How to Cut Hair Straight

Grab your scissors! It’s time to give yourself or a buddy a neat and clean new ‘do

Cutting long hair straight is simple, but there are a few bad habits that can create gradations and prevent that neat, blunt, straight-across cut. Whether you’re cutting your own hair or somebody else’s, there are a few valuable tips and tricks to keep in mind—especially if it’s your first time! Keep reading to find out how to give yourself or a buddy a stellar straight-across ‘do!

[Edit]Things You Should Know

• Before cutting your own hair, pull your hair in a low ponytail, tying the hair tie just above where you want to cut your hair. Use sharp hairdressing scissors to cut your hair.
• To make sure your hair is cut perfectly straight, divide your hair into 2 or 4 even ponytails, and lay them in front of your shoulders. Cut them at a slight angle.
• When cutting someone else’s hair, start with the bottom layer. Cut their hair layer by layer to be as exact and precise as possible.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Cutting Your Own Hair

1. Comb your hair out and straighten it. Before cutting your hair, make sure it’s free of any knots and tangles and that it falls straight. If you have straight hair, you can cut it dry or damp. If you have wavy or curly hair, wash it, dry it, and straighten it so that your cuts will be more precise and even.^[1]
   
   • If you have curly or wavy hair and don’t plan to style it straight, remember to cut it a little longer than you want it to be: once it’s wavy or curly again, it’ll be shorter.
2. Pull your hair back into a low ponytail. Part your hair down the middle. Pull it back into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck, then secure it with a hair tie. Make sure that the ponytail is neat and smooth, and that all your hairs are in the elastic.^[2]
   
3. Tie another elastic a few inches/centimeters below the first one. Smooth your ponytail down as much as you can, then wrap another elastic around it. Adding elastics gives you control before and as you cut. Depending on how long your hair is, and how short you plan on cutting it, you may need to add a third elastic below the second one.
   
   • If you don’t have extra elastics, just gently pull the first elastic down to right above the place you want to cut your hair.^[3]
4. Hold the ponytail in your fingers where you want to cut it, and cut. Make a V-shape with your fore and middle fingers, then close your fingers around the ponytail. Using sharp hairdressing shears, cut your hair slowly and carefully, a little bit at a time.^[4]
   
   • Make sure to cut an inch or so below the hair tie, rather than above, so that it’s easier to flatten out the hair between your fingers. Cutting above the hair tie, where your hair is thickest, will result in a choppier cut.
5. Undo the ponytail and check the shape. Turn around so that your back is facing the mirror, and hold another mirror up in front of you. Your hair will either have a rounded bottom edge or a slight curve.^[5] If this is not straight enough for you, proceed to the next step.
   
6. Part your hair down the center and make 2 ponytails. Drape the left side of your hair over your left shoulder, and the right side over your right shoulder. Tie them tightly, letting the hair hang over your shoulders.^[6]
   
   • If your hair is particularly thick or unruly, it into 4 ponytails to make it more manageable. Just make sure all ponytails are the same length and lie in front of your shoulders.
7. Pinch one ponytail in your fingers and cut. Grab a ponytail, then pinch it between your fore- and middle fingers as you did earlier, and drag your fingers downward at a slight upward angle (that is, with the angle higher nearer your shoulders and lower at your neck). Cut the hair below your fingers using the same process as before.^[7]
   
   • Cutting your hair at this angle will allow you to cut the hair from the back of your head shorter; when you brush your hair out, it will be the same length.
8. Repeat the process with each ponytail. To ensure that you’re cutting each ponytail at the same length, measure the uncut hair against the cut hair. Take the innermost strands from both the left and right sections. Note where the cut strand ends on the uncut strand with your fingers.^[8]
   

[Edit]Cutting Someone Else's Hair

1. Dampen the person’s hair with a spray bottle. While some cuts are best done on dry hair, a straight-across haircut is best done on wet hair to ensure it’s as smooth, straight, and manageable as possible. You don't have to wash the person's hair with shampoo and conditioner, but it needs to be wet (but not soaking).^[9]
   
   • Keep in mind that however short you cut their hair, it will be a bit shorter when it’s fully dry.
2. Gather the top three-quarters of their hair into a bun. Use the handle of a rat-tail comb to create a neat part, then pull the hair into a bun at the top of their head. Clip the bun out of the way, or secure it with a hair tie. Leave the bottom portion of their hair loose.^[10]
   
   • Have the person sit in a tall chair so that their hair is at a comfortable cutting level for you.
3. Pinch a strand of the loose hair in your fingers. Make a V-shape with your forefinger and middle fingers. Close your fingers against a -wide strand in the middle of the loose hair: the middle strand of hair will be your guide for the rest of the hair.^[11]
   
   • You can also use a rat-tail comb to measure out the sections. This will prevent you from accidentally pulling down too hard on it.
4. Slide your fingers down the strand to where you want to cut. Keep your hand against the person's back and avoid creating any angle by pulling it away from the back. Make sure your fingers stay parallel to the part you made earlier and the floor.^[12]
   
