For large repairs, like a leak in the water or waste system or shingle on a roof, a trained worker is needed; but for small repairs a special worker from outside is too expensive, and there needs to be a handy person in the house, who can put in a screw, and use a monkey wrench, touch up the paint or varnish, or mend the wall paper. It is pleasant work, and in these days when schools teach so much handicraft, there should be some one in the family glad to do it.
A repair outfit.—Have a shelf somewhere for the repair “kit.” Look at the woodwork of your house, and see what is needed; whether paint, or varnish, an oil mixture or stain, or all of them. Have on hand a small can of each, and bottles of alcohol, turpentine, and glue. Two or three paint brushes of good quality and of different sizes are needed. Keep a bundle of wall paper including pieces of all the patterns on the walls. A box of tools is needed, including a hammer, gimlet, screw driver, monkey wrench, a sharp knife, with boxes of nails and screws of mixed kinds and sizes such as may be found at any hardware store.
EXERCISES
1. What are the reasons for keeping an inventory of household goods?
2. How should winter garments be cared for in summer?
3. Obtain a price list and estimate the cost of an equipment of brooms and cleansing materials.
4. What are the advantages of a vacuum cleaner over a broom?
5. What are the best methods of removing dust? Of cleaning paint and woodwork and glass?
6. How are metals cleaned?
7. What are the most important points in caring for a bedroom?