Index

    ~

 

LEATHER GOODS:

 

Given the proper care, leather retains a smart appearance and wears indefinitely. Neat's-foot oil, lanolin and castor oil are all good leather conditioners. Before oil is applied the leather should be cleaned by careful dusting, or by washing with a well wrung out soapy cloth, or with saddle soap.

 

Grease spots can be removed with a dry-cleaning fluid.

 

PORCELAIN SINK OR BATHTUB:

 

To whiten sink or tub, fill it with lukewarm water, add a little chlorine bleach and let stand for a while. For very deep stains mix cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide to a paste and scrub hard with a hand brush. The results are usually spectacular.

 

SILK:

 

Delicate silks not" known to be washable should be handled by a reliable dry cleaner. Hand-launder washable silks with lukewarm to cool water and a synthetic detergent made for wool. Silks are damaged by alkalies, and even the purest soap is alkaline in reaction. When washing do not rub the fabric, but work it about gently in the suds. Rinse carefully in water of the same temperature; then remove excess moisture by patting it between dry towels.

 

WOOD FURNITURE:

 

1) Burns: If very light, burns sometimes disappear when rubbed with your usual polish. If not, use rottenstone or finely powdered pumice, mixed to a thin paste with raw or boiled linseed oil. Rub in the direction of the grain. Wipe with another cloth moistened with plain linseed oil.  2) Alcohol stains: Spilled drinks, medicines, skin lotions and perfumes dissolve many wood finishes.    When  accidents occur,   wipe up the spilled liquid instantly and rub the spot with a cloth moistened with an oil polish. For old stains use rotten-stone or powdered pumice, mixed to a thin paste with raw or boiled linseed oil. Rub lightly in the direction of the grain.   Then wipe  with a cloth dampened with plain linseed oil. Repeat as many times as necessary, then polish. 3) Scratches: Rub an extra amount of your usual polish into the scratch. If the scratch still shows, brush a little turpentine into it. Turpentine penetrates the finish and restores the color of the

 

127

Index