The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1891-04-09
CLEANING BLACK GOODS.
Proper Mixtures for Various Ma
terials.-How to Renovate Vel
vet.

An excellent cleansing fluid, espe-
cially useful when mems garments re-
quire renovation is prepared as fol-
lows:-Dissolve four ounce OF white
CASTLE Dap shavings in a quart OF
boiling water. When cold add four
ounces of ammonia, two ounces each
of ether, alcohol and glycerine n q
gallon OF clear cold water. Mix thor
oughIy, and as il will keep for n long
time, bottle and cork tightly for future
use. This mixture will cost bou
eighty cents and will make eight
quarts.
For mems clothing. heavy cloth, etc.,
dilute a small quantity in an equal
amount of water, and following the
nap of the goods sponge the stains
with a piece of similar cloth. The
grease that gathers upon the collars
OF coats will immediately disappear,
aud the undilutcd fluid will vanquish
the more obstinate spots. When
clean. dry with another cloth and
press the under side with a warm iron.
This fluid is also useful when painted
walls and woodwork require securing,
a cupful to a pail of warm water being
the proper proportions.
When washing black dress goods,
soap must never under any circum-
stances be applied directly to the
material. In order to obtain the nee
essary suds, it must be shaved and
entirely dissolved in a basinful of
boiling water, and then thrown into
a wash tub.
Black Lawn-Wash very quickly in
hot suds, for this material must not
lie wet; rinse in deeply blued water
and hang in the shade; iron upon the
wrong side while still damp. II
stiffening is desired, dry thoroughly,
and before ironing dip the goods into
very thin and very blue starch; hang
once more in the open air, and iron
when nearly dry.
Black crepe requires careful treat
ment. Remove the dust by gently
slapping it between the hands. Steam
small pieces by holding them over the
spout of the boiling teakettle, and
larger ones over a dishpan of boiling
water. Lay the moist pieces OF crepe
between two layers of sheet wadding
and press beneath a heavy weight
the slab of a handicapped table or
the pastry board weighted with books
or flat irons. 1t is well to place a
width Of soft cheese cloth both above
and below the crepe, in order to pre-
vent the cotton fluff from adhering
to it.
Black Velvet-Brush carefully. and
steam to raise the sunken pile. Two
persons, their hands protected from
the steam, are required to do the
work. While one holds the heated
-. .-.&l. IA - al e.,.F. n b. r,.%rrraol
the other. throwing a very wet towel
over it, presses the wrong side of the
velvet down upon the iron, so that the
rising steam forces the pile into place,
and continues this as long as possible.
Lastly, the wrong side of the velvet is
drawn quickly acros the surface of
the iron itself.
Black Silk-Purchase a few ounces
of SOAP bark at the drug store, accord
ing to tine amount of silk to be
cleaned. Steep two ounces of the
bark in a quart of warm water for a
few hours. Rip and brush the silk,
and emove all threads left by the
former stitches. Spread the pieces
upon the lap board OF a clean table,
and after straining the infusion,
sponge on both sides with a scrap of
the silk. A lather will form, and this
is then to be wiped away with another
piece of the silk. Do not wiring the
moisture from the silk; spread the
different pieces upon a sheet laid over
the carpet, and pin them at the cor
ners. When dry, the silk will look
like new.
Black Cashmere.-Wash in hot suds,
and rinse twice in lukewarm water
well blued. If a clear day, hang in
open air, and iron upon the wrong
side when nearly dry. Long, steady
strokes of the iron and even pressure
throughout will restore the original
silky sheen of the material.
Black Alpaca--Proceed as with
cashmere, and add a little gum-arabic
to the last rinsing water. .
Black Lace.-Spread out the lace
upon a towel stretched over the lap
board. and, using an old black kid
glove or soft peice of silk for the pur-
pose, sponge thoroughly with a solu-
ton of borax-a teaspoonful to a pint
OF water. To retain the shape. direct
the strokes from the selvage outward.
Cover with a piece of old silk, and iron
dry