SILK GARMENTS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 May 1938, Page 5

SILK GARMENTS

CORRECT LAUNDERING. If you want silk garments to last wash them yourself and remember that silk must not be rubbed or twisted, and should be washed in tepid water, not hot. As white silk is apt to go yellow in time, soak the garments in cold water to which you have added a little blue and a dash of lemon juice. If they have been laundered many times, and are inclined to be limp, add a little sugar to the last rinsing water, and they will look like new.

Shantung and tussore silks should be washed in tepid water, but there must be no blue in the rinsing water, and they should not be ironed until quite dry. When washing coloured silks, with the exception of blue, add a tablespoonful of vinegar to each gallon of water. Salt should be used instead of vinegar for all shades of blue. Rinse first in tepid water and then in cold water. Black silk is improved by steeping in deep blue water for a short time after rising. When washing crepe de chine, add a little to the water to preserve the gloss. Artificial silks must be washed with great care for the threads lose all their strength when moist. Don’t be tempted to pull or stretch artificial silk garments when they are wet. ■ ' •

Silks that require stiffening should be immersed in gum water, which is easy to make. Dissolve two ounces of best white gum arabic crystals in half a pint of water, strain through muslin and bottle? The quantity to be added to the water varies according to the size of the articles. The appearance of glossy silks is improved by adding a dessertspoonful of methylated spirit to the,stiffening water. Do not stiffen thick silk.

Ironing hints: Tussore, foulard, jap and shantung silks should be ironed on the right side. It is a good plan to spread a piece of muslin between the material and the iron to prevent shiny patches on the garment. Coloured silks, patterned silks, ninon, georgette, and stockinette should be ironed on the wrong side. Do not use a hot iron on artificial silk, or you will melt the threads and make shiny patches. ......

Real silk washes and wears well, and can be redyed at home. If you are not sure that a garment will wash, soak a small piece of the same material in warm water for half an hour, and then wash it carefully. Silk stockings should be washed before they are worn, to give them a chance of a long life. Add a pinch of salt to the tepid lather and a little methylated spirit to the final rinsing water. A few drops of vinegar should be added to the final rinsing water when dealing with artificial silk stockings.