HOUSEWIFE’S NOTEBOOK

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 May 1939, Page 8

HOUSEWIFE’S NOTEBOOK

USEFUL HINTS. A wide silk sash will keep in position and maintain its width if sewn over a thin leather belt. It needs such a foundation. The beauty is in the width as well as in the colour. To .rid your home of moths and silverfish, paint all cracks and crevices in cupboards and drawers with benzoline. Put pyrethum powder, campholine, or whole cloves in boxes where furs or clothing are kept. A glass vase whose colour annoys you —possibly a well-meant but illjudged gift—may be macle to look richly effective if given a coat of brown oak varnish. ' It is all very well to treat chapped hands with chemists’ preparations, but it is better to keep a pair of old gloves handy, especially in the laundry, and use them whenever possible. When hanging out clothes they are a blessing. To use a brush instead of a cloth when polishing linoleum saves time and energy. A screw hook, such as cups are hung on, makes an excellent substitute corkscrew.

A little sliding shelf in an old-time pantry that may be drawn out to serve as a rest for a crockery tray, which has to be unloaded in a confined* space, is a happy expedient. After a spell of rain do not leave wet umbrellas unopened for a long period. Dry them well, roll them, and thus preserve the material. Sweet oil on a piece of very soft rag should be used for cleaning jet. Polish with chamois leather.

When making jam use a silver or wooden spoon for stirring. Also note that jam made from over-ripe fruit will not keep.

A little dissolved Epsom salts added to starch with the hot water will enhance the stiffening.