Innovative Independence
Household Skills
Especially once you graduate from High School, learning basic household skills is a must. Not only does it help you be more self-sufficient, but it also is a major way to save money. For example, cooking in rather than eating out. With other skills, such as changing the Smoke Alarm battery, it can be beneficial for your health and safety. I'm so glad that I have this chance to share these necessary life skills with you!
Stains
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Life's messy. Not all of us carry a Tide Stick with us all the time. When removing stains, the most efficient method usually differs from cause to cause. Our purpose here is to make a quick and easy method to fix whatever accident or spill occurs!
Stains!! (yay!)
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01
Beverages
1. Soak the stain in cool water
2. Pretreat with liquid laundry detergent (or paste of powder laundry product) and water
3. Wash using bleach (if safe for fabric)
03
Red Dyes
1. Try not to rub any more of this blessed color into the fabric
2. rinse the stain under cold running water
3. Mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda and apply it to the stain before letting it sit for half an hour
4. Soak it in cold water before washing it with detergent
02
Grass
1. Soak in a product containing enzymes
* if persists you can use bleach if its safe for fabric
** brands with 'bio' in their name typically use enzymes in their products
04
Chocolate and Other Foods
1. Soak in cold water
2. pretreat with prewash stain remover
3. Soak in hot water
* if stain remains, rewashing using a fabric-safe bleach
Deep Cleaning
Some Necessary Info
First of all, what is Deep Cleaning? It basically means to remove more dirt, crime, and other nasty clutter than what is done in a regular cleaning. The best comparison would be getting your teeth cleaned at the dentist rather than at home. On average, people deep clean their homes once or twice a year. This task certainly isn't difficult, it just takes a while, especially if you do every room in your house! Remember when you deep clean, you always start at the top and work your way down. Now, here are some spaces you will need to clean on your long deep cleaning journey, and how exactly to do that!
1
Ceiling Corners and Moldings around Doors/ Windows
For this task, you will need a long handled duster, clean and dry sponge mop/ broom to whisk down the dust bunnies that have collected. Especially with areas such as moldings, these places don't get cleaned very often.
2
Fans and Lights
For this, you will want to use a disposable duster with an extendable handle. You can also use a microfiber cloth and attach it to a broom/ mop. Don't forget to clean the light bulbs!
3
Heating/ Air Vents
You will want to vacuum/ clean HVAC vent covers. First use a vacuum with a hose and upholstery brush to remove the dust. Next, remove the vent cover and rinse it in a sink and soak it in some hot soapy water to remove the dirt. Change/ clean the filter before replacing the vent cover.
4
Windows and Walls
Now when it comes to deep cleaning, time is required to clean windows, so they sparkle inside and outside. Make sure you also take the time to clean grime from painted and wallpapered walls alike. Finally, you will want to dust of the baseboards to remove dust and scuffs.
5
Windows Continued
Just to be more specific regarding windows, they require specific cleaning treatments. You will want to clean fabric, wood, and vinyl window blinds. Make sure you remove the curtains and drapes to wash or dry clean. Make sure you find rags that will not leave traces of lint when washing.
Of Course, This is Just the Basics
Other areas such as your kitchen or living room need your specific attention. Personally, I recommend checking out this link for more information!
Changing an Air Conditioning Filter
This is Important
Dust and filth can easily build up. If it goes a long time without changing, the air quality in your home can drastically change. There is a possibility that the system could completely break down. When it comes down to when you need to change it, it varies between house to house. It is recommended that you change your filter annually.
Steps:
01.
First you will want to turn off the AC unit, you don't want the system to suck in dust and debris while you're changing the filter!
02.
Open and remove the cover. The filter will be enclosed inside the AC unit. Remove the cover, which should hopefully come off without much of a fuss.
03.
Next you will want to take out the old filter. If it looks clean, you should be able to gently dust it off and reuse it, but if its full, proceed with the replacement.
04.
Before you insert the new filter, you will need to align it in the same position as the old filter. Look for the arrows that signify the airflow direction. Make sure the arrows point away from you and towards the AC unit.
05.
Finally, insert the new filter and replace the cover. Then you will be able to turn the power back on. And just like that, you replaced your AC filter!
How to Unclog a Toilet
Simple Walk Through
Make sure there is enough water in the toilet. Angle the flange into the toilet so that you fill the plunger with as much water as possible.
Fit the flange into the hole of the toilet bowl and fit the rest of the plunger around it to form a good seal.
Thrust the plunger down five or six times forcefully.
Repeat until the bowl empties itself
Alternate Methods
In case of emergencies, there are other ways to unclog a toilet!
1. Grab a container and fill it with hot water and dump it in the toilet. Wait for it to dissolve the clog.
2. Get some dish soap/shampoo and squirt some in the toilet bowl. Wait a bit for it to break up the clog and try flushing
Ironing... Without an Iron!
Alternate Methods
Hair Dryer
Hang the garment and mist it with water so it's slightly damp. Direct the heat from the hair dryer on the creases while smoothing them out with your hand. Make sure you keep the dryer at a safe distant so it doesnt become a fire hazard!
Hot Pot
Heat water in a thick metal pan and wait for it to boil. Once it starts, quickly pour the water out and place a towel on a hard, flat surface. Use the hot pot and press it on the garment underneath the towel. The pan cools quickly so make sure you do it fast!
