HOUSEHOLD HINTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 11 August 1928, Page 10

HOUSEHOLD HINTS

THINGS USEFUL TO KNOW A POISON FOR FLIES A poison for flies which is harmless to domestic animals is'made by mixing together a teaspoonful each of black pepper and sugar with either butter or cream. Spread this on a plate, and leave it in any room where flies are troublesome. It is wise, also, to wash over the panes of windows and the shelves of larders and pantries with a weak solution of carbolic acid. WHEN PUTTING BOILING JAM INTO GLASS JARS Dip a teacloth in cold water, then fold it longways and stand the- glass jars on it. Next ppur the boiling jam into them, and let stand a few minutes. This prevents them cracking. ODD PIECES OF LINOLEUM There are many ways of using up odd pieces of linoleum. A piece will

make a bath mat which is not slippery when wet. Scullery tables or shelves covered with linoleum are convenient, and they save work. All they need to keep them clean is a daily wiping with a damp cloth. - TO TEST EGGS A new-laid egg lias a while, clear shell, and its varnish shines. Held before the light ol' a candle its contents appear clear, transparent, and fluid. When this transparency is only partial, it is not fresh. If struck gently on that part of,the egg, the sound given will indicate the * size of the air-cell, and that will : pr.o.ve its freshness or otherwise.YU' the egg is turned i quickly to one side by a rotatory motion, the movement is regular, if it is fresh and full; but if more or less empty it is hard and irregular. TO CLEAN SUEDE All suede articles—shoes, hats, bags, etc.—should be brushed frequently with a little wire brush. Greasy patches should never be allowed to remain, as they have a tendency to sink in. Rub them immediately with the wire brush. Marks that have been neglected should be rubbed with a wire brush and then with a little fine glass-paper. Throw awa v each piece as it soiled, lie, careful to rub very lightly or you will spoil Ihe surface of the suede. Cloth-ball can be. used, but it should not lie resorted to very frequently, as it is apt to give, suede a, smudgy look. Raisins can be stoned much more easily if they arc first ■warmed in a cool oven or in front of the fire. Children’s stockings will last longer if darned neatly over heels, toes, and knees, when new, on the wrong side. Moths will not attack clothes which ha ve been sprinkled with turpentine. A handful’ of salt should he added to the water in which pocket handkerchiefs are soaked. For nettle stings an effective remedy can be secured by using the leaves of cultivated mint. Obtain a sprig of the plant and then bruiso the leaves well, finally applying them to the affected part. Ayter a short while the irritation will die a-wav.