How to Wash Embroidered Linens Without Fading Them.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXI, Issue XXII, 28 November 1903, Page 65

How to Wash Embroidered Linens Without Fading Them.

Embroidered linens should not be washed in tin or wooden tubs. All risk of rust or stain may be avoided by using an earthenware bowl. If there are any spots on the article wash them out first before wetting the entire piece. Prepare a suds of hot water and any pure soap. Plunge the fabric up and down in the suds until clean- It is well to keep it moving, but it should not be roughly handled or rubbed. Rinse by plunging up and down in several tepid waters, or until the water remains perfectly clear. Now toss between soft dry cloths a few minutes until the greater part of the water is absorbed; then draw the fabric straight to the woof and warp and carefully bring the embroidery in to place. Continue to shake the linen in the air until there is no danger of the water running in it, then it may lie hung to dry. When the drying is complete —the silk especially should be perfectly dry — lay the linen face downwards on a fresh muslin sheet about six or eight thicknesses, but without blanket between it and the table. Dampen a section of the linen with a velvet sponge dipped in clear cold water and wrung half dry. Pass it lightly over the embroidery—the linen between the silk will absorb the moisture, but the silk should not be wet. Now pass a hot iron quickly over the dampened surface straight with the threads of the material. Do not press hard and slow with a moderate iron, and do not lay a damp cloth over the embroidery.