University of Wisconsin Digital Collections
Link to University of Wisconsin Digital Collections
Link to University of Wisconsin Digital Collections
Digital Library for the Decorative Arts and Material Culture

Page View

The housekeeper's book, comprising advice on the conduct of household affairs in general; and particular directions for the preservation of furniture, bedding, &c.; for the laying in and preserving of provisions; with a complete collection of receipts for economical domestic cookery. The whole carefully prepared for the use of American housekeepers
(1837)

Preservation of beds, carpets, &c.,   pp. 178-183


Page 178


HOUSEKEEER' BOOK.
there is nothing in the ingredients I have mentioned that can
in the least injure the silver, which is sometimes the case
with the nostrums that servants employ. The only thing
to be strictly regarded by the servant who uses it, is to rub
it off so well that the plate shall not retain the slightest
smell of the turpentine. The turpentine is useful in remo-
ving every particle of greasiness from the plate, which mere
washing will not do. I have seen some plate cleaned with
muriatie acid, which gives a very high polish, but also a
deep colour to the plate, almost resembling steel. The harts-
horn and turpentine give as good a polish as the acid, with-
out injuring or changing thoecolour of the silver.
   Many people still prefer whiting and water, which cleans
tolerably well, but does not renew the polish. When silver
has, through neglect, become very dim and dirty-looking, it
is necessary to boil it in soap and water for some little time,
and afterwards the turpentine and hartshorn-powder can
be used to great advantage.
        PRESERVATION OF BEDS, CARPETS, &c.
  FuRs and woollen cloths are preserved in the same way;
and if a house is much infested with moths, the parcels
should be put into a cool oven, or hot closet, every three or
four weeks for a night, and then be opened, and every arti-
cle well shaken, and replaced; it is very important to keep
them in a dry cool place. General neatness, however, is
the greatest enemy to these troublesome insects, and be fre-
quently clearing out wardrobes and drawers, all such intru-
ders are disturbed. It is well to expose to the air (but not
the sun) and thoroughly shake any stocks of linen or woollen
clothes which are lying out of use. As bugs have be-
come so generalra nuisance, it is necessary to observe that
178


Go up to Top of Page