Household Hints

Southland Times, Issue 23254, 17 July 1937, Page 17

Household Hints

Washing the hair in rain water and soft soap, and rinsing in cold water makes the hair soft and silky.

A quick way of measuring syrup or jam is to remember that half a tablespoonful is equal to one ounce. Baked milk puddings such as sago or semolina, are much nicer if sprinkled with grated sponge cake and coconut—a thin layer of each. It will brown beautifully and has a delicious toasted flavour.

Mix together equal parts of linseed oil and vinegar. Apply sparingly to furniture with a piece of flannel, and then polish with soft cloths. When ringing garments with buttons, fold the button portion inwards to protect them from the ringer. When baby first begins to walk rub the soles of his new shoes with a piece of raw potato. This will remove the shine and prevent tumbles. WHEN A CAKE SAGS IN THE MIDDLE Sometimes a cake will drop in the middle. This may be because the cake is too moist, too much liquid, sugar or fat having been used. It is an economy in the long run to buy a pair.of accurate scales. A cake will sag too if the oven is not hot enough or if the door has been opened and a draught let in just when the cake is rising. Most cakes need a hot oven at the beginning; then, in the case of fruit cakes, the heat should be gradually reduced. Small cakes, sponges and fancy pastry need a moderately hot oven all through. THE HAIR Treat your hair gently and your scalp not so gently. Mere brushing once a day is not sufficient; the scalp should be stimulated and loosened and a brisk circulation introduced by a regular massage, not rubbing, but moving the skin about briskly from nape, forehead, and ears to crown. Combing the scalp firmly with a not-too-blunt comb, removes scurf, and is otherwise beneficial, with a good brushing afterwards to free the hair from dust. When brushing your hair remember to make partings all over the head, and brush the scalp. Brush the hair up instead of with the usual downward stroke.