Image: Shutterstock
About This Quiz
Home Economics was first offered in colleges and high schools as Domestic Science so women could efficiently run their homes and have time for other pursuits. As time passed, some people misunderstood the purpose of the courses, and many places of learning dropped them or changed the name to "Family and Consumer Sciences." Do you know enough about Home Economics to run a well-organized home? Find out by taking this quiz.
Before preparing food, you should always do what?
Thaw the meat in your freezer.
Wash your hands.
You should wash your hands for 20 seconds using soap and running water. In addition to washing your hands before you begin cooking, you should also wash them immediately after touching raw meat.
Taste the food to see if it has gone bad.
Mop the floor.
What is the first thing you should do before washing a load of laundry?
Dump the laundry soap into the washing machine basket.
Load the machine so all the clothes are on one side.
Fill the washing machine with water and add bleach.
Sort the clothing into different loads.
Sorting laundry by color (whites, darks, lights) protects colors from bleeding onto other colors. In addition, some clothes are delicate or hand washables. Finally, you need to sort clothes that have special care instructions (such as hang dry or dry clean only) from the rest.
Which is the best tool for cleaning windows?
A banana.
A toothbrush.
A squeegee.
Wiping dust from the window or mirror with a clean, dry cloth before using window cleaner and a squeegee gives it the best clean. You should never wash windows on sunny or hot days because the cleaner will dry too quickly.
A lint roller.
Advertisement
Which of the following is not a tool for diapering a baby?
A clean diaper.
A baby bottle.
Both paper and cloth diapers are available for infants. Modern cloth diapers use a diaper cover that is similar to a paper diaper in the way it covers and fastens, eliminating the need for pins.
A clean washcloth or diaper wipes.
A diaper pail.
Before doing any electric work, such as changing a ceiling fan, you should do what?
Make sure you have a pair of wire cutters and a monkey wrench.
Shut off the power in the house.
Before doing any electrical work, you should always shut off the power. Approximately 1,000 people die each year from electrical injuries.
Find out if your home uses AC or DC power.
Call a plumber for advice about the project.
How often should the filters on your furnace be changed?
Only when you replace the furnace.
Once a year.
Twice a year.
Every 1–3 months.
Furnace and air conditioning filters need to be changed every 1–3 months depending on the type of filter you use and the air quality in your home. Pets and smoking can decrease the life of the filter.
Advertisement
When a newborn is riding in a car ...
It should be buckled in the seatbelt with the shoulder strap behind it (only using the lap belt).
You should wear your seatbelt, and the newborn should be held firmly in your arms with a pillow supporting him or her.
The newborn should only ride in a rear-facing carrier or car seat that is secured in the back seat.
The safest place for any child is to ride in the back seat of a vehicle. Never use a car seat, carrier or booster seat that has previously been in an accident.
The infant should only ride in a forward-facing booster seat next to you.
Where does the dinner knife go when setting the table?
On the left side, farthest from the plate with the blade facing toward the plate.
On the right side and closest to the plate with the blade facing toward the plate.
The knife is placed on the right side of the plate and closest to it. Its edge faces toward the plate.
On the top of the plate closest to the plate with the blade facing toward the plate.
On the left side, closest to the plate with the blade facing away from the plate.
What is the safest and best way to dispose of bacon grease?
Wait until it cools and scrape it into the sink in small dollops while cold water is running.
Dump it down the drain while it is still hot and run hot water for 15 minutes afterward.
Allow it to solidify and then use a paper towel to wipe it from the pan and throw it in the trash.
In the United States alone, cooking fat, oil and grease causes around 15,000 sewer backups each year. Worldwide about 50% of all sewer overflows and floods are caused by fats found in the system.
Dump it on your compost pile.
Advertisement
Where are water shut-off valves for a toilet usually located?
Outside by the road.
In the basement.
Under the sink.
On the floor by the toilet.
If you are replacing the toilet or parts of the toilet tank, you will need to shut the water off using the water shut-off valve near the floor by the toilet. If you are replacing the valve or if the toilet does not have one, you will need to shut off the main shut-off valve for the entire house.
How often should the batteries in your smoke detectors be changed even if they are wired to the house?
Once a year.
