Furniture and Furnishings

Furniture and Furnishings 3(1+2)

Lesson 08: Care And Maitenance Of Different Types Of Furniture

The Care And Cleaning Of Glass

Glass has been in use for centuries. Decorative, coloured, plain and designed glass can be seen almost everywhere. Some coloured and designed chandeliers are made of hand-blown glass. Glass is made by heating silica (sand) along with an alkali (lime). Glass containing lime is cheap, brittle and unfit for etching. It is usually pressed into shape. Expensive, clear and good quality glass can be made by adding lead to the usual glass ingredients. It is very well suited for outting and etching. Shaping of glass by blowing is the oldest method but is still very popular. The beauty of blown glass is dependent upon the skill of the worker. Handblown glass is more lustrous and fragile than moulded glass. A good quality plain glass or crystal glass has resonance when tapped with a pencil or fingers. Frosting, bubbling, hobnailing are some of the other finishes given to glass.

Loose dirt is wiped from the glass with a soft duster. It is washed with soapy water, using a brush to reach all corners. Rinsing of glass with water to which a little vinegar has been added, gives it as shine. It is left to drain on a wire rack. The use of a cloth duster may leave bits of fluff sticking to glass. Cut glass can be cleaned with a brush dipped in a little methylated sprit to give it a sparkle. Water stains on jugs can be removed by dissolving them with sodium bicarbonate mixed with lime juice or vinegar.

Window panes should preferably be cleaned on a bright and sunny day. Fly specks can be removed by rubbing them with a little methylated spirit. Rinsing in taped water to which one table spoon of ammonia is added helps to remove grease and grease borne stains. Rubbing window panes with a moist wad of newspaper gives good results. Gentle rubbing with powdered whiting ensures removal of all stains.