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The Day's Routine: Asbestos

Uses for Asbestos. - Asbestos is a fireproof substance which is found in the earth in a natural state. It has a short fiber, but whether it is of animal or mineral origin is not known. The commercial article can be purchased in the form of cloth or boards of varying degrees of thickness, or mixed with cement in strong, smooth plates. Asbestos is the best protection possible against heat, and has numberless uses in the household. A piece of hard, smooth asbestos board under the range, cook stove, parlor stove, gas stove, or small oil stove, is superior to iron or zinc because it is durable, easier to keep clean, and presents a better appearance. The woodwork near stoves may be protected by the same material, also the collars above stovepipes where they pass through the ceiling and side walls.

Candle lamp shades may be protected by a collar or lining of asbestos; dinner mats, either square or oval, made of two thicknesses of linen, with an opening at one end to admit a square of asbestos, will prevent the hot tea or coffee pot or dishes containing hot food from injuring the tablecloth or the polished surface of the table. Holders of washable material containing a removable square of asbestos are light, fireproof, and convenient, and asbestos mats lined with wire have many uses about the stove. They may be placed in a hot oven to prevent cakes and pies from burning on the bottom, and also on the top of the stove to prevent the contents of kettles and saucepans from burning. A small asbestos mat, wire lined, with a hole cut through the asbestos in the center, but not through the wire, will be found useful for warming milk and other things in cups and small saucepans with rounded bottoms. The heat is applied to the bottom instead of the sides, and the vessel will not tip over.

To Clean Grates. - When stirring the coal or wood in an open grate fire, spread a newspaper in front of the grate, or clear across the hearth if it is a small one, and work while the paper burns. The flames will cause a rushing draught that will carry the dust up the chimney.

Or, to prevent the dust flying, if the fire is out, sprinkle a handful of wet tea leaves over the ashes.

To Clean a Hearth. -Cover grease spots on the hearth with hot ashes or live coals, or sprinkle fuller's earth on the spots. Cover with live coals and brush away after the grease has been absorbed.

To Black a Hearth. --Shave + bar of yellow soap into 1 pint of boiling water and stir in 1 pound of black lead. Boil 10 or 15 minutes, stirring vigorously. Dilute with water if necessary, and apply with a brush. Or beat up black lead with white of eggs. Lay on with a brush and polish.