Unit 2: Colours in Decoration►

Unit 1: Home care

  • Unit 1: Home care

    Key Unit Competency


    To be able to identify and safely use cleaning materials, tools and cleaning products.

    Learning objectives


    After studying this topic, I should be able to:

         • Explain the different types of soil.
         • Handle different types of soil.
         • Identify appropriate cleaning materials, tools and cleaning products.
         • Use cleaning materials, tools and cleaning products safely.

    Introduction


    Look at pictures A and B below. What is happening in picture B? After the Activity in this picture, in which classroom would you prefer staying in? Why? Write down some disadvantages of staying in classroom A.




    The facts

    A house, a shelter or a home is a basic necessity for all human beings. It is therefore important to keep them clean and tidy. The cleanliness and orderliness of a house or a home should therefore be ensured by all inhabitants of that particular house or home. Living in dirty and unpleasant places is a major health hazard. For proper comfort, good health and safety, we should keep our surroundings free from dirt and germs.

    1.1 Types of soils


    You probably have heard people talking of ‘soiled clothes. What do they mean?


    The facts

    Soil is any substance that stains. They make things unpresentable. There are various types of soils around us. They include:

                    • Dust                                 • Stain

                    • Fixed dirt                          • Tarnish

    Let us look at these types of soils in more details.

    (a) Dust


    Activity 1.1: Research activity

    Find out from the library or the internet the various methods used to remove dust. Write them in your notebook and share with your friends.

    Dust is made up of loose particles that may either be organic or inorganic in nature. The substances found in dust are normally light. They can therefore easily be carried around by air to settle on various surfaces. These surfaces include clothes windows, walls, shoes among others. Germs will always thrive where dust settles. It is therefore important to keep all surfaces in the home free from dust.

                                                

    The facts

    Methods of removing dust

    The various methods used to remove dust include:

                • Sweeping
                • Dusting
                • Use of a vacuum cleaner

    (a) Sweeping
                                      
    • It is done by use of a broom.
    • The broom should be long enough to make the user comfortable.
    • One should use low and long strokes when sweeping to avoid dispersing dirt.
    • Sweeping must be done from the furthest corner towards the door.
    • All the dirt is collected by use of a dust pan brush into the dust bin.
    • It should be wrapped in swape paper and thrown into the dust bin.
    • The broom and equipment used for sweeping should be dusted away from the house and stored appropriately.

    Practice sweeping using a long broom as shown in Fig. 1.4.

    (b) Dusting                                   
     

    • This is removal of loose dirt by use of a duster.
    • The duster should be made from a fl offy and absorbent material.
    • The duster should be folded into a pad and used appropriately for removing loose dirt which has settled on surfaces.
    • Dusting which is done on levels which the hand can reach is called low-dusting.High dusting is done by use of a feather duster or a soft broom tied on a long stick.
    • High dusting helps to remove dirt from high walls and the ceiling in the house.

    Practice dusting as shown in Fig. 1.5.

    (c) Use of vacuum cleaners

    • This is a method of removing loose dirt through sunction process.

    • The vacuum cleaner works by creating a vacuum within itself, when it is passed over surfaces, it sucks air into its bag.

    • The air which is sucked from surfaces moves into the dispose bag together with all the loose dirt hence leaving a clean surface.

                     

    Note

    • Loose dirt can be removed using pieces of cloth. The clothes used for dusting must be highly absorbent. Clothes made of cotton are encouraged.

    • Dust should be removed as fast as possible. This helps to prevent it from spreading to other surfaces.

    • Cleaning should be done systematically; that is, from the top downwards. This helps to prevent dust from settling on already cleaned areas.

    • In areas such as sick rooms or bays, dusting can be done using a wet piece of cloth. This prevents lifting up of dust.

    • Dip the piece of cloth into water in a basin, squeeze as shown below then use it to wipe the surface. This act is called wringing.

                                     

                My environment, my life!

    When dry dusting, do not beat off dust from the piece of cloth. This will cause the dust to fl y around. When the dust is inhaled, it can lead to serious respiratory problems.

                   1. What other things do you know that get dusty?
                    2. What are some of the dangers caused by dust?
                   3. Practice removing dirt from dusty surfaces in your classroom.

    b) Fixed dirt


    This is dust that is mixed with water or grease. Such dirt is normally fi rmly heldon a surface. Fixed dirt can be removed from a surface using a wet piece of cloth.