Even hardwired smoke detectors have backup batteries. Alarms should be tested once a month and replaced every ten years. It is important to have both photoelectric and ionization smoke alarms.
Once a week.
Once a decade.
Once a month.
When you are shopping, how should you dress?
In clothing that makes you look penniless, so you won't be overcharged.
In too-tight clothes and a pair of sunglasses, so the salesperson can't see your eyes and you remember not to impulse buy.
In your best, most expensive clothing, so salespeople pay attention to you.
In comfortable clothing and shoes, so you don't get tired.
Shopping can be a long endeavor and wearing comfortable clothing can make the experience more relaxing and enjoyable. If you are shopping for clothing, make sure to wear items that are easy to take on and off so you can try on the items before buying them.
Advertisement
When you file your nails, what is the proper method?
File in from the edges toward the center of your nail.
You should never use a sawing motion to file your nails. The sawing motion actually weakens your nails and can shred them.
File out from the center toward the edges of your nail.
File each nail from the left side all the way across to the right side.
File each nail using a gentle sawing motion.
Spray starch is best used for which household task?
Cooking.
Ironing.
Starch solution initially took several days to make and was used by dipping the clothing in the starch and allowing it to dry flat before ironing it. Spray starch was invented in 1960.
Washing dishes.
Vacuuming.
What can you place in your refrigerator to help remove odors?
An open box of baking soda.
Baking soda can absorb and neutralize acidic odors. Other items that neutralize odors are silica gel, cat litter, activated charcoal, and fresh coffee grounds.
An open bottle of vinegar.
An uncovered dish of salt.
An open pitcher of water.
Advertisement
Before touching a newborn baby, you should?
Allow the baby to smell the back of your hand.
Give the baby a compliment.
Wash your hands.
Newborn babies have a very weak immune system and can become sick with diseases that do not affect healthy adults. Everyone should wash his or her hands before touching newborns.
Announce loudly that you are going to touch the baby.
When guests are lingering at a dinner party, what is the proper way to let them know it is time to go home?
Tell them goodbye and go to bed.
Stop offering refreshments and begin speaking about the evening in the past tense.
Frequently, when the host or hostess stops offering refreshments, his or her company will understand it is time to go. However, saying something like, "What a great night this was," can also help them realize it is time to go.
Retrieve their coats and give them to them.
Tell them if they don't leave you will have to call the authorities.
How often should you vacuum dryer vents to clean out the lint?
Twice a week.
Twice a year.
Once every two years.
Once a year.
Lint builds up in dryer vents and can become a fire hazard. It is important to inspect vent hoses for holes and clean built up lint at least once a year.
Advertisement
Which is the best way to clean?
Start with the lowest surfaces and work your way up.
Start with the highest surfaces and work your way down.
Since dirt falls downward, you should always start at the highest point when cleaning and work your way down. This prevents you from having to clean areas twice.
Start with the biggest appliances and work your way to the smaller ones.
Start with the smallest appliances and work your way to the bigger ones.
On a sewing pattern, what symbol is used to tell you where to match two pieces of fabric together (such as the sleeve and body of an outfit)?
A diamond.
The diamond on a pattern depicts notch marks. The marks help you line up the sleeves and other pieces of fabric so they are sewn on in the correct position.
A line with a triangle arrow at either end.
A pair of scissors.
A circle with a cross in it.
Before shopping, you should?
Research sales and products.
Make a list.
Set a budget.
All of the above.
When researching sales, make sure you are comparing the same product and size. Also, check other retailers to make sure that one store's sale isn't the regular price at another store.
Advertisement
What is the best item to use to drain spaghetti?
A ladle.
A colander.
A colander is sometimes called a pasta strainer or kitchen sieve. It is also used to rinse vegetables.
A coffee filter.
A whisk.
When sewing a four-hole button back on a shirt, you should?
Use only two of the holes and make a straight line.
First, sew in an "X" pattern and then in an "I I" pattern.
Look at the other buttons to determine the pattern of thread and match them.
When making clothing, an "X" through a four-hole button is standard. However, when you are reattaching a button to a previously constructed shirt, you should follow the pattern the makers of the shirt used.
