When Acids are Spilled.
A bottle of household ammonia should be kept where it can be reached conveniently at any time; then, when an acid is accidentally spilled, pour ammonia over the spot at once.
Restoring Colors.
When an acid has been spilled on a fabric its effect may be neutralized by sponging with ammonia. If an alkali, such as ammonia, soda, potash, etc., be spilled on a garment, its effect may be neutralized by sponging with weak vinegar.
If the color be not fully restored, sponge with chloroform.
To make Javelle Water.
Into a large saucepan, porcelain-lined if possible, put four pounds of bicarbonate of soda and four quarts of hot water. Stir frequently with a wooden stick until the soda is dissolved; then add one pound of chloride of lime, and stir occasionally until nearly all the solids are dissolved. Let the liquid cool in the kettle; then strain the clear part through a piece of cheese-cloth into wide-mouthed bottles. Put in the stoppers and set away for use. The part that is not clear can be put into separate bottles and used for cleaning white floors and tables; also for cleaning the sink.
In making this preparation be careful not to spatter it on your clothing or on the paint. Half a pint of this water can be put into a tub with about a dozen pails of warm suds, and the soiled white clothes be soaked in them. Much of the dirt can be removed by this method. The French laundresses use this preparation for white clothes.
A Good Cleaning Fluid.
Put into a large saucepan two quarts of water, half an ounce of borax, and four ounces of white castile soap shaved fine, and stir frequently until the soap and borax are dissolved; then take from the fire and add two quarts of cold water. When the mixture is cold, add one ounce of glycerine, one of ether, and four of ammonia crystals. Bottle and put away for use; it will keep for years.