   • Don’t twist your fingers upwards, flip the hair, or pull the strand away from the person's back. Doing so will cause a slight gradation.
5. Cut the hair off below your fingers. Use the length of your fingers as a guide. Make sure that you’re using sharp hairdressing shears for this; don’t use ordinary scissors.^[13]
   
   • Ensure the person is sitting straight with their face forward before you cut and that they’re not crossing their legs. Otherwise, you won't be able to cut their hair straight.
6. Gather another section of loose hair, and measure it against the already-cut one. Take another -wide section of hair. Add it to a few strands from the section that you already cut. Pinch the section between your fore- and middle fingers, like before. Slide your fingers down until the bottom edge is level with the cut strand.^[14]
   
7. Cut the hair, then pinch another strand. Measure the new strand up against the previous strand, and cut it. Continue in this manner until you have cut the entire bottom layer of hair.^[15]
   
   • Never pull the strands away from the person's back while cutting them. Keep them as close as possible to their back.
   • Measure up the left and right sides in the front to ensure that they are even.
8. Let down another layer of hair, and clip the top layer of hair in a bun. Use the handle of a rat-tail comb to create another neat, horizontal part. Leave enough hair so that you can still see part of the previous layer beneath it. Gather the rest of the hair into a bun once again.^[16]
   
9. Measure the upper layer against the bottom one and cut it. Take a section of hair from the new layer. Add a thin strand from the bottom layer to it and, using the cut hair as your guide, cut the new strand below your fingers as before, and repeat the process with the rest of the hair.^[17]
   
   • Measure the new strands against the previous ones, and the new layer against the old one.
10. Dry the person's hair, then make any necessary adjustments. If you want to, you can wash the person's hair to get rid of any tiny snippets of hair. Blow dry the person's hair, then trim off any ends that stick out.
    
    • Since you cut all the hair from behind, the front strands may end up slightly uneven. To even them out, let the hair fall where it would naturally fall by the person’s shoulders and trim it using your fingers as a guide.^[18]

[Edit]Tips

• Straight cuts aren't recommended for curly or wavy hair types due to the unique shape of each curl.
• If you have curly or wavy hair, and plan on straightening it after it’s cut, cut it while it is straight.
• Cut slowly and carefully. Remember, you can always cut off more hair if it’s still too long, but it’ll take a long time to grow it back if you cut too much off.
• If you’re cutting your own hair, consider getting a 3-way mirror. This will allow you to easily see the back of your head without having to hold up a second mirror.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

[Edit]Cutting Your Own Hair

• Brush or comb
• Hair tie
• Hairdressing shears
• Mirrors

[Edit]Cutting Someone Else's Hair

• Rat-tail comb
• Hair clips
• Hairdressing shears

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://youtu.be/_RLQqLHmrSY?t=68
2. ↑ https://youtu.be/_RLQqLHmrSY?t=341
3. ↑ https://youtu.be/_RLQqLHmrSY?t=345
4. ↑ https://youtu.be/_RLQqLHmrSY?t=392
5. ↑ https://youtu.be/_RLQqLHmrSY?t=527
6. ↑ https://youtu.be/qQX805YvYx8?t=98
7. ↑ https://youtu.be/CU9s42ROD6M?t=287
8. ↑ https://youtu.be/CU9s42ROD6M?t=427
9. ↑ https://www.lorealparisusa.com/beauty-magazine/hair-care/all-hair-types/cut-hair-wet-or-dry
10. ↑ https://youtu.be/nAyvxky-zaU?t=24
11. ↑ https://youtu.be/nAyvxky-zaU?t=62
12. ↑ https://youtu.be/nAyvxky-zaU?t=62
13. ↑ https://youtu.be/nAyvxky-zaU?t=72
14. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgYVImOwYiI
15. ↑ https://youtu.be/nAyvxky-zaU?t=73
16. ↑ https://youtu.be/nAyvxky-zaU?t=126
17. ↑ https://youtu.be/nAyvxky-zaU?t=139
18. ↑ https://youtu.be/nAyvxky-zaU?t=190

How to Freeze Onions

For anyone who uses plenty of onions in their cooking, having some stashed away in your freezer means you always have some on hand when you need it. However, it's important to prepare the onions properly before you freeze them if you want them to maintain their flavor. While you can easily freeze chopped onions, you may want to blanch or puree them beforehand to help boost their flavor when you go to use them.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Freezing Onions the Easy Way

1. Peel and chop the onions. To prepare the onions for freezing, use a sharp knife to cut off the top ½-inch (1.3 cm). Next, slice the onion in half. Peel off the papery skin, and then chop the onion to the size you prefer.^[1].
   
