any dust or dirt. This way, you'll make a great first impression on the way to your date.[6]
- To be polite, open the car door for your date when you pick them up.
[Edit]Looking Your Best - Exfoliate your face the night before your date to brighten your face. In addition to maintaining a regular skincare routine, use an exfoliator cream to cleanse your skin 1 day before the date. Squeeze out a dime-size amount of exfoliator, and rub it over your cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose in small, circular motions. Then, rinse off the exfoliator completely with warm water. This way, your skin may look soft and blemish-free.[7]
- After you exfoliate your skin, it is helpful to apply moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. Use a dime-size amount or so to cover your face.
- Aim to get 8 hours of sleep the night before your date. Getting enough sleep prevents dark under-eye circles and wrinkles, and you'll look refreshed and radiant. Sleeping well helps you look your best, so you can feel confident on the day of your date.[8]
- To help you sleep better, try listening to relaxing music or nature sounds as you fall asleep. Additionally, try drinking chamomile tea to help you relax.
- Shower or take a bath before your date so you are fresh and clean. Washing before the date ensures you smell and look your best. Use a body wash to scrub your skin, and wash your hair with shampoo and/or conditioner.[9]
- Shave so your skin is soft and smooth. To look your best, you might want to shave in addition to showering. Use shaving cream to cover the skin liberally, and use a fresh, sharp razor to shave as close as possible. Be careful as you do this to avoid cutting yourself. After you shave, rinse off any remaining shaving cream, and pat your skin dry. Then, apply aftershave or body lotion to keep your skin soft.
- Brush your teeth and use mouthwash so your breath is fresh. Before you leave for the date, be sure to brush your teeth for 2 minutes to prevent bad breath. Swish a little mouthwash for 30 seconds or so as a final, minty touch. This way, you can talk comfortably knowing your breath is fresh and clean.[10]
- If you are going out to eat, it is helpful to carry mints in your pocket or purse. Pop one into your mouth after your meal to freshen your breath.
- Pick out an attractive, flattering outfit that makes you feel confident. You can choose your outfit the day before your date. Try on a few options so you can pick the one that fits you the best. Make sure your outfit is appropriate for your particular date and the weather forecast. What you wear can determine your date's impression of you, so choose items that make you feel fabulous![11]
- If you're going to a new restaurant in town, you can wear a casual suit or a cute new dress.
- If you are going to the movies, wear something stylish yet casual. Choose jeans that fit well and a nice button-down or a tunic shirt and leggings, for instance.
- If you are going for a hike, wear athletic shorts and a casual tank or T-shirt.
- Wear a comfortable pair of shoes that are appropriate for your date. If you are uncomfortable during the date, you may not feel your best, and your date may notice. To prevent being uncomfortable, it is helpful to choose comfortability over appearance. If you want a dressy footwear option, go with dress shoes like Oxfords, flats, or kitten heels. If you choose to rock a pair of pumps or stilettos, ensure you are comfortable wearing them for a long time.[12]
- For example, you can wear a pair of flats with your little black dress for a comfortable yet cute option.
- If going on a casual date, consider wearing flats, sneakers, or ankle boots.
- If you planned an active date, wear hiking sandals or running shoes.
- Style your hair based on your particular date. Consider the nature of your date when doing your hair. If you have short hair, you can comb it back and use a little gel to keep it in place. If you have long hair, you can create curls or waves by scrunching your hair with gel. These looks are great for dinner or movie date.[13]
- If you are going for a hike or playing a sport, tie long hair into a ponytail or bun instead.
- Apply makeup if you want to enhance your features. To look glamorous on your date, highlight your natural features with a minimal makeup look. Apply foundation to even out your skin tone and use a brow pencil to fill in your eyebrows. Draw eyeliner on your upper eyelid to add definition to your eyes. Go with a volumizing mascara for a flirty touch. If you'd like, choose a solid lip color for an elegant look, or dab on a bit of lip gloss for a cute touch.[14]
- Customize your makeup look based on your personal preference and outfit. For instance, if you are going on an active date, you may only want to apply foundation and a little mascara.
