This metal warps under a high temperature, and should, therefore, be used with care. Do not turn the gas on full, or, if used over wood or coal fires, be sure to leave the stove lid on.
Some foods injure the metal, if they are allowed to remain in it very long.
2. Cleaning:
(1) Wash in hot water, with mild soap. Alkalies should not be used, as they darken the surface.
(2) If food is burned on, the dish should be soaked in water and then scoured with bathbrick or emery powder.
(3) Whiting may be used to brighten it.
ZINC
This is not used for utensils, but for table tops and for placing under stoves, etc.
Cleaning:
(1) Use hot water and mild soap. Alkalies and acids affect zinc and should be used with care.
(2) If stained, rub with coal-oil or a paste made of coal-oil and soda, and then wash in hot water.
GALVANIZED IRON
This is used for garbage pails, ash pans, stove pipes, etc. It is made by dipping sheet-iron into melted zinc.
Cleaning:
The same as for zinc.
COPPER OR BRa.s.s
Utensils made of these are heavy but durable and are good conductors of heat. They are dangerous, if not properly cleaned.
Cleaning:
(1) Wash in hot water, using a little washing soda to remove any grease, rinse well, and dry.
(2) If stained or tarnished, scour with salt and vinegar, then rinse thoroughly, and dry.
SILVER
This is used for spoons, knives, forks, and serving dishes, but never for cooking utensils, on account of its cost. It is the best conductor of heat among the house metals.
Cleaning:
(1) Wash in hot soap-suds.
(2) If stained or tarnished, use whiting or silver polish, wash, and dry.
RECIPE FOR SILVER POLISH
2 tbsp. borax 1 cup boiling water 1/2 cup alcohol whiting.
1. Dissolve the borax in the water.
2. When cold, add the alcohol and enough whiting to make a thin cream.
3. Bottle, and shake when used.
NOTE.--The care and cleaning of the metals out of which ordinary utensils are made, such as granite ware, tin, and steel, may be taught incidentally as the utensils are used.
CHAPTER IX
FORM IV: JUNIOR GRADE (Continued)
LAUNDRY WORK
This work is but a continuation of the lessons on cleaning. It is the process of removing foreign matter from cotton, linen, woollen, or silk fabrics by the use of water and additional cleansing agents. It also includes the finishing of these materials by the use of blueing, starch, and heated irons, to restore as far as possible their original appearance.
The principles of laundry work have been taught in the washing of dish cloths and towels, and now these principles have only to be extended to white cotton and linen clothes of any kind.
The pupils may be asked to bring soiled articles of white linen or cotton from home for use at school in exemplifying the necessary processes. In schools which lack an equipment, these processes may be discussed in cla.s.s and then practised at home. The teacher should choose from the following outline what is most suitable to the cla.s.s:
OUTLINE OF LESSONS ON THE WASHING OF WHITE COTTON AND LINEN CLOTHES
LESSON I
MATERIALS
1. Water:
(1) Use: (_a_) To soften and dissolve certain foreign substances in the clothes.
(_b_) To carry away all the foreign matter that has been dissolved or rubbed out of the clothes.
(_2_) Kinds: (_a_) _Hard water_ (_b_) _Soft water_
For laundry purposes, the water should be soft.
The quality known as hardness, which some water has, is due to the lime which it has dissolved in making its way through the earth.