How To Wash And Clean a Jiu-Jitsu Gi

Shrinking: Most kimonos made specifically for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) today are pre-shrunk. It only means that your uniform will not decrease an entire size and only experience a small amount of shrinkage when washed and dried-- normally around four to fiver percent. Some people purposely want to partially shrink their new the Jiu-Jitsu gis if the jacket does not fit out of the box. They do this by machine drying their uniform on the heated temperature setting for any amount of minutes necessary for it to fit.

Washing: Use cold water for washing your kimono, right after you are done with your training session. Don't dare to use hot water for washing your kimono. This is because it has been proven by some experts that a bad outcome will occur; it will ruin the cotton material of your uniform. There is a high-end detergent product, Woolite that will help you in cleaning your kimono; it is a productive cleaning agent in a mild form in order to lessen the wear prompted by having a several wash cycles. Another thing that you should be aware of is washing your kimono inside out, this way it will cause less harm to your uniform with a several wash cycle. always use a color safe detergent soap for a colored or black kimono. If you have white kimono you use a bleach alternative product rather than using chlorine bleach because this will only ruin the cotton fibers in the material. In order to make your kimono softer and not feel a tough, use liquid fabric softener in every wash cycle-- not the fabric softener sheets. Do not mix your uniform in washing your common clothes for a reason that some parts of your clothes will stick to your uniform, just like when washing bath towels.

WATER SOFTENER COMPARISON

Drying: The most practical way to dry a Jiu-Jitsu Gi is by hang drying. When drying it is better that you will use no heat in order to not shrink your BJJ kimono. This may take awhile in comparison to using a high temperature when drying a kimono. The best practice is to use a very low temperature setting in a machine dryer for five minutes or less and then remove the uniform completely and allow it to hang dry completely. You have to bear in mind that when you use high temperature your gis will become smaller than its original size.

Color-Setting: In order not to wash out the vibrance of your colored kimonos, you have to soak your uniform for about half an hour with three cups of a white vinegar and mix with an ample amount of water in order to fully submerge your kimono. Do this before washing your uniform.

How To Wash And Clean a Jiu-Jitsu Gi

WATER SOFTENER COMPARISON

The Truth About Bottled Spring Water vs Purified Water

Spring Water - The Truth

water slides

WATER

Spring water bottled water companies are very good about manipulating the image of their water and hiding the truth about purity.

Images about bubbling mountain springs, fresh water glacier run off, frothy fresh water streams and other scenes that imply purity are nothing more than hype and spin that would make even the most seasoned politician blush.

There is a wealth of information about spring water that the public should know:

· Spring waters fluctuate in quality because the aquifers from which they emanate are constantly in a state of change.

· Spring water companies rarely talk about "purity" rather they keep referring to "natural" inferring that "natural "means "healthy". Polluted rivers and streams are "natural" but clearly not healthy.

· If a spring water company does claim to be 100% pure, that statement is misleading. The fact is that the "100% pure" refers not to the absence of impurities in the water, but to the source of the water itself. That is, 100% of the water in the bottle came from an underground source (i.e. a spring), rather than from a surface water source.

· Spring water companies claim that their springs are "protected" but this tern needs further definition. The springs are not protected from contamination like acid rain, industrial pollution (TCE, Benzene, Perchlorinate, MTBE, Teflon PFOA, nitrates, fertilizers and a host of other pollutants.) The springs are only protected against unwanted visitors.

· If it is processed it is usually only filtered to remove large particles.

· Many springs produce water that contain so many impurities the water will not even meet municipal tap water standards.

· Most spring water bottlers avoid issuing bottled water analysis reports because of the significant contamination that these reports would show.

· Most companies do not bottle at the source instead trucking the water to market.

Purified Water-The Truth

Purified water is water that is processed usually by a steam distillation/oxygenation process that is regulated and tested by the Food and Drug Administration of the Federal Government. The standards are the toughest in the industry - in order to qualify as "purified water" the water must test 99.9% pure.

· Purified water represents the fastest growing segment of the bottled water industry mainly because it's purer than other types of waters. There is a definite health trend today toward healthy living and many health conscious consumers buy because they want something that's of a higher quality and purity than other options like tap water.

