How to Wash Velvet

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18596, 5 January 1935, Page 10

How to Wash Velvet

M.«Y people hesitate to attempt to wash velvets at home, but with a little care successful and professional results can be obtained. Kain water is best for the purpose, but if this is nor available ordinary water can be softened with a liltJo borax.

Heat the water until you can just bcar vour hand in it, prepare a liberal lather from pure soap or soap flakes, and add' to the water, w-hich should be sufficient completely to cover the garment.

Steep the velvet until most of the dirt is released, but do not squeeze or rub the material, or the pile will become damaged. Change the water once or twice if necessary, and if me article is extra dirty spread it out on to' a smooth surface and sponge very gently with a chamois, or old sponge (the "natural kind, not the rubber variety), but remember to work in the direction of the pile, and not against it.

Have ready a large tub or bath of •clear, cold water, in which a handful of salt has • been, dissolved. Sleep • the.velvet in this for several seconds, and without wringing or squeezing just hang it right away to drip. Choose a cool, shady place; and if possible allow it to remain in the, open all night. I'egs must not come in contact with velvets, or the pile will be spoilt. A clothes hanger, or long cane, well bound with soft linen or towelling, will prove most satisfactory. When dry, brush well in the direction of pile, using a brush with good stiff bristles. ' No ironing is necessary.