Shouldwestopwqstingtimeonhousework.doc

Should we stop wasting time on housework? A school has been set up to teach people how to run a home. But in an age of fast living and a culture of convenience, do we still care about keeping up appearances? Lessons in household standards and daily graces, laundry skills, wardrobe care, how to answer the door and afternoon tea. It sounds like the sort of housekeeping that would be much more in keeping with period drama Downton Abbey than the 21st Century. But at a private property in Cheshire, a new academy is offering just that. So what type of person are these courses hoping to attract? Alexandra Messervy, who founded the Household Academy, says while some courses - which cost between ￡145 and ￡795 - target real VIP private housekeepers, others are aimed at anyone. Continue reading the main story Find out more Womans Hour went to the Household Academy for Fridays programme Its broadcast weekdays on Radio 4 at 1000 GMT Or listen again on iPlayer There are one-day courses for newlyweds, students, chalet staff, people setting up home for the first time, domestic goddesses, she says. Far from being an outdated concept, Ms Messervy argues a generation is crying out for help on how to run their home efficiently. People no longer know traditional skills - how to remove a stain from a garment, how to change a plug, pack properly or clean silver. Thirty or 40 years ago they would have been taught that by their parents, but now they are either too busy or dont know themselves. Continue reading the main story Household Academys top tips If you burn a saucepan, boil up water and vinegar in it and leave to soak overnight Keep a tub of bicarbonate of soda to remove household stains Add two teaspoons sugar to each wash for silk items to restore body Dab of clear nail varnish on buttons fuses threads together to stop unravelling Drop essential oil into iron to ensure laundry smells fresh Clean glass shower doors with leftover white wine or solution of vinegar and water Disinfect