· To meet the legal definition of "purified water", water impurities must be removed to meet the U.S. Pharmacopeia definition (99.9% pure) adopted by the Food and Drug Administration.

· Purified water must be tested and the results made available to the public. Any reputable purified bottled water supplier will produce testing reports upon request.

· The most effective process for purification of water is a steam distillation/ozonation process that creates pure, good tasting water. It produces water that is 100% water and 0% everything else.

· Purified water suppliers have their water tested at regular intervals and the tests are available upon request. Unlike spring water companies, purified water companies are happy to share their test results.

When you compare purified water against spring water the truth is revealed: If you want water that contains contaminants, is based upon hype, word parsing and marketing exaggeration - then drink spring water. If you want to drink water that is 100% pure and provides a healthy lifestyle for you and your family - drink purified water.

The Truth About Bottled Spring Water vs Purified Water

WATER

Water Damage Restoration Companies

Who are the Dallas water damage restoration professionals to turn to for flood clean up, removal, and repair?

water table

There are only a few true fire and water restoration companies in Dallas Texas that can provide the full line of flood clean up, fire rebuilding and mold remediation services. These companies have been in business in the Dallas area for decades and have full time, trained technicians who are available to do emergency restoration work 24/7. They have industrial strength equipment and professional gear that they use daily on just such water damage emergencies.

WATER

And then there are the other guys....

These competitors are divided into three types of restoration service providers:

Water Damage Internet marketing firms

Most of the restoration companies you will find on the web are marketing companies that later sell your cleanup and rebuilding job to subcontractors they never met. When there is a big demand for restoration clean up services in Dallas Fort Worth, such as frozen and burst pipes, burst water heaters or rain and flood damage, these marketing companies call everyone who says that they can do water removal, clean up and repair to get your job. However, if they cannot find any subcontractors, your job will be abandoned.

Water Damage Restoration National Franchises

The other type of water removal and repair competitors are large corporate franchise restoration companies with very little connection to Dallas Fort Worth. They do not have full line fire, water and restoration services in Dallas and usually have staff that is new to the home restoration business. Very often, the true fire and water remediation companies are asked to complete repair jobs that were started by restoration franchisees.

Carpet Cleaning Companies

There are hundreds of carpet cleaning companies in Dallas Fort Worth that claim to be water damage restoration companies. These so called remediation experts have no water removal experience, flood damage clean up training or dehumidification equipment to complete water and flood damage repair projects. They also have no education or much experience in the science of water extraction, drying and clean up. There is very little chance that your property would be completely restored through their services. In fact, since these companies do not have any water removal, fire restoration or mold remediation experience or content restoration facilities to handle personal belongings or furniture, their so called services only delay your home's restoration work. Meanwhile, there is further structural damage to your dry walls, ceilings, carpets, and floors, possibly resulting in mold damage.

When you need professionals to tackle emergency repair and rebuilding jobs in Dallas, choose the Dallas company you know and trust to handle your property's remediation job. Call the disaster recovery experts that have the full time crews to handle your emergency 24/7, 365 days a year.

Water Damage Restoration Companies

WATER

RV Water Leaks

If there is a way to get in your RV, water will find it. Water leaks on an RV can cause extensive damage and can be extremely costly to repair. When I worked at an RV dealership I saw the damaging effects that water can cause to an RV time and time again. I learned the lesson the hard way. I appraised a unit that was being traded in and didn't identify the extensive water damage, which resulted in a thousand dollars worth of repairs. Hindsight is 20/20 and I quickly learned how to inspect for, and identify potential water damage on RVs. My recommendation is that you inspect for potential water leaks twice a year at a minimum, once in the fall and again in the spring.

water slides

Every seam on your RV and anywhere the manufacturer cut a hole in your RV has the potential to allow water in. To protect your investment and your wallet take the time to REALLY inspect all of these seams and sealants. Water damage on an RV is similar to progressive damage to a tire. The outside of the tire looks fine, but the internal damage over a long period of time causes the tire to fail without any warning. The outside of your RV looks fine but the internal damage caused by water over a long period of time can result in the entire roof, floor or wall rotting away without you knowing it. Here are a few things to look for during your inspections.

