1535. To Keep Kerosene Lamps from Getting Greasy

1535.    To Keep Kerosene Lamps from Getting Greasy. The upper part of a kerosene oil lamp, alter standing for a short time, frequently gets oily, from the condensation of the vapor of the oil. This will be greatly, if not entirely prevented, by taking a piece of felt and cutting a hole in it so as to fit exactly around the socket into which the burner is screwed; trim the felt off so as to leave a rim about 1/2 inch wide, and place this felt ring on the socket.

1536. To Cement the Socket on a Kerosene Lamp

1536.    To Cement the Socket on a Kerosene Lamp. The socket of a kerosene lamp, into which the burner is screwed, frequently becomes loose or comes off. To fasten this, take the socket off, pick out the old cement, and wash it with hot soap and water, with a little soda, to remove all trace of grease. Empty the lamp, and wash it in the same manner, especially the lip or neck which fits into the socket. Next take a cork which fits (not too tight) into the socket; grease it slightly, and screw it into the socket (the same way the burner is screwed in), until the end of the cork is nearly level with the bottom of the socket; this will leave a circular trench to receive the cement. Take the best plaster of Paris, mix it quickly as thick as it will flow, fill the trench in the socket, reverse the lamp, and press the lip of the glass firmly into the socket until the edge of the socket fits closely to the glass. This operation must be done quickly, before the plaster has had time to set. Let the whole remain about 12 hours in a warm place before using. Then unscrew the cork and scrape off any adhering plaster. (See No. 2260 (Cement for Petroleum Lamps).)

1537. To Clean Vessels Used to Contain Kerosene

1537.    To Clean Vessels Used to Contain Kerosene. Wash the vessel with thin milk of lime, which forms an emulsion with the petroleum, and removes every trace of it, and by washing a second time with milk of lime and a very small quantity of chloride of lime, and allowing the liquid to remain in it about an hour, and then using it with cold water, even the smell may be so completely removed as to render the vessel thus cleansed fit for keeping beer in. At the same time the external surface of the vessel is to be washed with a rag dipped in the same substance. If the milk of lime be used warm, instead of cold, the operation is rendered much shorter. If particles of thickened petroleum adhere to the glass after the first washing, these can be removed by washing with fine sand, or by other mechanical means.

1538. To Clean Kerosene Lamps

1538. To Clean Kerosene Lamps. "Wash the lamp inside and out thoroughly with hot soap and water, and a little washing soda. "When clean, rinse repeatedly so as to leave no trace of soap; let it drain till dry.