                               

    Greasy dirt will require water and a detergent to remove it.

        1. Give other examples of fixed dirt found either at your home or at school.

        2. What can we do to avoid fixed dirt?

    Methods of removing fixed dirt

    Fixed dirt can be removed by either scrubbing or wiping.

    (a) Scrubbing
                                  
    • This is done by use of scrubbing brush and warm soapy water.
    • Scrubbing is done after loose dirt has been removed from the surface.
    • The surface should be scrubbed portion by portion, ensuring each portion is clean until the whole surface is done.
    • The surface should be dried and buffed to shine.

    Practice scrubbing a silver pot as shown in Fig. 1.9 above.

    (b) Wiping

    • This is removal of fixed dirt by rubbing it with a piece of cloth dipped in warm water mixed with detergent.
    • The surface is then rinsed by wiping with a cloth dipped in clean water.
                                      
    Practice wiping the surfaces of your desks, chairs and tables in your classroom.

    Note

    • Remove the fixed dirt immediately you see it. Old dirt can be difficult to remove and it may even damage the surface.

    • Choice of detergent (either soapy or soapless) to be used will depend on the nature of the surface being cleaned and the nature of the dirt as well. Greasy dirt will come out more easily when soapy detergent is used.

    • Brushes and abrasives (scouring powders and pads) are used alongside detergents and water to remove fixed dirt. Warm water can also be used when the stains are too stubborn.

    • Grease solvents such as kerosene, benzene and turpentine can also be used to dissolve greasy dirt.

    • Absorbents such as chalk and blotting paper can be used to absorb greasy dirt as well.

    Activity 1.2

    You will clean tables and chairs in your classroom to remove fixed dirt in this activity. Gather all the tools and materials you will need. Use the steps above under scrubbing to remove the dirt. Did you encounter any challenges. How did you overcome them?.

    (c) Stain


    Stains are any discolorations on a surface or a fabric. Examples include blood stains, grease stains, fruit juice stains or food stains. Stains spoil the overall appearance of a garment or surface making it less presentable.

    Methods of removing stains

    • Different stain removers may be used based on the type of surface/fabric or nature and source of the stain. These can range from bleaches to various solvents.

    • Stains must be removed while still fresh; the longer they stay on a fabric/surface, the more stubborn they become.

    • Water-based stains are easier to remove because they easily dissolve in water. This becomes easier when the removal of such stains is done immediately. An example of a water-based stain is blood stain.

    • Oil-based stains may be having either wax, grease or oil. This means they need to be dissolved and cleaned by use of a cleaning agent such as soap.


    • Stained garments should not be ironed until the stain is completely removed. Ironing may set the stain on the garment permanently.
    Practicing removing stains from a piece of cloth by washing as shown in Fig. 1.11 above.

    Rules for stain removal

    • Remove stains as soon as they occur.

    • Try to remove the stains using plain water, or any other appropriate solvent before washing the article in detergent.

    • Establish the type of fabric/surface stained (read the labels on garment). This will help you to choose the appropriate stain remover.

    • Work from the outside (where the stain is) to the inside (where the stain is not as much) so as not to continue spreading the stain.

    • After removing the stain, rinse the surface or garment thoroughly to remove any stain removing agents.

    Discussion corner

    Do you have any traditional rules that you apply when removing stains? Discuss about some of them with your friend.

    Principles of stain removal

    • Acidic stains are removed using alkaline reagents, for example, ammonia solution is used for removing fruit stains.

    • Alkaline stains are removed using acidic reagents, for example, oxalic acid can remove iron rust.

    • Water is used for removing water-based stains, for example, mud.

    • Alcohol or gin stains should be removed by use of reagents which contain alcohol.

    • Protein stains such as blood and raw eggs are removed by use of cold water.

    • Detergents are used to remove greasy stains; grease solvents can also be used.

                1. What other types of stains do you always come across?
                2. What do you do to remove these types of stains?
                3. What can you do to minimize stain accidents?

    (d) Tarnish


    Activity 1.3: Research Activity

    Find out from textbooks in the library or the internet what tarnish is and how it can be removed. Write short notes and share with your group members.

