FURNITURE CARE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23048, 27 May 1938, Page 4

FURNITURE CARE

THE HOME BEAUTIFUL HINTS FOR THE HOUSEPROUD To keep furniture in good condition, besides the daily dusting a little special care must be bestowed upon it from time to time. The special treatment necessary must depend on the particular kind of room, and the nature of the polish on the furniture, as well as on the damage that has to he repaired. French - polished furniture needs rather different treatment from wood that is wax-polished. The former needs less attention to keep it in good condition, but once scratched or dented, the damage shows up badly and is less easy to remedy. That is becauso the thin film of shellac glaze is broken through and has to be .renewed by an expert. For everyday treatment it should be rubbed over with a soft, dry cloth free from nap. The Dining Table

If a French-polished dining table gets at all greasy it can be washed Add two tablespoons of methylated spirit to three breakfastcups of warm water. W ring a small sponge out in this and use it to wash tliL* furniture. Then dry carefully, and polish with chamois leather. An alternative treatment is to wash the polished surface with a solution of diluted vinegar and water, drying and polishing afterward with a little eood furniture cream. If the final rub is given with a silk cluster the effect will be very good. Sometimes the beauty of a dining table is marred because hot plates have left a white mark behind. These will generally disappear if they are gently rubbed with spirits of camphor and then polished with a little furniture cream. If the white mark is owing to water or spirit being upset on the table, the top should be washed with a cloth soaked in raw linseed oil, then rubbed with a cloth moistened with methylated spirit. Wax-polished Surfaces

Wax-polished furniture should only bo repolished occasionally, and the cream used must be applied very sparingly and well rubbed in. If too much wax is used the surface of-the wood feels greasy and shows marks easily, whereas, if just a trace of cream is used and plenty of "elbow grease," the beauty of the wood will be enhanced. Of course, the friction must be with the grain, not across it. Very good furniture wax creams can he bought ready prepared, or you can shred up some fine beeswax and let it gradually dissolve in warm turpentine. Marks may be removed from a waxpolished table by coating them with a paste made with salad oil and salt. Leave this on the marks for about an hour, then remove with furniture cream. If by accident a few spots of ink deface a mahogany desk, you can remove them by touching them with a feather or cork dipped in oxalic acid. Wash off the acid at once with warm water, and then polish again. Wax polish applied frequentlv hides the grain of the wood, so that it needs washing at least oncp a year.