146 HOUSEHOLD CHEMICALS 



Borax is a mild base and makes a good washing powder for 

 fine work. 



One of the most disagreeable consequences of the use of 

 hard water for bathing is the unavoidable scum which forms 

 on the sides of bathtub and washbowl. The removal of the 

 caked grease is difficult, and if soap alone is used, the cleaning 

 of the tub requires both patience and hard scrubbing. The 

 labor can be greatly lessened by moistening the scrubbing 

 cloth with turpentine and applying it to the greasy film, which 

 immediately dissolves and thus can be easily removed. The 

 presence of the scum can be largely avoided by adding a small 

 amount of liquid ammonia to the bath water. 



To remove stains from cloth. While soap is, generally 

 speaking, the best cleansing agent for the removal of grease, 

 there are occasions when other substances can be used to better 

 advantage. For example, grease spots on carpet and non- 

 washable dress goods are best removed by the application of 

 gasoline, benzine, or other strong grease solvents. These sub- 

 stances dissolve the grease, but do not remove it from the cloth- 

 ing ; for that purpose a woolen cloth should be laid under the 

 stain in readiness to absorb the benzine and the grease dissolved 

 in it. If the grease is not absorbed while in solution, it remains 

 in the clothing and after the evaporation of the benzine it re- 

 appears in full force. Carbona dissolves grease and can there- 

 fore be used to remove grease stains. Unlike gasoline and 

 benzine, it is not inflammable and, for that reason, is a safe 

 cleansing agent. 



Cleaners frequently clean suits by laying a blotter over a 

 grease spot and applying a hot iron ; the grease, when melted 

 by the heat, takes the easiest way of spreading itself and passes 

 from the cloth to the blotter. 



Paints are a mixture of oil and mineral matter. The oil in- 

 gredient can be removed by a strong grease solvent, such as 



