The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California

First Aid For The Ailing Houses

Chrome-plated steel needs little attention. Soap and water keeps it clean. Abrasives should never be used, as they dull and cut the chrome finish. Wax should be used (an automobile type is best) to seal the pores of the chrome and prevent moisture from penetrating and forming rust under the surface. Such rust is recognized by blistering on the chrome surface. Do-it-yourself chrome-replating kits can be bought at autosupply stores.

Use good exterior enamel for painting (spray or brush) wooden furniture, or use house paint topped with spar varnish. Be sure all cracks and holes are primed and then puttied.

Replace broken or warped sections, and prime the new pieces carefully around the ends; the end grain absorbs moisture which, if unsealed, will cause cracks and rot the wood.

Natural redwood and red cedar are often used for tables and benches. They may be purchased unfinished, and will discolor from rain or moisture if not protected. To remove these stains, use a solution of household chlorine bleach mixed equally with water. Apply and let set for 10 minutes, then rinse off. When the wood has dried thoroughly, finish with spar varnish or redwood stain. One of the simplest inishes is 3 or 4 coats of boiled Unseed oil brushed on at 1-day intervals.

Check rope lacings carefully; wash stained rope and dry before replacing. Impregnate the holes and axles of wooden wheels with melted paraffin. This will lubricate and protect the wood from rotting. Dry wet seat pads in the hot sun for a couple of days, then paint the fabric with clear waterproof dressing, or spray on clear plastic.

By far the best and quickest way to paint wicker furniture is spraying. The mist penetrates the small cracks and crevices which are almost impossible to reach with a brush.

STAIN REMOVERS

Soap Jelly Although so many new detergents and other types of cleaning preparations are available, this homemade cleaner is still very useful. In the form of jelly, soap is conveniently and effectively used for many cleaning operations; for the shampooing of rugs and upholstery, for woodwork, furniture, etc., either as it is or as a stiff lather. Soap jelly is made of white soap of a kind used for fine laundering, as shavings, or in the form of flakes or beads; one cupful is placed in a wide-mouthed jar with 5 cupfuls of hot water. Jelly forms as the soap dissolves. For woodwork and other non-porous materials the jelly is applied with a cloth, rubbed, removed with a cloth dampened with clear water, and the surface is then rinsed and dried. For fabrics, a portion of jelly can be beaten with an egg beater to a stiff lather, which is applied with a soft brush, followed by wiping with cloths damp with clear water.