Vintage Ideas For House-Cleaning

Frugal Housekeeping Ideas
The Thrifty Kitschy Housewife

There really is no need to spend oodles of money on household products to keep your house in tip top shape or free of unwanted visitors. Just grab a cup of tea and read this post and you will be well on your way to becoming a nifty thrifty housewife.

To Kill Moths in Carpets:

On the floor, spread a cold, damp cloth on the carpet, iron it with a hot iron, and the steam thus caused will kill the moths.

To Clean Soiled Wallpaper:

Take half a loaf of bread and gently rub the soiled portions, working always in a downward direction. As soon as the bread is soiled cut off a thin slice.

To Drive Away Red Ants:

Keep a small bag of sulfur in the drawers or closets they frequent, and they will disappear.

Remember this advice comes from an early 1920s reference booklet. I am only sharing ideas from Lily Haxworth Wallace, the author.

From "Household Hand Book" by Edwardian expert
Lily Haxworth Wallace, early 1920s.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists