| How to Use a Fishing Rod Posted: 18 Apr 2022 05:00 PM PDT Fishing is both a fun and complicated endeavor. There are a variety of rods for both hobbyists and professionals. There are a number of factors that determine the type of rod you should be using including the type of fish, the type of lure, and water conditions. Don't worry—if you're new to using fishing rods, we've got you covered. Check out the tips below to learn how to use a fishing rod for freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, and even ice fishing. [Edit]Getting Started - Choose your lure.[1] Lures are great for beginners because they are less messy than live bait. They also cover a lot of water and are more efficient when targeting specific types of fish. While lures can get caught on debris and be relatively expensive but should be used depending on the type of fish and water conditions. Choose the type of lure based on these basic principles[2]:
 - Jigs are the most versatile lures. They require the most skill as you must cast it out and wait until it falls to the bottom of the water before retrieve it to induce a strike with its movement. Feeling the strike can be difficult as jigs may get caught on debris or just feel like their moving along with the current.
- Spinners are also great for beginners because you simply have to cast and retrieve. They are designed to create a spinning action that can vibrate through murky water and entice a bite.
- Spoons are designed so that they create a side-to-side wobble upon retrieval that mimics injured prey fish. You can vary the speed of the wobble by slowing down your retrieval.
- Soft plastic baits are meant to mimic live bait. They will resemble critters like worms, crawfish, or frogs. Depending on the type of plastic bait, simply mimic the movement of the critter that it resembles.
- Flies are exactly as they sound. They are meant to mimic insect hovering at the surface of the water. They require quite a lot of skill to produce a natural movement that fish will be attracted to.
- Add a lure. Tie your line to your reel using an Arbor knot. Tie your lure, hook, or fly using either a Unit knot, Improved clinch knot, or Palomar knot.[3] You may also try a Surgeon's knot to tie two lines together or a Surgeon's End Loop to add a pre-made snelled hook.[4]
 - Tie an Arbor knot by using the tag end of your line to wrap around the arbor end of your spool. Then take the standing part with the tag end and tie an overhand knot, much like you would when starting to tie a shoelace. Move a couple inches and tie another overhand knot from the tag end. You want the first knot to slide down to the spool as you pull the standing part of the line to butt the second knot against it. Close the tag end by trimming the line.[5]
- The Uni knot is the easiest tackle knot. Thread your line through your hook and make sure it is parallel to the standing line as you double back. Lay the tag end over the double line to create a loop. Take the tag end around the double line six time and through the loop. Pull the tag end to ensure the turns are snug. Push the knot down towards the eye to finish.[6]
- The Improved clinch knot is the most popular knot used to fish. Place the line through your hook and create 5 or more turns as you double back around the standing line. Take the end of the line and thread it back through the first loop behind the eye of the hook and thread it through the large loop you just created. Tighten the coils by pulling on the tag end. Push the knot tight against the eye and snip the tag end closed.[7]
- The Palomar knot is considered to be the strongest knot. Fold 6 inches of line to create double the thickness and thread the loop end through your hook. Tie an overhand knot loosely keeping the hook at the bottom, letting it hang. Use your thumb and forefinger to hold the knot as you pass the loop over your hook. Move the loop so that it is above the eye of the hook. Simultaneously pull both the tag end and the standing line to tighten the knot onto the eye of your hook. Trip the tag end closed.[8]
- Bait a fishing line. Choosing live bait will depend on the type of fish. The size of your hook will also be determined by the size of the fish that you're to catch.[9] Basically, thread your hook through your bait at 2 points to secure it from falling off or at the thick portion closest to its head. You want to place your hook at the head and through a thick portion of the body. For example, if you are using a worm thread your hook close to the head and tail.
- If you are using fish as bait, make sure that the hook goes through the head and jaw because that will be the primary strike point of your fish.
- Choosing a good bait depends on the type of fish and type of water. For example, if you're fishing for freshwater fish in rivers, crawfish and worms may be a good choice for bait.
