LAUNDRY METHODS

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 261, 4 August 1928, Page 18

LAUNDRY METHODS

LITTLE DETAILS THAT MATTER. Many painty garments are much better washed carefully at home. This need present no difficulties even if the articles need boiling to keep them a good colour, provided up-to-date utensils and equipment are used. Little details make all the difference in washing flannels, linen or artificial silk. If a little olive oil is added to the water when washing flannels there will be no danger of these articles becoming hard and “felted.” Use a tablespoonful of the oil to every gallon, of. water. Linen which has become yellow can be restored to its original whiteness by steeping it for several hours iii buttermilk. Rinse under cold running water, then in warm water.' If there is any trace, of yellow remaining, spread on the grass in the sunlight and leave till quite dry.

Linen or cambric handkerchiefs will be delightfully white if they are washed in the following manner: Rub lightly with a good soap, then leave them to soak for several hours in warm water,

to which a generous amount of r-alt Ims been added. Wash in warm water, rub with the soap again, then boil for. a quarter of an hour, and first rinse in hot water and then in cold. Prepare a little blue water, dip the liaqdktirchiefs one by one into this arid ’ dry in the open air. While still slightly damp roll in a clean towel and leave for a little before ironing. ■When washing artificial silk remember that the water should be only lukewarm. The articles should be squeezed, in soap suds, but never wrung or twisted, because the threads lose half their strength when wet. This accounts for many mysterious and seemingly inexplicable ladders or holes. Toes and heels of stockings are reinforced with cotton, however, and so will bear rubbing. When there are mud splashes on the leg of a stocking it should be soaked for five or ten minutes. Two or three rinsing waters should be used, for it is absolutely necessary to get rid of all soap; otherwise white streaks will appear v lieu the silk is ironed.

If new shoes rind boots are varnished on the sole with best copal varnish they will wear much longer.