Washing An Eiderdown To Best Advantage

Southland Times, Issue 23840, 10 June 1939, Page 17

Washing An Eiderdown To Best Advantage

With the cool weather approaching eiderdowns are receiving attention. It is perhaps almost superfluous to say that treasured specimens should receive the careful treatment that their beauty and value demand. That, of course, means dry-cleaning. The merely serviceable eiderdown, may, however, go through the wash—when fine weather and a good drying wind are needed. Certain preparations should be made. As the eiderdown will be hung on the line later on, several pieces of material should be stretched to the sides to take the impressions of the pegs. Also shake and brush the eiderdown to remove all loose dust. Soak it for at least half an hour in cold salted water. This will prevent the colours from running. Squeeze it by hand, then put it into warm, soapy water (plenty of soap) and work it gently with the hands, avoiding rubbing. Do not be content with one such washing; keep on renewing the soapy water until the quilt is clean. After rinsing well in warm water (with soap) transfer it to the cold water, to which a little ammonia has been added.

Squeeze it gently but firmly and wrap up in a clean towel or sheet. Put through the wringer several times with only moderate pressure, changing the folds each time. Give it a good shaking before hanging it out to dry. When it is drying reverse it to get equal distribution of sunshine and shake it to loosen the down. When it is almost dry, iron the cover through a cloth and give it a mild “thrashing” with a light stick further to loosten the down. When the peg-tabs have been unstitched the quilt will be ready for use and fresh and fragrant. Such a cleaning is doubly advisable if the quilt has been taken from a sickroom.