The secrets of success

Mrs Soup, domestic goddess, reveals her key source documents...

Today's top tip

Washing machine: when a lot of washing is done, a gas-heated machine with power-driven agitator is a worth while investment, as it will wash and boil. Smaller models have a folding or detachable wringer; a larger one has a power-driven reversible wringer, and can be wheeled to the sink, so that clothes are wrung into the rinsing water. The under-draining-board model has an automatic emptying pump.