| How to Clean Acrylic Furniture Posted: 21 Feb 2021 04:00 PM PST Acrylic furniture — so durable and timeless, but what do you do if a piece of acrylic furniture gets dirty? In order to keep your modern acrylic pieces looking sharp for years to come, make sure to be gentle. Avoid using harsh cleaning chemicals and abrasive cleaning tools that can scratch the plastic. Your best options are to use either mild soap and water or commercial acrylic cleaners with soft cloths. [Edit]Soap and Water - Make a solution of warm water and soap to clean up dirt and spills right away. Mix 1 part mild liquid dish detergent with 3 parts warm water in a bowl or other container. Stir the soap and water gently until it starts to look sudsy.[1]
- Never use window cleaning liquids or cleaning solutions that contain ammonia on your acrylic furniture. These damage the plastic and leave it looking permanently cloudy.
- Scrub the solution all over the furniture's surfaces with a soft cloth or sponge. Dip a clean cloth or sponge in the cleaning solution and wring out the excess moisture. Rub it all over the surfaces of the furniture using back and forth or circular motions until they're all clean.[2]
- It's very important that you use a soft, clean cloth or sponge. If there are any bits of debris caught in the fabric or if you use something with an abrasive surface you can scratch the plastic very easily.
- Don't use paper towels to try and clean acrylic furniture. They may seem soft, but they can actually scratch it or make it look cloudy!
- Wipe the soap suds off the furniture with clean water and a cloth or sponge. Fill a bowl or another container with clean water. Dip a fresh soft cloth or sponge in the water and wipe down all the surfaces of the plastic furniture again until there are no more soap suds left.[3]
- Alternatively, pour water over the furniture if you're working outside or rinse it off in the shower if it fits.
- Let the acrylic furniture air dry completely before you use it. Place the damp piece of furniture in a warm, dry, airy space. Wait a few hours until all the water evaporates before you put the furniture back to use.[4]
- Don't use a towel to dry off the furniture because it can leave streaks on the plastic surfaces.
[Edit]Acrylic Cleaners - Choose a commercial cleaning solution made specifically for acrylic. Look for cleaning solutions that say they are formulated for acrylics and other types of plastics on the packaging. Don't use any all-purpose household cleaners or other types of chemical cleaners that aren't made specifically for plastic.[5]
- Cleaners that contain ammonia leave your acrylic furniture looking permanently cloudy because they eat into the plastic.
- Wipe off loose dust and debris with a soft cloth. Grab a clean microfiber cloth or cotton cloth. Gently brush off all surfaces of the acrylic furniture to remove any dust and debris, so you don't rub it into the plastic and scratch it when you polish the piece.[6]
- An old cut-up cotton T shirt or clean cotton sock works great for dusting!
- Rub the cleaner onto the plastic with a microfiber cloth using circular motions. Apply a small dab of the acrylic cleaner to a section of the furniture. Press a clean microfiber cloth against the cleaner and start to rub it gently all over the furniture by moving your hand in small circles.[7]
- If you don't have a microfiber cloth, use a clean cotton cloth.
- Work in sections, applying more cleaner as you go, until you clean the whole piece. Put another small amount of the cleaner on a section of the furniture adjacent to the first section you cleaned. Rub it in with your microfiber cloth using circular motions. Repeat this until you finish cleaning all the surfaces of your furniture.[8]
- If the plastic still looks a bit cloudy after you clean it, it might have some fine scratches. Check the section on removing scratches and cloudiness for some different fixes to try!
[Edit]Removing Scratches and Cloudiness - Use a plastic polish kit and a microfiber cloth to remove minor scratches. Apply a dab of the plastic polish to the scratched areas. Buff the scratches off with a microfiber cloth by rubbing the polish into the plastic using circular motions.[9]
- There are different types of plastic polish for minor and more severe scratches. If your furniture is really scratched, buy a couple different formulas and start with the lighter one, then move onto the one for bigger scratches if that doesn't work.