   
   • It’s not a good idea to chop the onions any smaller than into ½-inch (1.3 cm) pieces because they may wind up becoming encased in ice when you freeze them if they’re too small.
   • You can slice the onions instead of chopping them if you’re freezing them for use in dishes such as fajitas.
2. Place the onions in a freezer bag. When you’ve chopped the onions to your desired size, transfer them to a plastic freezer bag. Make sure to place them in the bag in a single, flat layer to prevent them from clumping together when they freeze. Squeeze all the air out of the bag, and seal it.
   
   
   • If you’re freezing a large number of onions, prevent them from sticking together when frozen by placing them in a single layer on a shallow baking dish. Freeze them like that for two to three hours, and when they’re partially frozen, you can place them in the freezer bag without worrying about them clumping together.
   • Be sure to use plastic bags that are thick enough to protect the onions from freezer burn and keep the onion scent contained in the bag. If your bags seem too thin, double them up.
3. Label the bag and freeze. Before throwing the onions in your freezer, use a pen or marker to label the bag with the date, type of onion, and when you should use them by. Place the bag flat in the freezer, making sure that the onions are still in a single layer as you position them.
   
   
   • You can keep onions in your freezer for up to 6 months.
   • If you have multiple bags of onions that you’re freezing, you can stack them on top of one another to save space in the freezer. Just make sure that the onions in each bag are in a flat, single layer.

[Edit]Blanching Onions Before Freezing

1. Peel and chop the onions. Prepare the onions by trimming off the top and the bottom with a sharp knife. Next, remove the papery skin by peeling it off. Use the knife to chop the onions to the size that you prefer.^[2]
   
   
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Fill a large stockpot with water, and place it on the stove. Set the burner to high, and allow the water to come to a full boil, which should take approximately 10 to 20 minutes depending on how much water you’re using.^[3]
   
   
   • The amount of water that you should boil depends on how many onions you’re blanching. For every pound (373 g), use 1 (3.8 l) gallon of water.
3. Add the onions to the pot and boil for several minutes.^[4] Once the water has come to a boil, place the onions in the pot. Cover the pot, and allow the onions to cook for 3 to 7 minutes, depending on how many you’re blanching.^[5]
   
   
   • The more onions that you’re blanching, the longer you should leave them in the boiling water.
   • With chopped onions, it’s easier to place them in a wire basket or perforated metal strainer and then set them in the boiling water. That way, you can quickly and easily remove them when they’re done. If you don’t have a basket or strainer, remove them from the boiling water with a slotted spoon.^[6]
4. Transfer the onions to a bowl of cold water. As soon as you remove the onions from the boiling water, place them in a bowl of ice or cold water. Let the onions sit in the cold water for the same amount of time that you boiled them to stop the cooking process.^[7]
   
   
   • The ice or cold water that you place the onions in after boiling shouldn’t be more than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
   • While the onions are in the cold water, stir them several times to ensure that they’re cooling evenly.
5. Drain the onions and place them in freezer bags.^[8] When the onions have cooled long enough, drain them thoroughly in a colander. Shake well to remove the excess water, and blot with a clean towel. When they’re dry, transfer them to freezer bags and place them in the freezer.^[9]
   
   
   • Be sure to label the freezer bag with the date so you can keep track of how long the onions are in your freezer.

[Edit]Pureeing Onions Before Freezing

1. Peel and cut the onions into pieces. Use a knife to trim off the top and bottom of the onions so you can easily peel off the papery skin. Next, cut the onions into pieces to prepare them for pureeing. You don’t need to chop or dice the onion, but cut it into chunks that are small enough to fit in the blender.^[10]
   
   
   • Use the pitcher from your blender as a guide for how small you should cut your onion. If it’s not very large, you should cut the onion into small pieces. In a large pitcher, cutting it into eighths may be sufficient.
2. Place the onions in a blender and puree. When you’ve cut all the onions into pieces, place them in a blender. Use the puree setting, and hold down on the button until the onions are ground into a thick but smooth puree.^[11]
   
   
   • If you’re freezing a large number of onions, you’ll probably need to puree them in batches. Overfilling the blender’s pitcher makes it more difficult for the appliance to puree effectively.
   • If your blender’s motor isn’t very strong, you may need to push down on the onions as you’re pureeing to bring them into contact with the blades. To do so, set the handle of a metal ladle through the opening in the blender’s lid before placing it on the pitcher. The rounded end of the ladle should be inside the pitcher, so when you start pureeing, you can press down on the onions with the ladle. Because the bottom is rounded it won’t get caught in the blades.^[12]
3. Transfer the puree to ice cube trays and freeze. Once you’ve pureed the onions, use a spoon to carefully pour the puree into a clean ice cube tray. Place the tray in the freezer, and allow the puree to fully freeze, which should take approximately four hours.^[13]
   
   
   • Be sure to cover the ice cube tray with a sheet of plastic wrap to prevent the onion smell from reaching the other food in the freezer.
4. Move the onion ice cubes to a plastic bag and leave them in the freezer. After the pureed onion ice cubes have frozen fully, carefully remove them from the tray. Place them in a plastic freezer bag, and store them in the freezer until you’re ready to use them.^[14]
   