- Cast out. Casting can be done depending on the weather conditions and the location. While there are a variety of techniques, it will take practice to get your cast efficient and consistent.[10][11] Choose these methods based on the distance you're hoping to achieve[12]:
- An overhead cast is best used when you want a lot of distance. Hold down the button for the casting reel with your thumb as you bring the rod back. In a single motion propel the rod forward and release your thumb. Push the button again to prevent your line from tangling by slowing down your spool.
- Pitching should be employed when you are trying to cast close at about the 10 yard range. Let out some slack line by holding your rod up and making the lure move down to meet the reel. Using your non-dominant hand, grab the lure. Use your dominant hand to press the button on your reel. Keep your line taut as you bring the lure back and drop the tip of the rod. In a single swooping motion, raise the tip of the rod to pull the lure from your non-dominant hand. Use your thumb to slow down the line to ensure you don't go past your short distance.
- Reel in your fish. There are a variety of different reels that you can purchase but the 3 basics are the spincaster, baitcaster, and spinning reel.[13]
- Most people start with the spincaster. It is a push-button reel that is simple enough to let you focus on casting technique.[14]
- Baitcaster is also a push-button reel but gives you more control as the button locks in place once pushed down. It requires you to use your thumb on the spool to control the speed of the lure. This reel works well when trying to get fish out of thick water.[15]
- Spinning reels have an open-face and the rod will be parallel to their spools of line. These work well when casting light crankbaits, drop-shot rigs, jerkbaits, and weightless soft plastics.[16]
[Edit]Using Freshwater Fishing Rods - Choose a rod based on what you're fishing and the location.[17] Rods vary in width, flexibility, and length. Flexibility is known as action and rods must have enough to absorb the tension of the type of fish that you are catching once it strikes. If you're fishing at a location with a lot of debris than you must choose a rod able to withstand movement through the debris.[18]
- Fiberglass fishing rods are best paired with crank baits, jerk baits, reaction baits, and treble hooks.
- Carbon-fiber fishing rods are great if you are a professional level fisherman as they work best with precision casting.
- To get more fight out of bigger fish or when casting for smaller ones, use an ultra-light fishing rod for more flex. These rods usually range from 4 - 5.5 feet in length and are paired best with casting lures and flies to catch crappie, trout, bass, bluegill, and other panfish.
- Employ spinning rods for still fishing with live bait or for trolling. Choose spinning rods made from graphite or fiberglass with a cork or PVC foam handle. Choose a length between 5 - 8.5 feet when fishing bass, trout, pike and walleye. Longer spinning rods should be used when casting with two hands for fish including steelhead and salmon.[19]
- The spinning reel hangs under the rod unlike bait casting or spin casting rods.
- Work bait-casting and closed-spin casting rods. These rods work best when using fishing reels that are mounted above the handle. Made of graphite or fiberglass with a cork or pvc foam handle, these rods are very similar to spinning rods. They can be anywhere from 5 - 8.5 feet in length. Use longer rods with a longer grip for two-handed casting when fishing steelhead or salmon.
- Use larger rods when fishing with larger bait and for larger fish.
- Fish with telescopic fishing rods for larger fish. Designed to either shorten or expand, telescopic rods range anywhere from 20 - 30 feet in length but can be collapsed down to as short as 1.5 feet. Choose telescopic rods made out of graphite, fiberglass, or composite material to ensure both durability and flexibility. Each section is designed to fit into another section while keeping the structural integrity of the rod.[20]
- Telescopic rods are meant for easy transport. Make sure you follow proper maintenance procedures including using tip covers for each section of the rod when transporting. The sections should close easier if they are shorter in length. More sections translate into better weight and stress distribution that can create a farther cast and less breakage when you are involved with a stronger fish.
[Edit]Using Saltwater Fishing Rods - Consider the length, power and action of your rod. These factors will be based on the type of fish that you want to catch. Short rods provide power for fish that give more fight while longer rods cast further. The power of a rod is how much weight in can lift, from light to extra heavy. Rods can also be chosen based on the weight of the lure or the pound-test line that they are designed to be paired with.
- Choose a graphite rod if you want a stiff yet sensitive experience and a fiberglass rod for a tough and powerful one.[21]
- Reels are classified as high or low speed where the latter is used when needing more power to fight large fish. Some reels allow you to push a button to switch between high and low speed.
