To clean copper kettles, rub the kettle with a cut lemon dipped in powdered bath brick. When all stains are removed, wash in warm soapy water; then dry and polish with powdered bath brick and a soft cloth.
To polish brass trimmings, such as hinges, handles, and other ornaments of furniture, without marring the wood during the work requires that the polish shall be beneficial to the wood as well as to the metal. A mixture of half as much naphtha as paraffine oil and enough powdered rottenstone to make a soft, thick cream will accomplish the purpose. It should be applied with wool and should be followed by a rubbing with a soft cloth. Before polishing the last time it is well to make an application of dry rottenstone powder to remove all traces of the naphtha. Unless this is done, the brass will tarnish soon.
White wax packed with white silk or satin will keep the material from yellowing. It is an old custom to put away the wedding gown in this way.
To take out a blood-stain, cover the spot with cold raw starch, just wet enough to make a paste, and leave it until it is dry.
To remove wine-stains, spread the blemished fabric over a bowl and pour boiling salt water through it from a height.