   
   • Remember to label the bag with the date that you’re freezing the onions, so you can be sure to use them within 6 months.
   • These pureed onion cubes are ideal for adding to sauces, gravies, and soups.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• Freezing onion is the best way to preserve it. Frozen onions will keep for 3 to 6 months. However, be aware that it's best to use them within 6 weeks, as after that they may start to lose their flavor. By 6 months, the onions may no longer have much flavor left.^[15]

[Edit]Things You'll Need

[Edit]Easy Frozen Onions

• A knife
• Plastic freezer bags

[Edit]Blanched Frozen Onions

• A knife
• A large stockpot
• A large bowl
• A colander
• A towel
• Plastic freezer bags

[Edit]Pureed Frozen Onions

• A knife
• A blender
• An ice cube tray
• A spoon
• Plastic freezer bags

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Freeze Green Peppers
• Store Onions
• Freeze Dry Chives
• Preserve Fresh Mushrooms

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/cooking-tips-techniques/preparation/chop-peel-onion
2. ↑ http://garden.org/learn/articles/view/502/
3. ↑ http://www.extension.umn.edu/food/food-safety/preserving/vegetables-herbs/blanching-vegetables/
4. ↑ [v161959_b01]. 3 September 2021.
5. ↑ http://www.extension.umn.edu/food/food-safety/preserving/vegetables-herbs/blanching-vegetables/
6. ↑ [v161959_b01]. 3 September 2021.
7. ↑ http://www.extension.umn.edu/food/food-safety/preserving/vegetables-herbs/blanching-vegetables/
8. ↑ [v161959_b01]. 3 September 2021.
9. ↑ http://garden.org/learn/articles/view/502/
10. ↑ http://garden.org/learn/articles/view/502/
11. ↑ http://garden.org/learn/articles/view/502/
12. ↑ http://www.seriouseats.com/2010/07/how-to-make-a-vegetable-puree.html
13. ↑ http://garden.org/learn/articles/view/502/
14. ↑ http://garden.org/learn/articles/view/502/
15. ↑ http://ndsuext.nodak.edu/extnews/askext/freezing/4426.htm

How to Clean Coins

Find the best cleaners to use on your pocket change and old collectible coins

Do you want to make the dull and dirty coins in your collection shine like they’re brand new again? Over the years, they can get coated in dirt, grime, and tarnish, but you can easily clean most coins at home with products you already have. Before you start scrubbing all your coins, there are a few things you should know. Keep reading to find the best household hacks for cleaning coins, and what you should do differently if they’re antique collectibles.

[Edit]Things You Should Know

• Soak coins in warm water mixed with liquid dish detergent to clean off light dirt and grime. Wash each coin gently with a soft toothbrush before rinsing and drying it.
• Scrub low-value coins with baking soda and vinegar, lemon juice and salt, or ketchup to break apart tarnish.
• Remove tough tarnish on coins by soaking them in hydrogen peroxide or cola. Alternatively, dip each coin in a commercial cleaner.
• ​​Check with a professional coin grading service before cleaning collectible or antique coins since they may be more valuable in their current condition.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Basic Coin Cleaning

1. Hold the coin under cold water. Keep the coin under the running water for about 1 minute on each side. Gently rub the coin between your fingers to help loosen some of the dirt and grime on the surface. Set the coins on a soft towel when you’re finished rinsing them.^[1]
   
   • Be sure to plug your sink before cleaning old coins in your sink so none of them slip down the drain.
   • Running water helps break apart any loose dirt that’s on the surface of your coins.
2. Rub the coins with a soapy water solution. Fill a small bowl with warm water from your faucet and mix in a squirt of dish soap. Dip each coin in the soapy water one at a time and keep it submerged. Rub your thumb and index finger over the coin to help the soap break apart dirt or grit.^[2]
   
   
   • If you don’t see any dirt or grime coming off of your coin, let it soak for about 5 minutes before trying to scrub it again.
   • Soapy water is a great solution for removing surface dirt without damaging or scratching your coins.
3. Brush the coins with a soft-bristled toothbrush or a paper towel. Keep your coins submerged in the soapy water solution while you brush them. Gently scrub the face of the coin until it turns shiny again, which may take a couple of minutes. Rinse the coin off with clean water every 30 seconds to check for any spots you missed. When you’re finished, give the coin one final rinse.^[3]
   
   
   • To scrape away buildup in tight areas, gently break it apart with the end of a toothpick.
   • Avoid using a toothbrush on collectible or antique coins since it could leave behind small scratches. Just stick to rubbing soapy water onto each coin with your fingers.
4. Dry off the coins with a towel. Pat each coin gently with a lint-free towel to absorb all of the moisture. Make sure that each coin is completely dry so the metal doesn’t wear away over time.^[4]
   
   • Patting the coins will allow you to avoid creating micro-scratches with the material you are wiping it with.

