CHEAP WASHING.

Otago Witness, Issue 1341, 11 August 1877, Page 19

CHEAP WASHING.

, Ai,new- system of washing has lately been introduced in some French townß, which system deserves to be especially mentioned. The economy which it affords is so considerable that its cost is reduced, to the following figures : 5 centimes' (id.V for a pair of drawers, 2\ centimes (|d.) for each shirt, and scr on. This is .the process : One kilo (2£ pounds) of soap is reduced with a little water to a. Bortof pap, which having been slightly warmed, is cooled in 45 litres (10 gallons) of water, to which is added one spoonful of turpentine oil and two teaspoonfuls of ammonia ; then the mixture is agitated. The water is kept at a temperature which may be borne by the hand. In this solution are introduced the white clothes, and they are left there two hours before washing them in soap, taking care in the meantime to cover the tub. The soapy water may be warmed again and used once more, but it will be necessary to add half a teaspoonful of turpentine and another spoonful of ammonia. ■ Once washed in soap, the clothes are put in warm water and the blue is applied. This process, it is obvious (says the English Mechanic), spares much time, much labour, and fuel. On the other hand, it gives to the clothes a whiteness much superior to that obtained by any other method, and the destructive use of the beetle is not necessary to clean the clothes from the impurities which they contain.