| How to Wash a Cast Iron Pot Posted: 08 Aug 2020 05:00 PM PDT Cast iron pots are a great tool to have in your kitchen to make soups, stews, or pasta. Enamel cast iron pots have a coating that makes them more resilient, while cast iron skillets are simply made of cast iron. Caring for each cookware with their needs in mind helps to extend their life and keep them around much longer. You can clean off baked-on pieces and stains with a little elbow grease to keep making delicious meals in your cast iron pot for years to come. [Edit]Cleaning Cast Iron Skillets after Cooking - Wash your skillet while it is still warm. Cast iron skillets don't need to cool down before you start cleaning them. Move your skillet directly from the stovetop or the oven to your sink to start cleaning.[1]
- Scrub your skillet with warm water and mild dish soap. Set your dirty pot in the sink. Run some warm water into the pot and put 1 to 2 drops of mild dish soap into the water. Scrub the bottom and sides of the pot with a plastic scrubber.[2]
- Never use a metal scrub brush to clean your cast iron pot. This could scratch the enamel coating.
- Don't let your skillet sit too long in the water or it might rust.
- If there is any rust on your skillet, use a non-metal scrubber to scrape the rust off entirely.[3]
- Rinse your skillet well to remove all soap residue. Dump out the soapy water from the bottom of your pot. Rinse the pot with warm water and make sure all the soap runs out of the bottom. Tip your pot over a few times to make sure it is really clean.[4]
- Soap residue can cause streaking on the bottom of your pan that is hard to clean off.
- Dry your skillet with a clean towel. Dump out all the excess water from the bottom of your pot. Use a clean towel to wipe down the interior and exterior of your pot. Make sure it is totally dry so that it doesn't rust.[5]
- Avoid using paper towels so that you don't accidentally scratch the surface of your pot.
- Apply vegetable oil with a paper towel to re-season your skillet. Dab a few drops of vegetable oil onto a paper towel. Rub the paper towel over the bottom and sides of your skillet to re-season it and add some flavor back in after washing.[6]
- Use regular vegetable oil from the grocery store.
- Store your skillet in a cool, dry place. Place your cast iron pot on a shelf in your kitchen where it will stay dry and at room temperature. Don't store wet pots and pans on top of it.[7]
[Edit]Scrubbing Baked-On Food off Enamel Cast Iron Pots - Sprinkle baking soda into the bottom of your pot. Use enough baking soda to cover the bottom of your pot, or about (15 g). Concentrate the baking soda on the areas that have a lot of food baked onto them.[8]
- Baking soda is mildly abrasive, so it will scrub your pot without scratching it.
- Add some warm water to the bottom of your pot. Pour some warm water into your pot so that it covers the bottom. Swirl the baking soda and the water together just slightly so that they create a runny mixture.[9]
- Simmer the water and baking soda for 5 minutes. Place your pot onto the stovetop on medium heat. Allow the water and baking soda to simmer, but not boil, for about 5 minutes.[10]
- If your water starts to boil, turn the heat down slightly until the large bubbles go away.
- Scrub the bottom of your pot with a wooden spoon. Carefully use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently nudge the baked-on pieces off of the bottom of your pot. Use caution so that you don't spill hot water and baking soda on your stovetop.[11]
- Wooden utensils won't scratch the surface of your cast iron pot.
- Rinse out your pot with warm water. Remove your pot from the stove top and dump out the water and baking soda. Rinse it out with warm water to get rid of all the baking soda residue.[12]
[Edit]Removing Stains from Enamel Cast Iron Pots - Mix a 3:1 ratio of baking soda and water to create a paste. Use a bowl to mix together 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water. Create a thick paste that is not runny or powdery that you can pick up in clumps.[13]
- Dab the paste onto the stained parts with your fingers. Pick up small globs of the baking soda paste with your hands. Spread the paste onto the stained areas of your pot with your fingers. Pay special attention to areas that are deeply stained or have been discolored for a long time.[14]
- You can use this paste on the outside of the pot as well if you need to.
- Let the paste sit on the pot overnight. Put a lid on your pot to keep it protected and let it sit for about 8 hours, or overnight. Give the baking soda paste time to break down the stains on your pot.[15]
- Scrub the stains with a plastic scrub brush. Use a plastic scrubbing brush to rub the baking soda into the bottom of your pot. Add a little bit of warm water to your pot if you need to make the paste easier to scrub.[16]
- You can also use a wooden spoon instead of a plastic scrub brush.
