Housewife Tips from 1933 - Part 2

This article presents a collection of household tips from 1933 that remain interesting and potentially useful today.

Practical Household Tips from the Past

• Making Glass Unbreakable: To make glass unbreakable, place it in a container with cold water, add some common salt, and slowly bring the water to a boil. After boiling for half an hour, allow the water to cool. Remove the glass and dry it.

• Perpetual Barometer: Hang a mature pine cone on a waxed or oil-soaked string outside a window. If rain or snow is expected, the scales of the pine cone will close. For fairer and more stable weather, the scales will open wider.

• Invisible Ink: To create invisible ink, dip a sheet of good writing paper in pure water, then place it on a smooth, hard surface (such as glass or metal) and smooth it out to remove any air bubbles. Place a dry sheet of paper on top and write on it with a hard, sharp pencil, applying moderate pressure. Air dry the wet paper without artificial heat. The invisible writing becomes visible when the recipient moistens both sides of the sheet and holds it against the light. The writing disappears again upon drying. Stronger heating usually destroys the script.

• Deterring Flies: Flies are kept away from window panes, pictures, and mirrors by pouring boiling water over cut onions. After the mixture cools, use it to wipe down the glass surfaces.

• Preventing Window Freezing: To prevent window panes from freezing or fogging up, mix 55 grams of glycerin with 1 liter of rubbing alcohol (Weingeist). A fragrant agent, such as a small amount of amber oil, can be added to improve the smell. Once the mixture is clear, wipe the inner window pane with it using a chamois leather or linen cloth.

• Inexpensive Moth Protection: Walnut leaves effectively deter moths from clothing and furs.

• Destroying Moth Larvae: To destroy moth larvae, cover moth-infested clothing, carpets, etc., with a wet cloth and iron it hot. The penetrating hot steam kills the larvae.

• Cleaning Sponges: To clean sponges, cut a lemon into small pieces, thoroughly knead the sponge with the lemon pieces, and then rinse it well in water.

• Removing Fresh Rust: Fresh rust on iron can be removed with an oil-moistened cork.

• Dazzlingly White Laundry: Achieve dazzlingly white laundry by boiling a linen bag in the wash water.

• Combating Dandruff: To combat dandruff, rub the scalp once a week with an egg yolk. Allow it to dry on the scalp for half an hour, then rinse it off with lukewarm water.