Purchase fabric glue and glue the button in place while you sew it.
What would be the best fabric to wear for an everyday item?
Muslin.
Muslin is a lightweight cotton cloth. Generally inexpensive, it can be used to create everyday items as well as mock-up test garments for fittings.
Satin.
Chiffon.
Velvet.
Advertisement
What does R. S. V. P. stand for?
Reserve someone's vacation pass.
Read to save your value price.
Respondez, s'il vous plaît.
R. S. V. P. stands for the French phrase "Respondez, s'il vous plait." The phrase means, "please reply," and when written on an invitation, it means one should let the host or hostess know if you are coming to the event or not.
Racemi sacci vaceferi parietem.
What is the best way to get out grass stains?
Rub dandelion flowers over the stain.
Use a pre-wash stain remover.
Grass stains come out best when treated with a pre-wash stain remover, a paste of enzyme-containing dry laundry detergent and water, or enzyme-containing liquid laundry detergent. Some stains should also be soaked in hot water and laundry detergent for a couple of hours before washing in the hottest water the fabric can take.
Make a paste of cold water and baking soda and rub it into the stain.
Spray hairspray on the stain.
Dentists recommend you floss your teeth?
Once a week.
Every other day.
Four times a day.
Once a day.
Although brushing removes surface bacteria and plaque, a special interdental cleaner such a dental floss is needed to remove the buildup between teeth. Several tools, such as pre-threaded flossers, tiny brushes, dental picks and water picks are other devices that can be used to clean between teeth.
Advertisement
What does baste mean in sewing?
Quick temporary stitching that can be removed at a later date.
Quick basting stitches are frequently used to hold fabric in place. The stitches can be done by hand or with a longer stitch setting on a machine.
The edge of a piece of cloth.
When the edges of fabric become worn away by rubbing.
Stitching in a zigzag pattern.
What does baste mean when cooking?
Cooking until it has a slight resistance to being bitten.
To moisten meat with its own juices, sauce, or hot fat while cooking.
You baste meat by using a basting brush or basting bulb. In addition to allowing the meat to remain moist, basting adds flavor and helps the meat to cook more evenly.
Break lightly into small pieces.
To remove the outer skin.
At what temperature should your refrigerator be set?
52 degrees Fahrenheit.
50 degrees Fahrenheit.
40 degrees Fahrenheit.
The refrigerator should be kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit to preserve foods. It is best to buy an appliance thermometer and keep it in your refrigerator to ensure it is operating at the correct temperature.
32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Advertisement
When ironing a shirt you should start with the ___________?
Sleeves.
Back.
Collar.
Professionals begin ironing with the collar and move to the sleeves. The body of the shirt is done last.
Pockets.
When choosing a wall color for a room, which of the following is not important?
The colors you personally like.
The mood you want to create in the space you are painting.
The colors in other rooms in your house.
The color of your neighbor's dining room.
Choosing colors for you home can be intimidating. Many experts recommend painting several 2 x 2 test patches of the new color in the room to be painted (one across from a window, one next to the window and one next to accent colors) before committing to a color.
How much sleep should you get each night?
12-14 hours.
4-6 hours.
14-16 hours.
7-9 hours.
Adults need 7–9 hours of sleep, but children need more: newborns (14–17 hours including naps), 1–2 years (12–14 hours including naps), 3–5 years (10–13 hours), 6–13 years (9–11 hours), and 14–17 years (9–10 hours). Although some people say they do fine on fewer hours of sleep, studies show they do not perform as well on complex mental tasks.
Advertisement
How often should you balance your checkbook?
Once a day.
Once a month.
It is important to record banking transactions as soon as they happen, whether you are writing a check or using your debit card. Also, make sure you list automatic payments on your calendar, so you remember to add them into your checkbook when they occur.
Once every six months.
Once a year.
What are the two main types of screwdrivers?
Phillips and flat-head.
The flat- or blade-headed screwdriver is used on screws with one slot that do not require as much power to turn. The Phillips screwdriver and screw (with a cross-shaped slot) was invented when the automobile assembly line required screws that could handle higher twisting forces.
Sonic and hex-head.
Crescent and hammer.
Left- and right- handed.
You Got:
/35
Shutterstock