- Rinse out your pot with warm water. Dump the baking soda paste down your drain. Rinse the bottom of your pot out with warm water to remove all of the baking soda residue.[17]
- Baking soda won't clog your drains.
[Edit]Warnings - Never put your cast iron pot in the dishwasher. The water gets too hot and could damage the enamel coating.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Cleaning Cast Iron Skillets after Cooking - Mild dish soap
- Plastic scrub brush
- Towel
[Edit]Scrubbing Baked-On Food off Enamel Cast Iron Pots - Baking soda
- Wooden spoon or spatula
[Edit]Removing Stains from Enamel Cast Iron Pots - Baking soda
- Plastic scrub brush or wooden spoon
[Edit]References |
| How to Ballroom Dance Posted: 08 Aug 2020 09:00 AM PDT Ballroom dance is an umbrella term for a variety of dancing styles, including Rumba, Cha Cha, Tango, Waltz, and Fox Trot, to name a few.[1] These dances come from different eras and parts of the world, but they're all formal partner dances with an emphasis on flow and elegance. You can start by practicing the Waltz, Foxtrot, or American Tango, which are some of the more popular versions of this dance style. Learning how to ballroom dance may seem a bit tricky at first, but it's easy to get the hang of once you practice with a partner! [Edit]Getting Ready to Dance - Choose a dance style to focus on. Keep in mind that ballroom dancing is an incredibly broad genre of dance, and it doesn't refer to a single style. Some popular types of ballroom dance include the Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Cha Cha, East Coast Swing, Mambo, Samba, and Bolero. Opt for a dance like the Waltz or Foxtrot if you'd prefer a smoother dance style, or learn something like the Cha Cha or Rumba if you'd like to focus on something more rhythmic.[2]
- There are a lot of different variations in ballroom dancing, with the most obvious being the American versus International style of dance.
- There are also multiple versions of certain dances, like the Waltz and Viennese Waltz, along with the East Coast Swing and West Coast Swing.
- Stretch and warm-up your body before you start dancing. Get ready to dance by moving in place for 1-5 minutes, which helps get your pulse up slightly. Focus on stretching your ankles, hips, and arms before you start dancing with your partner. This will help you feel stretched and ready to start your dance practice!
- For instance, you can spin both of your ankles in circles for 10 reps so your feet are stretched and ready to go.
- You can also lay on your back and perform 5-8 reps of arms circles.
- Sign up for a ballroom dancing class or club if you want focused instruction. Search online for classes or clubs in your area that focus on some form of ballroom dances. Attend these classes on a regular basis so you can get pointers and tips on how to practice and improve your dance form, which can really help you flourish as a ballroom dancer![3]
- Some colleges and universities have ballroom dance teams that are open to students.
[Edit]The Waltz - Stand apart with your right and left hands clasped. Face your partner on the dance floor and stand pretty close together. Start by holding your partner's right hand in your left. Place your right arm beneath your partner's left shoulder blade, and make sure that your partner's left hand is resting on your right arm and shoulder.[4]
- This dance position helps the dance flow more smoothly.
- These instructions apply to the leader of the dance. If you're following, do the opposite dance moves of your partner.
- It may feel a little uncomfortable to dance so closely with someone, which is completely normal! Just try to focus your energy on the dance itself.
- Step forward with your left foot.[5] Support your partner as they step backward with their right foot. Try to step slowly, which will help you maintain a good rhythm.[6]
- Take a step to the right with your right foot. Move your right foot to the right, guiding your partner along as you go.[7] Continue moving slowly so you can stay in time with your partner.[8]
- The Waltz is a calm and controlled dance, so there's no need to rush any of the movements! Try to take your time and relax so you can enjoy the dance.
- Move your left foot to meet your right foot.[9] Move your left foot to the right so that both of your feet are together. To make the dance look smoother, try stepping with your left foot instead of sliding.[10]
- At this point, both of your feet will be together.
- Step backward with your right foot. As you lead the dance, take another step back with your right foot, guiding your partner forward as you go. Keep your gaze and posture centered as you change directions so the waltz continues to flow smoothly.[11]
- If you're following the dance, do your best to trust your partner and do a mirror image of their movements. It's okay if you don't get the steps right at first!
- Move your left foot in a backward diagonal line to restart the dance. Step in a backward left diagonal direction with your left foot. At this point, reset the dance by bringing both of your feet together.[12]
- Once you've done this, you've completed one cycle of the dance.
