Show FIRST AID to the AILING HOUSE by roger B whitman roger B whitman features VARNISH REMOVER question I 1 understand you have a formula a combination of acids for removal of old varnish from floors may I 1 have a copy of the formula answer phosphate cana can be used in the proportion of three pounds to the gallon of hot water this is an alkaline remover not an acid the chemical can be bought in bulk from a large paint store or mail order house and also from a dealer in chemicals it is not carried at drug stores it can be bought at a grocers under various trade names ask for a colorless cleaning powder that makes no lather after varnish is removed rinse off all traces of the solution with clear water and allow the wood to dry thoroughly you can have the floors scraped with a floor sanding machine this will save you hours of work and eliminate much of the mess that goes with a liquid varnish remover job a a KITCHEN IS COLD question the kitchen does not heat as much as the living and dining room and bath this is a hot air furnace and it is centrally located in the basement answer when installing a heating system the contractor usually allows for the heat generated by the kitchen range when cooking and puts in a smaller radiator or hot air duct it if more heat beat is desired a larger air duct and opening will be necessary a washing outside paint question quei tion I 1 should like to wash the outside of our house the paint seems to be all right but it is very dirty what is the best way to do a good job answer you can wash the painted surfaces with plain soap and water or you can use a solution of washing soda or phosphate in water do not use the solution stronger than a tablespoon to a pall pail of water it if you do the paint will be damaged to simplify the work use a scrubbing brush on a long handle your garden hose it if you have one would be handy for rinsing tarnished kitchen sink question my kitchen sink is badly tarnished how can I 1 bleach it white again answer clean the sink by rubbing with a paste of a scouring powder and a half and half mixture of ammonia and water rinse well with clear water if the stains still remain you may be able to bleach them out with a solution of javelle water left in the sink overnight use about a quarter cup cupful ful in each gallon of water and stir well amateur insulation question we are going to build buffa a small home the shell or inside frame will be of old lumber I 1 can get wood shavings to pack between the walls for insulation Is this advisable vi sable or would there be danger of termites or mice answer do not consider using the shavings for it would hold moisture and attract insects mice and other vermin which would find it an ideal breeding place get good commercial material leaking aquarium question my goldfish aquarium has developed a leak can you suggest something that would make it answer A good cement for that purpose is mixed to a paste w with glycerin for an alternative use an asphalt roof cement stiffened with a small amount of dry portland cement |