To Remove Disagreeable Odors from the House
Sprinkle fresh ground coffee, on a shovel of hot coals, or burn sugar on the shovel. This is an old-fashioned disinfectant, still good.
Source: Things Mother Used To Make, L.M. Gurney
Simple Disinfectant
The following is a refreshing disinfectant for a sick room, or any room that has an unpleasant aroma prevading it: Put some fresh ground coffee in a saucer, and in the centre place a small piece of camphor gum, which light with a match. As the gum burns, allow sufficient coffee to consume with it. The perfume is very pleasant and healthful, being far superior to pastiles, and very much
cheaper.
Source: The White House Cookbook, F.L. Gillette
An Agreeable Disinfectant
Sprinkle fresh ground coffee on a shovel of hot coals, or burn sugar on hot coals. Vinegar boiled with myrrh, sprinkled on the floor and furniture of a sick room, is an excellent deodorizer.
Source: The White House Cookbook, F.L. Gillette
Onions as a Disinfectant
In case of small-pox, or any contagious disease, cut up an onion and put it in the sick-room, and replace it every hour with a fresh one.
Source: Mrs Owens’ Cook Book and Useful Household Hints, Frances Owens