TO GET RID OF UNPLEASANT SMELLS
To get rid of unpleasant smell of raw prawns/ fish, chicken, eggs etc from your palms, rub them well with vinegar before washing them off with soap. The smell will disappear immediately leaving a pleasant sour smell of vinegar.
FOR A ODOUR-FREE HOME
A. Avoid throwing fish scales/ fins etc. or waste entrails of chicken directly into the garbage bin, as they tend to decompose fast and emit unpleasant odour. Instead, pack and store them in the freezer compartment till you are ready to dispose off directly to the garbage collector.
B. Use absorbent powders in those corners at home, where the chances of bad odour emanating are highest. Baking soda is one such absorbent powder that you can easily find at home. Place open packages of it in the refrigerator, bathroom, next to the garbage can. To deodorise carpets, sprinkle on, let stand and vacuum.
B. Use absorbent powders in those corners at home, where the chances of bad odour emanating are highest. Baking soda is one such absorbent powder that you can easily find at home. Place open packages of it in the refrigerator, bathroom, next to the garbage can. To deodorise carpets, sprinkle on, let stand and vacuum.
REMOVE WAX-DRIPS WITH EASE
To remove dry wax- drips from any surface --- like glass tabletop, kitchen platform, sofa cover, clothes etc --- you don't need to scrape the surface. Here are a couple of simpler ways of removing them. Try to soften the wax- drips with warm air from a hair dryer. Alternately, dip a small Turkish towel in hot water and press it on the wax-drips. Then remove them gently with a paper napkin or a soft cloth.
GET RID OF GLASS SPLINTERS WITH DOUGH
The next you (or anybody else) breaks a glass item, don’t groan when you see the pieces lying scattered on the floor. Here’s an easy way to get rid of the mess. After collecting the large pieces, roll a ball of dough very cautiously and systematically on the floor to pick up the tiny pieces of glass. If done carefully, you may rest assured that the floor will be absolutely free from glass pieces.
SLOUGH OFF STUBBORN STAINS
• Dishwashing detergent diluted in water works wonders in sloughing off tough stains from glass tops and counters. Store the liquid in a spray bottle and use it routinely to get the shine back on household artifacts.
• Ammonia is a great cleaning agent for glass and windows. Use the liquid to get rid of stubborn stains from window panes.
• Bleach is a great bathroom cleaner, sanitize yours with a healthy mix of bleach and water. Spray floors, washing areas and toilets with this, and rinse off after an hour or so. Your bathroom will look sparkling clean, smell clean and there will not be the scantest chance of it housing any creep crawlies!
Clogging drains are a common problem with most households. As a preventive measure it would be nice to flush frequently used water drains with half cup of baking soda and half cup vinegar a month or so. Rinse with cold water.
• Ammonia is a great cleaning agent for glass and windows. Use the liquid to get rid of stubborn stains from window panes.
• Bleach is a great bathroom cleaner, sanitize yours with a healthy mix of bleach and water. Spray floors, washing areas and toilets with this, and rinse off after an hour or so. Your bathroom will look sparkling clean, smell clean and there will not be the scantest chance of it housing any creep crawlies!
Clogging drains are a common problem with most households. As a preventive measure it would be nice to flush frequently used water drains with half cup of baking soda and half cup vinegar a month or so. Rinse with cold water.
MARBLE CARE
To remove stains from white marble
• Use benzine or some copper polish to clean marble floors.
• To treat dull marble, first wash with soapy water and dry. Apply some turpentine on a soft cloth and rub the marble surface with this. Leave on for a few minutes and polish with a clean cloth.
• Yellow stains can be removed by generously coating the stains with a thick paste of scouring powder and bleach. Cover the paste with a piece of plastic cling film to keep the paste from drying out too quickly. Leave overnight. Remove. The bleach will continue to work for a little while after the paste has been removed.
• For slight drink stains (coffee, tea, fruit juice, etc.) on a marble tabletop, rub pumice powder or powdered chalk over the stains. Rinse and dry.
• Other stains (except grease and oil) should respond to this treatment: Pour some hydrogen peroxide on the stain and sprinkle a few drops of ammonia. When the bubbling subsides, rinse with cold water (at least thrice).
• Grease or oil stains can be treated by placing a blotting paper dipped in acetone over the stain. Cover the blotting paper with a piece of cling film to stop it from drying out too quickly and leave on for an hour. If the stain is too stubborn, the treatment should be repeated.
