Things Mother Used to Make Part 19

=To Remove Iron Rust from White Goods=

The old-fas.h.i.+oned way, still good, is to wet the place in lemon juice, sprinkle on it common table salt, and lay it in the sun. In these later days, there is on the market an iron rust soap, which removes the spot quickly, also an ink eradicator, sold by all druggists.

=How to Make Starch=

Two tablespoonfuls of starch should be made into a smooth paste with four tablespoonfuls of cold water. Pour over this three pints of boiling water, stirring rapidly all the time. Starch the garments, while they are still wet. In the olden days, people made starch of flour in the same way, for linen and gingham dresses, as it was less expensive and thought to be just as good for colored clothes.

=When you Go Away from Home for a Few Days=

Plan your meals before leaving. This simplifies matters for the one left in charge, and is often found to be of importance financially.

=The Proper Way to Sweep a Room=

Dust the furniture and put it in another room. Dust bric-a-brac and put on the bed if you are sweeping a sleeping room, if another room put them on the table, or in an adjoining room. Brush the draperies, take down and lay on the bed or table. Cover these and bric-a-brac with a sheet. Wet a newspaper, tear into small pieces and spread on the rug or carpet. Now you are ready for sweeping. If the floor is carpeted, sweep all dirt to the center of the room. Sweep the corners with a small whisk broom. Move every piece of furniture lest there be dirt left underneath. Open the windows before sweeping. When the dust is settled take a pail of warm water, put in a tablespoonful of ammonia, then with a clean cloth wrung from this wipe the window gla.s.s, mirror and pictures; polish with dry cloth. Wipe all finger marks from doors and mop boards.

Now take a pail of clean water, with ammonia, and with a small scrubbing brush go over the rug or carpet, to remove dust and brighten the colors. Replace furniture, bric-a-brac and draperies and your room will be sweet and clean. With care, once in two or three weeks, will be often enough to do this.

=When Baking Cup Custards=

Set them into a pan of hot water. When you remove from the oven, place them in a pan of cold water, to prevent longer cooking.

=When Using Currants and Raisins=

Mix a little dry flour with currants and raisins before adding them to cakes or puddings. It will keep them from falling to the bottom.

=Try Baking Beets, Instead of Boiling Them=

They are much sweeter. Three or four hours is necessary, according to size.

=When Making Grape Juice or Jelly=

Before adding the sugar, strain through a flannel bag. It will be much clearer.

=When Sewing Braid on a Dress=

Slip a piece of pasteboard three or four inches long, into the hem. You can sew more quickly, and your st.i.tches will not show on the right side.

=To Skin Beets=

When you remove beets from the kettle, plunge them into a dish of cold water. The skins will slip off easily with the hand. Never cut or pare beets before cooking.

=A Fine Way to Keep Cut Roses=

Immerse them at night in a pail of cold water, blossoms down.

=To Keep Carnations=

Put a little salt in the water, which should be changed each morning, and cut the stems a little each time.

=When Pies are Ready to Bake=

Put little dabs of lard, on the top crust, then hold it under the faucet, letting cold water run over it.

=A Way to Make Pies Brown and s.h.i.+ny=

Just before putting a pie in the oven, brush over the top with milk, using a soft brush or a clean piece of cheese cloth.

=When Threading a Needle=

Place a piece of white paper under the eye. You will be surprised at the ease, with which you can thread it.

=Make your Own Baking Powder=

Get your grocer to weigh for you one pound of cream of tartar, and one-half pound of bread soda. Sift these together nine times in a flour sifter. Put in a tin can, and it is ready for use.

=To Prevent Children from Losing Mittens=

Sew strongly to each mitten, four or five inches of narrow black ribbon (use a colored one if you prefer). Sew the other end of ribbon to the coat sleeve. The child can remove mittens at any time without losing them and always know where they are.