READERS' EXCHANGE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22540, 3 October 1936, Page 7 (Supplement)

READERS' EXCHANGE

CLEANING A GAS OVEN Several readers have suggestions to mako for cleaning u gas oven which has become encrusted with grease. M.H. recommends washing with hot washing soda and water, or else rubbing well with benzine, taking great care to air tho oven thoroughly and to avoid using it for at least 24 hours afterward, so that all danger of fire from tho fumes of tho bonzino should be nullified. Reader, Westmere, also strongly recommends a cleaning mixture which is now on the market and which ia obtainable at a local ironmonger's; but as trade names and addresses cannot, of course, be given in this column, it is suggested that our inquirer sends in a stamped addressed envelope to mo so that full information may bo posted to her. (Many thanks also for your ginger-nut recipe, which will bo filed for future use). Oil Faint On Mirror In answer to Mrs. E.D.'s inquiry, "Mirror," Westmere, says that oilpaint can bo removed from a mirror by a mixture of two parts turpentine to 0110 part methylated spirits, applied with a cloth. Polish finally with methylated spirits. The same treatment used carefully will remove sign-writing from a painted surface. Hot washing soda and water, loz. of soda to one pint of hot water, is also good, but would necessitate hard rubbing. The hotter tho solution is, tho better. M.H. thinks also that chloroform is ono of tho best and simplest remedies for dealing with old paint. Just apply a cloth damped with chloroform till the paint is softened, but keep the cloth away from yonr face and don't chloroform yourself in tho process 1 To Shrink Wool Put the wool into very hot soapy water, the hotter tho better, and give it a good squeezing in this sudsy solution. Rinse it out in equally hot water, and hang to dry in some convenient place where it will dry very slowly. Tho more slowly it dies after such treatment the more will bo the shrinking. Barley Broth To make barley broth, says M.H., take one teacup barley (the unpolished barley tastes nicest), one bunch leeks chopped small, one large carrot grated or chopped small,_two bay leaves (if they are to be had). Put all into a pot just covered with water or stock, put the lid on and simmer gently for two hours. Ten minutes before serving, stir in o desertspoon of butter and seasoning to taste. Rust on Porcelain " It is hardly possible to remove rust on a porcelain bath by means of any of the ordinary cleaners," writes J.C.H. " Rubbing will only do harm. Procure from the chemist loz. hydrochloric acid (commercial), take an Boz. medicine bottle, fill three-parts full with cold water, and add the acid slowly. (Add acid to water, not water to acid). Use a rubber cork or a waxed cork. Pour some of this solution in a saucer and using an old dish mop, rub tho liquid on the stains, which will gradually disappear. Then finish with a good rinse in cold water. Label the acid solution ' Poison,' and be very careful in using it. In fact, it would be best to get the chemist to mix it for you." Sometimes rubbing; with ammonia will servo the purpose if tho marks arc not bad, or a solution of oxalic acid is often- effective if rubbed on. Paint marks on a porcelain bath can be easily taken off by rubbing with a cloth or sponge wetted with chloroform or benzine, or else with a mixture of equal parts of ammonia and methylated spirits, says M.H. Wash out the bath well as soon as the marks are removed. A strong caustic soda solution (don't lot it get on your hands I), will also remove paint on a bath.