WATER

Always keep safety on your mind when you are working on the roof of your RV You can be seriously injured from a fall! A reader of mine suggested that you use 2 pieces of 1/2"
plywood, 2 foot by 4 foot, to move around on and spread your weight out over the
roof rafters.

* To stop a leak before it starts, thoroughly inspect all roof and body seams. Consult with your RV dealer for sealants compatible with different types of roofing materials.

* Look for any discoloration and feel for any soft spots on the ceiling around roof vents, air conditioners, TV antennas, plumbing vents, and any other openings that were cut in the roof.

* Look for any discoloration or wrinkles in the wallpaper, and feel for any soft spots on the walls around all windows, doors, vents, slide outs, or any other openings that were cut in the side walls.

* Identify the location of items like the water heater, furnace, outside shower, potable water fill and city water inlet on the outside of the RV and then access those areas from the inside of the RV and look for any indications of water damage around these openings.

* Open all overhead cabinets and look in the top corner where the walls meet the ceiling for any discoloration or feel for any soft spots. This would indicate a leak at the seam where the sidewall and the roof attach.

* Check in all outside storage compartments for any indications of water leaks or water damage.

* Check for any soft spots on the roof itself especially around the roof seams at the front and rear of the RV. Thoroughly inspect all sealants on the roof around every opening.

* Some Class C motor homes are notorious for leaks in the cab over bed area. Look for any signs of discoloration and feel for soft spots. Reach under the mattress and feel for water.

* Look and feel on the outside of the RV for any signs of delaminating. Delaminating is caused by water getting between the exterior fiberglass and the sidewall. When this happens the exterior fiberglass separates from the sidewall of the RV. You can stand at the front or rear of the RV and look down the side for any noticeable ripples or what looks like a bubble. You can also press on the sidewalls. If you feel the exterior fiberglass move it is delaminating. Often times delaminating starts around where an opening that was made in the sidewall.

Don't just inspect your RV for water damage; REALLY inspect your RV for water damage. If you do this on a regular basis you can locate and repair the source of any water damage before it has a chance to do a great deal of damage. I think I'll start checking our motor home more than twice a year.

Happy Camping,

Mark

Copyright 2006 by Mark J. Polk owner of RV Education 101

RV Water Leaks

WATER

Tips For Water Heater Installation

An easy home improvement task that you can do all on your own is installing a hot water heater. When your water heater breaks down and you need a new one, do not pay someone to install it. Go ahead and install it yourself. It is not too difficult and you do not even have to have any plumbing experience to do it. Just read through the directions below before getting started and if you feel confident then give it a try. If you still are weary then enlist some help. You do not want to be stuck without hot water too long.

water table

Step One

WATER

The first thing you will do is remove your old water heater. All you need to do turn off the electric or gas running to it. Drain the water from it, remembering it is hot, so be careful. Disconnect it from the electric or gas and the water pipes. Be careful with the pipes as they could still have hot water in them. Now you can move it out of the way.

Step Two

Move the new water heater into place. Be careful not to be too rough with it. It has parts inside that can be damaged by too much rough movement. Make sure it is close enough to the pipes to be hooked up. And connect the water pipes. You can consult the owners manual if the hook up is different from your old water heater. It is easy to tell a wrong hook up because your cold water will be hot and your hot water will be cold.

Step Three

Lastly you will connect the electric or gas. Once it is connected turn back on the power. You may need to consult the owners manual for how to hook up power, so you do it correctly.

That is all there is to it. It is rather simply to hook up a new water heater. Basically all you do is reverse the steps of unhooking your old water heater. If you have any issues than just consult the owners manual of your new water heater. You should find this is something you can do in matter of minutes without the need for complicated tools or compressors. Just make sure you have a dolly to use to remove the old water heater and bring in the new water heater as they can be quite heavy. Also make sure you contact local authorities on how to dispose of your old water heater.

Tips For Water Heater Installation

WATER

Copper Plumbing Pipes and Well Water

Looking for a quality Plumber for your plumbing problems in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma? We purchased an older hold, and it also was on a well (no city water available). Our water was slightly acidic, and that can cause problems with copper plumbing pipes. So what can you do about acidic well water ruining your copper plumbing pipes and costing you thousands of dollars?

water cooler

Water Softening Systems

WATER

I waited a while to start to handle the problem with acidic water. Unfortunately I waited until a copper pipe in the basement got a pin hole in one of the corner elbow bends. I was lucky it was in the basement in the laundry room where it was easy to fix. So how do you deal with acidic well water? The answer is a water softener--part of the water softening process will reduce the water acidic. So getting a water softener system for your house will help save your copper plumbing pipes.