- Utilize a spinning rod and reel when casting lighter lures and baits. Spinning rod and reels work well with top-water poppers and high-speed plugs. Use your dominant hand to hold the rod as you use your other hand to crank the handle.[22]
- Make sure you change the handle of your rod depending on which is your dominant hand.
- Spool the line by laying the rod on the floor and ensure that the line is going onto the reel at the same direction that the line is leaving the spool. Pinch the line and crank the reel handle a dozen times. With a slack line, drop the tip of the rod to check if the line starts to twist and spin. If it does, you have spooled the line in the wrong direction. Flip the spool over and continue in the right direction as you fill the reel.
- Employ baitcasting rods and reels. These rods work best when bottom fishing, jigging, long casting, or when using big baits. Use an open-face reel for casing or jigging to let out and retrieve the line quickly. Use a closed face reel when using lighter lures and baits. Make sure to use your thumb to control the speed of the spool and keep it slow.[23]
- Baitcasting rods easily get tangled because the spool turns faster than the line as it leaves the rod. If the tangle isn't too bad you may be able to untangle it by pulling more line off the reel. However, most baitcasting reel have either a centrifugal, magnetic, or electronic cast control to keep your line from getting tangled.
- Work a saltwater trolling rod for larger fish. Saltwater trolling rods carry a lot of line and their large bodies allow them to take extreme pressure for fighting large fish. These rods are shorter and stronger than casting rods. They may also come with a notched butt for a fighting belt or chair. Rods that are longer with a short butt are meant for use with a fighting belt or chair.[24]
- Pair the rod with an appropriate line-test where a 20 pound rod and line combo works for sailfish, dolphin and marlin. Use 130 pound rod and line combo for billfish and bluefin tuna.
- Use saltwater jigging rods and reels. These rods work best for either hovering over a target or to retrieve your line at high speeds. Use specialized tackle to work your lure at the correct speed, either very quickly or slowly depending on the fish. Use vertical jigging with high-speed rods and metal lures for fast retrieval. In contrast, use rubber jigs to hover over the target or for slow, deliberate retrieval.[25]
[Edit]Using Ice Fishing Rods - Choose the right length. Ice fishing rods are typically shorter than freshwater or saltwater rods. They vary in length from 24 - 36 inches. You will need to choose the size of your rod based on the thickness of the ice and type of fish that you are fishing for.[26]
- Decide on the right material. Ice fishing requires a very sensitive rod. Fish are not very active in cold water so you need a rod that is both able to withstand the harsh weather conditions and be flexible and sensitive enough to indicate when you have a bite. Look for graphite or fiberglass rods.[27]
- The type of fish that you are planning to catch will also determine how sensitive and flexible you want your rod. For example, panfish require a rod that is very light whereas game fish, like Northern pike, need a heavier rod.
- Match your line with your rod and spool.[28] Choose a spinning reel or a spring tension spool with a line to match your rod. For example, if you are using a lightweight rod, use a lightweight line. You may also use a fly reel instead of a spinning reel.[29]
- A fly reel has less line to twist relative to the spinning reel.
- Use tip-ups instead of a rod. A tip-up is a device that dangles bait beneath the ice. It lets you know when a bite happens with a flag set above the ice. The device is similar to a rod in that it uses a reel that is submerged under water. A fish takes the bait and turns the reel which releases the flag to signal that you have a strike.[30]
- Tip-ups are usually made of wood and some are circular to fit over your hole and prevent it from freezing over. Use a heavy line when using a tip-up with braided line for larger fish like walleye.
- Use both tip-ups and a spinning rod to increase your chances. Setup two holes at different locations. Make sure the locations are close enough for you to react in case you have two bites but far enough that they give more opportunities for multiple strikes. Use your spinning rod to jig in one hole as your monitor your tip up.[31]
- Jigging means that use a special device -- a jig -- to produce a jerking up and down motion as it moves through the water. The jerking motion is meant to illicit the strike reflex of certain types of fish.
