YOUR VACUUM CLEANER, with its array of special attachments, is one of your vital labor savers. If it is to do its work at peak efficiency it should be cleared regularly of dirt and dust. When you empty the bag-type dust container, rub the sides of the bag together to loosen embedded dirt. Every now and then take it outdoors, turn it wrong side out, and brush it thoroughly. The air you use to remove dirt is sucked out through the bag and the efficiency of your machine will be lowered if the current of air has to fight its way through dust-clogged pores. Machines fitted with filter pads need additional attention. The filter pads should be taken out now and then and vacuumed free of dust. About every six months they should be replaced. For top performance dust containers should be emptied each time you do your regular vacuum cleaning. Vacuum the brushes clean too before you put your machine away. Dust containers using water should be washed with soap and water after they are emptied. They should then be dried and replaced.

THE ROUTINE CARE of electric dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, ranges, and garbage grinders is discussed in the chapter, We're in the Kitchen. These are general instructions. They are not intended to supplant manufacturers' instructions for care and use. They may not cover the full range of electric equipment in your home but they can serve as a guide regarding other appliances. Use care with all your electrical aids, especially those that generate heat irons, cooking equipment, and heaters. Be especially careful about electric heaters in the bathroom. Never switch them on or off with wet hands or from the bathtub. Always disconnect such equipment from the outlet when you have finished using it, whether or not it has a switch. Electric equipment deserves to be pampered because it saves today's housekeeper hours of back breaking drudgery.

REPAIRS. And now, in closing this chapter, we offer a bit of advice about repairs to electrical equipment. If a small appliance breaks down and you do not have a repairman who inspires your confidence, box it, wrap it, and send it back to the factory. Usually you can find the name and address stamped somewhere on the equipment. With the box send a letter. Address and stamp this letter and fasten it to the outside of the package with cellulose tape, or put it inside the box, and mark the package "Letter enclosed." If you enclose the letter, an additional stamp for the letter must be added to the postage. Explain in your letter what the trouble seems to be and ask whether the appliance can be fixed and if so, what the charges will be. Make it a nice letter. If the equipment has given good service and you have enjoyed using it, say so. Address the box to the Care and Maintenance Department of the factory and then wait. You are likely to be surprised at the service you receive. It may take a little time but your repair bill probably will be very low, and the equipment will come back to you functioning perfectly and looking new (provided, of course, that it is "fixable"). Sometimes you will not even be asked to pay for the service. This is because every reputable company wants its customers to be pleased with its products.

The principles hold true for larger equipment. When you write about an appliance too bulky to send, give the model number (stamped somewhere on the equipment) and either ask them to send the part you need, or to give you the name of a repairman in your area who is accredited by the company.

It is very important to remember that we should never switch on or off the electric appliances with wet hands. Always disconnect the equipment after finished using it. If your appliances broke down, you can send them back to the factory for repair, with the explanation on the trouble seems to be.Vacuum cleaner needs to be cleared regularly of dirt and dust. Empty the bag dust container regularly.