Household Hints

Southland Times, Issue 25362, 14 August 1935, Page 5

Household Hints

When Glass Is Broken. If glass is broken, and you are afraid that fragments are in a carpet or other surface, spread a wet flannel over the place, gently pat this, and the tiniest fragments will adhere to the flannel. Tarnished Brass. Brass picture-hooks, curtain rings and hooks, and any small brass fittings that have become dirty and tarnished, may easily be cleaned and brightened in the following way. Place them in a jar and cover them with a strong solution of ammonia. Let them stand for an hour or so, and stir them occasionally. Then pour off the liquid and empty the hooks and rings out on to a sheet of paper to dry. Vinegar may be used instead of ammonia, but it does not act so quickly.

Washing Eiderdowns. Eiderdowns may be washed at home, choosing a bright day for preference. Use pure soap, dissolve this in hot water and, when it is cool, soak the quilt in this for half an hour, then press out the dirt, but do not rub or wring; a wooden mallet is good for the purpose, thus gently beating out the dirt. Repeat several times with fresh soapy water, then rinse, and hang on line to drip, but do not wring. Shake as often as possible. Two or more persons are best for this, and if it is a windy day so much the better. When the eiderdown is nearly dry, beat lightly all over with a cane to lighten the filling.. Do not use hot water for washing an eiderdown, and keep all the washing waters as nearly as possible the same temperature.