- Settle on the correct bait. Both live and artificial baits will work for ice fishing. For artificial baits you may choose banana jigs, and teardrop jigs. For live bait you may try worms, bee mother larva, maggots, fly larvae, mayfly larvae, or minnows. Slowly jig the bait for whichever bait you choose.[32]
[Edit]Using Fly Fishing Rods - Create a budget. Fly fishing rods are as good as you pay for so it's important to know how often you will be using your rod and what skill level you are at before purchasing a fly fishing rod. While high-performance rods can help you, it may be helpful to wait until your casting skills have improved in order to reap the full benefits of an expensive rod.
- Choose a rod based on your experience. Beginners can choose inexpensive rods made of graphite, fiberglass, or bamboo. Price will reflect better materials and high-performance rods are better suited for experienced fisherman or people who plan to fly fish often.[33]
- High quality rods can make casting easier which is imperative when fly fishing.
- Fly rods may come in 2, 3, or 4 pieces. Most beginners use a 2 piece while more seasoned fisherman use a 4 piece as it can be broken down and easily carried on airplanes.
- Learn proper technique. Cast the line to mimic the movement of live prey. The presentation of your lure will depend on the type of fish with the rod and line working seamlessly to create specific movements.[34]
- Movements can range from mimicking insects to frogs.
- Select the length of the rod based on your location. Use 6 - 8 foot fly rods for fishing in smaller streams with a lot of brush. Move up to 9 foot rods when fishing in big rivers. The longer the rod, the more control you have over your line.[35]
- Use a larger line and rod for larger fish. The larger the fly, the heavier it is and the heavier the line you will need in order to deliver it. A larger rod ensures a smooth cast with heavier lures.[36]
- Beginners should use 1 - 8 weight for trout, 6-10 weight for bass, and 5 weight for panfish.
- Ensure that the fly fishing line is designed for your rod. Fly rods are designed to only cast a certain weight of line. For example, only use a 6-weight line with a 6-weight rod. Check the rod information that's printed above the cork grip to choose the corresponding weighted line.[37]
- Different manufacturers will place the weight information on different locations on the rod and may have unique codes. Make sure to consult the manufacturer if you cannot find the pertinent information.
- Choose the right bait. The bait you choose will depend on the location and type of fish. Find the closest fly shop to the location that you will be fishing at and ask the sales staff what they would recommend.[38]
- Each time you change locations, research what bait has been successful for the type of fish you plan on catching.
- Certain types and sizes of fish are illegal to catch. If you catch one that is out of season or seems to be too small, throw it back. Always check with the local gaming and fisheries authorities.
[Edit]Warnings - Check whether you need to obtain a license to fish in your area. Certain types of fish may be illegal to catch depending on the time of year or location.
- When fishing for larger fish make sure to exercise proper precautions. Lack of proper equipment and preparation can lead to serious injury or worse.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Make Avocado Butter Posted: 18 Apr 2022 09:00 AM PDT Avocados are a healthy and delicious snack on their own, but if you're looking for a new way to incorporate avocados into your life, you can mix mashed avocado with butter and other ingredients to make a tasty alternative butter. Avocado butter is great for sandwiches, toast, crackers, dipping, and works great as an overall spread! All it takes is finding ripe avocados, and mixing them with butter and your favorite seasonings. [Edit]Ingredients - 2 small, ripe avocados – about 6 ounces of avocado meat
- 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 teaspoons cumin, freshly toasted and ground
- Salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)[1]
[Edit]Choosing the Ingredients - Acquire two small, ripe avocados. Search supermarkets, farmers markets, and local fruit stands. Look for avocados that are firm, unblemished, and uniformly brown. Review these qualities to determine whether an avocado is ripe:
 - Check the color and appearance: Choose avocados without dark blemishes or deep indentations on the skin. California Hass avocados ripen into a dark green or black shade; if they are green at all, they probably aren't ripe. Florida avocados on the other hand, have lighter-green skin with a yellowish tone, even when they are ripe.[2]
- Feel the avocados for ripeness: Gently squeeze the avocado to test its firmness. Don't squeeze very hard with your fingertips, or you'll risk bruising the fruit. A ripe avocado is soft, but it gives in to the pressure of your thumb and other fingers. Under-ripe avocados will be firm and hard; overripe avocados will be mushy to the touch, and often unevenly so.[3]
- Check the spot where the stem meets the fruit: Use your fingernail to pick away the circular remainder of the stem. This should reveal a small hole in the skin through which you can note the color of the avocado. If the "meat" is green, it's either ripe or ripening. If the inside of the avocado looks brown, black, or any other color, it's either overripe or moldy.[4]
- Buy ripe, ready-to-eat avocados if you plan to make avocado butter immediately. Purchase unripe, firm avocados if you plan on using them in a few days. Store unripe avocados in a paper bag at room temperature between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18.33 and 23.88 degrees Celsius) for up to 5 days or until they are ripe.[5]
- If you want to slow the ripening process, store your avocados in a refrigerator. Only ripe or soft avocados should be refrigerated. Ripe fruit can be refrigerated until it is eaten, and should last for at least two more days.
