It is surprising how many people forget to pay attention to their upholstered chairs and sofas. Dust settles on and is ground into all fabrics, dulling the colours and wearing the fibres. Upholstered furniture is expensive and will last much longer if cared for. MATERIALS COMMONLY USED IN UPHOLSTERY Leather Probably the most expensive material. … Read more
These can provide the most comfortable and warm of coverings, but need not be really expensive. You may avoid cleaning problems later by choosing carpet with care. Consider, first of all, how much you intend to spend, and how much traffic there is in the room — high heels, children and pets can all be … Read more
WALLS AND CEILINGS Before you begin cleaning, remove all objects hanging on the walls — mirrors, pictures, etc. — and take down curtains or tie them up so that they are away from the walls. Also move the furniture to the middle of the room and cover it. Using a wall brush (the best is … Read more
A stain is a discoloration of a fabric caused by the presence of foreign matter. Always test the removal method on a hidden part first, to make sure that it doesnt harm the fabric. USEFUL FIRST AID In all stain removal, prompt attention is most important. Rinse non-greasy stains away with water. Sprinkle talc on … Read more
Home Maintenance In The Bathroom This may also double as a mini-laundry room, where underwear and the occasional shirt may be hand washed, or where nappies may be put to soak. Although the room may appear to be clean, regular attention is necessary to destroy germs. Standard equipment varies, but normally there will be a … Read more
THE KITCHEN Since the well-being of the family may be said to revolve round the kitchen, some basic ground rules are essential for maintaining it in as hygienic a manner as possible. LARGE APPLIANCES Depending on the size and space available, the age of the kitchen and the money to spare, large appliances will usually … Read more
Laundry is not usually the most popular of household tasks. It can be made much more bearable by using any of a whole range of appliances and sophisticated detergents that are available and which make the task easier, and by investing in clothes, etc. made from the wide choice of ‘easy care’ fabrics. However, in … Read more
Time is important to the housewife and labour-saving equipment can mean much less and much easier cleaning. Here are some suggestions for really useful equipment for the home: Vacuum and carpet cleaners There are three basic types of vacuum cleaner: 1 A light-weight or junior upright model, which is reasonably priced and is useful if … Read more
INTRODUCTION For most people their home is a refuge from the pressures of everyday life, a place to relax in, entertain in and generally feel secure. So it makes sense to keep it looking as clean and as appealing as possible. This not only means it is more hygienic, but also a more pleasant place … Read more
Though a garden wall is best left to gather lichen and become mellow with age, the wall of a house may in time come to look disreputable. A periodic scrub-down with clear water will help to keep bricks bright; and if moss collects it can be killed with a proprietary fungicide, or with ordinary household … Read more
Brushes and rollers. Brushes paint to a sharp edge but give less coverage per stroke than rollers. They can be awkward for ceilings as the paint tends to run back down the handle. They are best for corners and work in cramped areas. Rollers cover large areas more quickly than brushes and are better for … Read more
Rabbits are kept in hutches either in a shed or in a sheltered part of the garden. Hutches are usually made of wood, preferably of tongued and grooved timber to minimise draughts. They should not be less than 36in. long, 24in. deep and 18in. high, perhaps a little smaller for the smallest breeds but about … Read more
The larger size of the guinea-pig requires that the animal be kept in a hutch rather than a cage. Whatever is used—whether cage or hutch—it should not be less than 24in. Long, 18in. Deep and 12in. High. This would be suitable for a single animal, a pair could do with a hutch of similar width … Read more