Below is a helpful method for how towash your sheetsand avoid any mistakes. This prevents discoloration, tears, and pilling. Stick with just washing your fitted sheet, top sheet, and pillowcases for the best results. The Spruce / Meg MacDonald Choose a Detergent Use a heavy-dutylaundry detergentto remove body oil and soil from cotton sheets. Normal laundry detergent works well for polyester and microfiber sheets. Wash microfiber sheets and cotton/polyester blends in cool or warm water....

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida Orchids are beautiful, delicate flowers that can thrive year after year. Knowing how to water orchids is key to their care and maintenance. It shouldn’t go longer than two to three weeks without water as it will start to die. The Spruce / Leticia Almeida However, some species may have slightly different needs, so followspecies guidelinesmore closely than generalized watering practices. Mostorchids grown in the homeare epiphytes, meaning they live in nature by clinging to trees or even stones....

But you might avoid such disappointments by using these 12 tips. If you haven’t incorporated the concept ofwater-wise (xeriscape) gardening,it is well worth looking into. You’ll be surprised how many plants, especially native species, are largely self-sufficient. The Spruce Lack of water is not the only threat to plants left unattended during your vacation. If your garden is already well mulched, just give your garden a good soaking before you leave....

steele2123 / Getty Images Houseplants,container plants, vegetable gardens, lawns, andornamentalshave specific watering needs. Always check the soil first, though: often plants look stressed and droopy because they’ve been overwatered. Water When the Soil Is Dry For all other plants, water when the soil is dry. Watering tomatoessteele2123 / Getty Images To check, stick your index finger in the soil about two inches deep. Do not let newly seeded grasses dry outkeep seeds moist....

agrobacter / Getty Images Are you wondering exactly how to water succulents? These plants are often praised for being low-maintenance options that even the most inexperienced grower can handle. Read on to learn the proper method of watering succulents and how to prevent overwatering. agrobacter / Getty Images The pot can be made from plastic, terra-cotta, or ceramic material. Leave the plant in the water for at least 30 minutes, or until the soil is completely saturated....

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic Learning how to waterproof wood will keep it beautiful, durable, and long-lasting. you might easily waterproof wood with synthetic sealants, natural oils, or a stain/sealer. Whichever method you choose, always work in a well-ventilated area or wear a NIOSH-approved respirator. The Spruce / Sanja Kostic Learn the ins and outs of how to waterproof wood using these three popular methods below. Additional coats of sealant build the coating to the top, forming an impermeable barrier against water penetration....

you’re free to reduce your dust output to nearly zero using a wet-sanding method. This process is far from precise. It doesn’t leave you a perfectly smooth surface and is much slower than traditional sanding. The Spruce / Margot Cavin But it’s one of the best ways to prevent dust from taking over the space. What Is Wet-Sanding? Wet-sanding requires a damp sponge to smooth out and remove excess taping compound after it dries....

However, you canremove yellowing from white clothesusing the right methods. Here are several methods for whitening yellowed clothes. What Causes Yellowing of White Clothes? The Spruce / Letícia Almeida Clothes stored improperly can react with the acids in cardboard boxes or wooden shelves and turn yellow. Warning Do not ever mix whitening products in the same cleaning session. Mixing chemicals may result in toxic fumes. The Spruce / Letícia Almeida...

Be patient using these methods; you may need to try more than one or repeat the technique. They work best on natural fibers, like cotton or linen. Avoid using these methods on clothes with any color or prints. The Spruce / Leticia Almeida Never mix the methods or ingredients from the various techniques. Or, hold your garment next to a new, never-worn white T-shirt. Apply Bluing Substance Bluing liquid or powderis a commercial product commonly sold in the laundry aisle....

What Is Whitewashed Brick? This mineral-based product leaves a light, chalky appearance, similar to that of dried salt. The interior method can be used to whitewashbrick fireplaceswhile affording you more control over the final look. dutourdumonde / Getty Images Generally, all of the brick, including the mortar, is covered. By leaving the mortar alone, you highlight only the pattern that was formerly hidden by paint. Mix the Limewash Solution Pour a 50:50 solution of limewash and water into a 5-gallon bucket....

In areas with colder weather, pools have to be closed in the winter. Water is removed from the lines and pool equipment toprevent freezing. During this time, the pump doesn’t run, which prevents the water from properly circulating. MariadaDesign / Getty Images This will lower the likeliness of your pool being overtaken by algae, which thrives in warmer temperatures. However, waiting too late to winterize your pool risks damaging your pool equipment due to freezing temperatures....

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald Winterize outdoor faucets to preventdamage to pipesfrom freezing temperatures. Learn how to winterize outdoor faucets withfaucet covers. Even one night of freezing weather can cause pipes to break. The Spruce / Meg MacDonald Disconnect Hoses Removehoses, splitters, or other fittings screwed onto the faucet before winter sets in. Not removing hoses can trap water and make it much more likely a faucet will freeze. Check Faucets for Leaks Check allspigots,yard hydrants, and other fixtures for leaks and drips....

But be aware that some plants are much more susceptible to cold than others. So always do a bit of research on your plants to learn the best time winterizing them. While some plants can survive light frosts, others will die as soon as their cells freeze. The Spruce / Almar Creative However, as the temperature continues to drop, their roots might die unless they are protected. The more porous a container is, the more likely it will be to crack....