Comfortable Shams

Comfortable Shams should always be used. Cover the top where they come in contact with the breath of the sleeper, with a breadth of calico the length of the quilt; fold down on each side evenly and baste. This can be removed and washed when necessary. Comforts made of wool are warmer and lighter than cotton; if cotton is used, buy the best grades only.

Washing Comfortables And Quilts

Washing Comfortables And Quilts is an easy affair and should be attended to oftener than is usual. Simply soak them an hour or two in a warm soap-suds, not too strong. Then rinse up and down in this water, pound with a stick until they appear clean. Drain, do not wring, rinse in plenty of clean, pure water, drain and hang on the line. While drying, shake the wrinkles out. Choose a bright, windy day for this. They will be fresh and puffy as if new. This is one reason that the best cotton should he chosen, as it washes better.

Quilts Streaking In Drying

Quilts Streaking In Drying may be remedied by laying out over night in a heavy dew, the streaked side uppermost. In the morning turn this side down and leave in the sun until thoroughly dry, when the streaks will have disappeared. Comfortables that are not too badly soiled may be renovated in the same manner; repeat several days.

Mattresses should have heavy cotton or wool comfortables made the exact size of the mattress, or wide enough to tuck under the sides to protect it from dust. This will make the mattress softer, will protect it, and besides, can be washed as often as necessary for purposes of renovation. Air the mattresses as often as possible, and let the son into the sleeping rooms at every opportunity.

Ventilation of Sleeping Booms should be carefully attended to. A sheet of finely perforated zinc substituted for an upper pane of glass in a chamber window is one of the cheapest and best forms of ventilation known.

Second

Raise the window on the windward side a few inches and close the opening at the bottom with a piece of board out to fit it, rest the sash upon this. Either of these methods are worth a trial.

Spare Beds

Spare Beds should be thoroughly aired for the benefit of the chance guest to dissipate the dampness and do away with the dangers that too often lurk about a long unused bed. Opening the coverings and gathering them over and around a jug of hot water for two or three hours is a good method. At the very last turn back and air carefully. Fresh sheets also will do away with dampness in some measure.

Bedsteads should be carefully attended to. Brush thoroughly, and apply to the inner portions a coating of varnish. Turpentine, applied with a brush to all the crevices, is thoroughly destructive of insect life. But, whatever is used, varnish or turpentine, be sure that it touches every crack and crevice. (Climax cleansing fluid is useful.) Never allow dust to gather around springs, slats or mattresses.