| How to Clean Grout Without Scrubbing Posted: 26 Oct 2021 05:00 PM PDT We all know that scrubbing grout is a pain! Luckily, you can simplify your cleaning routine by opting for cleaning methods that lift dirt without a ton of effort. We'll walk you through DIY mixtures and grout cleaning hacks before going over stronger chemical options. Check out these 8 scrub-free solutions for grout cleaning. [Edit]Vinegar, lemon, and water - Choose this easy DIY method for a natural, homemade option. The slightly acidic mixture works to break down dirt and grime. In a spray bottle, mix 3.5 cups (830mL) of hot water with lemon juice from half a lemon, and 3 tablespoons (43g) of white vinegar. Spray the mixture over the grout lines. Let the solution sit for for a few minutes before wiping it away with a damp rag.[1]
- Alternatively, mix ½ cup of baking soda, ½ cup of white vinegar and ½ cup of water. Spray on the grout and dry with a cloth.[2]
[Edit]Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda - Use this easy paste to lighten stains and cut through grease. Mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda in a 1:1 ratio. Add a splash of dish soap to break down grease (this is optional). Apply the paste to cover your grout lines.[3] Leave the mixture on your grout for 10 minutes before wiping the surface with a damp cloth.[4]
[Edit]Toilet bowl cleaner with bleach - Try this cleaning hack for a minimal effort cleaner. Apply a toilet bowl cleaner (that contains bleach) directly onto your grout lines. Move fast as you apply the product to keep the flow even and keep your lines straight.[5] After 30 minutes, wipe off the cleaner with a damp rag.[6] Rinse the grout if necessary to get rid of excess cleaner.
[Edit]Oxygen bleach - Use this method for exceptionally tough grout stains. Dilute 1.5 tablespoons (about 22 g) of powdered oxygen bleach for every of warm water.[7] Pour the solution over the grout enough to "flood" the grout lines. Leave the solution for about 15-20 minutes.[8] Then, rinse off the solution and enjoy your clean grout.
- Oxygen bleach is a potent chemical, so it can damage your grout lines if you use it excessively.[9]
- Unlike chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach is non-toxic to plants, animals, and people.[10]
[Edit]Chlorine bleach - Use this method with caution for rust and bad stains. It's best to use this method in small spots rather than over your entire tiled surface, since chlorine bleach can ruin your grout. Apply undiluted bleach to the grout lines and let it sit for only a few minutes. Dry them up with a clean dry cloth.[11]
- Chlorine bleach can discolor your grout, and if you accidentally splash it on nearby rugs, curtains, and towels, it can discolor those, too.[12]
[Edit]Alkaline cleaning product - Apply an alkaline cleaner to get rid of mold or mildew. Every store-bought alkaline cleaner will have different dilution and use instructions. Follow the instructions on the back for how long to let the product sit.[13] Many products work within 5-10 minutes.[14] Rinse the product off your tile after the recommended time.[15]
[Edit]Steam cleaner - Choose this method to go chemical-free. Steam cleaners use the combination of hot water and high pressure to bust dirt. Ensure your steam cleaner goes up to to disinfect the grout.[16] Hold the steam wand up to the grout lines and move it back and forth repeatedly to loosen up dirt. Go slow to make sure you're getting a good burst of steam on the grout (since the steam might not come out consistently).[17]
- If you use a bristle attachment for your steam cleaner, let the steam do the majority of the work. Too much pressure will wear out your brush.[18]
[Edit]Grout sealant and colorant - Use grout sealant preventatively or to restore grout color. Sealing grout stops moisture and bacteria from seeping into all the pores in your grout lines.[19] You can buy grout sealant that will re-color your grout, too, effectively painting over it.[20]
[Edit]References |
| How to What Should You Wear Under a Cardigan Sweater Posted: 26 Oct 2021 09:00 AM PDT Cardigan sweaters are comfy, cozy outer layers that you can wear almost all year long. Even if you only own one cardigan, you can mix and match your outfits by changing up what you wear underneath it. We've compiled some of the top ways you can style your cardigan to never run out of outfits. Keep reading for more style tips and inspiration! [Edit]Tank top - If it's warm out, don't add too much bulk underneath your cardigan. Throw on a form-fitting tank top, then cover your arms up with a thin, long cardigan.[1] Tank tops look great with thinner cardigans because there's no extra fabric on your arms or your shoulders. Plus, if you get too hot, you can just take the cardigan off![2]
- Pair your outfit with jean shorts and sandals if it's really warm, or try a pair of skinny jeans and sneakers if it's only slightly warm.
- Add a statement necklace to draw attention to your upper body, and finish off your look with a large, structured handbag.
[Edit]Fitted T-shirt - This is a classic way to style a cardigan for a casual occasion.[3] If you're grabbing lunch with a friend or running errands, put on a fitted T-shirt and add a thin cardigan on top. The fitted nature of the T-shirt won't add any extra bulk under your cardigan, so you can wear a waist-length or knee-length one without any worries. Pair your look with skinny jeans or cigarette pants to look put-together and stylish.[4]
- To wear this outfit to the office, try tucking your shirt into a pair of dress pants.
