STAIN REMOVERS

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 112, 9 February 1928, Page 17

STAIN REMOVERS

In all well-regulated houses there Is fouud a medicine chest in which are kept the remedies for minor household accidents, but very few people keep a store of stain removers which may be applied immediately a stain is discovered. Such a collection is, however, if not essential, at least desirable, and to be efficient need not be very elaborate. A few two-ounce bottles kept in a corner with the commoner cleaning reagents will prove useful many times when least expected and when the situation might be lost by having to run to the chemist for them.

For removing grease or paint, petrol and methylated spirit are invaluable, and a bottle of each should be at hand. These should be clearly labelled and their extremely inflammable nature kept in mind. Ammonia is useful for cleaning silver and aluminium. Ink-stains on the lingers may also be removed with ammonia. Some crystals of oxalic acid should be kept, as ink-stains in cloth may be removed by soaking in a solution of this substance.

Tlie acid lias poisonous qualities, however. and must be used witii care. Stains in-silk should be treated with a mixture of equal parts of lemon juice and turpentine. The mixture should be applied lightly with a swab of cotton wool.

Coffee stains may be removed from delicate fabrics by sponging lightly with glycerine and pressing. The above chemicals are most often required, and they will keep quite well if tightly corked. A very useful and economical cleaner for rough work may be made from scraps of soap and fine red sand. Tlie soap is put into an old tin and covered with boiling water and stirred occasionally until it has all dissolved, when the sand ■is added. Enough sand should be added to give the mixture tlie consistency of stiff butter. This yields a very nice substance to work witii. which is useful iu cleaning earthenware, ete. If desired, a little carbolic acid may be added to give it a fresh scent aud disinfecting qualities.—A. Me. 1., in “English and Amateur Mechanics.” SUMMARY OF TENDERS ' CLOSING DURING THE PERIOD FEBRUARY 8 TO 22. Wanganui County Council.—Tenders sealing 3 miles 48 chains, No. 1 Highway. Close k> a.m., February 8. Akitio County Council.—Tenders metalling roadway. Contract 293. Close 5 p.m., February 11. J. M. Dawson.—Tenders erection brick garage and showroom. Lower Hutt. Close noon, February 13. Swan, Lawrence and Swan.—Tenders erection residence. Hataitai. Close noon, February 14.