links.mimuki.net

content warning: this is the talisman of a child in the context of potty training

References:

• Knots, ties and splices (1884)
• Knots, splices and rope work: a practical treatise (1917)
• The use of ropes and tackle (1922)
• The Ashley Book of Knots (1944)
• Knot charts (pdf)
• International Guild of Knot Tyers.
• Splicing wire ropes: 1 & 2.
• Also of interest: History and Science of Knots, JC Turner & P van de Griend (1996). Free access in some libraries

The four things you often hear about are citrus juice, baking soda, distilled (non-fossil) vinegar and (potassiom saponified) soap. Be careful about mixing them because you don’t want to cause any weird chemical reactions. If you want to mix two, look it up on the internet first.