Choice and Care of Utensils 



1339 



preparing new utensils for use 



Iron, tin, and enamel ware. — It is a general custom to prepare a new 

 iron utensil for use, after thorough cleansing, by rubbing unsalted fat 

 over it and baking the fat in. The same treatment is adapted to tin, 

 for, while it destroys its shiny new appearance, it protects the tin from 



Fig. 21. — Narrow shelves as an aid in taking account of stock 



rust and increases its capacity for holding heat. Enamel ware, too, is 

 said to be protected from cracking and chipping if it is well rubbed with 

 fat before being used for the first time; the fat, however, cannot be baked 

 in as with tin and iron, since it would not be absorbed but only burned 

 fast to the glaze. 



Glass. — Tumblers, jars, and lamp chimneys may be toughened 

 by putting them into a kettle of cold water, bringing it gradually 