- Buff out minor cloudiness with an electric buffer and plastic polish. Apply a small dab of plastic polish to the middle of a polishing wheel. Turn on the buffer and press the polishing pad lightly against the plastic. Move it up and down and left to right over the cloudy area, overlapping each stroke, until the plastic looks shiny again.[10]
- Don't use any type of polish other than a plastic polish on your acrylic furniture or you can end up damaging it further.
- Take the furniture to a professional to remove deep scratches. Call up some furniture repair professionals in your area and ask if they can repair acrylic furniture. Take the piece into them to have the deep scratches buffed and polished out.[11]
- A company that specializes in commercial furniture repair might be a good bet because they probably repair things like acrylic display cabinets for different businesses.
- If your acrylic furniture is outside, cover it with patio furniture slipcovers when it's not in use to protect it from the elements.[12]
- If you're storing acrylic furniture inside, cover pieces in sheets or other pieces of soft fabric while they're in storage to prevent scratches and dust accumulation.[13]
[Edit]Warnings - Never use commercial glass cleaners or any ammonia-based chemical cleaners on acrylic. These eat into the surface and leave permanent cloudy-looking marks on the plastic.[14]
- Avoid placing metal or other sharp-edged objects directly on acrylic furniture to prevent scratching. Place soft felt pads between the acrylic and hard objects.[15]
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Soap and Water - Bowl
- Mild liquid dish detergent
- Soft cloth or sponge
[Edit]Acrylic Cleaners - Acrylic cleaning solution
- Soft cloths
[Edit]References |
| How to Build an Outdoor Storage Bench Posted: 21 Feb 2021 08:00 AM PST Don't you wish there was a convenient way to keep all of your outdoor supplies organized and safe? Well if you want a functional piece of furniture that also adds more outdoor seating, a storage bench will work perfectly in your yard. Storage benches are pretty basic to build and only require a few tools, so it should only take you about a day to finish your project. We'll walk you through each step to make a durable storage bench so you're able to keep your items safe and stowed away! [Edit]Cutting Your Lumber - Buy pressure-treated wood made for exterior use. Pressure-treated lumber is more condensed, so won't rot or absorb moisture as easily as untreated wood. Choose woods like cedar, treated pine, and treated poplar to make your bench the most durable.[1] Visit your local home improvement store or lumberyard to buy:
- boards that are long (7)
- board that is long (1)
- board that is long (1)
- board that is long (1)[2]
- Trim frames from boards with a circular saw. Put on safety glasses whenever you work with power tools to keep your eyes protected. Measure out 6 pieces that are each long with a measuring tape. Label the boards "Frame" with a pencil so you know what to use them for later.[3]
- Always double-check your measurements before making your cut so you don't accidentally cut them too long or short.
- You can seriously injure yourself with a circular saw, so work carefully and ask for help if you don't know how to work one properly.
- Cut the boards for the side panels. Measure and mark 9 lengths of board so they're long. Carefully cut the pieces out with your saw and label them with "Front/Back Panel" before setting them aside. Then, measure and cut an additional 10 pieces that are each . Write "Side Panel" on each board.[4]
- The panels wrap around the sides and form the lid of your bench so it has a uniform appearance.
- Saw the cleats and floor slats from your boards. Measure out 2 lengths of board that are long and mark them. Make straight cuts through each of your marks using your circular saw. Label the pieces "Cleats" and set them aside. Then, trim 2 more lengths that are and label them "Slats."[5]
- The cleats and floor slats support the weight of the items you're storing so they're off the ground.
- Cut the boards down for the lid supports. Use your measuring tape and a pencil to mark 2 lengths of board that are each long. Trim along your marks to cut the pieces down to size. Write "Lid support" on each piece so you don't forget where it goes.[6]
- The lid supports hold the boards together and prevent the lid from warping.
- Apply an end-cut sealer to any of the sawn ends of your lumber. Dip a paintbrush into a container of end-cut sealer to wet the bristles. Brush a thin layer of the sealer onto any rough edges that you just cut. Let the end-cut sealer dry completely for about 1–3 hours before working with your wood again.[7]
- You can buy end-cut sealer from your local hardware store.