[Edit]Removing Tarnish from Coins

1. Scrub pocket change with baking soda and vinegar. Dip your coins in white distilled vinegar and let them soak for about 30 seconds. Take one coin out of the vinegar at a time and immediately sprinkle a pinch of baking soda on the surface. Rub the baking soda into the face of each coin with your fingers to scrub away the dirt and grime. Then, just rinse all your coins under clean water and pat them dry.^[5]
   
   
   • Vinegar and baking soda create a bubbling reaction that helps loosen dirt and grime.
   • Baking soda is an abrasive, so it may leave scratches on your coin. Only use vinegar and baking soda on coins that aren’t valuable or collectible.
2. Clean copper coins in a vinegar and salt solution. Dissolve 1 tsp (7 g) of table salt in a bowl with of white distilled vinegar. Drop your coins into the mixture and let them sit for about 5 minutes. Pull the coins out of the liquid and gently wipe them with a paper towel to break apart the tarnish and dark spots.^[6]
   
   • Salt and vinegar create an acidic solution that helps quickly dissolve the copper oxide spots on your coins faster than if you soaked them in water.
3. Brush off tough tarnish with lemon juice and salt. Sprinkle table salt onto the surface of each coin and add a few drops of lemon juice to make a thick paste. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub each of the coin’s faces for 1–2 minutes. After that, just rinse all your coins with cool water and dry them off with a soft towel.^[7]
   
   
   • Lemon juice has citric acid that reacts with the tarnish to remove it. The added salt abrasive helps scrub the tarnish away even better.
   • Since salt is really abrasive, it could leave scratches on antique or collectible coins.
4. Dissolve tarnish with a hydrogen peroxide soak. Fill a small bowl with enough hydrogen peroxide to submerge your coins. Put a few of your coins into the solution at a time and let them soak for up to 24 hours so the tarnish has a chance to loosen up. Rinse your coins under cold running water when you’re finished and pat them dry with a soft towel.^[8]
   
   • Hydrogen peroxide also helps sterilize and disinfect your coins.
5. Let coins soak in cola to dissolve the tarnish. Fill a small cup or bowl with any type of cola and submerge your coins. Let the coins sit for at least 5 minutes before taking them out and rinsing them off. Lightly rub the surface with a paper towel to help polish your coins and make them shine again.^[9]
   
   
   • Cola contains phosphoric acid that helps tarnish break down quickly.
6. Try scrubbing your coins with ketchup. Squirt enough ketchup on each coin’s face to cover it. Work the ketchup into each coin with a soft-bristled toothbrush for about 1–2 minutes per side. When you finish scrubbing, hold your coins under running water to rinse them off.^[10]
   
   
   • The acids in ketchup can help dissolve tarnish to help clean silver and copper coins.
7. Dip coins in a commercial cleaner solution for heavy tarnish. Wear latex gloves and safety glasses when you use a cleaner solution since it’s very acidic. Hold 1 coin at a time between your fingers and submerge it in the cleaning solution for about 5 seconds. Take the coin out of the solution and immediately rinse the residue off with clean water.^[11]
   
   • The acidic cleaner strips the grime and tarnish off the surface to make your coin look shiny.

[Edit]Caring for Collectible Coins

1. Ask a professional coin grader to see if you should clean antique coins. Look for a coin dealer in your area and bring your coins in to have them evaluated. Since the discoloration and patina caused by exposure to air can actually add to the coin’s overall value, wait until you hear from an expert before doing anything.^[12]
   
   • Even the smallest scratch from wiping the coin can reduce its value, so always get an expert opinion before you clean.
   • Get your coin graded so you can properly determine its condition and value.
2. Wipe surface dirt off with a cotton swab soaked in acetone. Dip the end of your cotton swab in acetone so it’s damp. Carefully wipe the cotton swab over the face of the coin so you coat the entire surface. Go over the coin again with the dry end of the cotton swab to pick up any residual dirt or liquid on the surface.^[13]
   
   • Avoid pressing hard on the coin’s surface so you don’t cause any damage.
3. Store your coins in hard plastic holders. Set your coin inside of the plastic holder and snap it closed so nothing can get on the surface. Avoid opening the container after putting your coin away so it doesn’t get exposed to the environment around it.^[14]
   
   • Keep your coins in an album so you can easily look through them. If you have really valuable coins, keep them in a safe to protect them.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• Hold your coins by the edge to prevent getting skin oil and fingerprints on the faces.^[15]