- Use one tablespoon of fresh-squeezed lemon juice. The citric acid adds a tangy flavor, but its primary function is actually to preserve the avocado butter so that it will last longer. The citric acid also prevents the avocado butter from oxidizing and turning brown. If you don't add lemon juice, the avocado butter will begin to go brown within hours of preparation.
- If you don't have access to lemons, you can use any concentrated citrus juice: lime, orange, grapefruit, etc. Generally, the more sour the fruit, the more citric acid it contains. You could even use pre-bottled lemon or lime juice.
- Avoid using citrus juice that has been sweetened, pasteurized, or infused with chemical additives. Only use citrus concentrate.
- Use four tablespoons of room-temperature butter. You can also use margarine, a butter substitute, or 1/4 cup olive oil.[6] Lukewarm or room-temperature butter is much softer and more spreadable than cold butter. Because room temperature butter is softer, it's much easier to mix into avocado butter. If you have butter stored in the fridge, move it to room temperature and let it "thaw" before you use it.
- If you don't want to use butter, you can simply mash up the avocado with all of the other ingredients. Your butter-less "avocado butter" will not have quite the same texture as its buttery counterpart, but you'll be able to use it in all of the same situations.
- Choose your seasonings. The crux of the recipe is the avocado, the butter, and the citric acid – so everything else that you add is purely a matter of taste. Try adding one clove of minced garlic, one tablespoon of fresh-chopped cilantro, two teaspoons of cumin, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Feel free to use fewer seasonings for a simpler avocado butter, or more complex seasonings for a spicier butter. Try various seasoning combinations to figure out what you prefer.
[Edit]Preparing Avocado Butter - Wash the fruit before preparing it. Rinse each avocado under running water, and make sure that you wash it thoroughly. It doesn't matter whether you grew the avocado yourself or found it laying on the sidewalk, it's important that you rinse any chemicals and bacteria from your produce before you eat it.
- Dry the avocados with a clean towel afterwards to remove any persistent debris.
- Cut the avocado. Use a sharp knife to cut around the avocado lengthwise. Carefully place it on a cutting board, and start slicing at the top of the avocado. Rotate the avocado and knife so you cut around the entire avocado and meet up with the initial slit. Then hold the two halves of the avocado and twist them in opposite directions to open the fruit.
- Pit the avocado. Use a sharp, sturdy knife, and place the pit-containing half of the avocado on a cutting board. Thwack the knife solidly into the avocado pit (1/8-1/4 inch deep) so that it won't easily budge. Then, hold the avocado firmly and twist the knife (and attached pit) until the pit dislodges from the fruit. Tap or slide the pit off of the knife into a garbage can or compost bin.
- Exercise great caution when using a knife. If you don't want to use a knife, you can remove the put with a spoon.
- If you use a spoon, try to wedge your tool beneath the seed and separate it from the surrounding meat so that you can scoop out the pit.[7]
- Peel your avocados. Now that you have two avocado halves, cut the avocado halves in half again, to make 4 wedges. Then pull the dark outer skin away from the green flesh of the fruit. Peel the fruit by sliding your thumb in between the skin and meat of the fruit, and peel the skin back away from the meat.
- If you slice the avocados open and scoop out the meat using a spoon, you don't need to peel the avocado. However, many people favor peeling off the skin of the avocado because it ensures you retain the dark green, high-nutrient layer of avocado meat closest to the outer skin.
