How To Clean Lamp Burners

When they become clogged and refuse to work, and the lamps are sure to smoke, put them over the fire in an old pan, cover with water to which a teaspoonful of soda has been added, and boil; the burners will be found as good as new.

To keep burners bright polish with kerosene every few mornings and rub dry with a woolen cloth. If very much smoked, immerse in a kerosene bath and scour finally with brick-dust and a woolen cloth. Shining burners are an important factor in having a clear light.

Cement For Lamp Tops

Melted alum will be found very good for this purpose. Use as soon as melted, and as soon as the cement is cold the lamp will be found ready for use.

Lamp Wicks

Lamp Wicks may be made to fit, if not too large, by drawing out one thread near the selvedge. If this is done with a new wick there will be no trouble.

How To Clean Lamp Chimneys

Wipe off carefully any smoke or dust and polish with a soft cloth; soap-suds dulls the glass; if any moisture is required, breathe down the chimney or hold ever a steaming kettle, then polish. A soft sponge fastened to a long flexible whalebone will be found better for cleaning the inside of chimneys than any brush that can be bought.

Lamps themselves should be frequently emptied and the bowls washed out with soap-suds; a few drops of: ammonia added to the suds will help to remove the oily sediment. Dry thoroughly using the whalebone swab. If any water is left in the bowl the oil will sputter when first lighted. A well-filled lamp burns less oil than one half-trimmed.

Lamps To Trim

Do not cut the wick, turn it just above the tube, take a match and shave off the charred end, thus insuring an even flame. Then turn the wick down below the edge of the tube that it may not draw up oil to soil the outside of the lamp. Do not fill too full, kerosene kept in a warm room expands considerably and the result will be oily lamps, disagreeable to handle.