The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1894-05-09
Washing With Kerosene.

A correspondent in the Detroit
Hon,estead writes: 'There has been
so much said in various publications
for and against the kerosene method
Of washing that I am tempted to give
my way, which I think is little bet.
ter than any I have seen. I tried
many times, following directions care
fully, and each time gave it up in de-
spair, because the kerosene would per-
sist in floating on the top of the water
and the odor of the oil remained in the
clothes even after they were ironed.
At last, by experimenting, I have
found that I can wash with kerosene
and have my clothes white and clean,
with half the work required in the old
way, and they smell fresh and sweet
when they come from the line. The
clothes also wear longer, and those
which have become yellow from care
less washing or any other cause will
after few washings be as white as
ever. Fill the boiler two-thirds full
of water. My boiler is small, and I
use about four pailfuls Of water. Now
shave three-fourths of a bar of soap
into basin or small pail, pour nearly
two spoonfuls of kerosene on the soap,
then add pint of hot water and set
on the back of the stove, stirring
often until the soap dissolves. The
kerosene will mix with the soap and
more water may be added if needed.
Pour half of this water into the boiler
and it is ready for the clothes. Some
people put the clothes dry into the
boiler, but / like better to put them
into tub of water, then wiring out
and put in to boil. Put in the finest
clothes first and be careful not to
crowd the boiler. Let them boil hard
for fifteen minutes. Then take them
out into tub Of cold water and put
the second lot into the boiler after
adding half of the remaining hot soap
to the water in the boiler, also pail
of water to replace what was taken out
with the clothes. While they are
boiling get the first lot ready for the
line. Wash them thoroughly in the
first tub, rubbing between the hands
or on the board any place which is
still soiled, then throw them into a
tub we'll filled with blue water. Rinse
well and they are ready to be starched
and hung on the line. Serve the Sec
ond boilerful in the same way. Use
the remainder Of the soap for the last
boiling of white clothes. After the
white ones are boiled put the aprons,
colored shirts, etc., except new ones
which will fade, into the boiler, and
let them boil a few minutes. This
will loosen the dirt 80 that it will
come out with very little rubbing in
the suds water. Mems socks and
pants, which are usually the worst
part Of the washing, will come clean
with comparatively little work after
boiling short time in the kerosene
suds. The colored clothes may be
washed through some Of the suds, us
ing the piece Of soap left to rub the
soiled places. In this way one bar of
soap is sufficient for a large washing,
and as, there is 80 much time and labor
saved consider it very economical
and easy method. There are many
articles offered in the stores to assist
in washing, but the kerosene method
has two advantages, the oil is at hand
in every house and it will not weaken
the fibre Of the clothes. "-Christian
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