SPRING-CLEANING CLOTHES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 73, Issue 370, 13 September 1930, Page 16 (Supplement)

SPRING-CLEANING CLOTHES

Spring cleaning is nearly always applied to houses, when it might with equal value also refer to clothes. Last year’s clothes when taken out and looked at usually present a deplorable sight, which can, however, be mitigated by skilful cleaning. All the clothes which were not cleaned in the autumn must unconditionally be cleaned now if they are to look at all possible. The better clothes can go to the ordinary cleaners, but the rest can be washed at home in petrol with good effect. This i should always be done out of doors, and not even at the bathroom window. Two shallow basins of petrol can be taken, and the woollen dress or the child’s coat be put into this and squeezed out again and again, while the dirt pours out of it. It should then bo rinsed in the second basin and hung up to dry and to air. The manner of hanging up is important, and this should be done so that there is no strain anywhere. The garment then keeps its shape. The petrol can be used over and over again. All that is necessary is to let the dirt sink to the bottom and then strain off the petrol through a fine maerial, or preferably, through chamois leather, which is a better filter. The garments can be ironed when and not before they are dry. It is not generally known that many trousers wash beautifully. A piece of the stuff should be tried beforehand to see that it is shrinkproof. If it is, ordinary flaked soap can be used in tepid water. Silks of last year should have been put away cleaned. If this has not been done they will probably be found to be rotten in places. It is therefore not worth while to send them to the cleaners, but to operate on them at home. Hats can only be sent to the cleaners if their shape is not likely to be tormented. Otherwise it is better to clean them at home. Felt hats want frequent cleaning. if they are to look at all fresh at this time of the year.