SILK STOCKINGS

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 3494, 2 November 1926, Page 4

SILK STOCKINGS

Millions of pairs of artificial silk stockings arc being worn, and the number of those "spoilt in the wash” must be very high. To wash artificial silk, a vegetable substance, us though it were cashmere is to invite disaster. If the feet of the stockings are soiled beyond the ordinary—this generally happens when one has been wearing thin shoes in wet weather — place the feet, but no other part, in lukewarm water for ten minutes. The soaking will free the leather dye or other discolouration. Squeeze very gently and sivislt about until you can see that the feet are practically clean. ' Then rinse in two lots or warm water. This preliminary treatment is essential. It prevents whatever has soiled the foot portion or the stocking from getting on to the legs. All dirt, in a sense, is a dye.

Now put the stockings in cold water, and allow them to soak for is minutes. There should be in readiness a soapy lather, which must also be quite cold before use. To that transfer the stockings alter their cola water soaking. Swish them round and squeeze gently. The feet win require no rubbing. Five minutes in the lather should be succeeded by ■a rinsing in lukewarm water. That should remove all soap and soiled water, but it would bo just as well to give a second rinsing. Follow this by a final rinse in cold water. Gently squeeze out the surplus water, and then place the stockings between the folds of a dry towel and press with a flat hand. Take them out, lay them flat on the towel and pat and pull them gently and carefuly into shape. They are now ready for drying, but must not, of course, be hung up. Keep them flat, and either expose them to the air—not the sun — or lay them between paper, on the coolest part of the range. When they are quite dry cover them with a piece of damped muslin, and press—do not move the iron up and down — with a moderately hot iron.