- If you leave the rough edges untreated, they could split or crack as they dry out.
[Edit]Creating the Bench - Construct U-shaped frames using your pieces. Place 3 of your frame pieces on your work surface so they're standing on their long narrow ends. Place one of the boards horizontally and align the other 2 vertically so they're flush with the ends of the first board. Put 2 screws that are long through the face of the horizontal board on each end so they go into the vertical boards. Repeat the process with your other frame pieces to make the second frame.[8]
- The horizontal board becomes the top of your bench and the open ends of the vertical boards are feet that keep your bench elevated from the ground.
- Attach the side panels to the faces of the frames. Lay the first side panel board flat on the long narrow edges of the vertical supports so the ends are flush with the frame. Position the board so it extends past the top of the frame by . Secure the panel to the frame using 2 screws that are long at each end. Position the next 2 side panels directly below the first one and secure them the same way. Attach 3 more side panels to the second frame piece.[9]
- The bottoms of the frames are still visible in the final build.
- Connect the front and back panels to the sides of your end frames. Align the first front panel so it covers the end of the top side panel and is flush with the top. Secure the panel to the frame using 2 screws that are long. Line up the other end of the panel with the top of the other frame piece and attach it the same way. Add 2 more panel pieces to the front and attach them the same way. Flip the bench over to the back and attach 3 more of the panels.[10]
- If any of your panels have knots or deformations, hide them on the inside of the bench so they aren't exposed.
- Screw the cleats flush with the bottoms of the bench's side panels. Turn your bench over so it lies on the front or back. Position your cleat pieces on the frame pieces inside the bench so it lines up with bottoms of the side panels. Secure 2 screws that are long through the cleat and into the frame. Flip your bench over and attach the other cleat to the other side.[11]
- Avoid putting the cleats flush with the bottoms of the frames, or else they'll be visible from the outside.
- Screw the floor slats and remaining end panels to the tops of the cleats. Turn your bench over so it's right-side up. Position the pieces on top of the cleats so they're between the frame pieces. Attach 2 screws that are long through each end of the cleats so they stay in place. Lay your 4 leftover end panels on top of the cleats and space them evenly apart. Use 2 screws per end to attach them to the cleats.[12]
- Leave gaps between your floor slats so water from rain or a hose can drain out without pooling inside of your bench.
- Staple hardware cloth to the cleats to keep animals out. Hardware cloth is a type of wire fencing that adds an additional layer of security to your bench. Cut the hardware cloth with tin snips so it fits inside of your bench. Lay the hardware cloth flat on the slats and use a staple gun to secure it to your cleats and slats.[13]
- You can buy hardware cloth from your local home improvement store.
- Construct the lid with the leftover boards and supports. Lay your lid supports on top of your frame pieces so they're flush with the tops of the panels. Align your 3 remaining panel pieces on top of your bench so they're flush with the sides, leaving even gaps between them. Secure 2 of your screws through the face of each lid panel and into the support beneath it. Then, secure the other ends of the panels to the second support.[14]
- Be careful not to screw your lid into the frame pieces, or else you won't be able to open your bench.
- Screw hinges into the bottom side of the lid and back of the bench. Position the hinges about a third of the way in from the ends of your lid so they evenly support its weight. Screw the sides of the hinges that swing open onto the bottom of the lid. Set the lid on top of your bench so all the edges are flush. Then secure the other halves of the hinges to the back of the bench so it's on the outside.[15]
- Install eye hooks and chains inside the box and lid. Screw an eye hook on the inside front corners of the end panels. Secure 2 more eye hooks onto the tops of the battens that are closest to the short ends of the bench. Open the lid on your bench so it's pointing straight up. Secure a thin chain tightly between the corner eye hook and the one that's on the batten on each side.[16]
- This takes some stress off of the hinges when you open the bench, but it doesn't prevent the lid from falling down.
