The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1880-07-28
Washing, Ironing, and Mend,nx.

whether to soak the clothes overnight
or not is a much disputed question with
housewives. Where pure cisteru water
can be had, it is doubtless an adyan-
tage, but to soak clothes in hard water
sets the stains rather than removes
them, and river wa ter, unless filtered
when drawn off in quantities, as a rule
contains so much mud that it is apt to
stain the clothes soaked in it for anv
considerable time. -Wringers are a
blessed invention, on the whole, al
though hard on buttons. But lan-
nels should not be passed through them,
as they rub the wool up into little hard
maps; Clothes should, if possible, be
dried in the sun and in the open air,
and - never yet did housewife notable
greet with smile rainy washing
day." But when Monday is rainy, it is
not always convenient to postpone the
weekly wash. In that case, sheets and
any other large white pieces which are
not to be starched may be hung out in
the rain, which will bleach rather than
lnJure them. If possible, hang the
smaller pieces in an unused room up.
stairs, when the rest may be usually
olsposed OF by hanging at night oa lines
stretched across the kitchen, where the
heat of the fire will dry them before
morning. Blankets ought never to be
washed in rainy weather. Select a
bright summer day for the work, and
letit be done and through with. Have
two people to wiring them, and stretch
and pull them carefully when putting
on the lines. Then pull and fold when
dry, and put under press instead of
ironing. Unless care is taken to see
that the clothespins and clothesline are
kept clean, ugly spots and streaks will
result. The lines should never be left
out over night, unless it is necessary in
order to dry them after being caught in
shower: In such case they should be
wiped with cloth before the clothes
are again hung on them. A 7hirt-board
Tor ironing Is necessity in every we'll
regulated family. This should be COW
cred with at least two thicknesses of
blanket, and have the ironing-sheet,
also double, smoothly pinned over it,
SO That 1T cannot slip, Keep wax tied
up IN rag to rub on the irons. The
polish on collars, etc., done up at large
iaundrles Is given by means of polish.
ing iron and by dint of much rubbing.
1t may be done by any good laundress,
but takes much time and is fearfully
hard on the linen. Spermaceti added in
small quantities to the starch gives a
pretty gloss. 1.-THE clothes are not aired
in the laundry before bringing them up
stairs it should be thoroughly done
before they are put away. Flannels
should never be worn within the week
alter they are washed. The seeds of
many fatal consumption or attack Of
pneumonia have been sown by wearing
damp clothing. Every garment should |
be mended before it is put away. But
tons and strings may be sewed on at
once, and the single stitch, which taken |
IN time saves nine, may also be set as |
the clothes are sorted. Larger Jobs of |
mending should be placed in a drawer |
or basket by themselves, and the work |
done as soon as possible. If allowed to |
accumulate, the weekly mending will |
soon assume formidable proportions; |
whereas, if done regularly every week |
It will rarely be more than the task of a |
forenoon.