When a large number of dishes are to be washed, they have two dish pans, one for hot suds and one for rinsing; also an old waiter, on which to drain the dishes when taken out of the rinsing water.
They also keep their suds hot and change it often. Before washing the dishes, they scrape all the plates and dishes clean and set them in regular piles, the largest at the bottom. Then they wash the glass, silver and other metal dishes first, wiping them while hot and rubbing them till bright and clear. Then they wash the dishes not greasy; and then take another dish cloth and wash the greasy dishes, rinsing them before putting them to drain. They keep two or three towels in use, so as to lay one aside when it becomes wet. One towel is
usually kept for the dishes that are not greasy. Last of all, they take another dish cloth, and getting fresh water, wash the roasters, gridiron, pots and kettles. The metals they dry by the fire before setting away. For the nicest dishes, a swab made of stripes of linen tied to a stick like a small mop, is very convenient, and saves the hands from the hot water.
Be very careful to keep the cellar clean. Decayed vegetables in a cellar always endanger the health of a family. Many terrible fevers and epidemics have been caused by storing vegetables in cellars and leaving them to send out the poisonous gas that is always exhaled when they decay. Always remove any vegetables when they begin to decay. Watch the barrels of salt food to see that the meat keeps under the brine.
Care of Lamps.
This matter demands far more care and neatness than is generally bestowed. This is the way I have seen it managed by those most neat and careful. An old waiter is provided to
hold all the articles used, the oil pot has a small turned-up nose that will not drip and is set on a plate, the wick yarn is kept in a basket and sharp scissors are kept for trimming. Great pains is taken to keep all the articles free from oil, and the rags and towels used are frequently washed and changed. After all the lamps are done, each lamp is carefully examined to see if it is secured properly, and wiped entirely clean. Then every article used is made so clean and nice that no smell of oil will be caused by using them next time. Some housekeepers always do this job themselves, because they cannot get persons who will do it carefully.
Nothing makes work go off so easily as having some system in doing it. Where the mistress of the family does not arrange your work, always try to have some plan yourself. For example, have a particular day of the week for doing particular kinds of work, and go by the clock as much as you can.
On Friday or Saturday, see that your cellar, closets, pantry, are all in order. See also that you have a supply of holders, dish cloths, and all the articles you need for washing and
ironing. If you will devote one day each week to examining every department and putting all in order, you will save much time and trouble.