Do-It-Yourself, DIY, or Professional Plumber?

I was lucky and got to the problem before it grew. I was able to fix the leaky pipe in the basement myself without having to remove lots of drywall or ceiling, but I feel lucky. If the leak had been upstairs in the house, it might have soaked important things or been much harder to find before I could fix it. Acidic water just slowly, over time destroys the copper pipes.

So you can either talk to a professional plumber or look at installing a water softener system for your house on your own.

Copper Plumbing Pipes and Well Water

WATER

Skin Care For People of Color - 6 Tips

By 2050, more than 50 percent of the United States population will be people of color; this includes African Americans, Latinos, Asians and others. These skin types have unique needs and require special care and now, most spas and salons offer specific products and procedures designed for more challenging skin. To help make your skin care experience more favorable, here are my 6 tips for skin care for people of color:

Avoid Aggressive Scrubbing

WATER SOFTENER COMPARISON

Ethnic skin is not darker because it has more pigment cells. Instead, the melanocyte cells that produce pigment are larger, and thus have more melanin. Scrubbing the skin too aggressively can over stimulate the skin and cause hyperpigmentation or blotchy skin. Plus, scrubs containing rough-edged granules, such as crushed walnut shells, polyethylene beads or apricot pits can irritate darker skin. Instead, choose scrubs that contain natural pumice or round jojoba beads that will not tear the skin.

Don't Pick!

Avoid the blunt trauma caused by picking at the skin. Easy, gentle extractions are better. My best recommendation is to use a sebum softener such as an enzyme or alpha hydroxy acid that will aid in removing blackheads with ease.

Use Salicylic or Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Skin of color is often more prone to ingrown hairs, which can lead to irritation, infection, and discoloration. Using a salicylic or alpha hydroxy acid serum will cause cell turnover and reduce blockages that cause ingrown hairs (note: use a mild scrub prior to shaving to loosen hairs).

Use Ice on Acne

Minimize swelling and inflammation as soon as an acne lesion forms by icing the affected area. When inflammation is reduced, the risk of the skin discoloration is lessened. Fill a small, plastic cup to the very top with water and freeze it, and when a lesion comes up, roll the iced cup over inflamed area for 10 minutes.

Avoid Overstimulation

Over stimulating the skin can result in damaged cells that cannot be replaced, causing the skin to appear white (a condition called hypopigmentation where the color will not return). Avoid using aggressive microdermabrasion treatments and keep cell turnover regular with superficial, light peels. Home care topicals with epidermal growth factors and peptides will aid in strengthening the skin.

Use Sunscreen

Just because darker skin contains more melanin does not mean it will not burn. UVA and UVB rays affect all shades of skin. Always include a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 in the daily regimen. The good news is that due to the amount of melanin in skin of color, it is more resistant to developing skin cancer and shows less signs of aging, both major issues for Caucasian skin.

More and more leading-edge companies are aware of the issues involved with skin of color and now formulate products especially for their skin needs. The best options combine natural products partnered with scientifically proven ingredients which really work to keep even the most challenging skin looking young and fresh.

Skin Care For People of Color - 6 Tips

WATER SOFTENER COMPARISON

Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water

Talking about beverages, one drink that is favored by one and all is lemon water. Most of us have fond childhood memories of drinking lemon water. The sweet and sour flavor of this natural drink quenches thirst and satiates taste buds of one and all. Besides flavor, this natural drink is said to be decent for health too. Here is a glance at some of the advantages of lemon water.

water shoes

The first and foremost benefit of drinking lemon water is that it helps give a great skin. Lemon water is high on percentage of flavanoids that are known to strengthen the condition of skin, thus offering a healthy glow and radiance to the skin. In addition, it can also help remove acne by removing the unwanted toxins from your body. But, you cannot rely on this drink alone if battling severe acne. You may think about using efficient acne treatments like Zenmed Derma Cleanse System for complete acne relief.

