WASHING BLANKETS

Evening Star, Issue 19616, 23 July 1927, Page 21

WASHING BLANKETS

Many of us are afraid to undertake washing blankets. There are so many things that can happen to make the blankets shrink and become harsh. The weather must be chosen as carefully as is humanly possible—steady sunlight is best, and d slight breeze. About lOgal of water will bo used tp one pair of blankets. If the water is soft Joz of soap flakes or quarler-piut of soap jelly will go to each gallon. One ouuco of soap flakes to a gallon will bo needed if tbs water is bard, for hard water both uses more soap and prevents the soap from melting properly. Unmelted soap will stick in woollens, and is difficult to wash out. It takes more time to wash with hard water, and woollens should be washed quickly. Washing soda softens water cheaply and well. Such a.little is required that it will not hurt the wool. > To 4oz of washing soda add one pint of cold water. Heat it slowly till the soda is dissolved. Add two toaspoonfuls of this solution to every gallon of water. Put in washing water before adding soap. One tablespoonful of ammonia to a gallon of water can be used instead as a softener. The snap should bo of the best laundry quality, for the cheaper sorts contain impurities which spoil the wool. To make soap jolly shred two pieces of soap the size of ordinary soap cakes, and add one quart of warm water. Heat slowly till melted. Overheating discolors the soap and turns it brown. Allow loz to one quart of boiling water; add water gradually to the soap flakes. Pont well with a wooden spoon. Tt is easier to add soap flakes to the washing water if they nro melted first. Having made a good lather with the soap, shako the blankets thoroughly to remove some dust. Immerse them in the washing water, knead well with the hands, hut do not wring or twist. If necessary, use a second soapy water. To rinse, soften the water as usual, hut use cooler water, as hot water without soap causes shrinkage. Tt should he just tepid, and there must he plenty of it to get rid of the soap. Kins© in two waters, and do not blue white blankets. '. Wring very gently, so as not to burnt the fibres and mat the wool. _ Hang the blankets in the sun, with a soft breeze blowing if possible, and when they are thoroughly drv' either brush the surface or beat it with a’Stiok. This gives the fluffy appearance which denotes a good blanket well washed.