- Avoid applying too much perfume or cologne. While applying a light spray of perfume or cologne can help boost your confidence, if you apply too much, the smell may overpower your date. Press down on the spray nozzle 1-2 times rather than repetitively. You can also hold the perfume bottle away from you as you spray, then walk into the mist to apply it all over.[15]
[Edit]Having a Great Date - Think of some talking points in advance in case the conversation lulls. When planning the date, it is helpful to come up with a few things to talk about before you go. This way, you can fill in an awkward silence with meaningful conversation. Think of a few funny stories or unique tales you can tell. Brainstorm a few open-ended questions to ask about your date's life or future plans.[16]
- For example, look into current events and bring up an inspiring story.
- Ask your date about their favorite hobbies, top music artists, or most-watched movie.
- Find ways to tell your date about the time you hiked the Appalachian trail, played sports in college, or saved a stray cat, for instance.
- Set your phone to silent mode before the date so you aren't distracted. Focus on your date instead of your phone. Before your date arrives, set your phone on silent so it doesn't vibrate or ring. If your phone constantly buzzes or beeps while at dinner, your date may think you are rude. Wait to check your phone until after the date.
- Avoid texting or taking calls unless it is an emergency.
- If your date excuses themselves to go to the bathroom, you can quickly check your messages if you need to.
- Talk about positive topics rather than complaining or being negative. When you go out with your date, this is a time to connect and get to know each other better. If you are complaining about traffic and your roommate the whole time, your date may have a negative impression of you. Try to put a positive spin on your dialogue so you can be your authentic self to your date.[17]
- Instead of saying something like "Sorry I'm running late, traffic was terrible and my roommate parked me in," you can say something like, "Thanks for waiting for me! I didn't expect traffic to be so bad at 8:00."
- Try to relax and think positively if you are nervous or start worrying. Going on a date can be intimidating and nerve-wracking, but keep in mind this is totally natural! If you are worried about whether or not they will like you, take some deep breaths to relax. Remind yourself of how awesome you are to boost your confidence instead of letting worry and doubt sink in.[18]
- Before you leave, you can give yourself a pep-talk. Look in the mirror and tell yourself, "You are smart, fun, and nice," for instance.
- Remember that you can leave a bad date if you need to. Never feel like you are forced to stay in a situation you don't want to be in. If your date makes you uncomfortable or if you simply aren't feeling it, that's okay. Your exit strategy will depend on the circumstances of your date. Come up with a realistic excuse based on your situation, and politely excuse yourself.[19]
- For instance, if you are out to dinner and your date is creepier than expected, go to the bathroom. When you come back, say you got a call from your roommate and you need to leave
- You can say something like, "Thanks for meeting me tonight. I'm glad you could make it. Sadly, I have to leave. I'm sorry this didn't work out."
- Send your date a text the next day if you want to see them again. If you really like your date, text them the next day to thank them for a great time. You can ask them if they want to get together again in the future.[20]
- For example, say something like, "Hey Tim, I had a great time with you last night. Thanks again for the awesome dinner. Let's get together again when you have some time!"
- While you get ready, play your favorite music to boost your mood.
- If you can, avoid obsessing over your makeup, outfit, or hair as you are on the date. Check out your date rather than looking at a reflective surface to make sure your hair is okay. If you are constantly fidgeting with your hair or clothes, you won't come across as confident, and your date may notice.[21]
- If you are going out with someone new, it can be helpful to let a friend or family member know in advance where you are going and who you are with. This way, someone knows your whereabouts in case of an emergency.[22]
[Edit]Warnings - Avoid drinking alcohol before your date. Arriving to the date already drunk may be a turn-off for some people.[23]
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
How to Upcycle Glass Bottles Posted: 29 Mar 2020 01:00 AM PDT If you hate to throw glass bottles out, find ways to use them in your home and garden! Use the bottles to hold flowers, candles, or household supplies, for instance. Glass bottles are also beautiful in the garden where you can use them to line paths, feed birds, or water your plants. If you'd like to customize the look of your bottles, you can paint them or etch the glass to match your own unique style. [Edit]Using Bottles around the House - Wash your glass bottles and dry them thoroughly. It's a good idea to rinse any glass bottles you plan on upcycling, especially if they contained something sticky or smelly. Wash the bottles and let them dry completely before turning them into a new project.[1]
- You can leave the labels on the bottles or soak them if you want to peel them off. If there's sticky residue left behind, scrub it off with a scouring pad.