To remove ink stains cover the spill with fine salt. When the ink has been absorbed, wipe it off and cover with sour milk. Keep adding sour milk on as it dries till the stain is completely removed.
• Use benzine or some copper polish to clean marble floors.
• To treat dull marble, first wash with soapy water and dry. Apply some turpentine on a soft cloth and rub the marble surface with this. Leave on for a few minutes and polish with a clean cloth.
• Yellow stains can be removed by generously coating the stains with a thick paste of scouring powder and bleach. Cover the paste with a piece of plastic cling film to keep the paste from drying out too quickly. Leave overnight. Remove. The bleach will continue to work for a little while after the paste has been removed.
• For slight drink stains (coffee, tea, fruit juice, etc.) on a marble tabletop, rub pumice powder or powdered chalk over the stains. Rinse and dry.
• Other stains (except grease and oil) should respond to this treatment: Pour some hydrogen peroxide on the stain and sprinkle a few drops of ammonia. When the bubbling subsides, rinse with cold water (at least thrice).
• Grease or oil stains can be treated by placing a blotting paper dipped in acetone over the stain. Cover the blotting paper with a piece of cling film to stop it from drying out too quickly and leave on for an hour. If the stain is too stubborn, the treatment should be repeated.
To remove ink stains cover the spill with fine salt. When the ink has been absorbed, wipe it off and cover with sour milk. Keep adding sour milk on as it dries till the stain is completely removed.
CLEANING GLAZED TILES
Usually, wiping glazed tile with a damp sponge-mop or cloth helps maintain their luster. In case of moderate staining, include an all-purpose liquid cleaner along with lukewarm water in routine cleaning. For heavily soiled surfaces, a stronger solution may be used.
Soap should be avoided to clean ceramic tile as it forms a film that dulls the luster and promotes the growth of mildew and bacteria in damp areas.
The Cleaning solution used should be thoroughly rinsed off from the surface with water.
With the exception of tiles such as terracotta, which may be oiled or waxed, no polishing or buffing of tiles is necessary to maintain their finish.
Scrubbing with a plastic bristle brush may be required if the floor is especially stained, however, steel wool should be avoided.
Soap should be avoided to clean ceramic tile as it forms a film that dulls the luster and promotes the growth of mildew and bacteria in damp areas.
The Cleaning solution used should be thoroughly rinsed off from the surface with water.
With the exception of tiles such as terracotta, which may be oiled or waxed, no polishing or buffing of tiles is necessary to maintain their finish.
Scrubbing with a plastic bristle brush may be required if the floor is especially stained, however, steel wool should be avoided.
FOR GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
Keeping things in place is top priority in good housekeeping. You should be able to find things easily when you need them the most.
• Paper Towels, dusters, sponges in the kitchen closet
• Detergent powder, disinfectants, scrubs, brushes, mops in the bathroom or wash area closet.
• Mirror and glass top sprays, furniture polish and cleansers in the verandah/living room closet.
• Vacuum cleaner and large brooms in the passageway or if you have the space, then in the wash area closet.
Ensure that things are kept back in their place after use. You will know where to reach when you need something to be cleaned up in a jiffy. You will be surprised how much more easily you manage to keep a cleaner home.
• Paper Towels, dusters, sponges in the kitchen closet
• Detergent powder, disinfectants, scrubs, brushes, mops in the bathroom or wash area closet.
• Mirror and glass top sprays, furniture polish and cleansers in the verandah/living room closet.
• Vacuum cleaner and large brooms in the passageway or if you have the space, then in the wash area closet.
Ensure that things are kept back in their place after use. You will know where to reach when you need something to be cleaned up in a jiffy. You will be surprised how much more easily you manage to keep a cleaner home.
FOR A CLEANER & HEALTHIER HOME
You might not have a big home or it might not be located in the ideal surroundings. Yet, by paying attention to the interiors you can have a cleaner and healthier home. Remember that dust and dirt can lead to an unhealthy you.
• Have a thorough wash and clean routine every weekend.
• Hire help for this if you must, or invest in a vacuum cleaner. The investment is in your health and you will be thankful about it in the long term.
• Make sure you clean up the nooks and corner, and also the bathrooms and all your sanitary ware.
