HOUSEHOLD FRIENDS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 138, 13 June 1931, Page 15 (Supplement)

HOUSEHOLD FRIENDS

KEEP THESE AT HAND. I Realising that time saved is literally money saved, 1 planned out the following time and labour-saving idea, states an overseas writer. On a handy shelf in the Kitchen I keep three bottles, labelled liifsced oil, methylated spirits, ammonia. Beneath the shelf, attached by drawing pins, is a washable chintz pocket, into which odd rags arc popped for polishing. By burning these, after using, much duster-washing is avoided. The linseed bottle is in daily use. A few drops of oil on a rag remove dust and dirt from dark paint of surrounds sides of stairs and doors. Besides cleaning, the oil preserves and keeps the wood a good colour. All leather chairs are also rubbed with a rag moistened with the oil md then polished with a dry duster. This cleans, renews and preserves the leather. A daily rub with the linseed oil helps to remove scratches and heat marks on polished tables. The methylated spirit bottle takes its share in the house-cleaning. A few drops on a rag give mirrors a brilliant polish in much less time than water, and is superior to it, as there is no danger of moisture getting behind the glass and causing spots. It is sprinkled on powdered bathbrick for cleaning outdoor brasses and keeps them untarnished, even on foggy days, if damp whitening is then applied and a final chamois polish given. The silver has a higher shine and is cleaned in half the time and with less rubbing when the whitening is mixed with methylated spirit instead of water. The ammonia bottle is always at hand for softening water. Two tablespoonsful of household am monia in half a gallon of water keeps all brushes clean, from toilet to kitchen brooks. Th 6 children’s school garments, blazers, tunics and such things arc kept in excellent condition by a weekly sponge of diluted ammonia. I use one teaspoonful to a breakfast cup of warm water. Scarcely a week passes in which I do not find some further use for this economy brain-wave of mine. The whole point is to have everything ready to hand and thus economise in labour and precious time.