FoodNet

The housekeeper's companion

1883

Page 152 · 1 recipe record on this page

Presented as published in 1883. Historical recipes may not meet modern food-safety standards. Cook from the modern interpretation, not the original instructions.
To Clean Steel Knives and Forks. — The moment used knives are taken into the kitchen, they should be dipped in warm water and wiped, taking care not to wet the handles. Knives are cleaned on a board covered with India-rubber, with brick-dust sold for the purpose. In some large families Kent's knife-cleaner is used. This machine saves labor, but requires care in putting the knives in. Printed directions and a powder for it are sold with the machine. Knives are cleaned on the board by being rubbed smartly on it, with brick-dust spread on the surface. Steel forks are washed, dried and also rubbed on the board with brick-dust. The intervals between the prongs are cleaned with a small bit of stick wrapped in leather and rubbed in brick-dust. Knives are often stained by fruit or vinegar. The stains can be removed by rubbing them with a piece of raw potato before they are cleaned on the board. To make Windows like Ground Glass.— Make a hot solu- tion of sal-ammoniaTo Make Windows Like Ground Glassc. Brush the solution over the pane or panes; the moisture will instantly evaporate and leave a beau- tiful radiated deposit. Flies. — House-flies are very destructive to furniture. They may be effectually destroyed by mixing half a spoonful of ground black pepper, a teaspoonful of brown sugar, and a tea- spoonful of cream. Place the mixture in a room where flies are troublesome. Or: — Put saucers of strong green tea, sweetened, about the room. This will poison flies. They also dislike elder leaves, and will keep away from them. To Kill Beetles or Crickets. — Parings of cucumber strewn near their holes, or strong snuff. 220 HOUSEHOLD. To Get Rid of Ants. — A little green sage placed in their haunts will drive them away. Quick-lime scattered over their hills and watered will destroy them. How to take Ink out of Boards. — Strong muriatic acid or spirits of salts, applied with a piece of cloth; afterwards well washed with water. To take out Spots of Ink. — As soon as the accident hap- pens, wet the place with juice of sorrel or lemon, or with vinegar, and then rub with best hard soap. Cement for Glass. — Equal parts of flour, powdered chalk, and finely pulverized glass; half the quantity of brick-dust, scraped lint, and white oi egg. To Preserve Water Fresh. — Put into the barrel or cistern 3 lbs. of black oxide of maganese, powdered; stir it well, and the water will keep good an indefinite time. To Wash Flannel Without Shrinking it.— Have plenty of hot soft water, make a suds with good soap, rub the clothes clean and rinse out all the soap. Do not let the clothes cool from the time they are wet till they are ready to put on the line. Put them into the next suds, or the rinsing water, as fast as wrung out, and let them cool in the basket before you hang them up. Wash them in the morning, on a sunshiny day, if possible, so they will have a good chance to dry. \ To Wash Colored Flannels. — Make a suds of cold water and ordinary bar soup; wash the garment and rinse in cold water. Press while it is still damp. In this way children's fancy sacques and bright dresses may be kept looking like new, neither shrinking nor changing color. Don't be afraid to try it. To Remove Grass Stains. — Pour boiling hot water on the stains before washing the garments.