    The facts

    Tarnish is a thin layer of corrosion that forms over metals in the presence of air. This happens as their outermost layer undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of moisture and oxygen. Some metals such as silver tarnish when exposed to hydrogen sulphide. However, oxygen will also cause it to tarnish over time. The tarnished surface will normally have a dull, gray or black film or coating.
                                        

    Unlike rust, tarnish only affects the top few layers of the surface. The layer of tarnish seals and prevents the underlying layers from reacting. Tarnish preserves the underlying metal in outdoor use by forming a layer known as patina. This layer is necessary in application of copper roofing and outdoor copper, bronze and brass statues and fittings.

    1. Where else have you come across a tarnished surface?
    2. How do you normally remove tarnish when you find it at home or at school?
    3. How can you protect surfaces from tarnish?

    Methods of removing tarnish

    • Tarnish can be removed by using fine steel wool, sandpaper emery paper, or a file to polish the tarnished metal surfaces.
              

    • Fine objects (such as silverware) may have the tarnish electrochemically removed. This can be done by lining the objects on a piece of aluminium foil in a pot of boiling water with a small amount of salt or baking soda. It can also be removed using a special polishing compound such as toothpaste and a soft piece of cloth or sponge.

    Steps to follow

    1. Choose plain white tooth paste.
    2. Put the tooth paste on a dampened piece of cloth or sponge.
                          

    3. Gently rub the tarnished silverware in back and forth motion.
              

    4. Add more tooth paste and continue rubbing until all the tarnish is cleared.
    5. Rinse the silverware using warm water then dry using soft towel.
                          

    Follow the steps above to clean a tarnished spoon.

    • Gentle abrasives, like calcium carbonate, are often used by museums to clean tarnished silver. These are preferred because they cannot damage or scratch the silver and will not leave unwanted residues. Follow the same procedure as above.

    Note

    (a) Applying a thin coat of polish can prevent tarnish from forming over metals.

    (b) Tarnish does not only affect metallic surfaces, it can also be found on fabrics. The following procedure can be used to remove the discoloration on fabrics.

    1. Soak a cleaning cloth with mild bleach, such as white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice or paint thinner.
                 

    2. Sponge the solution onto the stain. Rotate the cleaning cloth to a clean area as the stain will have transferred to it.

    3. If needed, scrub the cleaning solution into the stain with a soft-bristled brush such as a nail brush or an old toothbrush.
    4. Rinse the fabric well; then wash it as usual.

    5. If the stain is stubborn, use sour milk. You can make sour milk by mixing vinegar and milk in a bowl. Put the stained area of the item in the bowl. Let the stain soak in the sour milk for about 30 minutes, then wash it as usual.

    1. Which types of soil are common in your home and school? Specify where these forms of soil are normally found.
    2. Explain how you would clean a painted wall that has mud stains stuck on it.
    3. Why is it important to first remove stains from an article before washing it in detergent?
    4. Explain why it is advantageous that tarnish is different from rust. (Explain the differences and also why tarnish is easier to deal with than rust).


    1.2 Cleaning materials, tools and cleaning products


    Which things do you use when cleaning at home? What are they used for?


    The facts

    Cleaning materials and tools are those equipment used in cleaning and removal of dirt. They include brooms (see Fig. 1.19), mops, brushes and buckets, among others. On the other hand, cleaning products are agents that are used in the process of cleaning. They include detergents, grease absorbents, grease solvents, toilet cleaners and glass cleaners.

              

    We will begin looking at cleaning materials and tools.


    Cleaning materials and tools


           
    We use these tools for cleaning:

    (a) Brooms

    Brooms have a handle and a head. The handle could either be made of wood, metal or plastic. For wood, it could either be plain, painted or varnished. The heads are filled with bristles of fibres. The broom fibres may be made of animal hair, vegetable fibre, grass, straw or synthetic fi laments. Brooms are mostly used for sweeping smooth surfaces and removing cobwebs from our houses and classrooms.

    (b) Brushes

    Brushes are shorter than brooms. They may also have handles or lack them. The bristles of most brushes are short and hard; mostly made of synthetic fi bres.

    The facts

    The following are some common types of brushes we use at home and at school.

     

    Care and maintenance of brooms and brushes

    Discussion corner

    In groups, talk about how you can maintain brooms and brushes. Write short notes and share with other class members.

    The facts

    Some ways of caring for brooms and brushes include:

    1. Wash in warm soapy water.

    2. Wash the bristles by flicking them in water to remove dirt. (If there are any remaining fluff, bits of hair and dirt, remove them using a wire or smooth stick).

