Introduction: Fix (or Renew) a Stick Deodorant
More by the author:
About: USAF - Spec. Communications, Telemetry & Data Networking, Microwave Networks, Aeronautics Interests: Metal working, Electronics and Botany (especially wild edible plants, "Feed the world with weeds")
This happened to me last week while on a business trip. My deodorant stick broke and I was unable to get a new one before my appointment. Needless to say, the Florida sun in conjunction with the humidity makes deodorant more than just a good idea.
A broken deodorant stick is as useless as lips on a brick...or is it?
For this experiment, I'm going to add to my current one with one that broke earlier.
Here is what you are going to need:
2 deodorant sticks if you are combining, or 1 broken one if fixing.
1 dry paper towel
1 damp wash cloth
1 microwave
A broken deodorant stick is as useless as lips on a brick...or is it?
For this experiment, I'm going to add to my current one with one that broke earlier.
Here is what you are going to need:
2 deodorant sticks if you are combining, or 1 broken one if fixing.
1 dry paper towel
1 damp wash cloth
1 microwave
Step 1: Setting Up
Depending on your microwave, you may need to remove the carousel plate and dolly in order to accommodate the height of your deodorant stick. If so, do this now.
Crank the remaining part all the way down to the bottom of the container. Most sticks ride on a solid platform, some do not. This way you are covered in either case plus it lowers the containers center of gravity so is is less likely to fall over.
If you are repairing one, place the broken part in top of the platform and turn the knob so it is lowered as far as possible.
If you are adding to one, this is also the time to add bits of the older one.
**Important** roll the damp wash cloth up and wrap around the base of the container. This helps to stabilize the container and also control any leaks in the remote chance the container gets over microwaved.
Crank the remaining part all the way down to the bottom of the container. Most sticks ride on a solid platform, some do not. This way you are covered in either case plus it lowers the containers center of gravity so is is less likely to fall over.
If you are repairing one, place the broken part in top of the platform and turn the knob so it is lowered as far as possible.
If you are adding to one, this is also the time to add bits of the older one.
**Important** roll the damp wash cloth up and wrap around the base of the container. This helps to stabilize the container and also control any leaks in the remote chance the container gets over microwaved.
Step 2: Now You're Cooking!
Start the microwave on high power. Mine is about middle of the road power-wise, so be careful not to over-cook yours. If there is a spill, clean up is easy for clear sticks. Simply wait for it to harden and peel it off.
Generally, clear sticks take 15 to 25 seconds while solids take about 45 to 60 seconds to melt completely. If yours isn't completely melted in the container, continue microwaving in 10 to 15 second intervals until melted.
**Standard McClown Warning** Caution! Contents HOT!
Note of interest: This brand I used is called 'Axe' and it had a foil label. Notice I said 'HAD a foil label', since it doesn't anymore. The fireworks weren't devastating or even spectacular in the least, but they were still there. It is reminiscent of microwaving a cd or dvd. The reason I mention this is to add the fact that you should be careful of any metal in the container ( although it is rare that any is used in them anymore) and remove any non-microwavable material.
Generally, clear sticks take 15 to 25 seconds while solids take about 45 to 60 seconds to melt completely. If yours isn't completely melted in the container, continue microwaving in 10 to 15 second intervals until melted.
**Standard McClown Warning** Caution! Contents HOT!
Note of interest: This brand I used is called 'Axe' and it had a foil label. Notice I said 'HAD a foil label', since it doesn't anymore. The fireworks weren't devastating or even spectacular in the least, but they were still there. It is reminiscent of microwaving a cd or dvd. The reason I mention this is to add the fact that you should be careful of any metal in the container ( although it is rare that any is used in them anymore) and remove any non-microwavable material.
Step 3: Almost Done
Once finished, carefully remove from the microwave and let cool on a heat resistant surface where it is safe from being accidentally knocked over. Some people like to put theirs in the fridge or freezer until solid, but I think it does better if left to cool at room temperature.
Step 4: The Finished Product
Once solid and cool, crank up and use. The one shown here has a line because I wanted to illustrate what can happen if you rush things by placing it in the fridge. It's still very much usable, but MAY separate at that line during use.