INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Anytime you pick up flowers from the store or florist, you'll want to refresh the stems by trimming them an additional half an inch or so, even if they've already been cut. This also applies to flowers that have been delivered or cultivated in a greenhouse. To put it simply, always trim and prune fresh flowers, no matter where they came from. Get in the habit of dumping out and replacing the water in your flower vase every morning, or as soon as it starts to get murky. Fresh flowers need a lot to drink, so don't hesitate to top off the water level if you notice it getting low. Be sure to add a pinch of plant food to help your flowers flourish. To refill the water in large decorative arrangements, tilt the vase over the sink to empty it, then run fresh water over the stems using a watering can or measuring cup. Waiting too long between waterings can lead to rot, which causes the blossoms to wilt and produces an unpleasant smell. Since cut flowers have been separated from their root system, they won't be able to survive as long as they would in the soil (no matter how fresh they are). You can prepare your flowers for their new environment by sprinkling half a packet of organic plant food into the vase prior to inserting them. Plant food contains essential nutrients as well as antimicrobial additives to slow the growth of mold and bacteria. You can purchase plant food at any gardening center or greenhouse, or in the home-and-garden section of most supermarkets. Alternatively, you can whip up your own plant food at home by combining 1 tablespoon (14.8ml) of sugar, 2 tablespoons (29.6ml) of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon (4.93ml) bleach and adding them to 1 quart (0.95L) water. Pour the mixture into the vase. Most types of flowers fare best in mild, moderate conditions. Temperatures between 65F (18C) and 72F (22C) are ideal, though a couple of degrees higher or lower shouldn't make too much of a difference. Make sure your flowers get plenty of sunlight, but situate them away from the most intense glare to keep them from overheating. Some heartier species like roses and orchids prefer a warmer environment. It's safe to store these flowers in hotter areas, such as your kitchen, or even outdoors on a sunny day. It's fine to keep your flowers' water at room temperature. You can also try adding a couple small ice cubes to the water, which may help the blooms survive a little longer.

SUMMARY: Cut precut flowers again as soon as you get them home. Change the water daily. Add plant food to the water to keep the flowers nourished. Keep your flowers somewhere cool.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Take a kitchen sponge that you don't plan on using for washing dishes anymore. Run the abrasive scrubbing side against the clothing or blanket to swipe off pet hair. Do this outside or over a trash bag so you don't get hair all over your floors. For hair that's tough to get off, you can use a damp sponge. Wet the sponge, then wring out any excess water before brushing the fabric. Start with a clean adhesive sheet on your roller. Then roll it over the item, using smooth strokes in one direction. Pay special attention to any areas with a lot of hair. Rip off the sheets as they become covered in hair to expose fresh sheets. Otherwise, the roller won't be as effective at pulling up the hair. You can also loosen the hair before using the lint roller by spraying static guard on the fabric. The warmth and moisture of the steam also releases trapped hair so it will be easier to remove in the wash. Fill the tank of the steamer with water, then lightly run the steamer over the fabric in downward strokes. Steamers are safe to use on delicate materials, like wool or velvet. Check the care instructions on the label of the item if you aren't sure. It's easier to steam items when they're hanging up. If you're on a budget, you can buy a handheld steamer, which typically costs around $30 to $40, instead of a standing steamer, which can cost over $100.

SUMMARY: Brush a dry sponge over the fabric to remove hair from the surface. Lift stubborn hair from fabric with a lint roller. Use a clothes steamer if the hair is caught on delicate fabric.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Gently massaging a clean (sanitized) finger back and forth or in small circles over your tender gums can provide temporary relief. Be careful not to rub too hard because you could disrupt or damage the pericoronal flap and trigger more irritation, swelling and/or bleeding. If you can tolerate it, use a small ice cube to combat inflammation and dull the pain. The ice will feel shockingly cold initially, but the tissue around the erupting wisdom tooth should get numb within five or so minutes. You can use ice three to five times daily or as needed to deal with tenderness. Make sure to trim your fingernails and sanitize your finger with alcohol wipes in order to prevent transferring bacteria onto your gums. You can make an infected wisdom tooth worse if you don't practice good hygiene. Ask your dentist if he can recommend a desensitizing cream or ointment that you can massage into your inflamed gums. Using cold compresses and sucking on frozen treats (Popsicle, sorbet or ice cream) may also help soothe tender gums. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is a good anti-inflammatory that can combat pain and swelling associated with a symptomatic wisdom tooth. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a good painkiller and a strong antipyretic, which means it can fight a fever, but it doesn't impact inflammation. The maximum daily dosage of ibuprofen and acetaminophen for adults is about 3,000 mg, but always read the directions that come with medications. Taking too much ibuprofen (or taking it for too long) can irritate and damage the stomach and kidneys, so take the medication with food. Taking too much acetaminophen is toxic and damaging to the liver. Alcohol should never be combined with acetaminophen. Using an antiseptic or antibacterial mouthwash can help treat or prevent infections and pain in the gums and teeth. Mouthwashes with chlorhexidine, for example, can help to both relieve swelling and pain, and keep your mouth free of infection. Ask your dentist or pharmacist for OTC recommendations. Whichever brand you choose, hold it in your mouth for at least 30 seconds and try to swish it around the back of your mouth where the erupting wisdom teeth are. Swishing around the pericoronal flaps may also help remove any trapped food, plaque or debris. Make a natural and inexpensive antiseptic mouthwash by adding a half-teaspoon of table salt or sea salt to a cup of warm water. Gargle for 30 seconds, then spit and repeat three to five times daily or as needed. Gargling with diluted vinegar, fresh lemon juice, diluted hydrogen peroxide or with a few drops of iodine in water are all effective for combating infections in your mouth. Wormwood tea is also a great adjuvant that helps gums fight with the inflammatory process.

SUMMARY:
Massage your gums with your finger or some ice. Take over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatories or painkillers. Use antiseptic mouthwash.