WOMAN TO WOMAN

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 122, 16 February 1935, Page 17

WOMAN TO WOMAN

For Mutual Help All those readers who require help in any matter of household management, cookery, dress, etiquette, or needlework, are invited to put their problems before us. when every effort will be made to assist them, free of charge, the only condition being that the fuV name and address is given. This is not for publication, but for record purposes only. Those requiring a reply by post are asked to send a stamped and addressed envelope. A prize of half-a-crow-n is given each week for the best housewifery hint received for this column by “Woman's World Competition."

The prize of 2/6 goes this week to Mrs. H.J., Wadestown, who sent the following hint:—

A Linoleum Substitute. This excellent substitute for linoleum makes a permanent floor covering which defies detection. Make a boiled paste of flour and water to the consistency of starch. Have plenty of newspapers and paste 3 or 4 layers over the floor, taking care to have them perfectly smooth. Allow all one day to dry, then cover the whole surface with wallpaper, cutting off the selvedge and matching the pattern, just as if papering a wall. When dry, apply two coats of carriage varnish to which a little turpentine has been added (the turpentine acts as a drier), allowing the first coat to dry before putting on the second. The linoleum lasts indefinitely.

Butter in Hot Weather. Here are two methods of keeping butter firm in hot weather: —1. Place the butter in a basin, then put this basin in a larger basin half full of cold water. 2. Place a large piece of pumice in a saucer of cold water, and put the butter in another saucer on top of the pumice.

For Cleaning Brass. A simple and effective way to clean brass: —Dip a cloth in cold water and wring out; then soak with vinegar and rub the brass hard. Polish with a soft cloth, and the result is equal to that of any metal polish, and has the advantage of not making one’s hands rough, or very soiled.—M.C. To Wash Milk Bottles.

Try cold tea (without milk) for washing milk bottles. It makes them beautifully clean and glossy. If the milk has gone sour and thick add tea leaves as well, and shake vigorously.— L.A.

Cooking Hints. Finely grated white turnip mixed with a little mustard and pure malt vinegar is a splendid substitute for horse-radish. Save all bacon rinds, fry them crisply, then pass them through a mincer. This makes a savoury coating for fish, rissoles, etc. For picnickers.—To keep butter and jollies, etc., cool, make in a jar with a lid on it. And when packing the picnic basket, wrap the jars In several thicknesses Of wet newspaper. They will keep firm under the most trying conditions. — Mrs. F.W. Worth Knowing.

Those who wish to obtain a really good cup of coffee will find it an excellent plan to place the coffee in a saucer and put it in a fairly hot oven for about three minutes before making. This brings out the flavour. A pinch of salt adfled as soon as the coffee comes to the boil gives it a delicious nutty taste.—“Darky.” To Keep Mea t.

Boil together for 10 minutes 1 quart of vinegar, -2oz. salt, and 2oz. loaf sugar. When cold brush over the meat, hang in a cool place and no flies will touch it.-—E.A.B.

A Lettuce Hint To keep lettuce fresh and crisp, place the blades of two stainless knives in the water in which it is being kept, changing the water each day.—C.M.

To Renew Broom Bristles. Brooms which have stood up the wrong way so that the bristles are crushed may he treated in the following manner:—Put a. half-filled kettle on the fire and when it bolls and the steam comes strongly through the spout, apply the crushed part to it. In a minute or so the bristles will rise to their original position. This method is effective for all brooms whether bristle or fibre.—Mrs. F.D, An Ice Substitute.

An effectual freezing mixture that is cheap and harmless is made from 4-lb. nitrate of ammonia and 1 pint of water. As it has a salty taste it must be kept from direct contact with the food.’ To obtain the best result the food or liquid to be chilled should be placed in a vessci of the same shape as that containing the ammonia, so that it is entirely surrounded by the freezing liquid.—Miss Lola. Washing New Cotton Goods.

All new cotton or linen articles, including curtains and sheets, are much easier to wash for the first time if they are soaked overnight in cold water In which a handful of common salt has been dissolved. Rinse with clear water next day before putting into the soapy lather.—T.E.P.

Apples and ■ Colony. Apples will keep their colour during cooking if they are put for a few minutes in cold water to which a little lemon juice has been added. —Mrs. X.