GENERAL HINTS

Evening Star, Issue 21720, 15 May 1934, Page 2

GENERAL HINTS

Pottery vases that are used for holding water frequently become porous after a time. To prevent the water from percolating through, paint the outer surface of the lower part of the vases with two coats of enamel. Glass fragments can be quickly picked up after a breakage if a wet blanket or some other material of a soft texture is thrown over the pieces and gently pressed until 'the glass adheres. * * * * Tableware of the coloured and nonfragile variety should not be washed in soda, but in warm soapy water. If there are any slight stains on tire surface rub lightly with damp salt. * * * » floor boards which are covered with linoleum sometimes creak owing to dryness from hack of washing. Take up the linoleum and paint the boards liberally with hot linseed oil. * * 'f- -'fi Damage done by castors when repeatedly moved to and fro on linoleum "may be avoided by frequently rubbing the castors and that part of the linoleum over which they run with beeswax. The beeswax may be melted in a very small amount of turpentine. *’ ■-;= * * Baths that have become stained by iron or hard water marks should be first dried carefully, then" well scrubbed with ordinary acetic acid (not glacia!) and a good scouring powder. Apply by means of a new dish mop or a cloth wrapped round a stick, to keep the hands from the acid. Rinse very thoroughly afterwards. If you have been disappointed in dippainting by having the work dry streaked with runs, or you find dried drops of. paint that have not drained off, withdraw the piece from the paint very slowly—not any faster than the flow of the paint, and possibly slower. You will have better success if the paints or enamels used are of the quick-drying type, which, of course, lessens the chance of drops or runs forming after the work has been removed. —The ‘ World’s News.’ When sweeping, shut the doors and •windows, and when finished open them again and allow dust to settle. To dust the walls tie a soft, clean cloth on an old, clean broom; for the furniture use old flannelette which has been dipped in a solution of boiled linseed oil and , turpentine and dried in the open air. These dusters not only lift dust, but polish at the same time. A rag wrung out in paraffin and dried in the open air makes an excellent floor duster, while a doth wrung out in vinegar and dried makes a splendid for glass and china. A mop dipped in paraffin and dried before using keeps linoleum beautifully fresh and colourful. _ Use an ordinary"bicycle pump for getting dust out of awkward corners, deep crevices, or from behind gas fires and radiators.