HANDYMAN’S CORNER

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 58, 1 December 1933, Page 4

HANDYMAN’S CORNER

MOTHS IN UPHOLSTERY C.R.W. (Wellington) writes: As a result of moths getting into an upholstered suite unsightly patches are being caused. Can you suggest a. remedy? , , , ‘ Once moths have got into upholstered furniture it is difficult to get rid of tneni. The following method will be found effective :—Moisten a piece of soft rag with petrol and rub thoroughly into the upholstery. Remove the furniture to an open window and sprinkle a little ol the petrol into all corners where moths are likely to lay their eggs. Allow to remain beside the open window until the petrol has evaporated. Another method is to cover the article with a piece of cloth, then light a sulphur candle (this can be obtained from any chemist) and hold this underneath, care being taken that the cloth does not allow any of the fumes to escape. This quickly kills the moths and their eggs. A.E.P., Havelock North: It cannot be made the function of this column to discuss the merits or demerits of marketed proprietary products. Your colour-mer-chant doubtless will be able to supply the desired information. If, however, yon are unable to obtain what you want, ‘'Handyman” ’will be glad, upon receipt of information' as to the nature of the cement work and the desired colour, to advise you as to a suitable preparation for the job. “Perplexed”: A scrub with a soda solution followed by rubbing with a kerosene rag should remedy matters. On no account use sandpaper or any form of gritty powder or cake. This destroys the glaze and leads to endless trouble. From what you say it may pay you to inquire about water-softening attachments for the household system. If the hand- ■ basin is as described, what of the pipes?

popular for use in the home, but it is well to know something of their preparations, which are so largely in use as an alternative to the homely flypaper. In the first place, only non-toxic preparations should be purchased. Pyrethrum sprays, providing the pyrethrum content is high, are the most harmless and efficacious. They may be used with every confidence in all the rooms of the house, including those in which food is prepared or handled, although actually it is, of course, advisable to place food out of the way before commencing spraying operations. Title of "Nou-Poisonous.” Some little explanation is needed regarding the title “non-poisonous” as applied to widely different makes of sprays. In some cases the manufacturer means to imply that the contents of the tin or bottle are “non-poisonous when used as directed,” and in others that the spray is definitely harmless no matter how it may be used. Pyrethrum products come in the latter category. Sprays which are not labelled “nonpoisondus” must be used sparingly and strictly according to the directions. When some time has elapsed after use, it is strongly recommended to purify the''’ atmosphere by means of good draughts of air from open windows and doors. Inhalation of air saturated with fine particles of oily vapour may