- You can also use lid stays, which are pneumatic devices that prevent the lid from dropping down suddenly. Just screw the bottom to the side of the bench and the top to the batten.
[Edit]Finishing and Decorating - Let the wood dry before adding any finishes. Pressure-treated wood is slightly wet so it won't accept stain or paint right away. It may take a few weeks or even months for your wood to completely dry.[17] When the wood feels dry to the touch, flick drops of water onto it. If the wood absorbs the water, then it's dry enough to finish. If the water beads on the surface, then keep waiting.[18]
- If you want to start painting or finishing sooner, purchase wood that's kiln-dried after the treatment.
- Paint or stain your bench if you want to make it a different color. Use a finish that's made for exterior use so it handles the elements better. Apply your finish when you have a few clear and sunny days so you don't have to worry about rain. If you're painting, apply a coat of primer and let it dry before putting on 1–2 layers of your paint.[19] For stain, work from the top to the bottom to apply the color evenly.[20]
- You don't need to paint or stain the inside of your bench.
- Put cushions and pillows on your bench for a comfortable new seat. While it's okay to sit directly on the lid slats, put down a few extra outdoor cushions so it's softer. If your bench is up against a wall, lean some pillows against it to use for a backrest. Just be sure to put the cushions and pillows away once you're done using them.[21]
- You can buy cushions for outdoor furniture online or from home improvement stores.
- Add casters to the feet if you want to move the bench easier. Get a set of 4 casters and coupling nuts from your local hardware store. Use your drill to make holes that are the same diameter as the coupling nuts through the ends of the feet. Drive the coupling nuts into the holes with a mallet and screw the castors into them. That way, you can roll the bench around when you need to.[22]
- Lock the casters whenever you're done moving your bench so it doesn't roll anywhere on its own.
- Install handles on the sides of the bench so it's easier to pull around.
- Place your items inside tote bins if you're worried about them getting wet since this bench isn't completely waterproof.[23]
[Edit]Warnings - Always use caution when you're working with power tools so you don't injure yourself. Wear safety glasses to protect yourself.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - boards that are long (7)
- board that is long (1)
- board that is long (1)
- board that is long (1)
- Measuring tape
- Circular saw
- Safety glasses
- End-cut sealer
- exterior screws
- exterior screws
- Hinges
- Eye hooks and chain
- C-clamps
- Electric drill/screwdriver
- Hardware cloth
- Tin snips
- Staple gun
- Paint or stain
- Outdoor cushions (optional)
- Casters (optional)
[Edit]References |
| How to Cook Potatoes Posted: 21 Feb 2021 12:00 AM PST Potatoes might be one of the world's most versatile foods. They're inexpensive, flavorful, nutritious, and you can cook them in hundreds of ways. To get you started with cooking potatoes, try roasting them in the oven with salt. If you'd like soft potatoes that you can mash, boil them in salted water until they're tender. For another quick cooking method, fry the potatoes in a skillet so they become brown and crispy. [Edit]Ingredients [Edit]Oven-Roasted Potatoes - of potatoes
- of olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons (8 g) of kosher salt
Makes 8 servings [Edit]Simple Boiled Potatoes - of potatoes
- 1 teaspoon (5.5 g) of salt
- Salt and pepper for serving
Makes 4 servings [Edit]Crispy Pan-Fried Potatoes - 5 or 6 medium-sized potatoes
- 2 to 3 tablespoons (28 to 42 g) of butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Makes 6 to 8 servings [Edit]Making Oven-Roasted Potatoes - Preheat the oven to and scrub the potatoes under cold water. Get out of potatoes and rinse them well. If there are patches of dirt, take a produce brush and gently scrub the potatoes to remove the dirt.[1]
- You can roast any type of potato. Floury potatoes, such as Russets, will have light, fluffy centers after roasting while waxy potatoes, such as yellow or red potatoes, have a rich, deep flavor.
- Cut the potatoes into pieces. Take a sharp knife and carefully cut each potato in half. If you're preparing new potatoes that are small, you might not need to cut them further. For larger potatoes, continue to cut the potatoes until they're in even pieces.[2]
- For very tender potatoes, peel them before you cut them.
