Q–I have several old oil lamps and am interested in converting them to electrical power. Could you tell me how?
–San Luis Obispo, Calif.
A–Antique oil lamps are easy to convert to electricity. Here’s how to do so:
1. Begin by unscrewing the metal burner, which holds the wick and chimney clamps, from the oil lamp.
In order to fit the lamp with a converter, you’ll need to take the burner with you to a specialty lighting store; the converters come in three sizes. If your lamp doesn’t have a burner, measure the diameter of the oil-reservoir opening.
Other supplies you’ll need include a lamp socket, a standard lamp cord and plug, and a few household tools.
2. Clean oil reservoir well. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Screw converter into the oil reservoir.
3. Pry the metal cap from the lamp socket using a screwdriver. Feed the end of the lamp cord through the hole on the side of the converter, out the top hole, then through the socket cap.
Use a knife or needle-nose pliers to split the end of the cord about 3 inches, separating the two wires. Strip the rubber insulation from the tips of the wires.
Remove the housing of the socket, uncovering the screws for the electrical contacts. Wrap the end of the wires around the contacts (gold wire to gold contact, silver to silver), and tighten the screws.
Screw socket cap into converter. Gently pull cord back through the converter until it is taut, and reassemble socket.
Q–Can you please tell me how to preserve a wedding gown without having it done professionally?
–Nashville
A–It is essential that the dress be cleaned and pressed by a specialist, who will have the expertise and supplies to work with the fine fabric and complex construction of a wedding gown. Have it cleaned as soon as possible after the wedding to prevent any spots from setting.
You can, however, pack the dress yourself. It needs to be kept in an acid-free environment to help keep the fabric from yellowing. Your cleaner may be able to provide you with a large acid-free box and acid-free tissue paper; if not, purchase them from an archival supplier.
Begin by lining the box thoroughly with the tissue paper. Gently fold the skirt so it will fit into the box; the bodice should end up on top. Make as few folds as possible and layer tissue in each fold.
Stuff the sleeves and bodice with tissue paper so they maintain their shape. Layer several more sheets of tissue over the top, close the box and tape it shut.
Q–I have some stains on my marble floor as a result of splattering vinegar on it.
–La Grange Park
A–Many kinds of stone are porous, making them susceptible to stains.
Granite is among the most durable and impenetrable; marble is a little softer and absorbent, and more prone to stains and discoloration.
Your spill may not be a stain at all–it may be damage caused to the surface of the stone. Acids literally can dissolve marble, and even a mild one such as vinegar could do some harm.
Try the following stain removers–if they have no effect, contact a professional about having the area re-buffed.
To remove a stain from a marble floor, there are a couple of options. A spot remover for clothes called K2r often is effective–apply it to the area and let it stand for about half an hour before wiping away.
Or you can use a poultice made specifically for deep-cleaning marble and limestone. Spread the poultice mixture over the stain, cover with plastic wrap and let it stand for at least 24 hours. It should draw the stain out of the stone.
Look for poultices at good hardware stores and stone-restoring companies. After using a poultice, the stone will need to be resealed. Stone sealers also are available at hardware stores; apply them according to the package instructions. This sealer also will help other spills from becoming stains.
Repeated cleanings will only wear away the protective coating of a sealer or polish and dull the sheen of the stone. The most important thing you can do to keep stone surfaces clean is wipe up anything that spills immediately. For routine cleaning, use a mild household soap, then rinse and dry with a soft cloth.
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Martha Stewart welcomes letters. She cannot reply individually, but you may write to her in care of the Chicago Tribune, Home section, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60611.