- Pair your outfit with sneakers to keep it casual or ballet flats to get a bit more dressy.
[Edit]Oversized T-shirt - Match the bulk of an oversized cardigan with an oversized T-shirt. If you're rocking a larger, more fluffy cardigan, put on a T-shirt that's just slightly too big for you. Tuck the excess fabric into your waistband, or tie it into a knot on the front of your shirt. Finish off your outfit with a pair of straight-legged jeans to match the bulk on the top half of your body.[5]
- For a more modern take on this look, try wearing a band or graphic T-shirt.
- Pair this look with some chunky bracelets and a small backpack for all your essentials.
- Keep things casual with a pair of sneakers or some lace-up booties.
[Edit]V-neck shirt - Show some skin in a long, bulky cardigan. If you're worried about the length of your cardigan overwhelming your silhouette, balance it out by showing off some skin. Pick out a V-neck shirt to expose your collar bone and draw attention to your upper body.[6] Add a thin chain necklace and some dangly earrings to draw the eyes upwards and make you look taller.[7]
- If you're wearing a long cardigan, pair it with skinny jeans to maintain a long, thin silhouette. If you have a bulkier cardigan on, you can try wearing straight-leg or boot-cut pants.
[Edit]Flowy blouse - A long cable knit cardigan pairs well with a satin blouse. Throw on a flowy blouse that hits around your waistline, then pair it with a chunky, long cardigan. Add a pair of skinny jeans or leggings to contrast with the bulk of fabric on your upper body, and throw on a pair of stud earrings to keep things classy and elegant.[8]
- To dress this look up, wear a pair of over-the-knee boots. To keep it more casual, try sandals or loafers.
[Edit]Button-down - Take your cardigan to the office with this business casual look. Put on a button-down shirt, then add a cardigan on top. To make it more professional-looking, pick a cardigan that buttons in the front so you can button it up at the office. Pair your outfit with slacks and dress shoes or heels to look appropriate at the office.[9]
- If your button-down has a pattern on it, pick out a solid-colored cardigan so they don't clash.
- To look even more professional, wear a tie underneath your cardigan.
[Edit]Flannel shirt - Stay warm in the winter with multiple cozy layers. Put on a bright-colored flannel, like red, blue, or green. Pair it with a neutral-colored cardigan to look classy yet casual while you stay warm. Add a pair of dark wash jeans or a denim skirt to complete your look.[10]
- This outfit goes well with boots or high-heeled booties.
- You can also add a scarf or a beanie to accessorize.
[Edit]Turtleneck sweater - A thin turtleneck adds just the right amount of fabric. Throw on a turtleneck sweater, then add a cardigan on top (it can be thin or bulky—either style looks good with this outfit). Pair your look with a mini skirt and tights to show off your legs, or keep things casual with a pair of skinny jeans.[11]
- Try to pick out a form-fitting turtleneck so you don't overwhelm yourself with fabric.
- This outfit pairs well with boots and a long trench coat.
[Edit]Zip-up jacket - This fashion-forward outfit works well with large, oversized cardigans. Throw on a thin zip-up jacket or hoodie, then zip it up all the way. Throw on your oversized cardigan and pair your outfit with skinny jeans or leggings. Top off your look with a pair of sneakers or heeled booties, depending on where you're going that day.[12]
- Bomber jackets also look great underneath oversized cardigans.
- Accessorize with simple earrings and a few chain necklaces.
[Edit]Printed fabrics - If your cardigan is solid-colored, use your under layer as a statement. Go for florals, stripes, and polka dots to draw attention to your outfit and really make yourself stand out. You could also try animal print or paisley under a neutral-colored cardigan.[13]
- If you're taking your cardigan to the office, stick to small prints that aren't overbearing. They'll look more professional that way.
[Edit]References |
| How to Dye Real Hair Extensions Posted: 26 Oct 2021 01:00 AM PDT Hair extensions are a fun way to give yourself a new look. If you have human hair extensions, they can also be dyed. You might want to use a bold color to add streaks to your do or dye them the same shade as your natural color so they blend in. Either way, you're free to dye them as often as you like, but be careful! Human hair extensions can get damaged by heat and chemicals just like your hair. - Do a strand test before you try to color all of your extensions. Separate a small strand of hair from one of your extensions. Mix the color as directed on the packaging, then apply it to that strand only. After the minimum time recommended for that dye, check the color. Reapply if it's not quite the shade you want yet, then check every 5-10 minutes.[1]
- This test shows you how your extensions will handle the coloring process and gives you a good idea of how long you need to keep the dye on to get the color you want.
- Wash and dry your extensions if you've used any product on them. Shampoo and condition your extensions as you normally would to make sure they're clean. This ensures that they'll properly absorb the color.[2]
- When you're prepping your extensions for color, it's best to avoid using heat to dry them. Instead, let them lay out overnight to air dry.