    3. Rinse in warm water, then rinse again in cold water to freshen the bristles.

    4. Clean the handle carefully, depending on the material used.

    5. Flick the broom to remove excess water.

    6. Dry the brooms outside by either hanging, or placing them sideways to drip.

    Remember: Wood gets soaked when left wet for long. If this is done repetitively, the handle will quickly rot.


    Quality check!

    Whenever we are buying brooms and brushes, we must consider the surface we will be cleaning them with. The hardness or softness of the bristles has to be well considered. The handles also have to be comfortable.

    Note: Ensure you remove fluff, threads and bits of hair trapped during cleaning after using the brooms and brushes.

    (c) Buckets and basins

    Activity 1.6

    Identify the buckets and basins shown below by giving their names, functions and materials they are made of.


    The facts

    Buckets are roughly cylindrical open containers with handles. They can be made of either metal or plastic. They are mainly used to hold and carry liquids. The plastic ones are however more popular because of their light weight, non-rust, easy to wash, variety of colors and they are also not as noisy as metallic buckets. Basins on the other hand are wide open containers used for holding liquids. They are available in both metallic, enamel and plastic options. However, the plastic ones are more preferred due to the stated reasons under buckets.

    Note: Protect the plastic buckets and basins from excess heat, fire and the sun. These cause them to warp. Also, avoid using harsh abrasives; they make the plastics rough.

                            My environment, my life!
    Care should be taken when disposing plastics. We must avoid burning plastics. Let us protect our environment!

    c) Mops

    Activity 1.7

    Practice mopping the classrooms in your school. Write down the steps that you followed in your notebook. Compare your steps with those of your friends. Correct the steps and repeat mopping the classroom.

    The facts

    Mops are implements consisting of a bundle of thick loose strings or a sponge attached to a handle. They are used for cleaning floors or other surfaces. A mopping bucket is used to make wringing the mop easier.
                                     

    Care and maintenance of mops

    Discussion corner

    Discuss about the various types of mops you know and how to maintain them.

    The facts

    How to maintain a mop:

    • Wash in warm soapy water.
    • Use a little friction to remove fixed dirt. Do this carefully so as not to pull out the spring or mess up the sponge.


                                          

    • Rinse severally in warm water to remove traces of soap and dirt.
    • Give a final rinse in cold water with disinfectant.
    • Wring out excess water and dry the mop out in the sun. This helps to remove all moisture and odour.
    • Store in a clean and dry place.

    (d) Dust pans

    Dust pans are mostly used for collecting dirt after sweeping. They can be made of either plastic or metal. The front edge of any dust pan should be fl at and smooth. This is to allow easy collecting of dirt. The handle should be well designed to allow for easy grip.

    A dust pan is used together with a dust pan brush.
                                  

    • Collect the dirt in one place and place the dust pan fl at near the dirt.
    • Use the dust pan brush to sweep all the dirt into the dust pan.
    • Wrap the dirt with a wape paper.
                               
    • Clean and store the dust pan and the brush.

    Note: Remember to always clean the dust pan and the brush after use.

    e) Cleaning clothes

    These are pieces of cloth that are used for dusting and wiping various surfaces. Cleaning clothes should be highly absorbent. The material should be soft but of good quality (with strong fibres). Cleaning clothes should be washed after use. They should also be dried and stored away from dust.

                        
    (f) Dustbins

    Discussion corner

    What kinds of dustbins do you use at school? Discuss this with your friend.


        Generally, we throw dirt into dustbins before it is collectively disposed of. Dustbins are containers, which may either be metallic or plastic, where we throw in all kinds of dirt after clean-up. There are various kinds of dustbins as shown below.


                My environment, my life!

    Let us always be responsible enough to throw all rubbish into a dustbin. We must avoid disposing of trash carelessly!

    g) Vacuum cleaner

    A vacuum cleaner removes dirt by sucking dirt particles into a special bag. The bag is later emptied and cleaned for subsequent use or thrown away. It is very useful especially for cleaning carpeted floors. It is an electrical appliance i.e it uses electricity.


    Cleaning products


    Activity 1.8

    1.What products do you use when doing the following?

            a) Washing clothes
            b) Cleaning the house
            c) Washing utensils

    2. Practice doing the above activities at home with your brother or sister. List the cleaning products that you used.


    The facts

    Apart from the tools, there are other products we use that help us in the cleaning process. These are also called cleaning agents. Examples include water, soap and detergents.

