USEFUL HINTS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXV, Issue 3373, 3 October 1931, Page 7

USEFUL HINTS.

Raffia bound round the lid-handles of aluminium saucepans will save many burns when lids have constantly to be removed from hot saucepans.

Satin shoes which have become spotted with rain can be cleaned by stroking, not rubbing, them the right way of the fabric with a sponge dipped in spirits of wine. Then rub gently with a piece of old silk.

Fat is quickly removed from gravy or soup by straining while it is hot through a piece of linen wrung out in cold water. Or use a piece of clean blotting paper, drawing it quickly over the top of the soup, or other liquid to be skimmed.

Hands should be rubbed over with damp soap, particularly round the finger-nails, before gardening or house-work. Allow the soap to dry before setting to work. By this method the dirt will not become ingrained, and will wash off easily.

Black leather-covered articles will look like new if Indian ink is brushed over and allowed to dry on any portion which has rubbed. Ivory black can be substituted if there is a large surface to cover. Dress the leather next with furniture cream or linseed oil and use beeswax to polish. To keep leather soft and pliable use saddle soap frequently.

Stale bread can be made to taste quite fresh if the loaf is punctured with a skewer, making about a dozen holes, all in a downward direction, and half a teacupful of water poured over the loaf. Place in a slow oven for about twenty minutes and the loaf will be like new. Rolls should be treated in the same way except that they should be steamed for five minutes before being put in the oven.

To retain the stiffness in organdie dip it in methylated spirit after washing. Dry as usual, then damp and iron while damp.

To clean aluminium ware mix wood-ash with vinegar to the consistency of dough. Use with a cloth and rinse in soapy water.

Two pairs of silk stockings, however thin, will effectually protect your legs from the attack of mosquitoes. ,

Try mixing several essences if you want a new flavouring for cakes or or icing; for example, a few drops of vanilla, lemon and almond make a pleasing combination.

The water strained from cooked macaroni or spaghetti may be used for puddings or stock for soup.

When your tennis racquet gets slack give the strings a thin coat of a good brand of white, hard spirit varnish. The improvement is surprising.