How to Iron a Tablecloth.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 915, 13 September 1889, Page 4

How to Iron a Tablecloth.

The proper laundering of fine table-linen wn3 formerly considered one of the accomplishments of a gentlewoman, but few of our modern young ladie3 cau make even the pietence of understanding it. The wringer, while it saves labour, does it at the expense of much of the beauty of the table-cloth or napkin that passes through it. The wringing out of the vary thin starch or rinsing water should be done by hand, and as it is not at all necessary that starched linen, especially, should be wrung very dry, the hands will do just as well. Shake the articles thoroughly, or fold them into manageable size, and snap them as old housekeepers know so well how to do. But little starch should be used iu such articles ; just enough to give them a new feeling and to take the polish of tha iron. It is not necessary to use any starch at all if the linen is ironed whoa quite damp and patiently gone over until thoroughly dry. Always take tbe tablecloths from the line while still damp. Fold the linen evenly, and roll up in a tight roll, wrapping large pieces in damp towels, so that they will not dry on the outside. Napkins should be similarly treated, and each size and pattern roiled up in damp towels and packages by themselves until ready to iron. The irons should bo heavy and as hot as possible without danger of scorching. Iron table linen in single fold if you wish to bring the pattern out handsomely, and let there be several thicknesses of flannel upon the ironing‘board, A damp towel may be laid over a portion of the cloth that the operator will not immediately reach. When the entire surface has been ironed fold lengthwise, and iron again with the selvage towards the operator. Uo over the entire length of that side, then fold with the just completed portion inside, and so continue until the cloth is folded and done. If still damp, hang in the sun or on a clothes-horse until thoroughly dry. Napkins are to be similarly treated, and should never have

their first ironing when folded together, but be gone over einedy, then folded as directed in the table-cloth.