Page:Australian enquiry book of household and general information.djvu/115



Banana Stains can be removed with salts of sorrel.

Mulberry Stains can be removed from the fingers and hands by the application of the unripe fruit. Bruise and rub on where the stain is.

Ink Spots can be taken out of paper by the application of blotting paper which has been prepared by soaking in a solution of oxalic acid or oxalate of potassium.

Those who write much should always have a piece of this prepared blotting paper, for drying up blots made on letters or M.S.S.

Tar Stains.—Spots of tar can be removed from black cloth or tweed by the application of naptha or benzine as a rule. Obstinate stains may need softening with olive oil first, then apply turpentine in successive applications. The oil should be rubbed in with a piece of wadding.

Ironmould Stains.—These can be removed by an application of salts of lemon. Wet the stain in hot water and rub some of the salts on; then dip in boiling water again and let lie in the hot sun. If the stain is very large the best plan is to use an old tooth brush or nail brush with which to rub the salts in, and pouring the boiling water over from a cup or dipper while the cloth is on the grass in the sun.

To Take Out Mildew.—Take two ounces of chloride of lime and on to it pour one quart of boiling water, then add three quarts of cold water. Steep the mildewed article in this for twelve hours, and every spot will have disappeared.

To Remove Fruit Stains from Linen, &amp;c.—Rub the stain on both sides with common soap, then tie a small piece of pearlash up in the cloth and soak well in hot water, or put into the boiler with other things to be boiled. Afterwards put in the sun to dry. Children’s pinafores treated in this way when stained can be almost always cleaned.

To Remove Grease Marks from Wall Papers.—Mix a thick paste of pipeclay, water, and three or four drops of ammonia. Apply thickly and let it remain two or three days, then remove with a brush or pen-knife, and the marks will be gone.

To Restore Oilcloth.—Melt half an ounce of beeswax in a saucer of turpentine. Rub the surface of the oilcloth all over with it and then rub in with a soft dry cloth.

To Prevent Glass Cracking Easily—Place a wooden tray perforated, or some wooden slats in the bottom of a large boiler. Stack your tumblers, wine glasses, glass dishes, jars, &amp;c., on this. Fill the boiler with cold water and let it come to a boil and boil for two or three hours. Then draw the fire and let it cool off slowly. This process toughens the glass very much.

To Waterproof a Horse Rug.—Rub the rug with bees’ wax till it is all impregnated, and has become a grey colour. Then smooth over with a hot iron till it appears to have absorbed the wax. Let it cool and then give it a good brushing with a hard brush on each side. If necessary repeat the waxing.

To Colour a Meerschaum.—Pour a little whiskey, rum, or any spirit, the