LAUNDRING DELICATE CURTAINS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XIX, Issue 300, 4 December 1929, Page 9

LAUNDRING DELICATE CURTAINS

When you take down lace curtains for washing shake them free from dust and fold each ono to about three-quarters-of-a-yard square. Keep them folded while washing, and the weight of the will not break the fine strands when they are lifted out.

Muslin curtains will retain their colour if rinsed in alum water. If hey are very soiled, rinse them four or five, times in plain watei, finishing with the alum solution. Hang ‘hem out to dry in the open air keeping them quite straight, after which they may be replaced at the windows without being ironed. Two ounces of alum to a gallon of water is the right strength. Artificial silk curtains will last longer and their sheen will be improved if you allow at least three days to elapse between the completion of drying and the beginning of ironing. Water weakens artificial silk to tho level of soaked tissue paper, but given time to recuperate, it will regain Its former strength and lustre. When putting up the curtains, see that they hang naturally, without undue strain on any part. Unlike lace, linen, and other materials, artificial silk does not “give.” Strain or uneven weight will result in the snapping of the fibres. Tapestry curtains brighten consider ably under a salt and water vestment. Well brush the fabric, lay a damp dusting sheet over it, and beat with a small cane. Wring out a duster in cold water in which a handful of salt has been dissolved. Go over the material with this and follow up by rubbing it lightly and evenly with a duster wrung out in warm, soapy water. Take care to have the dusters well wrung so that the curtains do not. become too wet, or they wifl require a long time to dry.