VICTORIA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

Horowhenua Chronicle, 9 May 1938, Page 6

VICTORIA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

SARAH ANNE RHODES FELLOWSHIP IN HOME SCIENCE LAUNDERING PROBLEMS In order to launder fabrics successfully, one must keep in mind the effect of soap, water and heat upon the fibre and colour of the different fabrics. Wool is an animal fibre and is sensitive to heat, friction, changes in temperature and alkalis. The fibre is covered with scales which overlap; any change in the temperature of the water or any friction exerted by which the scales are softened or expanded will cause them to contract and fold over on themselves or, in other words, to shrink. Silk is an animal fibre. It does not shrink like wool, as it. is a continuous thread, but it is easily harmed by faction, dry heat, and strong alkalis. Rayon is a manufactured fibre and may be made to resemble any other fibre. It loses strength when wet, so particular care must be taken while it is being laundered. It regains it, however,, when dry. Rayon materials do not go back to their original shape if stretched as readily as do other materials. Laundering Silks and Rayons. (1) Do not allow to become too soiled. Fresh soil is easier to remove than old. Dirt and perspiration are ruinous to fabrics. (2) Shake to remove dust. (3) Dissolve soap flakes in boiling water —1 tablespoon to a basin of water. Use more if water is hard. (4) Add cold water to bring to cool temperature. (5) Douse garment iip and down in the suds, letting the soap bubbles penetrate the material and loosen the dirt. Do not pull, rub or twist while washing. This may start the colours running or weaken the threads. (6) Rinse after eaeh washing in water of the same temperature. Do not skimp on rinsing. (7) Treat carefully when drying so that the colours do not have a chance to run. Have old towels ready to absorb excess moisture. Put a towel between each fold of the dress. Take out towels. Shake to remove any moisture. (8) Hang to dry in an airy, shady place if garment can be hung up. Any excess moisture will add weight that is likely to pull it out of shape. (9) Press while slightly damp with a warm iron on the wrong side. Tissue paper or soft cloth may be used between the iron and the material if necessary to press on the right side. Laundering Rougn Crepes. Take measurements before washing. If rough crepes are pressed while too damp, they often stretch out of sliape and the crepcy effect may even disappear. If allowed to dry completely, some will not stretch back to their original shape. The meal condition for most crepes is very, very slightly damp. You can achieve this desirable state by rolling the freshly-washed and rinsed crepe garment in bath towels only until excess moisture is removed.

Pressing. Turn inside out. Compare | measurements to see how much you will have to stretch it. Pull into shape and j then begin to press with a warm iron, tf the crepey appearance presses out en-1 tirely, then it should have no moisture left in it, but should be allowed to dry entirely before you try to iron it. All rough crepes should be ironed on a thick padded surface. If your board is hard, then pin a bath towel over it. juaundering Wool. Do not allow to get too dirty. >. Wash frequently. Shake. Brush well to remove dust. Use extra suds to remove the scum that comes from hard water. Wool catches dirt easily and the soil gets embedded between the scales if.allowed to remain for any length of time. Wool fabrics that have been sponged and shrunk are safer to wash than those which have had no preliminary treatment. Following the directions for washing silks and rayons, remembering that heat and friction are injurious to wool fabrics. Iron on the wrong side, using a cloth to protect the goods. Knitted I'abrics. Draw outline of garment on cardboard. Pin garment to original shape to dry. Eecord: Width across hips, skirt length, sleeve length, bust measurement. When lifting out of the tub, gather it up in a mass. Dragging and pulling are sure to stretch it out of shape. Removing Shine (Wool). Shine is caused by loss of nap. Steaming: Cover fabric with wool pressing cloth. Place damp cotton over this. Steam with hot iron. Remove pressing cloth —allow garment to dry without additional pressing. Fine sandpaper may be used, but care must be taken not to injure the fabric. Stiff brush —used as sandpaper. . Ammonia water: 1 tablespoon to a quart of water. Sponge cloth before pressing. , Gloves. If washable, these are easy -to take earo of, if not washable, they should be sent to a dry cleaner who has the proper facilities for cleaning them. IV keep gloves clean, rub with bread crumbs after each wearing.' Leather can be dry-cleaned with a cleaner to which paraifin lias been added. It should be in the solution only five minutes to prevent stiffening. I Home dry-cleaning solvents should be ; used with great care under the most j carefully controlled conditions in the I open air and never in the house.