Soiled carpets and garments may be cleaned by sponging with naphtha. Buffalo bugs and moths can be destroyed with it. For stuffed furniture use naphtha freely. Put the article on the piazza and pour the fluid into it, being sure that every part is saturated. After a day or two, repeat the process, and I think you will find that both worms and eggs are destroyed. Still, it will be necessary to keep a close watch; for it is more difficult to destroy the eggs than the worms, and they may be hatched out after days, or even weeks, have passed. I know that if the naphtha be used again at this time the trouble will be at an end. Furs and woollen garments should be well beaten, and then saturated with naphtha. There is no danger in this generous use of the fluid out of doors; but in the house great care must be exercised. Windows should be opened, and there should be no light or fire in the room for several days, if naphtha has been used in large quantities.
When rugs or carpets are attacked, have two hot flat-irons ready. Wet with hot water the parts that are affected. Place several thicknesses of wet cloth over this, and apply the hot iron, which should stand there for at least ten minutes, that the steam may penetrate every part. When all is done, pour on naphtha; also, pour it about the edges of the carpet. Remember that wiping with naphtha has no effect; it must be a generous bath. Let me say again, that the danger from the fluid comes from the gas, and that the windows are to be opened, and no fire or light allowed in the room during the work, or for a few hours after it is done.
Bedbugs can be banished from a room with two or three applications of naphtha. Take the bed apart and dust it. Let the parts lie flat on the floor with the grooved sides up. Saturate the bed with naphtha, filling the grooves. Pour the fluid into the pillows and mattresses, wetting the seams and tuftings thoroughly. Spray any cracks there may be in the walls. If there be a carpet on the floor it will be well to give it a naphtha bath, to clean and brighten it. When all this is done, close the room, leaving the windows open. It should stand in this way for at least eight hours, that the gas may pass off. Should any bugs appear after this, repeat the operation. The second time will not fail.
When putting away furs, flannels, rugs, etc., have the articles well beaten. Put them in sheets, and wet with naphtha; then pin the sheets and put the articles away in boxes or drawers.
A Word Regarding Stains.
Stains of all kinds are constantly getting on all sorts of articles and fabrics. Great care must be used in removing them, as the treatment that is good for one kind will produce the most disastrous results with another. A few simple remedies are given for the most common stains that trouble the housekeeper.
To Remove Grease Spots.
Where soap and hot water can be used, wash the spots in very hot water, using plenty of soap; then rinse well. French chalk or fuller’s earth may be powdered and mixed with cold water, to make a thick paste. Spread this on the grease spot and let it remain for several days; then brush off. If the stain has not fully disappeared, apply the mixture a second time.
Oxgall may be used on dark colors; if purified, it may be used on any color. It can sometimes be bought at a druggist’s in a purified state. Chemists also combine oxgall with turpentine and other cleaning agents. This preparation is effective and safe in removing grease.
In the case of delicate fabrics that can be washed, the spots may be rubbed with yolk of egg before the washing. Naphtha is usually effective in removing grease.