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/in-the-home/clean-coins-7-steps.html
2. ↑ https://coinsweekly.com/coin-care-in-simple-terms-part-2-washing-day/
3. ↑ https://youtu.be/vAyOZbmnOww?t=142
4. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/in-the-home/clean-coins-7-steps.html
5. ↑ https://youtu.be/VwVLL6m5QRY?t=141
6. ↑ https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/education/outreach/ncw/plan-an-event/educational-resources/let%27s-do-chemistry-with-the-penny.pdf
7. ↑ https://youtu.be/vAyOZbmnOww?t=800
8. ↑ https://youtu.be/s7pCCisZmIk?t=74M
9. ↑ https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/education/resources/k-8/science-activities/chemicalphysicalchange/chemicalreactions/polishing-pennies.pdf
10. ↑ https://youtu.be/vAyOZbmnOww?t=439
11. ↑ https://youtu.be/mhelAb-PYG4?t=710
12. ↑ https://youtu.be/3_FBrkdgkhg?t=42
13. ↑ https://youtu.be/2jKYd1WKCGo?t=204
14. ↑ https://www.money.org/how-to-store-coins-video
15. ↑ ​​https://www.ngccoin.com/news/article/5461/NCS-conservation/

How to Create a Timeline in Excel

A quick tutorial for making project timelines in Excel

There are several easy ways to create a timeline in Excel. You can use the built-in SmartArt feature to create a timeline graphic in a variety of styles. Or, select a premade timeline template if you’re making a more complex timeline. You can also add a timeline to a pivot table or create your own timeline from scratch. This wikiHow will show you how to create a timeline in Microsoft Excel.

[Edit]Things You Should Know

• Go to Insert > Illustrations > SmartArt > Process to create a timeline graphic.
• Or, create a new workbook and search for “timeline” in the template search bar.
• Add a timeline filter to a pivot table by going to PivotTable Analyze > Insert Timeline.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Using SmartArt

1. Click the tab. This will open the Insert toolbar.^[1]
   
   • SmartArt is a built-in Excel feature that makes a graphic layout that you can add data to. It does not transform your existing data.
2. Click . It’s in the Illustration tab of the Insert toolbar.
   
   • If you don't see this option click Illustrations in the toolbar first.
3. Click in the sidebar. This will filter the SmartArt options to display only timeline and process-related graphics.
   
4. Select the Basic Timeline graphic and click . It’s a right-facing arrow with three circles. This is a good choice for linear timelines and overall milestones. Once you click OK, your timeline graphic will appear on your worksheet.
   
   • If you're having trouble finding this option, click each of the graphics to see their names.
   • You can adapt other Process graphics to use as a timeline. To see the name and description of each graphic, click its icon in the selection menu.
5. Add text to your graphic. By default, the Basic Timeline graphic starts with three text locations. Click each instance of [Text] and replace it with your own.
   
   • To add top-level bullet points, select a bullet point and press . The timeline graphic will automatically create another circle graphic on the arrow.
   • To create secondary bullet points, select a bullet point and press . This will allow you to add bullet points under the top-level titles.
6. Click the tab to edit your timeline. There are a variety of options for making your timeline stand out! Here are a few things to try:
   
   • Change the layout. Click different layouts in the “Layouts” section. This will keep the text you’ve already entered, so you can easily see different options.
   • Change the style. Click various styles to find the one that works best for your presentation.
   • Change the colors. Click Change Colors to see a drop down menu with different color palettes.

[Edit]Using a Template

1. Open Excel and click . This is a button in the left sidebar next to a piece of paper icon. Using a template is easy, since many versions of Excel come with pre-built formats. You can also download user-created templates from the internet.
   
   • If you prefer working in PowerPoint, you can create a roadmap with milestones in that app instead.
2. Type “timeline” in the search box and press . The search box is under the “Blank workbook” button. It has the text “Search for online templates” next to a magnifying glass.
   
   • In older versions of Excel, you’ll see a section called “Available Templates” instead of the “Search for online templates” search box.
   • Some versions of Excel will show a New from Template button.
   • If your timeline tracks the progress of a branching project with many tasks, consider looking for "Gantt chart" templates instead.
3. Click a template to select it. You’ll see a list of templates after searching for “timeline.” Clicking a template will open a window with more information about it.
   
4. Click . This will open the template as a new Excel file. You’re ready to start editing the template!
   
   • Click objects to select them. You can move the object by clicking and dragging it. Click the Format tab to edit the shape’s color, outline, and text style.
   • Double-click text in the template to change the text.
   • Some templates will have help text when you click objects, providing more information about that section.

[Edit]Using a Pivot Table

1. Open the spreadsheet that has a pivot table. To automatically generate a timeline, your data must be organized into a pivot table. You also need the pivot table analyze menu, which was introduced in Excel 2013.^[2]
   
   • This method is great for filtering data by time and making a dynamic timeline. Pivot tables are a useful way to quickly see your information in new ways. There are plenty of interesting tricks in Excel!
2. Click anywhere inside the pivot table. This will display the “PivotTable Analyze” tab in the top ribbon.
   
3. Click . This will open a toolbar with options to manipulate the data in the table.
   
4. Click . A dialog box will pop up showing fields that correspond to a date format. Note that dates entered as text will not be recognized.
   
5. Select the applicable field and click . A new box that allows you to navigate through your timeline will appear.
   
6. Click the down arrow next to the date type. This will open a drop-down menu allowing you to change the filter’s scale to years, quarters, months, or days.
   
