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The Day's Routine: Place

A cleat may be tacked on the bottom at one end to tilt the box, and by boring auger holes a slit may be made at the opposite end to allow the water to escape. Place this dish drainer on the table in such a way that the open end will project over the sink. Through holes bored at intervals in the sides of the box thrust old broomsticks or other rods to hold plates and saucers upright to dry. Cover the box with oilcloth or stain it to match the kitchen woodwork.

Or an old dish pan may be used by perforating the bottom with holes by means of a hammer and round wire nails. Place the draining basket, pan, or box to the left of the dish pan to avoid unnecessary handling. If the handles are front and back, as you face the dish pan you will have fewer pieces of nicked china. If lye is used, and the dishwater is fairly hot and soapy, dishes rinsed with cold water will dry in the rack bright and shiny and not require wiping.

Or, if thoroughly rinsed with hot water, they may be allowed to dry in the same way.

Or, if the table is not wanted for immediate use, lay a large dry cloth over it, put the dishes on this to drain, and throw another cloth over the whole to keep off dust and flies. This is a rough-and-ready method for drying dishes and saving the labor of wiping and putting them away.

Or a drainer may be made of an old dripping pan or roaster by cleaning it thoroughly and covering it inside and out with a coat of enamel paint. Make a hole in one end to allow the water to drain into the sink, and place in it a wire dish strainer.