- Repeat these dance steps while counting to 3.[13] Count to 1 as you step forward with your left foot, then count to 2 as you step to the right. Continue counting to 3 as you bring your feet together. Count to 1 as you step backward, 2 as you step diagonally, and 3 as you bring your feet together again.[14]
[Edit]The Foxtrot - Face your partner with your hands and arms clasped. Stand about away from your partner before you start dancing. Hold your partner's right hand with your left hand. Rest your right hand beneath your partner's left shoulder blade, and check that your partner's left hand is resting on your own right arm.[15]
- Like most ballroom dances, you'll be in pretty close proximity with your partner.
- These instructions only apply to the dance leader. If you're following the dance, do your best to mirror your partner's steps.
- Move your left foot 1 step forward. Start with both of your feet together on the dance floor. If you're leading the dance, take a slow step forward with your left foot.[16]
- The leader and follower will be doing steps that are mirror images of one another.
- Take another step forward with your right foot. If you're leading the dance, perform another step with your right foot. Try to keep your movements slow and fluid so the dance looks as graceful as possible.[17]
- It's okay if your dance steps and technique are a little unsteady at first! Everyone learns ballroom dancing at their own pace.
- Step quickly to the left with your left and right feet. As the dance leader, move your left foot in an upward left diagonal line. Keep in mind that this transitional step will be quicker than your original steps. Afterward, rapidly shift your right foot in a left diagonal direction so both of your feet are together.[18]
- Both of your feet will be together at this point.
- This movement needs to be as quick as possible to help the dance continue on.
- Step backward slowly with your left and right feet. Move your left foot backward in a slow step. At this point, take another step back with your right foot.[19]
- This is essentially a repeat of the beginning of the dance, but in reverse.
- Step diagonally to the left with your left and right feet. Move your left foot backward and to the left if you're leading the dance. Afterward, slide your right foot backward and to the right so both of your feet are together.[20]
- Try to do these steps more quickly than the forward and backward steps.[21]
- Rotate with your partner and continue the dance. Guide your partner slowly, continuing the traditional dance steps as you go. Turn your partner so you can repeat the Foxtrot in the opposite direction on the dance floor.[22]
- You can repeat the dance as much as you'd like until you feel more confident in your dance moves!
[Edit]The American Tango - Hold your partner securely before starting the dance. Clasp your partner's right hand in your left, and place your right hand beneath their left shoulder. Try keeping your knees bent as you start the dance, which will make your tango look smoother and more fluid.[23]
- These instructions apply to the person leading the dance. If you're following the dance, do the opposite of your partner.
- Take a slow step forward with your left and right foot. Start by taking a large step forward with your left foot, then following with a slow right step. Guide your partner backward as you make your way forward, keeping your knees bent as you go.[24]
- Note that a slow beat counts for 2 beats of music.[25]
- Step forward quickly with your left foot. Speed up the dance slightly, moving more quickly as you step forward with your left foot again. Take your step within 1 beat of the music, continuing to guide your partner as you go.[26]
- Take a quick step to the right with your right foot. Move your right foot in a forward diagonal direction. Note that this step is quick, and only takes up 1 beat of the music.[27]
- Continue to push forward while keeping your knees bent.
- Drag your left foot to meet your right foot. Slide your left foot slowly along the ground, taking up 2 total beats of music. Bring both of your feet together so you're ready to turn and repeat the dance again.[28]
- Turn your partner and continue these dance moves. Rotate your partner as you start the dance over again, guiding them in a new direction on the dance floor. You can repeat the Tango dance as many times as you'd like, or until you feel more comfortable and confident with the steps.[29]
- Don't be discouraged if you don't get the hang of a dance right away. Ballroom dancing takes practice and patience to get right!
- Sign up for ballroom dancing classes if you're really interested in learning.
- Write down your personal ballroom dancing goals so you have an idea of how you want to improve.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Sew Thick Fabric by Hand Posted: 08 Aug 2020 01:00 AM PDT If you're hoping to sew thick fabric by hand, there are lots of things you can do to make it easier. Start by using strong sewing tools that will help you move through fabrics like denim, wool, canvas, or leather. There are several stitches that are great for thicker fabrics too. With a little bit of patience and some helpful tools, your thick fabric will be sewn in no time. [Edit]Using the Right Tools - Choose a needle that's a size 4 or larger. Needles come in all different sizes depending on which type of fabric they're intended for. Pick out a needle that's about a size 4 so that it will work well with thicker fabrics like denim, upholstery, or canvas. Visit a craft store and look at the packaging to find the needle's size written on it.[1]
- Many needles will even tell you on the packaging which type of fabric they're best for.