Clean air is also important. Your home needs ventilation. Open up the windows regularly and allow fresh air to come in every once in a while each day.
• Have a thorough wash and clean routine every weekend.
• Hire help for this if you must, or invest in a vacuum cleaner. The investment is in your health and you will be thankful about it in the long term.
• Make sure you clean up the nooks and corner, and also the bathrooms and all your sanitary ware.
Clean air is also important. Your home needs ventilation. Open up the windows regularly and allow fresh air to come in every once in a while each day.
TURN YOUR HOME INTO A SCRATCH-PROOF HAVEN
Scratches on your once pristine glass centre table and your mahogany furniture may make you cringe. A scratch isn’t like a stain, which you can wipe out. But there are a few measures you can take to try and undo some of the damage.
Ways to rid the scratches…
• Coat walnut surfaces with liquid paraffin and wipe clean with a dry cloth.
• Why is cane furniture so strongly recommended? All you need is saline water to clean it.
• To get rid of scratches on a veneered surface use a combination of linseed oil and turpentine. Spray this on the damaged surface and voila! The scratch is almost gone.
• Dab some coconut oil on to a damaged laminated surface. Rub briskly with a dry cloth…the scratch will just disappear!
• Treating glass scratch with acid etch will lend it a more scratch-like design.
• Scratches on metal and steel surfaces can be easily treated with enamel.
Ways to rid the scratches…
• Coat walnut surfaces with liquid paraffin and wipe clean with a dry cloth.
• Why is cane furniture so strongly recommended? All you need is saline water to clean it.
• To get rid of scratches on a veneered surface use a combination of linseed oil and turpentine. Spray this on the damaged surface and voila! The scratch is almost gone.
• Dab some coconut oil on to a damaged laminated surface. Rub briskly with a dry cloth…the scratch will just disappear!
• Treating glass scratch with acid etch will lend it a more scratch-like design.
• Scratches on metal and steel surfaces can be easily treated with enamel.
HOW MESSY IS YOUR HOME?
Clutter… It’s the bane of organized storage or is that unorganized storage? It’s important for you to know what’s in those cartons because some of your valuable belongings could get lost or ruined because of neglect and careless handling.
Here are a few tips on how to manage your stuff:
Identify all the potential storage options, which include cupboards, closets, lofts, racks, cartons, suitcases and the space under your beds.
Segregate your stuff. This means that you should intelligently club similar stuff together, so that it is less cumbersome to locate items on a later date. Like your woolen clothes should be kept together but separate from your tool kit.
Prioritize storage by placing often-used items in the more accessible locations. Infrequently used items should be placed in less accessible spots (such as top shelves or in another room).
Hide what's unattractive either behind closed doors or inside something else. Identify and label all storage boxes and bins. If you can’t be bothered to do this maintain a written record of where you’ve kept what. May sound way out, but this action definitely helps.
Leave some storage space for future use.
Here are a few tips on how to manage your stuff:
Identify all the potential storage options, which include cupboards, closets, lofts, racks, cartons, suitcases and the space under your beds.
Segregate your stuff. This means that you should intelligently club similar stuff together, so that it is less cumbersome to locate items on a later date. Like your woolen clothes should be kept together but separate from your tool kit.
Prioritize storage by placing often-used items in the more accessible locations. Infrequently used items should be placed in less accessible spots (such as top shelves or in another room).
Hide what's unattractive either behind closed doors or inside something else. Identify and label all storage boxes and bins. If you can’t be bothered to do this maintain a written record of where you’ve kept what. May sound way out, but this action definitely helps.
Leave some storage space for future use.
BEFORE & AFTER CLEANING
To maintain a really clean and tidy home, the tools you use must also be maintained and kept spotless. Imagine swabbing the floor with a dust ridden mop? Here are some suggestions on how to organize your cleaning gear:
Have a specific area set aside for your cleaning supplies. It will be easier and more enjoyable to clean if your supplies are easy to find and ready to go.
Keep your tools clean. Finish your job by cleaning your equipment and storing it properly. Wash out mops, sponges, cloths, etc. and hang to dry. Store your brooms and brushes off their bristles to prevent deformation.
Keep your chemical products properly sealed and out of children’s reach.
Replace items as soon as they are worn or empty. Nothing is more frustrating than wanting to start a job but not having the proper supplies available.
Don’t keep around old, expired, or useless items to clutter up your supplies.
