During the 1930s, the tobacco company W.D and H.O.Wills gave away colourful and entertaining collectors ‘cigarette trade cards’ in packets of their cigarettes. ‘Household hints’ was issued several times, in slightly different editions from 1930 to 1939. Some of the ideas look antiquated and redundant but occasionally there are forgotten gems that are pertinent today. I am sharing this series as a historical glimpse into yesterday’s home maintenance and the occasional addition to solutions for the modern home.
4. Ridding a carpet of moths
“Regular brushing or vacuum cleaning should as a rule keep a carpet free from moths. If, however, a carpet has become infested, the following method of treatment should destroy all the moths eggs in the material, and thus prevent future damage.
Dissolve a quarter pound of rock ammonia in a pail containing about half a gallon of boiling water. Immerse the centre of a large house-cloth in the liquid keeping the edges dry by hanging them over the sides of the pail, as shown on left. Wring the cloth by the dry ends, lay flat on the carpet and iron with a very hot iron until dry. Go over the entire carpet in this manner.”
Maybe this tip should mention opening all the windows while carrying out this procedure. The ammonia may kill the moth eggs, but you may ‘lay flat on the carpet’ too while you toil. Rock Ammonia is Ammonium carbonate- still available for photographic processing. This is their suggestion-
Precautions: Keep container tightly closed and store in a cool place. Do not heat as irritating fumes will be evolved. Use with adequate ventilation and do not breathe the fumes. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Avoid breathing fumes from solid or solutions as irritation may result.
