SOAP AND SILK.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18203, 2 March 1929, Page 15

SOAP AND SILK.

VALUABLE KNOWLEDGE. A laundry expert made the discovery recently that the usual method of washing silk is very destructive to the material. While admitting that methy* lated spirits in the final rinsing water, combined with careful pressing, certainly restored the lustre to the silk, this expert insisted that the use of soap, no matter how mild it might be, was distinctly injurious to the fabric . the material. Soap and water has so long been established in the wash-tub that we are lather inclined to be sceptical when anyone informs us that our method is all wrong; nevertheless, when the person is a recognised authority on the subject we are bound to admit that there must be something in it. The method advocated by this expert is an unusual one. In fact, the material is hot washed at all—in the ordinary sense of the word—but allowed to soak for an hour or so in potato water. This solution is said to extract all dirt without kneading or squeezing; nor does it deprive the material of its sheen or destroy the fabric in any way. The solution is prepared as follows : Pare a number of potatoes, then grate the minto cold water, stir well with a stick, and leave for an hour. Pour the solution into a separate vessel, then place the article or garment in this, taking care that it is entirely submerged, and leave for an hour or bo. Just before removing the article stir well with the stick, and hang up, without rinsing or wringing, to drip. When most of the moitsure has dripped off roll rather tightly in a clean, rough towel, and when slightly damp press with a moderately hot iron, on the right side first, to produce .a gloss.