Have a specific area set aside for your cleaning supplies. It will be easier and more enjoyable to clean if your supplies are easy to find and ready to go.
Keep your tools clean. Finish your job by cleaning your equipment and storing it properly. Wash out mops, sponges, cloths, etc. and hang to dry. Store your brooms and brushes off their bristles to prevent deformation.
Keep your chemical products properly sealed and out of children’s reach.
Replace items as soon as they are worn or empty. Nothing is more frustrating than wanting to start a job but not having the proper supplies available.
Don’t keep around old, expired, or useless items to clutter up your supplies.
CLEANING MANAGEMENT IDEAS
Jumpstart your cleaning schedules by roping in all the members of your household. Garner enthusiasm as well as helping hands to keep your house clean and tidy. Here are a few basic guidelines.
Allot fixed responsibilities to each member of the household taking into account their age, skill, motivation and time constraints. Of course be sure to consult with them before doing so.
Rotate responsibilities over time. This will break the monotony of carrying out the same task everyday.
Allot a particular area or room to each person and let that be their domain and their responsibility. The end result is that that area must be sparkling clean, irrespective of whose help they have sort to turn it around.
Invite cleaning management suggestions from everyone.
If possible, make a written chart with everyone’s responsibilities noted down.
Allot fixed responsibilities to each member of the household taking into account their age, skill, motivation and time constraints. Of course be sure to consult with them before doing so.
Rotate responsibilities over time. This will break the monotony of carrying out the same task everyday.
Allot a particular area or room to each person and let that be their domain and their responsibility. The end result is that that area must be sparkling clean, irrespective of whose help they have sort to turn it around.
Invite cleaning management suggestions from everyone.
If possible, make a written chart with everyone’s responsibilities noted down.
QUICK CLEANING IDEAS
Deal with a job when it is in its nascent stage; don’t wait for it to develop into a full-blown problem which becomes difficult to counter. Eg: If you spill a drink, mop it up instantly rather then resigning it to a later time when the stains may set in.
Divide big chores into small, manageable tasks. Eg: Instead of stockpiling soiled clothes for the weekend, wash small quantities throughout the week so that you are not overburdened with unmanageable tasks at weekends.
Tackle the essentials rather than dealing with the whole lot. Eg: if the wall sports a finger smudge, just wipe out the stains rather than cleaning the entire wall, simply because you are at it.
Cleaning can be a cumbersome task, but having company (at least of the virtual kind helps). Get on with friends over a cordless or switch on the music and your cleaning woes will be reduced by half. Focusing elsewhere while cleaning makes the task less cumbersome and more enjoyable.
Divide big chores into small, manageable tasks. Eg: Instead of stockpiling soiled clothes for the weekend, wash small quantities throughout the week so that you are not overburdened with unmanageable tasks at weekends.
Tackle the essentials rather than dealing with the whole lot. Eg: if the wall sports a finger smudge, just wipe out the stains rather than cleaning the entire wall, simply because you are at it.
Cleaning can be a cumbersome task, but having company (at least of the virtual kind helps). Get on with friends over a cordless or switch on the music and your cleaning woes will be reduced by half. Focusing elsewhere while cleaning makes the task less cumbersome and more enjoyable.
Smart Storage Solutions For Your Kitchen
Kitchen decor is functional with storage, organizers, cabinets, crates, bins and more. Maximize the efficiency of your kitchen with large selection of products designed to increase storage capability.
Storage Rules:
• Think of innovative storage solutions to maximize and organize storage area of your kitchen.
• Counter space is a prime consideration, so save space by making the best use of the counter space that you have.
Feasible storage facilities are a must for every kitchen.
• Buy high quality storage products to avoid re-investment
• Select storage equipment with good structural design and functionality
• Purchase those that are hassle free to handle and easy to install
• Ensure that the storage equipments and accessories meet your needs, do not wear out easily, is an cinch to clean and look attractive.
• To allow easy access to things and at the same time to save space, use a wall pegboard to hang pans and other items.
• If you have the room, consider a kitchen island. This will allow for a preparation area away from the rest of the kitchen while allowing for extra storage space underneath.
