The San Francisco call., 1899-10-15
9boUt the House.

STAIR CARPETS-The carpet at the
edge of each step is the first to wear out
If padding or cotton batting is tackled to
the edge before the carpet is laid it will
wear much longer.
CLEANING BRASS OR COPPER-To
one pint of alcohol add one ounce Of OK
alic acid a little silver polish and this
shavings of one candle. Allow to stand
until dissolved and then apply with a soft
cloth, rubbing off with a soft woolen
cloth.
TO CLEAN WHITE FUR-Heat some
bran. scatter on fur and rub with clean
wooden cloth. Be sure the bran is heated
in a slow oven. If il is brown the fur wiz
become brown. Heated flour does almost
as well as the bran.
TO MEND ORIENTAL RUGS-Oriental
rugs, curtains and couch covers, parucu-
larly the latter, soon need mendne.
First study the stitch and then get yarns
of the various shades. If the place TO be
mended Is but slightly worn work with
the in-and-out stitch, the darnlng stitch,
but if there is a hole and clearly defined
tear, baste on the under side a piece OF
burlap and into it work the different
colors and If possible the designs used in
the rug.
CHEESECLOTH-A plentiful supply of
cheesecloth should always be kept on
hand. 1t is great saver of time, as 1t
washes so easily. Not only for busters
and windows should it be used, but for
the cleaning of meats and poultry. The
fine Quality for dusting and window.
cleaning and the coarse for the kitchen.
TO FILTER DRINKING WATER-The
objection to filters is that they must be
cleaned every few days, otherwise the
water would be passing through decaying
matter. The simplest and better way
is to use a flannel bag on the faucet. 1t
acts merely as a Strainer, but is quite as
desirable as the filter, neither one re-
moving any impurity which has been dis
solved in the water. If this is to be done,
boil the water; it is the only sure way.
TORN LEAVES OF BOOKS-May be
repaired with the blank edges of postage
stamps Carefully bring the edges to-
gether and place on them the dampened
strip, pressing gently until dry. This
method is both neat and simple and al
together satisfactory.
SINKS AND DRAINS require special
attention. Once a week a strong solution
Of caustic potash should be dissolved in
water and poured down the sink. At night
IS the best time, as ii allows the pipe to
be thoroughly cleansed. Chloride of lime
is an excellent disinfectant but not so
good as copperas. Copperas is deadly poi
son and should be carefully used. When
using it, pour over boiling water and then
flush, 1t should be used often, particu-
iaIIy If there is illness in the family.
TO CLEAN ALUMINIUM AND ZINC
wash with strong soapsuds, to which has
been added ammonia and soda. Kerosene
will polish zinc, rubbing it on with a soft
cloth until clean and then washing in
boiling water.
. TO HANG WINDOW CURTAINS make
the curtain the desired length, but do not
cut Run a row of stitching an inch and
a half or two inches below the fold, and
make another row far enough below to
admit the pole. Fold what length there is
left over and tack it behind the heading.
This method of hanging is in general use,
rings not being in favor.
TO CLEAN GAS STOVES wipe off all
the loose dirt with a soft cloth wet with
kerosene. Rub the burners carefully. If
the stove has become rusty rub a little
melted suet on the place, allowing 1t to
stand awhile, then rub with some emery
paper.
Rub paraffine oil on the wood and allow
to stand an hour; wash with soap and
water and wipe perfectly dry Rub on
more paraffine mixed with one-third as
much turpentine. Polish with soft cloth
If the surface is marred, do not wash but
add more oil and powdered rotten-stone.
Rub until bright and smooth.
LAMP CHIMNEYS, if cleaned with
newspaper on which a little kerosene has
been poured, will be clearer and less liable
to break than when cleaned with soap
and water.
co smoke may be banished from a room
by setting a pail of water in the room and
laying a wisp of straw or hay across the
CARE OF A BROOM-Too much care
cannot be exercised in keeping clean the
broom. 1t is breeding place for germs
of smallpox, grippe, scarlet fever and
other diseases. After each sweeping day
II Should be placed in strong soapsuds and
soda, well cleansed, rinsed in hot and
then cold water, and then put in the sun
until dry.