- If your extensions are brand new, you don't necessarily have to wash them before you color them—but it's still good practice just to make sure they're clean and best able to take the color.[3]
- Use a wide-toothed comb to detangle your dry extensions. Lay your extensions out flat and comb them carefully from root to tip. If they're particularly tangled, separate the strands and comb them in sections, then run the comb down through the whole extension.[4]
- You can follow up with a fine-toothed comb if you want, but it isn't usually necessary. One comb-through should be enough to get your extensions ready for color.
- Mix the dye you want according to the instructions on the package. Put on rubber gloves to mix your color. If you bought box color at a pharmacy or discount store, the instructions for mixing the color will be in the box. With professional color, you'll typically mix color and developer in a 1:1 ratio.[5]
- You're probably going to need more color for your extensions than you think! If you're using box color, go ahead and mix the whole thing.
- If you're using a bright dye in a non-natural hair color, get extensions that are as light as possible to start. While you can always dye your extensions darker, never attempt to bleach them or lighten them by more than a shade—you risk destroying them.[6]
- Apply color from root to tip. Lay your extensions out flat on a table or counter, using a cloth or paper towels to protect the surface. Start at the root of the extension and apply color slowly, combing the color down through the extension to the tips. Once you've painted one side, flip the extension over and get the other side as well. Make sure each strand is equally and thoroughly saturated with color.[7]
- You can use your hands to apply the color, but it's usually easier to use a color brush.
- Wait for the length of time indicated by your strand test. Cover your extensions loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep the color from drying out. Most products will tell you to leave the color on the hair for 20-40 minutes, but this is a pretty wide range. Stick with the time you determined from your strand test to get the color you want.[8]
- Hold your extensions from the roots and rinse down. Use cool water at low pressure to rinse the color out of your extensions. Use your fingers to gently comb through the extensions and help rinse the color off.[9]
- Rinse until there is no more color running off into the water—this could take as long as 15 minutes.[10]
- Wash and condition with products designed for colored hair. Wash your extensions gently with a color-safe shampoo and rinse thoroughly. Then, use a color-safe conditioner to soften and condition the hair.[11]
- You might see a little color run off your extensions when you rinse out the shampoo or conditioner—that's okay! Just keep rinsing until the water runs clear over the hair.
- Smooth and straighten your extensions with a wide-tooth comb. Lay your extensions out flat on a towel and comb through them until they are straight and detangled. Be gentle! Wet hair breaks more easily and you don't want to damage your extensions.[12]
- Squeeze and pat with a towel to dry your extensions. This allows you to get the excess water out of your extensions. Never rub them—you'll cause them to tangle. Wrap them in a towel and squeeze. Then, lay them out on a towel to finish drying.[13]
- Your extensions need to be completely dry before you style them or put them on your head. Typically, it's best to leave them out overnight to dry on a clean, dry towel.
- Style your extensions however you want. If you're going to use heated tools, spray your extensions with a heat-protecting spray first. Then work your magic! Once you've styled your extensions the way you want, they're ready to put in.[14]
[Edit]Maintenance - Wait 48 hours after dying to wash your extensions. After the initial wash to rinse the dye out, don't wash your colored extensions again for at least 48 hours. This helps the color set so it won't fade as quickly.[15]
- Wash your extensions no more than once a week. Generally, you don't want to wash colored extensions as often as you might otherwise. Use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner that's specifically formulated for colored hair. Washing with cold water, if possible, will help keep the cuticle flat against the shaft, which also protects against fade.[16]
- Since you probably don't want to take a cold shower, wash your hair separately when you're wearing your extensions.
- Use a dry shampoo in between washes. Dry shampoo will keep your hair looking its best if it starts to get oily or limp in between washes. Apply it directly to the roots of your hair and your scalp to soak up the oil—you don't need to spray down to the tips.[17]
- You can get dry shampoo online or wherever hair products are sold. Typically, it comes in powdered form or in a spray can. You might find the spray more efficient and easier to work with than the loose powder.
- Apply leave-in conditioner and heat-protectant before styling. Heat can damage colored extensions more than it would your natural hair. A leave-in conditioner and heat-protecting spray will help keep your extensions looking their best.[18]
- The hair in your extensions dries out more easily than the hair on your head, which makes it prone to breakage. Heat can exacerbate this process.
- Do a strand test before you dye your extensions! It'll help you see how they handle the coloring process so you're less likely to mess up.[19]
- It's a lot easier to dye hair extensions before they're fitted rather than waiting until they're on your head. If you try to dye your extensions and your natural hair at the same time, the extensions will process faster and won't match the rest of your hair.[20]
[Edit]Warnings - If you want to dye your extensions more than a shade or two lighter or need to use bleach, contact a professional colorist. Real human hair extensions have already been dyed and bleach can ruin them.[21]
- If you're swimming in a pool, don't get your extensions wet. The chlorine will ruin the color and the hair will become dry and brittle.[22]
- Don't try to dye synthetic extensions. They won't take the color and the processing will ruin them. If you don't want to pay for real human hair extensions, buy your extensions in the color you want.[23]
[Edit]References |
No comments:
Post a Comment