TO WASH CRETONNE

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11411, 6 January 1923, Page 9

TO WASH CRETONNE

Now that the old-fashioned chintz and cretonne have come to the fore again, . and are proving such favourite materials for oilr household furnishings, we are all inquiring the best methods of washing these materials when they become soiled, so that' they will retain their stiffness and fresh colouring, says a Sydney paper. The “"calendering of chintz” is an art. and one that! repays the worker for ali the patience and time it needs, as the material looks-equal to new when finished. and will last clean for months. The materials required are melted soap, salt or vinegar, and a qnarter of a pound of.aize dissolved in one quart’of boiling water. To prepare some melted, soap, shred some good yellow Soap into an old jax or tin, cover with water, and set bv the side of the fire to dissolve. Use according to tbe quantity of water required by jjjst pouring a little of the melted soap into the washing water, and stirring until a froth rises on the surface, when the water will‘he ready for use. \ Place the rthintz, after shaking well to remove all surface dust, into lukewarm soapy water, or as it is usually termed "soap lather," then knead and squeeze the cretonne in this' until all the dirt has dropped out into the water. Wring as dry as possible, (and then'place into some dean cold water, adding some salt to set the colours if they are not fast, and. if necessary, vinegar to revive. The vinegar should -be used in tbe pro portion of one tablespoonful to every quart'of water (the same for tbe salt) Rinse the material in this, then wring again, and dip this time into the prepared size (the size must be quite dissolved before using; to prevent disappointment strain the size mixture, and thus prevent particles of it sticking to the material). Squeeze and roll up in a clean cloth, to absorb some ' of tbe moisture. Iron slightly to partly dry it, then- polish with a hot iron (with , .the blunt'end) a little'bit at a time. Aim at getting an'even polish. If size cannot be- obtained a stiff hot-water starch maj/be substituted.