Ironing Hints

Southland Times, Issue 23199, 14 May 1937, Page 18

Ironing Hints

The modern electric iron is so efficient a tool that often it is not considered necessary to give it any attention at all. While it does not need the rubbing and polishing which had to be given to the old-fashioned “flat iron,” even the electric iron works better for a little care. A suspicion of petroleum jelly or olive oil should be rubbed over the ironing surface before the iron is put away. Wipe off before using, then rub the iron with a piece of beeswax or soap, and rub thoroughly over an old towel or a sheet of newspaper. This will prevent any sticking and consequent scorching. If, however, a garment gets slightly scorched, soak the mark at once in milk, then wash it out and hang in the air. Bad scorch marks should be rubbed with a cut onion and then soaked in cold water to which a little peroxide has been added. Then rinse thoroughly. Arrange garments on the ironing board so that they need as little moving about as possible. Always make certain whether a silk article is real or artificial silk. The former needs a rather hot iron on a damp surface. A warm iron only should be used on artificial silk or satin, and it should be slightly damp all over; if too damp the iron will stick. Shantung and tussore silks should be ironed with a hot iron, dry. Coloured silk underwear should

not be left lying about damp, but should be ironed as soon as possible. Taffeta sh >uld be ironed on the wrong side while rather damp, and georgette quickly on the right side, taking care that the iron is not hot. Embroidery should be ironed first on the right side, then on the wrong side over a thick blanket. All starched articles need to be ironed while damp with a good, hot iron. Iron any seams and hems first, then collars, cuffs and sleeves, leaving the main part of the garment to the last. Do not starch handkerchiefs but have the iron very hot and the handkerchiefs rather damp, which will slightly stiffen them. Iron the edges of handkerchiefs and table napkins first To get a gloss on collars iron first in the usual way, then finish off on a hard surface, rubbing the iron quickly over the collars.