Cleaning The Log Burner

 

Recently, I spent an afternoon visiting a friend and opposite me sat a shiny log burner with a clean glass in the door and a pretty arrangement inside the firebox (remember, it is summer here).

I came home and sat in front of a dull log burner with very dirty glass, and felt like I was missing the mark somewhere.

Mr Google to the rescue!  Lots of information on the best way to clean that dirty door.

Brush off any loose ash, then dip a paper kitchen towel in some water and squeeze out before dipping it into some of the fine ash in the firebox (you don’t want cinders as they may scratch the glass).

Now wipe off all that gunk from the glass – it is really that easy!

Use a clean damp paper towel to rinse off, and then another one dipped in 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water to remove the last smears.

Dry off with a clean dry paper towel.

The exterior was given a good wipe down with a damp cloth, but I haven’t managed any arrangement in the firebox.  That is possibly just a bit too fancy for this household!

You learn something new every day 😊

Margaret.

Clean Gumboots

 

I have worn rubber gumboots for farm work, wading through shallow flood waters, working in a muddy garden, and for washing cars, but nowadays I use them for hanging out the washing on the clothesline when the grass is wet!

Gumboots, sometimes known as Rain Boots or Wellies, should be a staple wardrobe item for anyone who ventures outdoors in wet and muddy conditions.

New Zealand’s leading brand of rubber gumboots are hand-made Skellerup Red Bands, and every year or so I give my ones a good clean.

Not too dirty, but caring for them gives them a longer life

I start by washing them in the laundry tub with lukewarm water and a little dishwashing detergent, making sure to never let any water enter the inside of the gumboot.  Usually a cloth is adequate for this, but sometimes a stiff brush is needed to clean the cleats of the sole.

Cleaning the Gumboots

The gumboots are then rubbed down with a dry cloth and left to air dry (rubber boots should never be exposed to artificial heat or prolonged direct sunlight, as it can cause them to perish).

As a child, our gumboots used to fill up with gunk which we cheerfully called Toe Jam!  Today, thankfully, I am no longer so messy and the inside lining of my boots remains clean and smellie-free.

Take the nice clean dry gumboots and polish with a little olive oil on a rag or kitchen paper towel.  Start at the top and work down, doing a small area at a time, and NEVER put any on the soles (unless you want to try skating in them!).

Feeling loved, and ready for another year

After a few minutes, I dry them off with a clean paper towel before storing them in their cupboard at the back door.

I always tuck them away in the car if I am going on a long trip anywhere.  One never knows when my tootsies may need some extra protection!

Have a great day 😊

Margaret.