WATER

An additional advantage of drinking lemon water is that it assists improve digestion. It helps increase the production of bile juice in liver which subsequently helps normalize the functioning of digestive system. As the digestive system works optimally, it keeps problems like constipation at bay. It is suggested to prepare this beverage using lukewarm water, if you wish to keep a check on recurring constipation problem.

Lemon water helps treat urinary disorders to a brilliant extent. It is high on potassium percentage which is recognized for its ability to scour toxin deposits from the kidney walls. In addition, it also helps in removal of calcium deposits from urinary tract. As the calcium deposits are eliminated, any difficulty in the process of urination is also done away with. So, if you wish to get rid of urinary infection, it makes sense to augment consumption of this drink.

Weight loss is yet another area where this straightforward beverage can be of considerable aid. Just a cup full of lemon water everyday could help you get rid of extra pounds. Lemon is well known to have fat burning qualities and can help in weight loss. Supplement this with 30 mins of acceptable physical activity and you are sure to accomplish extraordinary results.

Yet another benefit of this natural drink is that it helps bring down the high cholesterol levels. One significant ingredient of lemon is pectin that is said to offer wondrous outcomes in lowering cholesterol naturally.

In addition to the given advantages, drinking lemon water could provide a number of other benefits too. It could offer respite from difficulties such as piles, scurvy, congestion, peptic ulcers and many more. In case you wish to avail given benefits, it is suggested to gulp down this drink with no further delay.

Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water

WATER

Natural Organic Skin Care For Sensitive Skin

People who have sensitive skin can be very allergic to things like cosmetics, soaps and even foods. The symptoms often show up as skin irritation, rashes, redness, dry itchy skin, and even eczema.

If you have sensitive skin, you should only use natural organic skin care product because it can help ward off the negative effects of irritation, burning, or itching caused by irritants and chemicals found in cosmetics, fabric softeners, laundry detergents, soaps, and other skin care products.

WATER SOFTENER COMPARISON

Natural skin care products are great for sensitive skin as they contain no artificial substances, synthetics, preservatives or fragrances. Always try to avoid products that have harsh chemicals, fragrances, or dyes. If you want to smell nice, use normal perfume or cologne. Choose cosmetics and make-ups for your specific skin type that contain organic or natural ingredients. An excellent choice of make-up that contains only natural ingredients is mineral make-up.

If you have sensitive skin and suffer from acne, be very cautious because many acne treatments contain harsh chemicals that could irritate your skin. This often makes the acne condition even worse. This is another compelling reason why you should only use natural organic skin care products for sensitive skin because they contains no harsh chemicals.

When choosing a natural organic skin care product, be certain that it contains plant-based substances such as olive oil, jojoba, tea tree oil or rose hip seed oil. These are the most basic ingredients you should find in a quality natural skin care product. Make sure you look for these ingredients when you are shopping for your favorite skin care products online or in a shopping mall.

Choose skin care products and soaps carefully to avoid skin flare-ups and negative reactions. A common complaint from people with sensitive skin is fine lines and dry skin, which makes them look older than they are. When choosing your natural organic skin care product, use an oil free moisturizer made specifically for dry skin to keep your skin fresh and moist.

Believe it or not, the facial masks are great natural skin care for sensitive skin because they deep clean your skin and moisturize at the same time. Deep cleaning the skin removes dead skin cells, cleanses the pores, and often reduces acne problems. Removing the dead skin cells using a natural facial mask lessens the appearance of small lines and wrinkles leaving your skin with a glowing complexion and more elasticity.

Remember to wash and rinse your face with warm water before applying a face mask. If you have the time and budget, you may even want to consider having one applied at a spa as part of a day of pampering for your skin.

Natural Organic Skin Care For Sensitive Skin

WATER SOFTENER COMPARISON

Starting a Water Detox Program

Today, more people are becoming more conscious about the hazardous effects of the chemicals they directly or indirectly take into their bodies. They realize that cancer rates are growing higher and their waistlines are expanding wider. More people are finding out that fast food, alcohol and massive nutrition and diet fads have serious and often fatal consequences. Enter the promise of detoxification.

water dispenser

While many still see detoxification as something new age and "hippie", a lot more people have discovered how detoxification has worked wonders in their lives, from curing diseases to improving their moods.