- Consider cutting away the tough area where the stem meets the avocado. If you don't remove it now, you might find it amid your avocado butter later![8]
- Mix and mash the avocado with the other ingredients. You can hand-mash the fruit in a bowl, or you can grind it in a food processor.[9] Either way, mash the avocado until there are no large chunks remaining.
- If you are hand-mashing the avocado, use a fork or a mortar and pestle. Chop the avocado into chunks first to make it easier to mash. You want the mixture to be smooth like guacamole.
- If you are using a blender or food processor, put the avocado chunks into the machine, add all of the ingredients, and close the lid. Process until there are no large remaining chunks. This method is best if you're making a large quantity of avocado butter – it will be much easier than hand-mashing.
[Edit]Eating and Storing - Eat your avocado butter. The avocado butter will be freshest if you eat it right after you prepare it. Consider refrigerating it for 1-4 hours (in a covered bowl, or wrapped in parchment paper) before eating, if you'd like it cold. Consider the following ideas for eating avocado butter:
- Spread avocado butter on toast. You can spread it thickly onto bread, English muffins, tortillas – anything onto which you'd spread regular butter.
- Use avocado butter in a sandwich. You can use a lot of avocado butter as the key ingredient, or you can spread it thinly onto the bread as a condiment. Be aware that the more butter you used to make your avocado butter, the less you may want to eat in one sitting.
- Mix avocado butter into a salad. This treat can make a great salad dressing. Serve it on the side, or toss it directly into the mix.
- Eat avocado butter with any number of snacks. Dip chips or crackers; spread onto deviled eggs; dip your french fries into it; or eat it straight.
- Store uneaten avocado butter in the fridge. You want to store the avocado butter in an air-tight container. To help the avocado keep its green color, you can put a layer of plastic wrap on top of the avocado butter (so it's touching the top surface).
- Fresh avocado butter should keep for three days in the refrigerator or a week in the freezer.[10]
- If you didn't add citric acid to the recipe, make sure to add it before storing. The avocado will begin to brown within a few hours if isn't protected with concentrated lemon, lime, orange, or grapefruit juice. Don't add more than a few drops – otherwise, you may impair the taste.
- If you don't want to use butter, you can mash up your avocados and call it avocado butter. Pure, creamy avocado can replace butter in many cases.
- If your avocado butter turns brown after a few hours, don't worry – it is still safe to eat. However, you can push back this natural reaction by infusing your avocado with citric acid and storing it in an airtight container.
[Edit]Warnings - Don't use avocado butter in cakes or other baked things that require butter. The avocado will hinder the recipe, and the baked goods won't come out the same.
- Be very careful when handling a knife.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Clean Bamboo Blinds Posted: 18 Apr 2022 01:00 AM PDT Bamboo blinds are an all-natural, environmental-safe alternative to plastic or synthetic blinds. Because bamboo blinds are made of wood, there are specific methods to properly clean these types of blinds without degrading their quality. Like any other blinds, bamboo blinds will collect dust over a period of time and in some cases, grow mildew or become moldy. [Edit]Dusting Bamboo Blinds - Dust your bamboo blinds using a feather duster or a soft, clean cloth to remove dust particles from between the blind slats.
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a special attachment that will prevent scratches from marking the bamboo wood, such as a soft brush, to remove dust particles and existing cobwebs.
- Dust your bamboo blinds on a regular basis every 4 to 5 days.
- If your bamboo blinds begin to mildew or collect other dirt and filth such as cobwebs that cannot be removed by dusting, you may need to wash them with a water and oil soap, vinegar, or bleach mixture.
[Edit]Washing Bamboo Blinds - Fill up your bathtub or a large washing tub with enough hot water to completely immerse and cover your blinds.
- Add a natural oil soap product safe to use on wood to the water.
- Add the specified amount as directed on the manufacturer's packaging.
- You can also use white vinegar as an alternative to a commercial oil soap product. Use 1 cup (250 ml) of white vinegar in every 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water.
- If you are treating your bamboo blinds specifically for mildew or mold, substitute the oil soap and water mixture with one part bleach for every 2 parts water.