• Bring the spice rack below eye level for ready visibility of container
• Store according to frequency of use
• Use appropriate containers for proper storage
• Buy transparent storage boxes/ those with a unique labeling feature to identify ingredients easily
Essential kitchen storage products and accessories
• Airtight food storage containers
• Canister
• Tupperware
• Plastic stack
• Nest bins
• Multifunctional storage devices
• Carts
• Air tight bags that provide storage for veggies
• Trash cans
• Wall hooks
• Wall racks
• Wall shelves
• Peg racks
• Utensil rack
• Wooden racks
• Built-in cabinets
• Molded wood drawer for utensils
• In-built shelves
• Storage cabinets
• Sliding shelves
• Ventilated wire shelving systems
Ingenious ways to make use of overlooked space, as well as simple, easy-to-build designs would add to your kitchen décor and also make your life much easier. No doubt, creating an effective and attractive storage space in your kitchen is a real challenge for a perfect homemaker like you.
Storage Rules:
• Think of innovative storage solutions to maximize and organize storage area of your kitchen.
• Counter space is a prime consideration, so save space by making the best use of the counter space that you have.
Feasible storage facilities are a must for every kitchen.
• Buy high quality storage products to avoid re-investment
• Select storage equipment with good structural design and functionality
• Purchase those that are hassle free to handle and easy to install
• Ensure that the storage equipments and accessories meet your needs, do not wear out easily, is an cinch to clean and look attractive.
• To allow easy access to things and at the same time to save space, use a wall pegboard to hang pans and other items.
• If you have the room, consider a kitchen island. This will allow for a preparation area away from the rest of the kitchen while allowing for extra storage space underneath.
• Bring the spice rack below eye level for ready visibility of container
• Store according to frequency of use
• Use appropriate containers for proper storage
• Buy transparent storage boxes/ those with a unique labeling feature to identify ingredients easily
Essential kitchen storage products and accessories
• Airtight food storage containers
• Canister
• Tupperware
• Plastic stack
• Nest bins
• Multifunctional storage devices
• Carts
• Air tight bags that provide storage for veggies
• Trash cans
• Wall hooks
• Wall racks
• Wall shelves
• Peg racks
• Utensil rack
• Wooden racks
• Built-in cabinets
• Molded wood drawer for utensils
• In-built shelves
• Storage cabinets
• Sliding shelves
• Ventilated wire shelving systems
Ingenious ways to make use of overlooked space, as well as simple, easy-to-build designs would add to your kitchen décor and also make your life much easier. No doubt, creating an effective and attractive storage space in your kitchen is a real challenge for a perfect homemaker like you.
SMART STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR KITCHEN
Kitchen decor is functional with storage, organizers, cabinets, crates, bins and more. Maximize the efficiency of your kitchen with large selection of products designed to increase storage capability.
Storage Rules:
Think of innovative storage solutions to maximize and organize storage area of your kitchen.
Counter space is a prime consideration, so save space by making the best use of the counter space that you have.
Storage Rules:
Think of innovative storage solutions to maximize and organize storage area of your kitchen.
Counter space is a prime consideration, so save space by making the best use of the counter space that you have.
ACTION PLAN TO DUMP UNWANTED THINGS
Feeling overwhelmed at the thought of organizing your home? Start on a smaller scale instead and it will be a whole lot easier.
Follow these 8 steps and you're well on your way to a systematic home:
1. Pick a room - any room
Decide on which room to start on. Write it at the top of a sheet of paper. This will be your action sheet.
Example: BEDROOM A
2. Choose an enticing reward
Designate an appropriate reward to give yourself on completion of the job. The reward concept serves as your motivation, so be sure to choose something that you’d really enjoy! Write this reward on your action sheet.
Example: Treat yourself to a massage or go out for a nice dinner - whatever it is that you love to do.
3. Schedule time for completion
Schedule 3 specific clearance dates (one hour for each). Hopefully this will be enough to complete the dumping portion of the job. Write it on your action sheet. Then, post the action sheet in a prominent place where you are certain to see it every day, like your bathroom mirror. It will serve as a reminder of your goal, deadline and pending reward.
4. Keep your appointment
When the 1st dumping day arrives keep that appointment, just as you would any other important appointment. Bring a bunch of large garbage bags. Play your favourite music in the background to help you get through the task at hand.
5. Sort through it
Pick up one item at a time, and start dumping. If you come across items you want to give to charity, designate a special bag for those items. Whatever you are going to keep just put to one side of the room.
