FOR THE HOME-MAKER’S NOTEBOOK

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 34, 3 November 1933, Page 4

FOR THE HOME-MAKER’S NOTEBOOK

Pipeclay will be found excellent for removing grease stains from leather upholstery. Make the “clay into a fairly soft paste with cold ™ lter ’ spread over the stain, and allow to remain for about twelve hours, then brush off. *

To clean frying or cooking pans, put them over the fire with clean, cold water, and add a little soda. M hen hot empty away, and pans will then dean easily. Soda must never be used with aluminium ware. *

Paint spots may be removed ftem glass windows by placing a shilling flat on the glass and rubbing it round. Lhe edges of the coin removes the paint, but the metal is not hard enough to scratch the glass. .

Picture frames should be specially treated to keep them in good condition. They should not be cleaned in the usual way for silver or the gilt wiU eventually wear off in places. Before beginning to clean gilt of any description, the entire surface should be gone over with a rag dipped in oil of turpentine. This process will remove all traces of dirt which has become embedded In the gilt. A second application of the oil of turpentine will freshen the gilt and give it a fine gloss. The oil should be allowed to dry on and then rubbed briskly with a soft clean cloth. Not only is the oil an excellent cleaner, but it also acts as a protector of®the gilt.

When purchasing new linoleum for immediate laying, leave the job for summer months, as frost seems to make the linoleum brittle and consequently harder to roll out without cracking. Dip brooms and brushes, bristles downward, in and out of very hot water in which a little borax has been dissolved, or to which a few drops of ammonia have been added, until all dust and dirt has been removed. Rinse in cold water, shake thoroughly, wipe the backs of the articles, and dry in the sun. Do not use soap when washing brushes or brooms, as it makes the bristles soft.

To clean oil-painted surfaces, cut into thin shreds lib soft brown soap and dissolve with loz. pulverised borax in three quarts of water. Heat over fire, but do not boil. Apply to the painted surface with a piece of old flannel, and then rinse with water. This will not injure the paint or remove the gloss. * ♦ ♦

Walls coloured with washable paint or distemper should be cleaned in this way:—Dust thoroughly with a soft duster tied over a broom; then -wash with an old sponge, or piece of chamois leather and warm soapy water. Wring out the sponge or leather before using, taking care not to make the walls too wet. Dry immediately by patting the surface with a clean, soft cloth. Washable wallpapers may also be cleaned by this method. •