    (a) Water

    Most cleaning processes require water. It is the main solvent used when cleaning various surfaces and articles at home or at school. There are two types of water: hard water and soft water. Hard water contains an appreciable quantity of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium. Soft water is treated water and the only ion present is sodium. When hard water combines with soap, a precipitate of calcium and magnesium compounds form. This precipitate is called scum. Scum interferes with the process of dirt removal from surfaces by redisposing the loosened dirt back onto the cleaned surface. It also makes the fabric being washed dirty.

         My environment, my life!

    We should avoid careless disposal of dangerous chemicals in our environment. Such chemicals can seep into the soil and affect the water table.

    Note: Use water moderately during cleaning of various surfaces. Different surfaces react differently to water. Prolonged wetting may spoil surfaces such as wood that become sodden. It is advisable therefore to clean such surfaces with a damp piece of cloth wrung out of water.

    (c) Cleaning detergents

    Detergents are substances that loosen and emulsify dirt making it easy for them to be removed from surfaces. There are various types of detergents with a wide range of uses. Can you name some detergents that you know? What is the difference between them?

    Activity 1.9

    1. Look at the pictures below with a friend. Do you recognise the things in the pictures? What are they used for?

             

    2. List other cleaning detergents that you know.

    The facts

    Detergents are substances used together with water for washing and doing general cleaning. They can be soap or soapless detergents. Soap is usually made of a compound of natural oils or fats mixed with sodium hydroxide or any other strong alkali. Most soaps typically have perfume and colouring added. They also come in various shapes and sizes. Their uses also vary, for example, we have soaps for washing dishes, bathing soaps, soaps for doing laundry and those meant for general cleaning. Soaps can also be either in form of bars or in liquid form. On the other hand, most soapless detergents are in powder form.

    Money matters!
    Always store detergents in a cool and dry place to ensure that their effectiveness is preserved. This ensures value for money.

    The facts

    Apart from water and cleaning detergents, there are other cleaning products that we can use during cleaning. They include:

    • Abrasives – they are commercially available in forms of pastes and powders. They help remove fixed dirt from surfaces by scratching it off.

    • Grease solvents – these are mostly hydrocarbons that contain hydrogen and carbon. They can be used to dissolve grease and remove stains when cleaning surfaces in the home.

    • Grease absorbents – these include fi ne powders such as chalk. They are usually spread on surfaces to take in and remove grease from fabrics and other surfaces. Blotting paper can also be used as a grease absorbent.

    • Acids - mild acids for example, citric acid, vinegar and oxalic acid are commonly used to remove stains when cleaning surfaces and fabrics at home.

    • Alkalis - they are also known as bases. They are used in diluted form. Their concentrated forms are very corrosive, so we should take care!

    • Bleaches - these are substances that improve the white color of fabrics; it is mostly used on linen and cotton clothes and articles.

    • Salt – salt is used in removal of stains especially those of blood, mucus and ink, from textile fabrics. It is also used in polishing tarnished metals.

    Health check!

    Be careful when selecting soaps or detergents for doing laundry and washing clothes. When a soap is irritating to your skin, stop using it immediately!

    Natural cleaning products

    Activity 1.10
    Look at the cleaning products given by your teacher. In groups, talk about what they are used for. Group them based on the above descriptions. Come up with a table like the one shown below.

    The facts

    The table below shows other examples of cleaning products and their uses.


     
     
    Activity 1.11

    Assuming that your teacher requested you to clean your uniforms, describe the cleaning tools, materials and products you would use. Clean the uniform using these things.

    Match the following cleaning tools, materials and products with their correct uses.


    1.3 Associated health and hygiene risks


    Activity 1.12

    1. Look at the photographs below with a friend.

                 

    2. Identify the differences between the two photographs. List them down in your notebooks.

    3. What caused corrosion in iron sheet A? Do you think this is possible with human beings as they use cleaning detergents?

    The facts

    Household cleaning products and agents are mostly chemicals. They can therefore have adverse effects both on the user and the surface being cleaned if care is not taken. The following are some of the risks of doing clean-up both at home and at school, and the safety measures to be taken.

    Table 1.7: Risks and safety measures when using cleaning products

    Activity 1.13

    Practice dressing up appropriately for clean-up. Go ahead and carry out cleaning of the house at home.