6. Do it until the time is up
Continue doing this until the timer goes off. If you prefer to continue, keep going. Otherwise, stop and follow the same procedures for your next two scheduled dates. Don’t let the garbage bags sit there. Make sure they are thrown out now (or donated), or on Garbage Day at the latest.
7. Celebrate
Once you’ve managed to dump everything you don’t want or need in that one room, it’s time to celebrate. Take advantage of that reward you designated.
8. Keeping it organized
Now that everything in that room that you wanted dumped is gone, you’re ready to begin putting everything you are keeping back in an organized manner. Be very careful not to put anything else in this room that you don’t want. Repeat this process for each of the other rooms in your house.
Follow these 8 steps and you're well on your way to a systematic home:
1. Pick a room - any room
Decide on which room to start on. Write it at the top of a sheet of paper. This will be your action sheet.
Example: BEDROOM A
2. Choose an enticing reward
Designate an appropriate reward to give yourself on completion of the job. The reward concept serves as your motivation, so be sure to choose something that you’d really enjoy! Write this reward on your action sheet.
Example: Treat yourself to a massage or go out for a nice dinner - whatever it is that you love to do.
3. Schedule time for completion
Schedule 3 specific clearance dates (one hour for each). Hopefully this will be enough to complete the dumping portion of the job. Write it on your action sheet. Then, post the action sheet in a prominent place where you are certain to see it every day, like your bathroom mirror. It will serve as a reminder of your goal, deadline and pending reward.
4. Keep your appointment
When the 1st dumping day arrives keep that appointment, just as you would any other important appointment. Bring a bunch of large garbage bags. Play your favourite music in the background to help you get through the task at hand.
5. Sort through it
Pick up one item at a time, and start dumping. If you come across items you want to give to charity, designate a special bag for those items. Whatever you are going to keep just put to one side of the room.
6. Do it until the time is up
Continue doing this until the timer goes off. If you prefer to continue, keep going. Otherwise, stop and follow the same procedures for your next two scheduled dates. Don’t let the garbage bags sit there. Make sure they are thrown out now (or donated), or on Garbage Day at the latest.
7. Celebrate
Once you’ve managed to dump everything you don’t want or need in that one room, it’s time to celebrate. Take advantage of that reward you designated.
8. Keeping it organized
Now that everything in that room that you wanted dumped is gone, you’re ready to begin putting everything you are keeping back in an organized manner. Be very careful not to put anything else in this room that you don’t want. Repeat this process for each of the other rooms in your house.
CARE FOR BOOKS
For a book lover to see his/her books in an unkempt condition is quite painful. A good collection of books owned by anybody -- whether a book lover or not -- is a status symbol and speaks volumes about the individual’s personality. So here are some handy tips to care for man’s oldest friend -- books!
Handling Of Books
Most of the time a book loses its brand-new look due to poor handling. This usually happens because of dog ears, keeping the book open and upside down, leaving it in the open to gather dust and dirt.
Books should never be handled while eating food. A drop of food will stain the pages forever.
Ensure your hands are clean, dry and grease/oil free before handling a book.
Avoid turning a page by dabbing your finger to your tongue. Keep a wet sponge instead if you must. Better still, avoid any moisture coming in contact with your books.
Remove a book from the shelf by holding the firm edges and not by pulling a single cover.
Turn the pages one by one, not two or three together and flipping them. Flipping through pages can cause the pages to bend.
Care For Books
Always use book marks. You can get book marks from your local book store or paint your own.
Dust your book shelf regularly with a soft brush. Vacuum the book shelf and throw in some naphthalene balls to prevent silverworms and other insects from eating into your books.
Regularly remove all your books from the shelf and gently flip through the pages. This will let out the moist and soiled air from the books.
If you have leather bound books then its best to keep them covered with a cloth or book cases meant for leather-bound books.
Never write in books with a pen. Preferably use a pencil if you wish to scribble.
You can occasionally dust some talcum powder in between the pages to keep the pages moist free. This also prevents fungal growth in the corners of your books.
Storage Of Books
Avoid placing lights over your bookshelf or shift your bookshelf if sunlight reaches it directly. Direct light can cause the coverings and the pages to fade.
Avoid keeping books tightly against one another in a book shelf. Books should be kept in such a way that they can be easily removed.
Place heavy books flat on a separate shelf.
Classic/archival books that have some loose papers should be kept in an air-tight box and should be handled with extra care.
