THE HOUSEWIFE’S NOTEBOOK

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 September 1940, Page 8

THE HOUSEWIFE’S NOTEBOOK

MANY USEFUL HINTS. If a pinch of salt is put into the water in which cut flowers are placed they will last longer. If a room is inclined to be damp, place a block of camphor in each corner., This will draw out the dampness.

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

Golden syrup or treacle can be weighed on the kitchen scales if flour is first sprinkled over the pan of the scales.

Ink stains on linen can be removed if the stained portion is dipped in a little melted fat/ When the article is washed the stain will disappear.

Fruit can be prevented from mashing when cooking by placing it into a casserole, and barely covering the fruit with water and then adding sugar. Place the casserole in the oven, boil for five minutes, lift dish out and stand (without removing the lid) until cold.

A faded frock may be made perfectly white by boiling it in water to which cream of tartar has been added.

Any picture can be transferred to material for embroidering. First prick the outlines of the picture on to tissue paper, then place the tissue paper on the material and follow round the outlines with a pencil. If transfers are used they can be removed with methylated spirits.

Faded chamois gloves can be restored to their original colour by washing them in water in which two or three oranges have been boiled.

Next time when making window curtains have the top and bottom hems alike; if the lower part fades or wears, the curtains may be easily reversed.

Silk polishes as it dusts. Try a large duster in each hand for speed.

A flat wooden mouse-trap with a broken tongue need not be discarded. Nail it to a wall and let the spring hold gardening gloves securely by the wrist when they are not in use.

Instead of eating pickles and sauces with corned beef, substitute a slice of pineapple. Remember, the corned beef must be cold.