HOUSEHOLD HINTS

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4313, 23 March 1901, Page 4 (Supplement)

HOUSEHOLD HINTS

To Keep Pearls from Discolouration. —■When pearls in jewellery or pearl trimmings are found, to bo losing their •whiteness, it is a good plan to pack them away in a box containing powdered magnesia, which after a time _ will be found to give them back their lustre. The powder can be laid at the bottom of the box' and the pearls placed on it. ■ Cleaning .White. Feathers—The. following method of treatment will, be found very simple and effective : —Shave 4oz. of white soap, and in four pints of water, rather hot. Make ready a large basin, and lather , the solution by beating it with your.hands. The feathers must how be put in, and dapped, softly between the hands for five or six; minutes. After this soaping wash again in hot water as hot As the hand can bear. Then, shake till quite dry., Now for tho recurling. Take an ivory paper knife/ and go_ over the feather spray by spray, starting from the point and working down. The spray must be stretched cut over the knife blade edge up, and this, edge must be’ smartly though carefully drawn along the under edge of the spray till it curls up tightly. Repeat this process till the whole leather is curled. Take'care not to- break or injure the feather by-harsh treatment ; for this reason a sharp penknife must never be. used. When . a feather comes out of curl from exposure to damp or rain, it should be gently shaken close to a hot fire, upon wkich a . little ;«al t has been previously-thrown. This will make it fluff up and look full qgain, instead of thin and meagre.' It will also make it ’ curl. Should the Piano the Shut or Open?— While the instrument is in use it is well to close it on ceasing ,to play and at night. If in disuse it is. better, open, as less moisture ! would thus be retain, ed. Moving tho piano does not - spoil the tone. The general belief that it does has natural foundation in the prevalent ignorance of,the strength of the instrument. • Mud Stains.—These may be removed by sponging with naptha or benzine. ■■ Afterwards, if .the .material looks shiny,, rub with equal part® of alcohol and., water. Remember, .that both, .naphtha and. benzine . are highly inflammable, and must not be used near a light. To Prevent Brass Tarnishing.—To half a pint of methylated spirit add half an ounce of shellac.’ Lot it stand a few days in a tightly corked bottle, and give it a shake occasionally. Then pour off the liquid, nd’use it. to'paint lightly over your brass after cleaning. It evaporates very quickly, so must- be kept well corked. If possible ’ the: brass should be: Warm when it is applied. For the Nursery.—Cork carpet' is the oqq TjDiqM ui efiijjs c Beqouoj best possible floor obvering for the nursery. It should not, reach quite to the walls; about a foot of the boards might be left, and ibis should be stained and polished. Then there- will not be the slightest crevice-for dust to collect. Let there be as many gaily-tinted: rugs as there is space for; and. let the tables be strong and of steady habits. For chairs you cannot do 1 better than invest .in rush-seated- ones, such as are used in churches; and for their further beautification you might treat the frame work to a coat or two of green stain". Dish towels and - common towels can be ironed just as well in half the time if folded together once as if ironed singly. ; ■■ ■ ■' ■ .

Pounded or well crushed eggshells will clear coffee. ' ’ Pillowslips should be iuo’ned lengthwise instead of crosswise if 'one wishes to iron wrinkles out instead of in., ■ Clothes /when brought" in. should "be separated and. folded -at once ; - if, allowed to lie together many wrinkles-ac-cumulate. ; ■■■!■■■ There is very little fixed dirt that'can--not he removed with salt and vinegar. Articles scorched in the ironing should be laid in bot sunshine. This will remove a scorch that is not very bade ■ Coffee and tea are rendered much more fragrant if made,hot <not burnt at all) before water is poured on them. Silk dresses should never be brushed, but should be carefully rubbed with an old piece of velvet kept for, the purpose. Honey should he kept in the dark, or it will granulate.' ■ ;? ; \ For Ink Stains; —For ink stain's the best thing is to let a drop of nitre fall from a quill dh td the spof,: and ; .then wash it off quickly with a clean, dam“._ ; and soft cloth, finishing by ■ leather with either leather reviver or j lightly beaten white of egg. j