WATER

A popular way to detox your body is to indulge in a water fast. For most people, a water fast as one of the most difficult things they have embarked on in their lives, yet also the most rewarding. To prepare for a mental fast, you must predict the kind of activities you will be entering in the next few days. Some may fast for as long as three days just to get the feel of how it is. Some people may find a water fast difficult and all they want to do is sleep all day. Other people may find that they are more energetic and vibrant on the water fast. Generally, water fasting is something not to be taken lightly - many people can attest to how profound the experience can be. Living on water makes one realize how we can function with very little and survive with only the essentials.

Before the fast, it is also a good idea to prepare your body by drinking juices (only the fresh kind) and soft, raw food. Breaking in your body gently helps you whether the aggressive surfacing of chemicals that water detoxification can bring. If you don't foresee a first see a lot of pressure and stress in the days after that, it is recommended that you continue your water fast until the end of the week.

Consult a doctor or health care practitioner before you go into a water fast. If you are hyperglycemic, diabetic, hypoglycemic, or have psychological or cardiac issues, you may need to go through another form of detoxification. However if you do get a go signal, here's what you can do: avoid using water straight from the faucet. This kind of water contains a large number of heavy metals, mineral salts, harmful trace elements and some pollutants. Rather, it is recommended that you drink distilled water. Mineral water still has inorganic materials that inadvertently intensifies and triggers the effects of losing chemicals in the body. Be prepared to accompany your water fast with your preferred method of meditation and prayer so you can focus your energies elsewhere as your body lives on impure toxins and fats released during the detoxification process. If it is your first time to fast, it is recommended that alternate jury case of drinking water and fruit juice to ease the impact.

As the fast progresses, you may notice some dizziness, but this is normal because the heart rests itself during a fast. Make sure that you stand up or sit down slowly; this will relieve much of the dizziness. During detoxification, the waste level in our blood goes up, so some people may experience fever and headaches. These will not last long and are soon gone as the water passes through our system.

If you feel that detoxification is too much of a commitment, just make sure that you drink at least 2 liters of clean water every day. Drinking this much (and not a lot of people do) will greatly aid our body in moving nutrients around, cooling us off and removing stored waste and bacteria.

Starting a Water Detox Program

WATER

When Is the Use of Glycolic Acid Lotion Safe?

When talking about contra-aging products, Glycolic acid lotion is probably on top of the list. The reason is its formulations as skin softeners, moisturizers and exfoliates. The good thing about this lotion is its component to include everything you need during exfoliation. Some skin care products are confined only to exfoliation; others only to skin softening. This lotion will give you all the practical benefits of youthful glow.

Glycolic acid is a natural organic acid which is extracted from fruits and vegetables. Particularly drew out from sugar cane, glycolic acid is the smallest alpha-hydroxy (AHA) and is highly soluble in water. Since it is extracted from natural fruit, its application on the skin to exfoliate dead cells is safer than other peeling chemicals. Note however that there are debates as to its safety when use in higher concentration. 

WATER SOFTENER COMPARISON

Glycolic acid is capable of penetrating deep within the skin. This means that while the upper layer of the skin is removed, the inner layer gets firmer making the skin strong and smooth. The application of the acid lotion as an exfoliant is easy and may be self-administered especially when this natural chemical is formulated in a lotion. Lotions with glycolic acid usually have lower concentration enabling ordinary individuals to exfoliate at the comfort of their home without the assistance of their doctor. 

The acid lotion with higher concentration ranging from 20 to 70% is not safe for everyone. Its use is regulated by requiring only accredited dermatologist to do the application. Self administration can burn your skin because of its stronger acidity content. In fact, the higher strength acid lotions are commercially used as a rust remover.

If you wanted to have beautiful skin but don't have time to visit your dermatologist then you can try the acid lotion with concentration between 5 to 10%. But before applying on the entire body, you should try the solution first on small portion of your skin. Observe whether there will be changes on its appearance or none. Should there be notable change, your skin may not be compatible with the product. Try different brand or you can opt for a lesser concentration.

When Is the Use of Glycolic Acid Lotion Safe?

WATER SOFTENER COMPARISON