Handling Of Books
Most of the time a book loses its brand-new look due to poor handling. This usually happens because of dog ears, keeping the book open and upside down, leaving it in the open to gather dust and dirt.
Books should never be handled while eating food. A drop of food will stain the pages forever.
Ensure your hands are clean, dry and grease/oil free before handling a book.
Avoid turning a page by dabbing your finger to your tongue. Keep a wet sponge instead if you must. Better still, avoid any moisture coming in contact with your books.
Remove a book from the shelf by holding the firm edges and not by pulling a single cover.
Turn the pages one by one, not two or three together and flipping them. Flipping through pages can cause the pages to bend.
Care For Books
Always use book marks. You can get book marks from your local book store or paint your own.
Dust your book shelf regularly with a soft brush. Vacuum the book shelf and throw in some naphthalene balls to prevent silverworms and other insects from eating into your books.
Regularly remove all your books from the shelf and gently flip through the pages. This will let out the moist and soiled air from the books.
If you have leather bound books then its best to keep them covered with a cloth or book cases meant for leather-bound books.
Never write in books with a pen. Preferably use a pencil if you wish to scribble.
You can occasionally dust some talcum powder in between the pages to keep the pages moist free. This also prevents fungal growth in the corners of your books.
Storage Of Books
Avoid placing lights over your bookshelf or shift your bookshelf if sunlight reaches it directly. Direct light can cause the coverings and the pages to fade.
Avoid keeping books tightly against one another in a book shelf. Books should be kept in such a way that they can be easily removed.
Place heavy books flat on a separate shelf.
Classic/archival books that have some loose papers should be kept in an air-tight box and should be handled with extra care.
FIRST AID FOR WOODEN FURNITURE 1
Wooden furniture adds class and style to your home. Elegant designs and classy finish on dark wooden furniture is all that it takes to make your house look regal. Your heart breaks if there’s a wine spill or coffee stain on your table top that ruins the look. This series arms you with some handy tips to keep your wooden furniture looking as classy as ever.
Removing Water And Caffeine Stains
Usually, furniture stains when the moisture trickling down from a cold drink or coffee/tea cup breaks into the wood by seeping through the wood wax.
Apply gel-free toothpaste, mayonnaise, or salad oil on a polishing cloth and rub thoroughly on the stained area.
Then, with a clean damp cloth, remove the film. Now use a wood polish to make the area look sparkling new.
Place a thick blotting paper over the stained area and place a warm iron over it. Repeat the procedure a few times till you find the stain fading away.
Removing Water And Caffeine Stains
Usually, furniture stains when the moisture trickling down from a cold drink or coffee/tea cup breaks into the wood by seeping through the wood wax.
Apply gel-free toothpaste, mayonnaise, or salad oil on a polishing cloth and rub thoroughly on the stained area.
Then, with a clean damp cloth, remove the film. Now use a wood polish to make the area look sparkling new.
Place a thick blotting paper over the stained area and place a warm iron over it. Repeat the procedure a few times till you find the stain fading away.
FIRST AID FOR WOODEN FURNITURE II
Continuing our series of tips to care for wooden furniture, here are some more tips to keep your home looking brand new!
Scratches And Alcohol Marks
Use shoe polish to match the color of your furniture to hide tiny scratch marks. Using a thick marker or crayon also helps in concealing scratches.
Rub a paste of linseed oil with rottenstone in the stained area. Rottenstone is a worn out and decayed limestone that has the properties of silica. This stone is available in powdered form and is used in polishing,
Daily Care For Wooden Furniture
Never drag any material on the table top. This will scratch your table. Always lift the materials while cleaning.
Immediately clean up any kind of spills. Don’t delay the cleaning; else the spills will get a more difficult to remove.
Scratches And Alcohol Marks
Use shoe polish to match the color of your furniture to hide tiny scratch marks. Using a thick marker or crayon also helps in concealing scratches.
Rub a paste of linseed oil with rottenstone in the stained area. Rottenstone is a worn out and decayed limestone that has the properties of silica. This stone is available in powdered form and is used in polishing,
Daily Care For Wooden Furniture
Never drag any material on the table top. This will scratch your table. Always lift the materials while cleaning.
Immediately clean up any kind of spills. Don’t delay the cleaning; else the spills will get a more difficult to remove.
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