- Place your blinds in the soap and water mixture.
- You may need to clean one panel or blind at a time depending on their size.
- Soak the blinds for several minutes or until grime can easily be removed using a soft sponge or washcloth.
- Use a soft sponge or washcloth to remove excess dirt and grime and gently scrub each blind or slat until they are all clean.
- Remove the blinds from the water and place them on a clean towel.
- Drain the water from the tub and rinse the blinds in warm water from a shower or sink until all the soap has been completely washed away.
- Place or hang your bamboo blinds in a dry, well-ventilated area to allow them to dry completely.
- You may place the blinds in direct sunlight for a minimum of 20 minutes or until they are completely dry.
- Do not place your blinds in a moist, damp environment like a steamy bathroom because it may cause mildew to form on your blinds.
- Wash your bamboo blinds on a regular basis every month or as needed.
- If you have cleaned your bamboo blinds and mold or mildew is still present, you can use a fungicide or anti-fungal solution. Follow the directions on the manufacturer's packaging to treat your blinds.
[Edit]Warnings - Using bleach may change the color of any components attached to the bamboo blinds, such as fabric or string that holds the blinds or panels together.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Feather duster or soft cloth
- bathtub or washtub
- Oil soap product or 1 cup (250 ml) white vinegar
- Soft sponge or washcloth
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
| How to Get a Baby to Sleep Through the Night Posted: 17 Apr 2022 05:00 PM PDT While caring for a newborn, a good night's sleep quickly becomes a distant memory. However, between 3 and 6 months, your baby is capable of sleeping for 5 hour stretches, and after 6 months, your baby can sleep for 10 hour stretches.[1] Although you will have to establish a bedtime routine for your baby to help them sleep long and well, it is worth the effort! With a little patience and practice, your baby can sleep through the night, and you can, too. [Edit]Establishing a Good Bedtime Routine - Start the bedtime routine at the same time each night. Consistency is key when teaching your baby good sleep habits. Put your baby to bed at about the same time every night. This will help your baby to associate sleep with a specific time of night and make the process easier for both of you.[2][3]
- For example, you might put your baby to bed at 7:30pm each night. Don't change their bedtime on certain days of the week. Keep it the same every day, including the weekend.
- Give your baby a bath and put on their pajamas. Something as simple as giving your baby a bath and getting them into their pajamas can help them to understand that it is time to go to sleep. Do this at the beginning of your baby's bedtime routine so that they will associate these activities with winding down.[4]
- Use calming bath products, such as a lavender scented soap and lotion.
- You could also give your baby a soothing massage with baby lotion after their bath.
- Dress your baby in pajamas that are appropriate for the season, such as warm fleece pajamas in winter or lightweight cotton pajamas during the summer.
- Dim the lights and ensure that the room is quiet. After your baby is in their pajamas, don't take them out of the bedroom or do anything to stir them up. Dim the lights, turn on a night light, and play some soft music to help your baby calm down. Ask other household members to keep quiet during your baby's bedtime routine since noises in the hallway or in other rooms may disturb your baby.[5][6]
- After your baby is in their pajamas, avoid letting them play with stimulating toys or playing games with them.
- Keep your voice low and calm when you speak to them and don't talk too much.
- Consider using a white noise machine.[7]
- Read a bedtime story and sing a lullaby. Another way to start calming your baby down for bedtime is to read them a story and sing a calming lullaby while you hold them. Make this a standard part of your baby's bedtime routine. Over time, your baby will begin to associate these activities with sleep.[8]
- For example, you could read your baby Goodnight Moon and sing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" every night to help them get sleepy.
- Put your baby in their crib while they are drowsy but awake. While it can be tempting to rock and cuddle your baby to sleep each night, this may lead to sleep issues later on. Your baby will start to depend on you to fall asleep, and they may have trouble falling asleep again if they wake up in the night. Instead, wait until your baby seems drowsy and close to falling asleep, and then place them into their crib.[9]
- Always place your baby in their crib on their back! This decreases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). When your baby is able to roll over on their own, they will adjust their position in bed to get comfortable.
