How to clean zinc utensils

Rub the vessel or basin with a piece of cloth dipped in warm water with soap lather. If the basin does not come clean after that, dip the cloth in a little fine scouring stone, then rub, rinse the basin with water, and polish it with a piece of flannel or a soft cloth.

How to clean bedsteads

Beds made of brass: if the bedposts are not tarnished, wash them and then polish with a light, soft cloth. If the brass is tarnished, rub with a piece of sponge dipped in a little ammonia or oil of turpentine, and after that polish with a good brass polish.

If they are of enameled iron: wash with an old piece of cloth dipped in warm water with soap lather; rinse with clean water afterwards, then dry the posts well, then polish with a piece of flannel soaked in liquid wax — or make a polish at home by mixing a cup of kerosene with a tablespoon of wax.

Wooden beds

Rub with a piece of sponge dipped in a warm alum solution (warm water with a little alum dissolved in it). Take care not to pour too much water on the wood, lest it be spoiled.

How to remove stains from carpets

Most stains can be removed by laying on a thick coat of a paste made of Aswan clay and boiling water. Leave the paste on the carpet for 24 hours, then brush the carpet with a brush or a broom.

Aswan clay: this is the clay that pupils use in schools for modeling different shapes.

Grease stains

These can be removed quickly by sprinkling on a little flour. Repeat the operation a second time on the following day, and after that rub with a piece of cloth dipped in turpentine.