Lisa Bailey

Dentists generally suggest swapping heads about every 3 months but if the bristles splay or you’ve been sick, change sooner. If yours fray in under 6 weeks, that often means too much pressure or a abrasive toothpaste - use the lightest pressure and a soft head to make it last. In hard water, let the head air‑dry uncapped and occasionally soak the bristle end (not the metal shaft) in a 1:1 vinegar‑water mix for 5–10 minutes, then rinse well to remove mineral buildup.

Grab photos of the mailer and packing too; including those with your claim bumps the odds of a partial refund if you keep it as a placeholder but then before any flattening slide it into Mylar with a full-back and let it sit a day in a dry room so the paper relaxes - less chance the tear spreads. And skip any regular tape on the cover; it tanks value and can make repairs impossible later.

I've been knitting for years and taught a few friends how to start, so here's my two cents on yarn for newbies tackling scarves. Look for cotton blends; they're smooth, not too slippery, and inexpensive if you shop around discount bins or online sales. They hold up well to frogging - you know, ripping out mistakes without the yarn falling apart. Avoid anything too thin or fancy at first, it complicates things. students always rave about how much easier it is with something basic and budget-friendly like that. One time I had a beginner try a pricey wool right off the bat and she got so frustrated with the fuzz hiding her stitches, yeah, stick to simple stuff and build from there.