Q: You should always ask before you put an employer’s name down as a reference. If they are contacted without knowing that you are applying for a job, they might be caught off guard and give a less than great reference. This will not make a good impression. It’s courteous and smart to ask ahead of time. If at all possible, let your employer(s) know when you start looking for jobs that you may ask for a letter soon. Your employer will appreciate having plenty of time to write the letter. Giving them plenty of notice also means that they will have more time to polish the letter and make it very strong. This will improve your prospects! For instance, if it’s Monday and you are asked to submit letters by the end of the week, don’t procrastinate and ask only on Wednesday. Ask your employer right away on Monday. Asking someone for a letter of reference in-person can make them feel pressured. They might find it harder to say no if they have to. Instead, write an email that asks for a letter of reference or use some other indirect method. This avoids putting your potential referee on the spot and allows them the opportunity to politely decline. Even if you know the employer well they’ll appreciate some comments on why you are asking them for a letter. Tell them how much you value their opinion on your job performance. You could also say that no one else is as qualified to comment specifically on your skills and qualities. Try writing something like: “John, in our two years working together, you’ve had the chance to see the successes I’ve had on several marketing projects. Your years of experience and mentorship along the way have been invaluable. I think you are uniquely qualified to discuss my performance, and I’d deeply appreciate your comments.” Make sure to tell you prospective letter writer that it’s ok if they are unable to write the letter for you. This makes it easier for them to say no if they don’t have time or don’t feel like they are the best person for the task.  For instance, instead of asking “John, will you write me a letter of reference?” try something like “John, I would really appreciate you writing a letter of reference on my behalf if you are willing and able to.” Make sure to also include something like “I completely understand if you are unable to write a letter for me at this time.” Keep in mind that a letter of reference is a favor to you, and that employers aren’t usually required to write them. If your employer responds to your request by saying they are unable to write a letter for you, thank them for their time and consideration anyway.  You can also think of it this way: if someone is rushed, or not enthusiastic about you, then they won’t write a good letter for you. If they say no, they’re actually doing you a favor by giving you the opportunity to ask someone else who will be more supportive.
A: Give your employers a heads-up. Don’t wait until the last minute to ask. Make your request by an indirect method. Butter them up. Give them an out. Respond appropriately if they decline.

Article: Using a mixture of laundry detergent and warm water is an easy way to clean Vans. Into a large bowl, mix 1/4 cup laundry detergent and 2 cups warm water. If your Vans are extremely dirty, you may need to mix up a clean batch for the second shoe. If you're low on laundry detergent, here are other cleaning solutions you can try.  Mix 1/4 cup dish soap with 2 cups warm water  Mix 1/4 cup window cleaner with 2 cups warm water Mix 1/4 cup shampoo with 2 cups warm water  Use the Vans cleaning solution, sold at Vans retailers or online. You'll use this to rinse your dishcloth as you clean your shoes. Using newspaper will help your shoes keep their shape as they dry. Set them in a sunny place and let them dry completely before replacing the laces and wearing your shoes.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Mix up a cleaning solution. Prepare a second bowl of clean water. Stuff the shoes with newspaper and let them air dry.

Q: Fill a cup or bowl with lukewarm water and add two or three drops of alcohol-free detergent. Soak a soft rag in the solution and gently rub the gloves with it. Turn the gloves inside out and wash their interiors with the rag. Hold the gloves under a gentle stream of cool, running water. Rinse them just enough to remove any suds, but don’t completely saturate them. Rinse the insides then turn them right side out and rinse the exteriors. After rinsing the gloves, use a clean, dry towel to soak up excess water. Turn the gloves inside out again and squeeze the towel around them to ring out moisture. Then turn them right side out, towel dry the outsides, and hang them to completely air dry. Hang your gloves away from direct sunlight to air dry. When the gloves of are dry, apply a leather or glove conditioner to the leather palms. Use a clean, lint-free cloth to rub a small amount of conditioner onto the surface, let it set for a few minutes, then use another cloth to wipe the gloves once more. Use a baseball glove conditioner, leather shoe conditioner, or other treatment designed for leather.
A:
Rub the gloves with a solution of lukewarm water and detergent. Rinse the gloves under cool water. Soak up excess moisture then air dry the gloves. Treat the leather with a conditioner.