They may sound like old wives’ tales now – but these “Hints that Help” were presumably aimed at young housewives in the 1930s.
SILVER WILL not tarnish when put away if accompanied by a piece of camphor ice.
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Alum in the last rinsing water restores the colours of faded material.
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A few drops of paraffin on all dusters not only removes dust, but helps to keep away flies.
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Mice hate the smell of peppermint. Place powdered camphor and oil of peppermint round their haunts and they will disappear.
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Silver washed in very hot soapy water and then well polished with a leather will be bright and free from scratches.
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Grass stains on white tennis flannels may be removed by covering stains with equal parts of tartaric acid and salt. Moisten with water and dry in the sun.
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No pinning is necessary when cutting out if thin paper patterns are laid on the material and pressed lightly with a warm iron.
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Rusty curtain-hooks can be made like new if left for half an hour in cloudy ammonia.
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Inkstains can be easily removed from hands by rubbing with the inside of a banana-skin.
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To remove grease from leather, apply white of egg to the spot and dry in the sun.
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Half a cupful of flour and salt in equal parts rubbed into hair-brushes will make them as clean as new.
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To open high windows easily screw a dresser-hook into the top frame, and another hook on the end of a stick. The window can easily be pulled down without fear of over-reaching.
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Put screw-eyes into all household brushes, sink or scrubbing ones, and other small articles, instead of hanging them up with string.
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To keep carpets at their best, to one quart of warm water add one handful of common salt, wring out a soft cloth, and wash the carpet over. All fine dust is taken up, and the colours improved. If this is done every week there is no fear of moths getting in the carpets.
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When in doubt as to the tenderness of a fowl the following method will ensure that the toughest bird will be tender when cooked. Place the bird in sufficient water to cover, add one tablespoonful of vinegar and simmer for half-an-hour; then remove, and roast as usual.
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Stoppers of perfume and other bottles often work loose in a suit-case. To obviate this, cut a finger from an old leather glove and, after pressing the stopper well in, draw the finger down over it. Tie securely round the neck of the bottle.
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