Why Are People Putting Shaving Cream on Their Mattresses?

If you scroll through social media these days, it’s likely you’ll see posts by cleaning content creators who are covering their mattresses with shaving cream. At first thought, you might think it's another one of those Internet hacks destined to create a bigger mess than the problem you’re trying to solve. However, plenty of people have already tried it and were surprisingly impressed by the results. Shaving cream is made from the same basic chemistry as a lot of commercial upholstery cleaners, but it’s less expensive. The major component profiles of a typical white foaming shaving cream are surfactants, which are particularly important because they can bind to both water and oils, allowing them to break apart and lift greasy stains from fabric surfaces. Many shaving creams also contain denatured alcohol, which acts as a solvent, and glycerin, which helps loosen oily residue. The foam itself provides another advantage because it remains on the surface of the stain until it breaks down. Be aware that it doesn’t work on all stains. Tannin-based stains like red wine, tea and coffee are almost impossible to break down. To use shaving cream on your mattress:

• 1. Apply a small amount of shaving cream to the stain.
• 2. Work it in gently with a brush or soft cloth.
• 3. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes.
• 4. Dampen a cloth with cold water and blot.
• 5. Repeat until the stain has lifted.
• 6. Blot the area again with a vinegar-and-water solution.
• 7. Allow the mattress to dry completely.

The easiest stain to remove is the one that never happens. The top recommendation is a waterproof mattress protector. They typically run anywhere from $15 for a basic standard size to $250 for a king size premium protector.

 

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What You Can and Cannot Do During a Thunderstorm

There are a lot of silly myths about lightning. For instance, a plane getting hit by lightning generally isn't really that big of a deal. Although pilots aren't crazy about it and do their best to avoid thunderstorms, planes are built to safely conduct currents. Yes, lighting will strike the same place twice, and many tall structures are hit often. Even the old “rubber tires on a car protect you from lightning strikes” belief is totally false. A car is safe because it has a metal roof and sides to conduct the current to the ground. There are a lot of common misconceptions about how lightning works and what it can affect, so it's not altogether crazy to think that the old "don't shower during a storm" line is just another old wives' tale. However, don't be mistaken about this one — showering during a thunderstorm is genuinely risky business. Most household plumbing systems have metal pipes, and lightning finds these metallic conduits all too irresistible. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity, particularly when loaded with impurities. Engaging in activities like showering, washing dishes or even just washing your hands makes you an easy target for a stray bolt seeking a path of least resistance. So what should you do if you’re caught outside in a thunderstorm? To start, avoid elevated areas. Lightning tends to strike the tallest objects, like trees. If you can't find shelter, squat low to the ground, but minimize contact. The idea is to make yourself a smaller target. If you’re indoors, watch out for concrete because it might contain metal reinforcement. Skip phone calls — corded phone calls are a no-no, and even cell phones can pose risks if connected to chargers. While many may think the threat is exaggerated, it's always better to be safe than sorry.

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Never Buy Cherries if You See This Red Flag

In the Northeast, cherries are just starting to appear on store shelves — a sure sign that summer has arrived. Because cherries have such a short season, one disappointing bag can feel like a waste. There are telltale signs that a batch isn’t at its best, including brown, dried-out stems and dull skin instead of the glossy finish fresh cherries should have. The biggest mistake shoppers make is grabbing a bag or container without first examining the fruit. Visually, cherries should look plump and glossy, not dull or shriveled. but looks are only part of the equation. Cherries should feel firm to the touch and smell sweet. If you're shopping somewhere that offers samples, taste one before you buy. The one red flag you should watch out for is what the stems look like. Stems should be mostly green with as little brown as possible; this indicates they were freshly harvested. If you're unhappy with the cherries on display, don't be afraid to ask a store employee if there's a fresher batch available. All large supermarkets stock displays using a first-in, first-out system, meaning the fruit at the front isn't always the newest shipment. Bigger is better — at least when it comes to cherries. When comparing two otherwise similar batches, reach for the larger fruit. Cherry pits are generally the same size, so larger cherries yield more fruit per cherry.

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High Tech Jacket Prototype Pulls Drinking Water From Thin Air

A new high tech jacket developed by engineers at the University of Texas can pull drinking water from thin air. With the advance in fabric technology, the jacket can collect up to a pint and a half of drinkable water per day. Scientists suggest that the ground-breaking technology could benefit anyone who spends a lot of time in areas without easy access to drinking water, including hikers, campers, runners, agricultural workers, and soldiers. Scientists focused on the fibers rather than building another bulky device. Professor Gulhua Yu explained that the textile incorporated into the jacket collects moisture and funnels it to detachable harvesting units, which are then placed in a foldable collector and heated to produce the water. The researchers are now eyeing applications beyond clothing — including backpacks, tents, emergency shelters and other outdoor gear — allowing items people carry every day to help collect water. They also plan to look at applying the technology to remote field operations, disaster response, and water access in arid or infrastructure-limited regions. The University’s research commercialization unit has filed a patent application for the technology.

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