FOR THE HOMEMAKER’S NOTEBOOK...

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 47, 18 November 1932, Page 6

FOR THE HOMEMAKER’S NOTEBOOK...

To keep the. flues of bath-heaters and coke hot-water systems free from soot, occasionally burn a few scraps of zinc in the grate of the fire-box. • * • White stains on mahogany caused bv hot [dates placed uiani the table or sideboard can be removed n'ith a little spirit, of camphor. Apply very lightly with a soft cloth and then polish with a soft duster.

Some iieople experience a difficulty ;ti keeping a pantry or food cupboard well aired, and al the same time prevent flics from entering through Ihe window. By nailing some small mesh perforated zine'over the opening, however, flies will be excluded, while light and air will enter quite sufficiently. The zinc may be purchased cut to size quite cheaply, and should be fastened on t»y means of "tinned lacks” that will not rust.

Murks on a, Bath. ' Bath stains are sometimes difficult to remove, but If they arc treated with paraffin they will quickly come away. The bath should be well wiped over with a paraffin doth, paying special attention to any marks. Leave this on for a short time and then wipe it oiT with a clean cloth. All the white things in the bathroom, even the white paiu\ may bo treated in the same way. If the toilet basin is dull or soiled it will look like new again if a little chloride of lime is shaken into It and the basin then tilled up with water. Allow it to stand for a time ami then rub over the surface with a damp doth.

Tumblers which are slightly broken or too cracked for use in the house make excellent little greenhouses. Turn them over small seedlings which require protection. * « » Paint stains which resist turpentine may often be removed by the use of amyl acetate. Use in the same way as turpentine, and wash well afterwards. .Mattresses, both double and single bed size, are much easier to turn if two strong loops are sewn flat on each side a foot from the ends. They should be about eight inches long, and slits to correspond may be made and overcast in the mattress cover. x o ♦ Knobs on furniture tliat have become loose can be secured if a small piece of wash-leather is placed over the screw. When the knob is put on again it will be possible to strew it down firmly. » « • Cleaning Motor Cushions. Leather motor cushions which have become greasy or drab-looking may bo. considerably freshened up if they are treated with the following mixture:-— Boil half a pint of oil and allow it to become cold. Add half a pint of vinegar to tlie oil and mix thoroughly together. Damp a flannel with tbe mixture and apply it to the soiled cushions, rubbing in gently with a circular movement. Finally polish with a elean rag. Handbags are much improved by :iu application of the oil-nnd-vlnegar mixture. as well as greasy leather chairs and suitcases.