- If you'd like to make fancy Hasselback-style potatoes, keep the potatoes whole but make thin slices across the surface of each potato. They'll fan out and become crisp as you roast the potatoes.
- Put the potatoes in a bowl and toss them with oil and your choice of seasonings. Transfer the potato pieces to a large mixing bowl and pour of olive oil over them. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons (8 g) of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon (2 g) of freshly ground black pepper. Then, mix in another seasoning if you'd like a distinctive flavor. Try adding 1 of the following:[3]
- 2 tablespoons (17 g) of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon (2 g) of curry powder
- 1 tablespoon (6 g) of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon (6 g) of smoked paprika
- Spread the potatoes on a sheet and put it in the preheated oven. Scoop the seasoned potato pieces onto a rimmed baking sheet or pan. Arrange the potatoes so they're in a single layer. This ensures that the potatoes cook evenly and become crisp on the sides.[4]
- For easier cleanup, lay a sheet of parchment paper on the sheet before you spread the potatoes on it.
- Bake the potatoes for 30 minutes and flip them over. Let the potatoes roast without moving them around on the pan. This helps them develop a good crust on 1 side. Then, put on an oven mitt and use a spatula to carefully flip the potato pieces over.[5]
- You'll hear the potatoes sizzle as they release moisture in the hot oven.
- Finish baking the potatoes for 15 to 30 more minutes. Leave the potatoes to roast until they're browned and completely tender. To test if the potatoes are done, insert a fork, knife, or skewer into the center of a potato piece. It should slide in and out easily if the potato is finished cooking.[6]
- Remove the roasted potatoes and scatter fresh parsley over them. Turn off the oven and carefully take the baking sheet out of the oven. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons (7.5 g) of freshly minced parsley over the potatoes and serve them while they're still hot.[7]
- Substitute your favorite fresh herbs for the parsley. Use finely minced rosemary, sage, or oregano, for instance.
- You can refrigerate leftover potatoes in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
[Edit]Making Simple Boiled Potatoes - Scrub of potatoes and peel them if you like. Rinse the potatoes under cold water and use a scrub brush to gently remove any dirt. Then, peel the potatoes with a vegetable peeler if you want tender, boiled potatoes or if you'll be mashing them by hand.[8]
- Use any type of potato that you like. You might use floury potatoes, such as Russets, for fluffy potatoes or waxy potatoes, such as yellow or red potatoes, for deeper flavor.
- Leave the potatoes whole if you're mashing them or cut them into chunks. Decide if you'd like to boil the potatoes whole or cut them into pieces. You might want to chop them if you're boiling potatoes for potato salad or if you're working with large potatoes.[9]
- Keep in mind that large whole potatoes take longer to boil than potato cubes.
- You can save time by leaving the skins on potatoes if you'll be passing them through a ricer or food mill.
- Put the potatoes in a pot and cover the potatoes with cold water. Transfer the whole or chopped potatoes to a large pot and pour in enough cold water to cover the potatoes by at least . Set the pot on the stove.[10]
- It's important to use cold water so the potatoes cook evenly. If you use hot water, the outside of the potatoes will cook faster and could develop a gluey texture.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon (5.5 g) of salt and turn the burner to high. Stir the salt until it dissolves in the water. Then, keep the lid off of the pot and turn the burner to high. Heat the water until it begins to boil vigorously.[11]
- For even more flavor, you could add a halved head of garlic and 1 bay leaf to the water or cook the potatoes in chicken stock.
- Simmer the uncovered potatoes for between 15 and 25 minutes. Once the water is boiling, turn the burner down to medium so it bubbles gently. Cook the potatoes until they're completely tender. To test if they're done, insert a skewer or fork into the middle of a potato to see if it comes out easily.[12]
- The amount of time this takes depends on the size of the potatoes or pieces. Potato cubes that are around will take closer to 15 minutes to cook while whole potatoes will take more like 25 minutes.