    Remember the facts!

    • Dirt is any substance that stains. Dirt makes things unpresentable.
    • The following are types of soils:
             - Dust
             - Fixed dirt
             - Stain
             - Tarnish
    • To keep the house clean, various materials, tools and cleaning products must be used to help get rid of the various kinds of soil.
    • Cleaning materials and tools are those equipment used in cleaning and removal of dirt.
    • Cleaning products are agents that are used in the process of cleaning.
    • Examples of cleaning materials and tools are:
            - Brooms
            - Brushes
            - Buckets
            - Basins
            - Mops
            - Dust pans
            - Dustbins
            - Cleaning clothes
            - Vacuum cleaners
    • Cleaning products include:
                - Water
                - Soap
                - Soapless detergents
                - Bleaches
                - Abrasives
                - Alkalis
    • It is important to take necessary precautions when doing clean up.

    Test your competence 1

    1. Mention the factors that would determine choice of a stain remover to be used.
    2. What precautions should you take when using grease solvents?
    3. a) What is dust?
        b) Where is it mostly found?
        c) How can dust be minimized?

    4. Practice doing the following at home:
    a) Dusting tables and chairs
    b) Sweeping
    c) Removing fixed dirt from a surface
    d) Washing a table cloth to remove stains

    5. Write True or False.
    a) Stain and fixed dirt are one and the same thing. _______
    b) Tarnish is a permanent stain on metals which can be removed. _____
    c) Grease solvents are made up of acids and bases. ______
    d) Soap is a grease solvent. _______

    6. Describe how best you would treat the following stains:
    a) Blood stain on a chopping board.
    b) Fresh tea stain on a white table cloth.
    c) Tarnish on an ornamental trophy.

    7. Why is it necessary to consider the hardness or softness of bristles when buying a brush?
    8. Find and circle five artificial cleaning products from the grid below.

             

    9. How can we prevent formation of tarnish on metallic surfaces?
    10. What would you tell a classmate who does not like mopping?
    11. Which one of the following is not a use of buckets and basins?
           A. Collecting water
           B. Collecting dust
           C. Storing water
           D. Doing laundry
    12. What specific types of surfaces can we use bleaches on?
    13. Why is it important for one to dress up appropriately when doing cleanup?
    14. What measures has your school taken to ensure that health and hygiene risks are covered?
    15. Today, we are living in a world with a lot of economic hardships. How would you ensure that you avoid wastage during a cleaning exercise?


    Glossary


    Abrasive: This is a substance that is able to wear away by friction and is used for smoothening or polishing surfaces.

    Baking soda/Sodium Bicarbonate: This refers to powder used for removing stains from metallic surfaces. It creates a glossy appearance on surfaces.

    Bleach: This is a term used to refer to the act of removing a colour from something.Borax/Sodium

    Borate: Powder used for polishing surfaces. It improves the cleansing power in washing detergents. It also prevents formation of moulds.

    Bristle: These are the short, stiff and rough hairs used for making brushes.

    Corrosion: Wearing out of metallic surfaces by the action of air.

    Dust: This is a collection of finely powdered earth or other matter in the air.

    Enamel: Iron covered with a plastic resin that is meant to prevent it from rusting.

    High dusting: This refers to dusting high places beyond the arm-length. It is done by use of a cobweb brush.

    Mould: Mould is fur-like fungus which grows on organic matter causing it to decay.

    Scum: This is the layer of whitish precipitate formed when hard water reacts with soap.

    Sodium carbonate: This is washing soda used to improve the cleansing action of soaps. It is a grease solvent and also acts as a disinfectant.

    Soil: This refers to any foul or filthy substance such as dirt or stain.

    Solvent: This is a liquid that dissolves other substances, often called solutes to form a solution.

    Stain: This refers to any discolouration on a fabric or a surface, which requires special reagents to remove.

    Patina: This is the layer of material formed when a metal surface such as copper or bronze tarnishes.

    Tarnish: This is corrosion that forms on the surface of a metal due to their reaction with air.

    Vacuum cleaner: This is a machine used for removing loose dirt from surfaces. It creates a vacuum in the dust bag and sucks the air together with dust into the bag.

    Vinegar: This is acetic acid used to remove alkaline grease and mildew stains. It is also used for cleaning glass to give it a glossy appearance.



Unit 2: Colours in Decoration►