- Fill a bottle with water and add cut flowers to make a homemade vase. Bottles make great vases since you can use different sized bottles to suit your needs. For example, if you want a vase for just 1 or 2 short stems, find a squat glass bottle. To make a larger vase for a full bouquet, use a wide-mouthed bottle.[2]
- If you're using small bottles as vases, consider wrapping cord or wire around the rims. Then, hang the vases on the wall or a fence.
- Insert a candle into the bottle for a simple candle holder. To make a candle holder for a tall, thin candle, push the bottom of a taper candle into the top of a wine bottle. If you'd like to hold a pillar or tealight candle, place it in a glass bottle that has a wide opening. To help the candle stay in place, you could pour sand, rice, or pebbles into the bottle around the base of the candle.[3]
- To make a dramatic centerpiece, cluster a group of glass bottles in the middle of your table. Stick candles in them and light them before hosting an event.
- Fill the bottles with soap or oil and insert a bottle pourer on top. Upgrade the soap dispenser in your bathroom or kitchen or make a decorative bottle for your kitchen oil. Fill a clean glass bottle that has a narrow neck with liquid soap or oil and push a bottle pourer into the top.[4]
- If you're using a short, squat bottle, you might be able to screw on a lid that has a pump dispenser. Then, fill the bottle with dish or hand soap and use it in the bathroom or kitchen.
- Use bottles as custom storage containers. Instead of going to the store to buy containers, hold on to your glass bottles! You can use small bottles, like baby food bottles, to hold small items, such as hairpins or push pins. Use larger bottles to hold any of these:[5]
- Office supplies, such as paperclips, staples, or rubber bands
- Toiletries, such as cotton balls, cotton cloths, or Epsom salts
- Spices and food, such as peppercorns, cinnamon, or coffee
- Craft supplies, such as beads, pom poms, or feathers
- Fill bottles with corks, beads, or sand to make a unique centerpiece. Make a dramatic centerpiece that doesn't cost a lot. Place an empty glass bottle on a shelf or bookcase and fill it with used corks, sand, small shells, or rocks. Try to match the theme of your room. Put pinecones and some holly into a large glass bottle to make a rustic centerpiece, for instance.[6]
- To turn the centerpiece into a picture frame, slide a photograph into the bottle after you've put sand, seashells, or pebbles along the bottom. These will hold the photo in place.
[Edit]Upcycling Bottles in the Garden - Wash and dry glass bottles before upcycling them in your yard. Once you've gathered glass bottles, wash them thoroughly. This removes any sticky substances and odors from the bottles. Then, let them dry before repurposing them.[7]
- If you like, leave the labels on the bottles. If you'd rather take them off, soak the bottles so the labels slip off easily.
- Create your own terrarium or planter in a glass bottle. If you have a green thumb, turn a glass bottle into a custom planter. Put of soil into a bottle and plant seeds or a small seedling. Add enough water to moisten the soil and set your bottle in a sunny place. To make it into a terrarium, screw a lid on the bottle to trap the moisture.[8]
- Fill a bottle with seeds and screw on an attachment to make a bird feeder. Take a bottle that has a narrow screw top and fill it with birdseed. Then, buy a circular dispenser attachment and screw it onto the top of the bottle. Turn the bottle upside down so some of the seed spills out onto the feeder attachment.[9]
- If you'd like to hang your bird feeder, wrap thick wire around the bottle and shape it into a hook near the top. Then, hang the hook to suspend the bird feeder.