Hair Straightener
First, clean off any suck-on hair products from the straightener first and gently run the flat iron down the clothes. Don't let it linger too long as you risk burning the fabric and use a low setting with caution on delicate items.
Cleaning Your Coffee Maker
01
Make sure you clean your coffee maker once a month
Clean out your filter and add white vinegar and water to the coffee maker. Use a ratio of 2:1 water to vinegar. If your coffee maker has a cleaning function, use it. If not, just press Brew Now and brew your water-vinegar concoction.
02
Once your cleaning/ brewing is done, have the coffee maker sit for 15-30 minutes. Dump out your vinegar concoction and rinse the permanent filter and the carafe.
03
Repeat this process with regular water to remove any stubborn vinegar. Finally, empty out the water then run the coffee maker for the last time with regular water once again. After these steps, your coffee maker should be as good as new!
Changing Smoke Detector Battery
Steps
Many manufacturers recommend replacing smoke detectors if they're 10 years or older due to the sensors becoming unreliable. Enjoy this step by step process to make your home safer!
1
First, fully disconnect the power to the smoke detectors. Use an electrical tester to make sure the wires are dead, if there's still power, the tester should light up/ make a noise.
2
Next remove the smoke detector, most detectors use a twist-and-lock method. You should feel it release from the bracket and it will hang by the wiring harness.
3
Next remove the baseplate which is usually held on by two screws. Then connect the wiring harness to the wires. You should have a black wire (hot wire), white wire (neutral wire), and a red one (communication wire). Make sure you connect them correctly.
4
The next step is to install the new base plate. It may have different hole configurations, but you can place it over the screws and turn it till it locks in place.
5
Next, you will snap the wiring harness into the matching port at the back of the smoke detector. Direct the dangling wires to the opening then twist the smoke detector into place.
6
Make sure you remove the battery spacer, which is usually a plastic strip or a big red arrow. Finally, turn the power back on and press the test button for a few seconds. And just like that, you've done it! Good job!
What Does This Warning Light Mean?
Check Engine Light
This light is definitely the most ambiguous. This light could indicate that there is a loose wire, or something more serious, such as a problem in the heart of the engine, could be going on. If you see this light come on, it would be wise to get your car to a mechanic as soon as possible.
Oil Pressure Warning
In the best-case scenario, this light could mean that your car needs its oil topped off. On the other hand, it could mean that there is a leak in the engine or a broken oil pump. If adding oil turns the light off, then you're in luck. Unfortunately, if it doesn't, then you will need to get it checked out as quickly as possible.
Battery Light
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Usually this light comes on when the vehicle is trying to start with a flat battery. If the car starts up normally with this light on, don't be fooled! This could mean that there is a long-term issue with the battery itself, the vehicles wiring, alternator, or other electrical components.
Things can get very dangerous if you're driving on under/over inflated tires. Fortunately, in modern cars, tire pressure monitors include a display in the driver's gauges. This display tells he exact tire pressure of each wheel. Using this information, you can stop the car and refill the tire to the correct pressure rating. If the light still doesn't go off, there is likely a rapid leak in the tire.
Coolant Temperature Light
Airbag Warning Light
This indicates that your car is running too hot. This could be the result of a burst in the coolant hose, low coolant levels in the radiator, or damage to the radiator itself. If left ignored, it could lead to much bigger problems and can permanently ruin your vehicle.
It's normal for this light to turn on right when you turn on the vehicle. However, if it stays illuminated, there is a problem with one of the vehicle's airbags. This could be very dangerous in the off chance an accident occurs.
Lightbulbs!
A Step by Step Guide
01.
First you will want to turn off the power. Then allow the bulb to cool, unless you have LED light bulbs which produce little to no heat.
02.
Next grab a ladder and remove the old bulb. For bayonet mounts, hold the bulb and gently push up while turning it counterclockwise. For screw fittings, gently twist the bulb counter clockwise.
03.
Insert the replacement bulb by pushing it into the socket and turning it clockwise till it locks into place. Finally, switch on the power and dispose of the old bulb.
How to Empty your Vacuum Filter
To make sure your vacuum cleans with high efficiency, its important to clean it at least once every 6-9 months.
01
Foam Filters
When you remove the canister, you will see the foam layer that air passes through. This gets congested with dirty air and captures dust and debris. You will want to submerge and squeeze it in water. Allow it to air dry before putting it back in the vacuum. For an extra nice smell, you can add a few drops of essential oil to the foam.
03
Cartridge Filters
These cylindrical filters are technically disposable, but they can last for a long time with regular cleaning. Luckily, this process is really simple! Just take the cartridge out and tap it against a garbage can to get the dust out. Just like that, you've cleaned your cartridge filter!
02
Vacuum Bag
First of all, disposable bags should be replaced before they are full, but otherwise they are basically maintenance-free. On the other hand, if the bag is reusable, you should empty it out into a large garbage can. Make sure you can get as much of the grime out as possible.
04
HEPA Filters
DON'T! Because of the makeup of these filters, cleaning it will make it much less effective. Instead, once you notice that the filter is dirty, invest in a brand new store-bought one!