HOUSEHOLD HINTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 11 February 1933, Page 9

HOUSEHOLD HINTS

THINGS USEFUL TO KNOW Ironing Silk Silk is not ail easy material to iron nicely. Linen and cotton arc the easiest fabrics to iron well, as they withstand heat and friction. Some other fabrics, such as wool and flannelette, can be harmed by an iron which is not hot enough to cause visible scorching. Natural silk stands heat better than artificial silk, but both need only a. moderate, iron, otherwise natural silk tends to become brittle and yellow, | whilst certain varieties may stick to 1 the iron. All silk fabrics should be ironed on the wrong side. Artificial silk materials sometimes give trouble during ironing, and shiny patches appear. The trouble is due not to heat, j but to damp, as delustred rayon tends j to regain its lustre when ironed damp. The best thing to do is to damp it all ■ over and iron it again. Washing Woollens All woollen garments need careful washing. Never use very hot water or rub them with soap, but make a soapy lather, using pure soap flakes and warm .water, and immerse the garments in it, gently kneading and squeezing them, not rubbing them hard. Small woollen articles can be put in a colander. Plunge the colander into the lather and squeeze firmly against the sides of the inner vessel. This gives a firm surpacc againsti, which to squeeze, and at the same time allows the dirty water to run away, and small things are not lost in the water. Transfer the colander to a bath of cleai, tepid water, and knead and squeeze until all soap has been extracted. Woollen articles' or garments should never be dried before an open fire, as this tends to harden the' material. Jumpers and cardigans are best spiead out fiat and pulled gently into shape, or hung on coat hangers; never peg them on a line. GENERAL. Turpentine mixed with warm milk is good for renovating shabby oilcloth.Ornamental glass will be given greater brilliance if it is polished with a clean duster that has been soaked in paraffin and then dried. This will also discourage flies.

To make red-tiled floors a deeper colour add a little paraffin to the water with which they are washed.

Rubber hot-water bottles not ill use tend to “perish.” To prevent this, rinse them out occasionally with a weak solution of ammonia and water, and hang upside down to drain and drv

When two tumblers become fixed, one inside the other, pour some cold water into the inner glass, and then stand the outer one in warm water. The inner glass contracts and the outer one expands, so that the two are easily separated. To keep a grained and varnished front door in good condition, rub on very lightly a little brown boot-polish, and then polish the wood with a soft, clean cloth. This is also a good remedy for scratched furniture. It gives a brilliant polish and hides the scratches.

Children's socks will not wrinkle round the leg and fail down if they are not ironed after being washed.