49.  Cleaning Rugs.—­When cleaning rugs first lay them out straight and brush with a stiff dry scrubbing brush.  You will be surprised at the amount of dirt that is loosened and comes out in this way.

50.  Clean Leather Furniture.—­A good way to clean leather furniture is to add a little vinegar to some warm water and wash the leather, using a clean soft cloth.  Wipe with a dry cloth.  To restore the polish, mix two teaspoonfuls of turpentine with the whites of two eggs; beat a little and apply with a soft flannel cloth.  Dry with another cloth and rub well.

51.  Ironing Board, Conveniences for.—­Try tacking a pocket on the under side of your ironing board to keep your holder, stand and sheet of sand paper in.

52.  Clean Gilt Furniture.—­Gilt furniture can be cleaned with sifted whiting made into a cream with alcohol.  Cover a small space at a time and rub off before it hardens.  To clean brass fixtures rub them with cut lemon and then wash off in hot water.

[862 Mothers’ remedies]

53.  For Tufted Furniture.—­For tufted furniture use a bicycle pump to remove dust.  Garments to be stored for the summer months should first be aired well on a bright breezy day.  Brush thoroughly and shake free of dust.  Do not leave clothing out in the air after three o’clock in the afternoon, as from that time until dark all sorts of insects are seeking their beds.  A trunk or box that has been thoroughly cleaned and sunned and then lined with fresh newspapers will prove an ideal place in which to store winter clothing.  Sprinkle each layer with cloves and tuck newspapers well around them, moths detest printer’s ink.

54.  Clean Linoleum.—­To clean linoleum add one cupful of beeswax, shaved fine, to two cupfuls of turpentine and set on the back of the stove to melt.  When cool it will be thick and ready for use.  First thoroughly clean the linoleum and then apply the paste with a soft cloth.  Rub in well, then polish with a dry cloth, preferably flannel.  Linoleum treated in this manner will look like new.

55.  For Broken Needles.—­A receptacle for broken needles in her work basket would be a boon to any woman, and this one which I am about to describe is very easily made, takes up little space and is really very convenient, when one is busy sewing and dislikes to get up to take care of the dangerous bits of steel.  Take a little two dram bottle (homeopathic style), crochet for it a snug covering made of embroidery silk or silkaline, crocheting it tightly and covering the bottle completely, using some bright color if desired.  When you break a needle just slip the pieces right through the meshes of silk into the bottle; they will go in easily, but the holes will close up after them, retaining them in safety till the receptacle is full.