[Edit]Dealing with Nighttime Wakings - Speak softly and keep the lights turned down low if your baby wakes up. Even after your baby is capable of sleeping through the night, your baby may still wake up sometimes in the middle of the night. When they do, make sure to speak in a calm, low voice while you change them, comfort them, etc. This will help you to avoid stimulating your baby too much and make it easier to get them sleeping again.[10]
- If your baby needs to be fed during the night, avoid playing or talking too much as you feed them.
- Only go to your baby if they're truly crying. If they're just fussing, grunting, or whining, they may fall asleep again on their own.[11]
- Offer your baby a pacifier to help soothe them.[12] A pacifier may satisfy your baby's urge to suckle and keep them asleep for longer stretches. It can also help to soothe your baby to sleep after you put them into their crib. Give your baby a pacifier before you lay them down for the night and help them find it again if they wake up.[13]
- Allowing your baby to suck on a pacifier while they sleep can also help to reduce the risk of SIDS.
- Try swaddling your baby to help them feel secure. Place an open blanket onto a flat, sturdy surface, such as a bed, and fold over 1 corner of the blanket. Place your baby onto the blanket with their head on the folded corner. Wrap 1 corner of the blanket over your baby's body so that it covers their arm. Then, bring the bottom of the blanket up and over the baby's feet. Wrap the third side across the baby's other arm and tuck it under them.[14][15]
- You can also purchase special swaddle-wrap sleep sacks to help keep your baby warm and comforted.
- Keep in mind that swaddling is typically used for newborns, so this might not be as helpful for a baby older than 3 months.
- Place your baby back into their crib after taking care of their needs. Once you have changed, fed, and/or comforted your baby, place them right back into their crib. Remember to lay your baby on their back! Don't try to rock your baby to sleep or hold them until they fall asleep as this may cause them to rely on you doing this in the future.[16]
- Avoid placing your baby in bed with you until they fall asleep. While this may work sometimes, it can teach your baby to dislike being in their crib and there is also a risk of your baby suffocating, so it's best to avoid doing this.[17]
[Edit]Trying the Ferber Method of Sleep Training - Place your baby in their crib after their bedtime routine. The Ferber Method is compatible with any bedtime routine, so you won't have to change what has been working for your baby. The only difference is in how you respond to your baby after they are in bed. Go through your usual routine with your baby. Then, once your baby is drowsy and ready for sleep, place them into their crib.[18]
- Leave the room and allow them to cry for 5 minutes. After you have placed your baby on their back, exit the room. Your baby may cry, but this is normal. Allow your baby to cry for up to 5 minutes before returning to the room again.[19]
- You can listen just outside the door or use a baby monitor.
- Return to the room after 5 minutes and give your baby a reassuring pat. After 5 minutes have passed, come back into your baby's room and give your baby a reassuring pat and tell them everything is okay.[20]
- Try saying something like, "You're okay! Mommy loves you!" or "Go back to sleep, sweetie. I love you!"
- Leave for 10 minutes and then come back to reassure your baby again. After reassuring your baby, leave the room again and this time do not return for 10 minutes. Your baby may continue crying for the full 10 minutes or they may tire themself out and fall asleep. Either way, wait for 10 minutes before you return to the room, and then reassure your baby in the same way as before.[21]
- This can be difficult for many parents to do since listening to your baby cry can be heartbreaking. However, it is a necessary part of the process.
- Continue to increase the time by 5 minutes each time you leave the room. The goal is to gradually increase the time by 5 minutes after each visit to your baby's room to reassure them. At a certain point, your baby should fall asleep on their own. Repeat the process every night and your baby should fall asleep faster after a few nights of using this technique.[22]
- Keep in mind that this method is controversial. Some parents think it is too extreme and prefer variations where they stay in the room while their baby cries or where they wait until the baby's natural bedtime—no matter how late it is—and then put the baby to bed when they seem truly sleepy. If this technique does not work for you and your baby, then try something else.
- Don't cut back on naptime in an effort to make your baby sleepier at bedtime. This may actually make it harder for your baby to fall asleep at night.
- Remember that it is totally normal for a baby to wake up multiple times during the night! It does not mean that you are doing anything wrong or that there is anything wrong with your baby.[23]
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