Domestic

New Zealand Tablet, 10 August 1911, Page 1545

Domestic

By Maureen.

To Cure a Bunion. To cure a bunion, it is 'claimed that pulverized saltpetre dissolved in sweet oil, well shaken before using, and applied with a flannel cloth to the bunion night and morning will greatly relieve, if not entirely take the soreness out. Affected by Climatic Conditions. Furniture is affected by climatic conditions, perspiring on hot days and readily showing the effects of neglect and exposure to dust and dirt. The proper care of furniture is more a matter of correct daily dusting than of imparting an artificial gloss at long intervals. Soap and water are not necessary. In many cases they are quite harmful; unless the soap is of a fine quality, free from alkali. A good furniture polish is the best cleanser. Treatment of Scorch Marks. Scorch marks, if not too severe, are most effectually remedied by soaking the part in cold water and exposing to the rays of the sun, moistening afresh as it dries, until the blemish disappears. To remove scorch from linen, put two ounces of fuller’s earth into a saucepan, add half an ounce of white soap, the juice of two large onions, and one cupful of vinegar. Boil together for a few minutes, strain into a jar, and keep covered for future use. Spread on the scorched parts with a knife, and allow it to dry on. The stain will soon disappear. If the garment is scorched with ironing, rub a lump of dry starch on the mark. Then sponge it off. Repeat till the yellow disappears. To Remove Milk Stains. Milk stains usually come away readily enough in the ordinary washing process ; that is to say, soaking in weak soda water and subsequent washing with soap. Where, however, the material cannot be washed, warm water should be applied locally, followed by weak ammonia. Ice cream makes a very bad stain, because it has both grease and sugar in its make-up. To remove stains of it from silk, sponge the stained parts with benzoline or chloroform, placing a pad of absorbent cotton or blotting paper under the spots. When diy, sponge with tepid water and a good soap, and then rub with a flannel cloth until dry. This work must be done away from the fire or artificial light. Use plain, strong coffee to remove the stains of ice cream or milk from black clothing. Dip a cloth in the coffee and rub it over the spot. If the coffee is applied as soon as possible so much the better. Household Hints. For scrubbing floors cold water is preferable to hot j it does not soak into the wood so readily and consequently dries sooner. The scrubbing-brush must always be moved up and down the boards according to the grain of the wood, and not across it. When house-cleaning is being done it is sometimes convenient to be able to frost over a window so that rooms cannot be seen into while they are still kept hght j Epsom salts dissolved in a little hot water will do this. Paint on hot and leave to dry. Sponges should have the soapsuds carefully rinsed out after using, and should be hung where the fresh air will reach them and where they will dry thoroughly. If possible the sponge should be dried in the bright sunshine and should be thoroughly scalded now and then in soda and water. . c^ean dark brown patches from brown boots mix one teaspoonful of lemon-juice with one teaspoonfulot prepared liquid ammonia, and apply with an old toothbrush When the dark places have disappeared, dry gradually and polish as usual. This will make the boots appear as good as new, and is preferable to washing them, as that completely spoils the leather.