HANDYMAN'S CORNER

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 301, 15 September 1933, Page 4

HANDYMAN'S CORNER

LINGERING SMOKE SMELL “E.G.,” Palmerston North, writes: Could' any of your many readers advise me through your columns of any remedy for the persistent smell of smoke in a house that has been on fire, and been rebuilt or redecorated? Could the smell of smoke be eliminated by spraying the inside walls before scrimming and repapering? ’ RESURFACED TABLE The following letter from a reader to an overseas exchange contains a hint worth trying: “Some time ago I bought a good table cheaply because it had received very rough usage. The top was almost devoid of french polish. This is 'how I polished it most successfully : First scrub well and dry thoroughly, then sandpaper it all over to remove roughness caused by hot plates, etc. Then paint with linseed oil and burnt sienna mixed to desired shade. Allow to dry thoroughly. Then rub gently, using circular movements, with very fine emery paper, and lastly, polish with ox blood boot polish. The result is most pleasing, and one does not have to be so careful with hot dishes.” FIBROUS PLASTER CEILING asks what he can do to freshen up a fibrous plaster ceiling, the mouldings of which have been smirched by flies. . , [lf the ceiling is already covered with a good water paint the dirt should be easily removed with a cloth and warm water; if this is not the case purchase a water paint bound with oil, varnish, and emulsion, and cover the whole ceiling with it.] TWO USEFUL ARTICLES Little rubber window wedges to stop rattling windows trom causing annoyance, especially to sleepers at night, can be obtained in kitchenware departments. Knobs of saucepans and kettles that have become mislaid or broken can be replaced with easily-attached, brightlycoloured knobs in various sizes, while patent seals, to fit any size of bottle, are handy for replacing missing corks or seals.