7. Click a time section to filter by that selection. For example, if you set the date type to months and click the NOV section, your pivot table will show only data from November of the selected year.
   
   • You can expand your selection by clicking and dragging the gray handles that appear next to the selection.

[Edit]Using a Basic Spreadsheet (Any Version)

1. Type the milestones of your timeline in one column. You can name the column header something like “activity” or “deliverable.”
   
   • This method uses the cells of the spreadsheet to create and format your own timeline. This is a good method if you’re just sharing this information with your team, rather than presenting it.
2. Fill in the start and end dates for each milestone. This can just be an estimate if you don’t have the exact dates yet. After this, you’re done with the basic format! You can edit the font, colors, and borders as needed. You could even add a line graph if you have data you want to include next to the timeline.
   
   • Create a start and end column next to the milestone titles column.
   • Type in the start and end dates for each milestone on your timeline.
   • You can also create a notes column to include information about each milestone.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• You can also use PowerPoint to make timelines. It has more graphics options, allowing you to customize your graphic with more detail.
• If you’re looking for more Excel tips, check out how to use VLOOKUP and our IF function tutorial.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Create a Calendar in Microsoft Excel
• Create Pivot Tables in Excel

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/create-a-timeline-9c4448a9-99c7-4b0e-8eff-0dcf535f223c
2. ↑ https://support.office.com/en-AU/Article/Create-a-PivotTable-timeline-to-filter-dates-d3956083-01be-408c-906d-6fc99d9fadfa

How to Delete Addresses on Amazon

Easily delete old and unused addresses to avoid deliveries sent to the wrong address

Do you have an old address on your Amazon account that you want to get rid of? It's all too easy to forget to set your current address as the default, and then packages get delivered to the wrong address. To prevent this from happening, it's best to remove addresses that you no longer use. This wikiHow article teaches you how to delete your old addresses on Amazon using a web browser or your mobile phone.

[Edit]Things You Should Know

• Log in at https://www.amazon.com/a/addresses/ and tap "Remove" below the address you want to delete.
• You can also delete an address using the Amazon Shopping app under the Profile icon > Your Account > Your Addresses.
• Deleting an address will not change the shipping address for pending orders.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Using a Web Browser

1. Go to https://www.amazon.com/a/addresses/ in a web browser. You can use any web browser on your PC or Mac.
   
   • If you are not logged into your Amazon account, you will be redirected to the Sign-in page. Enter the email address or phone number associated with your account and click Continue. Then enter the password associated with your Amazon account and click Sign In.
2. Locate the address you want to delete. Each address you have on your Amazon account is listed in a separate tile under "Your Addresses." Locate the address you want to delete.
   
3. Click below the address you want to delete. It's the second option at the bottom of each address tile. This displays a confirmation pop-up.
   
   • If try to delete your current default address, you will receive an error message that says, "This address is used as your residential address for digital purchases." You will either need to click Set as default below another address you have on file before deleting the address or click the blue text that says, set a different residential address for your digital purchases in the pop-up error message. Then fill out the form to enter a new address and click Update.
4. Click . It's the yellow button in the confirmation pop-up. This deletes the address. Deleting or updating your address will not change the shipping address for any pending orders.^[1]
   
   • If you want to change the address for a pending order that has not shipped, go to https://www.amazon.com/gp/css/order-history in a web browser. Click View or edit order next to the order you want to change, and click Change below your shipping address and enter the correct address.^[2]
   • You cannot change your shipping address on an order that has already shipped. If an order has already shipped, you will need to cancel the order and reorder it.

[Edit]Using the Mobile App

1. Open the Amazon Shopping app. It has an icon that resembles a beige box with a curved arrow on the front. Tap the Amazon Shopping app icon on your Home screen or apps menu to open Amazon Shopping.
   
   • If you do not have the Amazon app downloaded on your mobile phone or tablet, you can download it for free from the App Store on iPhone and iPad, or the Google Play Store on Android devices.
   • If you are not logged into the Amazon app automatically, Tap Sign In at the top of the page. Then enter the email address or phone number associated with your account and tap Continue. Then enter the password associated with your account and tap Sign In.
2. Tap the profile icon. It's the second tab at the bottom of the screen. This icon resembles a person
   
3. Tap . It's one of the oval-shaped buttons at the top of the page. This displays the account settings menu.
   
4. Scroll down and tap . This displays a list of all your associated addresses with your Amazon account.
   
5. Scroll down and tap below the address you want to delete. It's the second option below each address listed. This displays a confirmation pop-up.
   