- A size 4 needle is best for denim while a size 3 needle works well for leather.
- Choose a wedge-point needle for thick fabrics like vinyl or leather to pierce the heavy fibers more easily and a sharp tip for thick fabrics like canvas that are woven.
- Opt for upholstery or heavy duty thread to sew your fabric. Choose a heavyweight thread for your thicker fabric so that it won't tear. Look for threads labeled as "upholstery weight," "extra strong," or something similar for your project.[2]
- Choose a heavyweight thread color that matches your fabric.
- Try using a sewing awl for sewing thick fabric quickly. A sewing awl is a small tool that makes sewing thick fabric much easier. Feed the thread through the hole and needle in the awl. Punch a hole all the way through your fabric using the needle and pull the thread out from the bottom—this will be easy to do since the thread is attached to the sewing awl's needle.[3]
- A sewing awl is great if you're working with leather or canvas.
- Wax your thread to make it slide through the thick fabric easier. Purchase wax for your thread, which is sometimes called thread conditioner. Slide the thread through the wax to make the thread slick. This will make it much easier for the thread to move through your thick fabric.[4]
- Pull the thread through your needle after it's waxed.
- Use a thimble to protect your finger from the sewing needle. When you're sewing something by hand, it can be easy to prick your finger with the needle. Wear a thimble on your pointer finger on the opposite hand that you sew with to protect your finger from accidental pokes.[5]
- Look for a thimble at a local craft or big box store.
[Edit]Choosing a Stitch and Seams - Use a backstitch for a simple stitch. To do a backstitch, poke your needle through the fabric starting from the back and coming up through the front. Bring the needle back down through the fabric about away from the original stitch and pull it back up through the fabric another away. Loop back down into the fabric right next to your first stitch, and continue this pattern for the backstitch.[6]
- The backstitch is a great stitch for thick fabrics because it's simple but holds the fabric in place tightly.
- Sew your fabric with a catch stitch to join fabric that's very thick. A catch stitch is made by sewing zig zags next to one another in a line along the fabric's edge. Sew the catch stitches so that the stitch is overlapping the folded edge of the fabric.[7]
- Try a baste stitch to sew thick fabric quickly. Thread a needle and weave the needle and thread in and out of the fabric in a straight line. Leave about of space between each stitch as you weave for a quick and easy baste stitch.[8]
- The baste stitch isn't a heavy duty option, but it will keep your fabric together.
- Choose a bias bound seam to cover the edges of thick fabric. Pick out bias binding at a craft store that matches your thick fabric. Sew the bias binding onto the edge of your thick fabric to hide it using a straight stitch. This is a great way to create a smooth edge.[9]
- Opt for a French seam for an invisible sewing job. Make a French seam by sewing the seam on the inside of your project so it can't be seen. Fold your fabric so the sides that will be hidden are facing one another and sew a seam down them. Trim your fabric along the seam, iron it so it's flat, and then sew another seam to finish it off.[10]
- Use pins to help you hold the fabric in place as you're sewing.
[Edit]Pressing and Holding Your Fabric - Iron the folds and edges to help keep them in place. Fold the edges of your fabric where you'll be sewing and use an iron to crease them so the thick fabric will stay folded. Lay a cloth between your fabric and the iron to protect your fabric.[11]
- Fold the edges and then lay the cloth on top before using the iron.
- Avoid touching the hot sections of the iron so you don't burn yourself.
- Use pins to hold the folds together as you sew. Push long pins through the thick fabric to hold a folded edge or several pieces of fabric together. Slide the pins through the fabric before you start sewing and then remove them carefully once you've sewn that specific area.[12]
- Be careful not to poke yourself with the pin when you're pushing it through the fabric.
- Hold the folds using clips if your fabric is very thick. Regular binder clips or something similar can be very useful if you're trying to hold together very thick fabric or several pieces of it. Attach the clips to the edge or area you'd like to sew and then remove the clips once you're finished sewing.[13]
- For example, you might use clips to hold the folded edge of the thick fabric so you can sew a hem.
- Hit thick seams with a rubber mallet to flatten and smooth them. If you're using extra thick fabric, your seams may feel bulky, especially if they cross with another seam. To help flatten the fabric out, tap the seam with a hammer or rubber mallet. Do this a couple times to smooth out the seam so it's not so thick.[14]
- Test out the stitches on scrap fabric first, if possible.
- Wash your thick fabric before you sew it to make the process easier.
[Edit]References |
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