Sink

A sink without running water is unjustifiable for the busy housewife. A drain connection with a trap and a sanitary disposal outside for wastes should be provided. The best kind of sink and the proper height for placing it are discussed on page 108.

After each dishwashing, the sink should be washed with hot soapy water, and the sink-trap flushed with a generous supply of hot water. This trap must be cleaned occasionally with kerosene. At least one gallon of hot water should be poured down and while the pipe is still warm, one-half cup of kerosene poured in. This should stand for at least five minutes and then the trap may be flushed with a second gallon of hot water. A solution of washing-soda should not be used since it tends to form a hard soap with the grease and to stop up the pipe. Kerosene forms no soap, but simply an emulsion.

The sink should be kept so far as possible for purposes connected only with the preparation of food and the cleaning of dishes.

Walls And Woodwork

Painted walls and woodwork are most easily cleaned. They may be wiped with a broom covered with a soft cloth for frequent cleaning. A long-handled brush is better than a broom. Occasionally they may be scrubbed with a soft brush, warm water and borax, and rinsed before being dried.

Floors

Floor finishes best adapted for the kitchen are discussed on page 117. A mop-wringer is a great convenience in the work of mopping the kitchen floor.

Dishwashing

Since the aim of dishwashing is to clean the dishes and to kill the bacteria that may be present by the use of soapsuds and scalding water, special care should be taken in case of ton-silitis, colds, and other infectious diseases. Unless the dishes of the patient are boiled, the germs may infect the whole family.

Kitchen Towels And Cups

The roller towel for family use as well as the common drink-ing-cup must be discarded, if the health of the family is to be safeguarded.

Kitchen Dresses

Washable work dresses are the only kind suitable for wearing in a kitchen. They have been proved to be economical of both money and time. They may be made of various inexpensive and satisfactory materials (page 368). Short sleeves and turndown collars or no collars at all add to the comfort of the worker. The design should be the simplest possible.