St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1886-10-02
WASHING BLANKETS.
Some Remarks on This Important and Vex.
atieus Domestic Problem.

about washing blankets, or perhaps the
best method of doing it, but | have had
bit of experience il that line and
would be glad to impart it to any who
would like to know it. In the last
twenty-five or more years have had
four and some of the time five beds in
daily use. For these the only covering
ie blankets, winter and summer, with
che exception of the white bedspread |
do not own a comfortable (no comfort
in them that I can see) and but two
patchwork quilts, so I make up in
blankets. Using so many have some
to wash every spring and fall. In order
to wash blankets successfully, four
things are necessary. A good day,
plenty of soft water, dissolved soap dd
lidituna, and two pairs of stout hands.
l. A good day-pleasant; of course.
The sooner blanket is dry after being
wet, the better it looks and the less it
ehrinks. If the sun does not shine the
hottest, provided the wind blows it is
just as well for they are apt to SINE u
oily if the sun is too hot.
2. Plenty of soft water. If soft wa
tar is not TO be had large spoonful OF
borax dissolved in hot water and added
to each pail will help wonderfully.
8. Plenty of dissolved soap. Never
= use soap that has rosin in it as it hard
ems the texture and causes an unpleas-
ant smell. [ would not use it for any
washing as it turns white clothes yer.
low when they are laid aside,
4. Two pairs of hands are needed,
because the blankets should not be
rubbed on the board, and two can
. handle them much easier than one.
Let us not attempt to wash any more
than we can do well. Here is
blanket that has been on a sick bed
and there are some spots of oil on it.
Take some cold water and soap and
wash out the spots before putting into
the hot suds. Blankets when bought
are bound on the edges with ribbon of
different colors. If washed with this
On they will be blankets of many colors
when done. rip off the ribbon and
button hole the edges with white
zephyr worsted. Blankets are bought
in pairs, but it is not necessary to keep
them SO. They are much easier
handled and are not always needed on
the bed together, so have found it
wise to cut them apart,
Now we are ready for the washing.
Imake strong suds of the dissolved
soap and hot water, having it hot
enough to be comfortable to my hands
and put in couple of blankets to soak
few minutes while filling the boiler
again. Squeeze the blankets in the
hands pressing them up and down in
the tub, then transfer them to second
tub, prepared in like manner with
not quite as much soap. Put some
more blankets to soak in the first tub.
If the first ones look clean when out OF
the second suds they can be put next
into a clean water for rinsing. The
first rinse will probably be quite soapy,
use the second and if necessary the
third rinse. Be sure no soap is left in
the blankets as it will leave them hard.
Have all the water as near of one tenn
perature as you can; you can Judge by
the feeling to your hands. Some
use little bluing in the last water,
Z prefer the clean white look
to the possible streaks of blue. Have
the wringer loose so as not to press
down the pile too hard. When out of
doors one pair of hands should take
hold of one end and one pair of the
other and shake and pun in shape.
Hang evenly On the line. AS they be-
gin to dry pull in shape repeating at
intervals until dry. Fold when dry,
pulling in shape, pile together and
place weight on them. If to be put
away for the summer, sew each one in
cloth (old sheets come in handy and
you may bid defiance to the moth who
is ever ON the alert seeking what it
may devour.
If you wish to wash blankets for tho
first time they will need a little differ
emit treatment. Never mix them with
those that have been washed before.
The water must be just warm, plenty
of soap, and the borax in two or three
waters. The blankets are full of grease,
as YOU will see when they get into the
water, and it must be got out now or
never When they have been washed
so they do not look streaked, it will do
to put them into hotter suds for the
final one, then rinse as above stated
until they are clear white.
If blankets are not used constantly,
they need not be washed every season.
!, 1t suffices to hang them on the line
when the wind blows and the sun is
not too hot. And finally get all the
blankets you can. Use them in pref
erence to any other bed clothing, es-
pecially for the children. Perhaps the
!, crossness, the II don t want any break
y fast" disposition may be in measure
owing to the heavy quilt or comforta-
BILE on the child's bed. Don't blame
the child-look after the bed clothing
NJ " pItf37 efp0d an