- You may be able to purchase feeder attachments for wider bottles too.
- Hang a bottle with a clapper attached to a chain to create a wind chime. Cut the bottom 1/4 off of your glass bottle and sand it until it's smooth. Then, attach a keyring to a chain and thread it through the neck of your bottle. Hang another keyring from the end of the chain so you can suspend the bottle. To attach a clapper, secure a chain from the keyring inside the bottle and hook a cork, ornament, or piece of wood to the bottom chain.[10]
- To use the chime, pull the bottle up by the top hook so the bottle hangs and the clapper hangs loosely.
- Turn a glass bottle into a hands-off plant waterer. Fill a narrow-necked glass bottle with water and seal it shut with a cork. Take a skewer and push it through the cork to create a small hole for water to leak out. Then, turn the bottle upside down and push it into your plant pot or garden so about of the bottle are under the soil.[11]
- The water will slowly leak out through the cork, which will keep your plant watered on its own.
- Remember to refill the bottle when it runs out of water.
- Turn bottles upside down and push them into soil to create beautiful edging. Instead of lining walkways or garden patches with paving stones or rocks, select clear or colorful glass bottles. Loosen the soil where you'd like to make the edging. Then, turn the bottles upside down and push them until they're at least half submerged. Pack down the soil around the bottles to help them stay in place.[12]
- The sun warms the glass, which will also warm the soil. Keep this in mind if you're growing plants that need a little extra warmth.
- You can push the bottles down so they're all level or insert them at different depths so some bottles stick out more than others.
[Edit]Decorating the Bottles - Wrap twine around the bottles to give them a rustic style. Squirt craft glue near the bottom of a glass bottle and press the end of a piece of twine on it. Let the glue dry so the twine stays in place. Then, wrap the twine up around the bottle. To keep the twine in place, squirt more glue on the bottle every few rows. Wrap tightly so there aren't gaps in the twine.[13]
- To make the bottles even more unique, use a glue gun to attach buttons, lace, or fabric flowers.
- Paint the insides of the glass bottles for a custom look. Purchase acrylic paint in any shade and pour it directly into a clean glass bottle. Slowly rotate the bottle and tilt it so the paint spreads and coats the entire interior of the bottle. Then, set the bottle upside down on a wire rack with a newspaper underneath it. Once the paint is dry, you can use your colorful bottle![14]
- If you prefer, spray paint the inside of the bottle. Keep in mind that this works better for wide-mouthed bottles instead of narrow bottles.
- Apply etching cream to a bottle to give the bottle a frosted appearance. Tape a stencil with words or a design onto your bottle. Use a paintbrush to spread etching cream over the stencil and leave the bottle alone for about 5 minutes. Then, rinse off the cream and peel off the stencil to reveal your etched glass bottle.[15]
- To make polka dots on your glass, press hole-reinforcer stickers on your bottle. Then, paint the circle inside each sticker to make perfect dots.
- Coat the outside of bottles with chalkboard paint if you'd like to write on them. Buy chalkboard paint that's designed for glass and dip a foam paintbrush into it. Spread an even coat of paint over the entire surface of the bottle and set it aside to dry completely. Then, write on the bottle with white or colored chalk.[16]
- If you want to paint only a portion of the bottle, tape off the part of the bottle that you want to keep clear. You could etch just the bottom 1/3 of the bottle, for instance.
- Decoupage glass bottles to match your personal style. Choose a design that you'd like to attach to the glass. You might find photographs, sheets of tissue paper, or magazine clippings. Dip a foam brush into craft glue and spread it on the back of your materials. Then, press them onto the glass bottle and brush a thin layer of glue along the edges of the materials. Let them dry completely.[17]
- For example, you might cover a glass bottle with newsprint. Then, use the unique bottle to hold pens on your desk.
- Ask friends or family members to hold onto unique glass bottles for you or check thrift stores for bottles.
[Edit]References |
How to Wear Mens Running Tights Posted: 28 Mar 2020 05:00 PM PDT |
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