Household Hints.

King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 95, 14 August 1908, Page 3

Household Hints.

The Removal of Stains.

Bleaching.methods are based upon the interchange of oxygen, either from or to the staining rubstancc. This transference, in most cases, has the effect of chemically changing the substance into a new compound, generally colourless, hence the reason for the adoption of bleaching methods in stain removal. These methods are much quicker and more powerful in their action than the methods depending upon the use of solvents, but they have their drawback, that they can only be applied when the stain is upon a white material, and must never be used to coloured materials. The commonest bleaching agent is that known as " chloride of lime," which owes its bleaching properties to the liberation of chlorine—a poisonous, irritating gas. Usually the powder is dissolved in hot water, but the action is very much more effective if a little acid be present, hence a drop or two of vinegar improves the bleaching properties. The best way of manipulating the bleach is to take a breakfast cup, put into it a tablespoonful of " chloride of lime," and then add a teaspoonful of vinegar. Stretch the strained portion across the mouth of the cup and pour through it sufficient boiling water, sufficient to half fill the cup. The gas will be given off, and will pass through the strain, bleaching it lat the same time. In all - cases of bleaching the bleach on no account must be left in the material. After the bleaching action is complete treat the portion with fairly strong ammonia, then pour boiling water for some time through the material to get rid of all traces of chemicals. Sulphur di-oxide produced by burning sulphur also acts as a bleaching agent, but the fumes are more irritating than those of chlorine, and the sulphur is not so easily manipulated. Since "chloride of lime" has destructive effect upqn woollen and silk goods, sulphur di-oxide is the only method applicable in this case. The action of bleaching is largely increased by the presence of light—indeed, in many cases bleaching does riot take place at all unless it is done during the day. In conclusion, let us sum up the methods so that we may have a definite plan to apply as a case of " first aid " to the injured material. When a stain has been made the first thing that should be done is to pour boiling water through the stain, keeping the material stretched. Steaming is more effective in the case of grease stains. Wherever it is possible apply mechanical means, rubbing smartly between the fingers to loosen the particles. Next treat with the proper solvent, taking care that the action does not go too ifar. If the solvent has ino effect and the material is white, bleach out with " chloride of lime," or more preferably with some form of liquid bleach. Wash throughly with as hot water as possible. Treat with strong ammonia, again pouring copious supplies of boiling water through the fabrics so that every trace of chemical is removed.

Paste for Wall Papers.—This will be found very useful in spring cleaning. Moisten some starch with cold water till of the consistency of paste, then pour on boiling water till it is quite smooth. Let it boil once, and just before removing from the fire add a small quantity of powdered glue. Never thicken gravy while it is boiling'. Draw the pan containing the gravy away from the fire, and mix the thickening in slowly, stirring it till all lumps have disappeared. Stir while all boils up, and cook a few moments, and it is ready to serve. Wooden spoons and chopping boards should be well scrubbed with a bath-brick or sand in preference to soap. This treatment whitens the wood and makes it smooth. If the wood has been staired with grease, it should be washed in soda water before it is scoured with sand.

Liquid Glue. —Eight ounces of best white glue, two ounces of dry white lead, one pint of rain water, itwo ounces of alcohol. Stir continually so as to dissolve the glue and lead in the water. The jar in which the compound is mixed should be stood in hot water. Add the alcohol, and continue the heat for a few minutes. Pour into bottles while it is still hot, and label " poison." Oilcloths and linoleums should never be washed with strong sodawater, and on no account should they be scrubbed. To preserve"them and keep them in good condition sweep them daily and rub them with a duster which has been slightly damped. Weekly or fortnightly, the floorcloth should be washed with a little luke-warm milk or milk and water, and when the floorcloth is dry, it should be rubbed bright with a dry cloth. The floorcloth will look as though it had been polished with wax, but will not be slippery, and it will not be easily clogged with dust. if expense is a consideration, plain water should be used for the washing, and when the floorcloth is dry, it should be polished with a little linseed oil. Lemon Custard. —Line a flat dish with sonic good short crust. Prick it with a fork to prevent it rising in blisters, decorate the edge with, pastry leaves, and brush it over with a. little beaten egg. I?ake in a hot oven ior iO minutes. Whiie the pasiry is baking prepare the custard. One teacupfu! of milk and two eggs will cover a pretty large dish. iauiv the boiling niiik :.o the beaten eggs, sweeten to taste, and add ihe grated rind of two lemons. !\>;ir tins custard ova: the pastry and return it to a cool pari of the own to set and colour a. pa'e brown. .A handful of washed and dried currants or some chopped raisins and dates may be adided to the custard for a change. Cocoanul Ice. ■- Two pounds sugar, kjdb. grated cocoanul. i oupi'ui water, and a few drops carmine colouring. I'oil the sugar and water i' o; twenty minutes, take on the fire, put in the encoannt. and stir tiii thick as cream. Pour three parts into a pan, then colour the other part pink and pour it on the top. When cold cut into bars.