- There's no need to stir the potatoes as they simmer.
- Drain the potatoes in the sink. Set a colander in the sink and wear oven mitts to hold the pot of potatoes. Slowly pour the potatoes into the colander so the hot water drains. Then, transfer them to a serving or mixing bowl.[13]
- If you're only boiling a few potatoes, you could scoop them out of the pot with a slotted spoon instead.
- Boiled potato can be canned and preserved for future use.
- Serve the boiled potatoes or mash them to make mashed potatoes. To simply serve the boiled potatoes, toss them gently with a little butter and salt. For a smooth side dish, mash the potatoes with a potato masher or pass them through a ricer. Then, stir milk or cream into the potatoes to make homemade mashed potatoes.[14]
- You could also chill the potatoes and make potato salad with them.
- Boiled potatoes last for up to 5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
[Edit]Making Crispy Pan-Fried Potatoes - Rinse the potatoes and pat them dry. Scrub 5 or 6 medium-sized potatoes under cold water to remove dirt. Then, dry them completely using a kitchen or paper towel. It's important to remove excess moisture so the potatoes fry instead of steam.[15]
- Use your favorite type of potatoes. If you use large Russets, you might only need 2 or 3 potatoes since they're larger than most yellow or red potatoes.
- Leave the peels on if you'd like rustic potatoes. For a heartier texture, keep the peels on the potatoes. If you prefer, you could peel the potatoes so they become extra crispy and light.[16]
- Although you can leave the peels on any type of potato, yellow or red potatoes have thinner skins so they fry up crispier than floury potatoes.
- Dice, slice, or shred the potatoes into small pieces. To make hashbrown-style potatoes, shred the potatoes against the coarse side of a box grater. If you prefer, use a knife or mandoline to slice the potatoes into thick pieces. You could also cut the potatoes into cubes that are about wide.[17]
- Use caution when slicing with a mandoline since it's easy to cut yourself on the sharp blade.
- Melt butter in a deep skillet over medium heat. Put 2 to 3 tablespoons (28 to 42 g) of butter into the skillet and turn the burner to medium. Let the butter melt completely and tilt the pan so the butter coats the bottom.[18]
- You can also fry diced bell peppers or mushrooms along with the potatoes for a hearty breakfast.
- Add the potatoes to the skillet and season them with salt and pepper. Arrange the potatoes in the skillet so they're evenly spread over the bottom. Then, sprinkle as much salt and pepper as you like over them.[19]
- If you'd like to double this recipe, cook the potatoes in batches.
- You could season the potatoes with garlic salt or onion powder according to your taste.
- Cover the skillet and cook the potatoes for 15 to 20 minutes. Put the lid on the skillet and cook the potatoes until they become tender. Wear oven mitts to take the lid off and stir the potatoes every 3 to 5 minutes so they cook evenly.[20]
- Use a flat spatula or spoon to stir the potatoes.
- Fry the uncovered potatoes for 5 to 10 minutes. Take the lid off of the skillet once the potatoes have softened. Cook them until they're as crisp on the outside as you like. Then, turn off the burner and season the potatoes with more salt and pepper.[21]
- Remember to stir the potatoes frequently so they don't burn on 1 side.
- Refrigerate the leftover potatoes in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Avoid cutting the potatoes in advance of cooking them since they'll turn brown within a few hours.
- To speed up cooking time, cut your potatoes into smaller pieces. These will roast, boil, or fry faster than large chunks or whole potatoes.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Garlic Roasted Potatoes - Measuring cups and spoons
- Bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Rimmed baking sheet or pan
- Oven mitts
- Spoon
- Spatula
- Vegetable peeler, optional
[Edit]Simple Boiled Potatoes - Large pot
- Colander or strainer
- Knife and cutting board, optional
- Vegetable peeler, optional
[Edit]Crispy Pan-Fried Potatoes - Knife and cutting board
- Deep skillet
- Spatula
- Vegetable peeler, optional
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
No comments:
Post a Comment