Feather filled: Do not attempt to clean it yourself. If it is always used with a strong cover, no cleaning should be necessary. If it is badly soiled, take it to dry cleaners or return it to makers for cleaning, if possible.
Terylene filled: Wash it in a launderette (domestic machines are too small), with warm water. Tumble dry.
CURTAINS
Remove curtain hooks. Soak brass hooks in vinegar. Wash plastic hooks. Rinse and dry. Dry clean large and heavy curtains (those types of fabric like velvet, damask, velour, silk, wool, rayon or combination). For lined curtains—unless both fabric and lining are preshrunk, one may shrink more than the other when washed, have them dry cleaned. Use special lining attachment tape. It makes washing much easier as you can then detach lining from curtains. Presoak washable curtains in cold water with detergent, then rinse. Repeat if very dirty. Machine wash on each set alone. Dry them outdoors if possible, over line. Iron them thereafter.
FLOOR
Build-up of polish makes floor looks dirty, as dirt is held in the polish. If it is wax polish (on wood, cork, lino), remove with wire wool and Stoddard solvent and have it repolished. Remove emulsion-based polish (those used on rubber, thermoplastic, vinyl, composition floors) with special cleaner. Remove stubborn marks and dirt with wire wool. Repolish.
KITCHEN EQUIPMENT
Cooker: Easiest way to clean a really dirty oven is with an aerosol oven spray. Put newspaper on floor, wear gloves, and follow directions. Wipe hob and oven after use. That way, there's no need for a drastic clean.
Refrigerator: When defrosted, dab it with soft cloth squeezed out in water with bicarbonate of soda (1 teaspoon to 1 pint). Don’t use detergents - food absorbs smell. A regular defrost, at least once a week, prevents build up of ice, and saves fuel.
Deep Freeze: Defrost once year when stock is at its lowest. Remove all food, store in refrigerator at coldest setting or wrap in layers of newspaper, pile in cool place and cover with something heavy and clean like a blanket. Hasten defrosting with bowls of hot water, scraping to remove ice. Wash inside—see instructions for fridge. Throughout year, keep down heavy frosting by brushing with a stiff brush, holding a tray to catch the loosened frost.
PAINTWORK
After washing down with detergent solution, rinse it clean, leave to dry. A wipe with colorless liquid furniture polish, and a quick buff, will ease dusting and preserve paint.
PILLOWS
For feather filled pillows, dry clean them—though it is rarely needed. Hang them out on a dry, windy day for an airing. Foam rubber sponges the outer cover only.
For polyester or Terylene filled pillows, dry clean them too unless other recommended washing instructions are given.
SHEEPSKIN RUGS
Use carpet shampoo with minimum of warm water. Avoid wetting the back portion as it may crack. Rinse with sponge.
