WASHING WOOLLIES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21102, 12 August 1930, Page 17

WASHING WOOLLIES.

Woollen garments should never be rubbed with soap, but should be gently moved about in warm water in which sufficient plain soap has been dissolved (states a writer in Wooicraft). Hot water (in which the hands cannot comfortably be borne) shrinks wool and spoils bright colours; it also gives white a yellow tinge. Too much soap (or any soda whatever) has the same effect as hot water on white and colours. Binse in clean, warm water of the -same temperature by moving the garments to and fro—not up and down. Remove in a bundle, without twisting, and squeeze out the water—either by putting through a wringer at a very loose tension or by placing in a heap in the centre of a cloth and twisting the ends of the latter in opposite directions. Great care should be exercised in drying! It is absolutely fatal to hang up woollen garments to dry, as the weight of water drags the fabric and destroys the shape of the garment. Drying on a flat surface is best, and especially if the article be laid on a clean cloth and placed on a surface which permits of a free circulation of air underneath. To preserve the correct shape in drying, fasten the garment to the cloth according to the dimensions desired. On no account whatever should woollen garments be put to soak, or allowed to live in a damp state, as this induces shrinking and may cause the colours to run. Garments which have been knitted or crocheted too loosely are particularly liable to stretch. On the other hand, fabric which has been too tightly knitted is likely to felt in the washing, and especially so if subjected to rubbing. Never attempt to shrink the yarn before knitting. There is great risk in so doing of loosening the dye and taking the nature out of the yarn, while the possible advantage in the case of good wool, well manufactured, is practically nil. Important. —To avoid staining the artificial silk when washing a coloured garment made of art. silk and wool, give it an extra rinse in water to which a little vinegar has' been added (about a tablespoonful to the gallon). This will prevent the colour running, and, if well aired in drying, any odour of vinegar will be lost.