Chamois skins that have been used for cleaning silver, brass, etc., can be made as soft and clean as new by following these directions. Put six tablespoonfuls of household ammonia into a bowl with a quart of tepid water. Let the chamois skin soak in this water for an hour. Work it about with a spoon, pressing out as much of the dirt as possible; then lift it into a large basin of tepid water, and rub well with the hands. Rinse in fresh waters until clean, then dry in the shade. When dry, rub between the hands. Chamois jackets can be washed in the same manner, except that there should be two quarts of water to the six tablespoonfuls of ammonia. Pull into shape before drying.
To Clean Brushes.
Put enough warm water in a flat bowl or pan to cover the bristles, but not to come over the back of the brush. To each quart of water put three tablespoonfuls of household ammonia. Lay the brushes in this for about five minutes, then work them gently in the water. Rinse thoroughly in cold water, and rest them on the edge where a current of air will strike them.
Care of Straw Matting.
This floor covering should not be washed often. Boil together for one hour two quarts of bran and four of water. Strain this, pressing all moisture out of the bran. Add two quarts of cold water and two tablespoonfuls of salt to the strained mixture. Wash the matting with this and rub dry with a clean cloth.
To Clean Woods in Natural Finish.
To clean woodwork in your halls and rooms do not wash it. Soap destroys the looks of woodwork that is finished in natural colors. Wring a flannel cloth out of hot water and wipe off the dust. When all the woodwork has been dusted in this manner go over it with a woollen cloth made damp with cotton-seed or sweet oil and alcohol or turpentine; two parts oil and one alcohol or turpentine. Rub hard, and with the grain of the wood; then rub with clean flannel. It will revive the color and gloss. Light woods must be wiped with a damp flannel and polished with a dry piece of flannel. Do not use oil on light woods.
To clean the railing of banisters, wash off all the dirt with soap and water, and when dry rub with two parts of linseed oil and one of turpentine.
All dark woods that have become soiled and dingy may be washed with soap and water, using, if possible, a piece of flannel. Dry with a soft cloth. Mix together two parts of linseed oil and one of turpentine. Moisten an old piece of flannel in this and rub the furniture with it. Finish by rubbing hard, and with the grain, with a dry old piece of flannel. If there be any white stains rub them with kerosene, using a good deal of oil and much pressure.
The soiled wood may be cleaned with turpentine instead of soap and water.