   • If you try to delete your default address, you will receive an error message that says "This address is used as your residential address for digital purchases." You will either need to tap Set as default below another address you have on your account, or tap the blue text that says, set a different residential address for your digital purchases in the pop-up error message. Then fill out the form to enter a new address and tap Update.
6. Tap . It's the yellow button in the pop-up window. This deletes the address. This will not change the shipping address for any pending orders.^[3]
   
   • If you want to change the address for a pending order that has not shipped, go to https://www.amazon.com/gp/css/order-history in a web browser. Click View or edit order next to the order you want to change, and click Change below your shipping address and enter the correct address.
   • You cannot change your address on an order that has already shipped. If an order has already shipped, you will need to cancel the order and reorder it.

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GQT5HV6YYGNDSFNW
2. ↑ https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GSWAYSNV7RBSTND9
3. ↑ https://appauthority.com/how-to-delete-addresses-on-amazon-2724/

How to Clean a Washing Machine with Vinegar

While common thought would lead you to believe that the inside of your washing machine is clean, this may not be the case. Failing to clean your machine can lead to bad odors, germs, grime, and mold. Luckily, there are all-natural methods of cleaning your top-loading or front-loading machine using white vinegar. By using the right methods, you can ensure that your machine is clean and that it effectively cleans your clothes.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Cleaning A Top Load Washing Machine

1. Set your washing machine to the hottest temperature and longest cycle. Run your washing machine, and allow it to fill with hot water. Use the highest load size.^[1]
   
2. Add four cups (945 mL) of white vinegar to the washer. Open the lid while the washer is running. Use a measuring cup to measure and pour four cups (945 mL) of white vinegar into the washer as it fills.^[2]
   
3. Pour a cup (235 mL) of baking soda into the water. For deeper cleaning, you can add baking soda to the water. Measure out a cup (235 mL) of baking soda, and carefully pour it into the water in your machine.^[3]
   
4. Close the lid, and let the washing machine run for 5 minutes. Allowing your machine to run will let the vinegar and baking soda wash away grime and germs on the inside of your washing machine.^[4]
   
5. Open the lid and pause the machine for an hour. Letting the hot water and vinegar sit in your washing machine for an hour will lift excess grime and dirt from within the machine.^[5]
   
6. Wipe the outside of your machine while your machine is paused. Use a clean cloth and citrus cleaner to wash down the rest of your washing machine. Citrus cleaners are great at removing limescale, soap scum, and related buildup (dirt from clothes, excess detergent, leftover fabric softener, etc.). You can purchase citrus cleaners at the store, or you can make them at home. Spray the cleaner in dirty areas, and use the cloth to wipe up the grime.^[6]
   
   • Citrus cleaners use the natural properties found in fruits like lemons, oranges, and limes to remove dirt.
   • When cleaning, make sure to wipe and rinse the fabric softener and bleach chambers that are on your washer.
   • You can also use a toothbrush to get to hard to reach places.
7. Finish the washing machine's cycle. Close the lid, and finish the cycle in your washing machine. Wait until the cycle completes and all the water has drained from the machine.
   
8. Wipe down the interior of the machine and repeat. Finish cleaning out the interior of the washing machine with a dry rag. Once it's dry, you can repeat the steps to finish cleaning the remaining dirt or gunk that's built up inside of your machine.
   

[Edit]Cleaning A Front Load Washing Machine

1. Fill the detergent dispenser with white vinegar. Fill the detergent dispenser with 3/4 cup (175 mL) of vinegar or until the detergent dispenser is filled. The detergent dispenser is usually labeled and can be found on the top of your front load washing machine. Once it's filled, close the lid.^[7]
   
2. Start a normal wash cycle on the hottest water setting. If your front load washing machine doesn't have a hot water setting, select the "whites" setting or "stain" setting. Allow the cycle to run through completely. ^[8]
   
3. Wipe down the exterior of your washer. As the normal cycle runs, mix ½ cup (90 g) of baking soda and 1 quart (1 L) of white vinegar in a bucket. Once the ingredients are incorporated, use the solution to dampen a rag and use the rag to wipe down the exterior of the washer.^[9]
   
4. Run an additional (hot) rinse cycle with no added vinegar or detergent. This should remove the smell of vinegar and help remove any remaining dirt. Once you're done, the washer should be good to use.
   

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• You can use vinegar to clean a twin tub washing machine, as well.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

• White vinegar
• Rags
• Citrus Cleaner
• Bucket

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-clean-a-top-loading-washing-machine-apartment-therapy-tutorials-184296
2. ↑ http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/01/how-to-clean-your-washing-machine-with-vinegar.html
3. ↑ http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-clean-a-top-loading-washing-machine-apartment-therapy-tutorials-184296
4. ↑ https://www.cleanmama.net/2014/07/how-to-naturally-clean-any-washing-machine.html
5. ↑ http://www.today.com/series/how-often-should-you/how-clean-washing-machine-t20131
6. ↑ https://dengarden.com/cleaning/How-To-Clean-Washing-Machine
7. ↑ https://www.somewhatsimple.com/how-to-clean-your-washing-machine/
8. ↑ http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/01/how-to-clean-your-washing-machine-with-vinegar.html
9. ↑ https://dengarden.com/cleaning/How-To-Clean-Washing-Machine