The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1888-03-28
HOUSEHOLD MATTERS.
About wash-Cloths and Towels.

Something good has been gathered
from Cool housekeeping on the simple
subject of wash cloths. Juinata Stat
ford gives some appropriate hints
that are worthy the attention of house
keepers. l have had an experience
very similar to hers, and so l commend
her advice cordially: "Wash-cloths are
indicative of refinement. They mean
the using of the right thing for the right
purpose, and that is certainly indicative
of education and culture. 1t is easy to
thoroughly wash and thoroughly rinse
with a wash-cloth, and the towel can
then be used with some degree Of COM
fort and agreeableness. 1t is surprising
how many nice homes, well furnished
and nicely appointed in most
other ways, do not have a supply
of wash-cloths. So true is this, that 1
never go away to visit for one day or
week, or month, without several wash
cloths in my satchel or trunk; and, as I
said to friend few days ago. Il visit
real nice people, too There is an idea
prevalent that any sort of a rag will do
for a washcloth-an old stocking-lcg a
salt bag, piece of gauze underwear, an
old napkin or piece of towel. These are
better than nothing, and indicate a
reaching toward nicely. But you will
find that the people who use these sorts
OF things are very apt to take pains to
provide proper dish-cl and towels.
1t is strange to me that this is true.
There should be generous supply of
wash-cloths, as there should be of towels.
Quite as many, l think, of one as of
the other are used in my own home, each
week, and quite as much stress is laid
upon the proper use and care of one as
OF the other. Lots of wash cloths is
the rule.
Now, as to the kind: / find that
those that can be bought all ready in
the large dry goods stores, are not only
too thick and rather large, but are quite
expensive. Much the best way is to
buy white or unhleached Turkish towel
ing, of quality that costs fifty or sixty
cents yard, and cut each yard into
three lengthwise strips, and each strip
into four pieces This will give you
from yard of toweling, one dozen
wash-cloths quarter of yard square.
These can be neatly bound with white
silesia cut bias, but this mode of finish.
ing does not compare for prettiness or
agreeableness with button holing' them
all round with red working cotton. Get
a coarse cotton and put the stitches
about one-half dozen to the inch. This
is very good fancy work for an evening,
or is nice for the little girls to do. A
A very important word to say is about
boys and wash cloths. Get them to-
gether. 1t will amply repay you.
Teach boys to use them thoroughly,
rinse and hang them up properly, and
you have made quite a stride in
your refinement teachings. 1t is a
honey thing to do, and will
carry with it more than appears
upon the surface. A final word about
the washing of wash-c loths. Have all that
have been used, put into the wash each
week. Let them be boiled as the towels
are; but do not have them ironed. If
they are carefully smoothed and folded
they are better than if ironed. My word
for it, when you come to put the neat
little pile away into your linen drawer
you will consciously give it a glance of
pride and pat of satisfaction that will
indicate culture
A word may well be added about the
towels. Have an abundant supply of
them. and let them be pretty. | sug-
gest this, not for visitors alone, but for
every member of the family. The little
folks will find the every morning toilet
far less of task if the toilet accessories
be bright and cheerful. Clean wash
cloths, with never an ancient odor about
them, in good order, and not ragged and
forlorn looking, variety of nice towels
with pretty borders, one or two respect
able looking cakes of soap that have a
refreshing fragrance, brushes well made
and kept in good order, and everything
else to match, should be provided for
every member of the family. York
Observer.