The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1899-08-09
THE HOUSEHOLD.
Care Of House Linen and Other Val
uabls Suggestions.

The care of house linen is frequently
the subject Of much discomfort to the
house mistress. Stains, early and un-
expected signs of wear and tear, in
comprehensive Sits for which no one
will be responsible. all these, and many
more accidents, give cause for com
plants without end. Even ifpreeiOus
articles, such as embroidered pillow
slips, dainty sheets, etc, are put away
carefully when not in use, they still
have a knack of turning yellow, so
that, in short, the life Of the linen
storekeeper is by no means a happy
one. For all these evils, however, there
is generally some simple remedy. Be
fore suggesting any, however, it might
be well to remind those upon whom
the care of the linen devOlves to give
some thought to apparent trifes, but
which, when neglected, may have very
unpleasant results. One of the most
important points is to guard against
body or house linen being sent to the
laundry with pins sticking in them.
This has often been the cause of serious
accidents to those who wash the clothes
and whose livelihood depends on their
work. Moreover, such neglect also pro-
duces ia the newest material tears
which are not always easy to repair.
AS rule, the mending should be done
before things go to the wash. This IS
especially necessary where starehed ar
ticles are concerned; this substance and
the ''getting up stiffen the linen, pull
the damaged part out Of shape, and
makes subsequent repair most difficult.
Another sore point is the transient life
Of a button. Whether dress shirt or
humble nightdress be concerned, the
button disappears, or breaks in half, or
folds itself into hobgoblin shapes, de-
flying recognition, and the temper Of
the victim suffers accordingly. Now,
is this matter, the progress of eiviliza-
tion is much to blame. Before man
giles and ironing machines were invent
ed there was still hope for the useful
article in question, and much could be
done were the laundry-maid careful.
Still, there Is some art even in such a
prOsaic matter as sewing on buttons
which may help 10 relieve the difficult
ty. The ordinary operator makes a
knot in the cotton, passes the needle
through the material from the under
part, and cheerfully aceomplishes her
task. The stronger the thread the
more satisfied she will be. But when
the garment is dealt with in the wash,
and ironing time comes round, the
knot upon which the work had de-
pended forms hard lump, which can
not possibly resist the heavy and sharp
sides of the iron, the latter cuts it off,
or certainly impairs its strength, and
the wearer is left buttonless.
The moral is obvious. Start sewing
from the outside, or from the inside be
fore putting on the button; the latter,
being fairly tight, will protect the knot,
and the smooth thread at the back will
not be cut. Finally always use pearl
or hard buttons in preference to linen
ones; the latter are the least lasting of
all.
With regard to storing, the cupboard
must be very dry, and nothing should
be put away into it until il has been so
thoroughly aired that every vestige Of
moisture has disappeared. If the things
are not regularly used they must be
taken out periodically, and hung out
before the fire or in the sun. Should the
linen show signs of turning yellow,
wiring it out in some lukewarm soap
and water, then dry and store away
again.
AS to actual washing, here is a most
useful hint for home laundries the
quantities given are small, but can be
increased according to requirements
Allow, say, two and half gallons OF
water, pound of yellow soap, and fOuI
tablespoonfuls of petroleum (para fin
oil. Boil this together for at least
half an hour. When this mixture is
lGkewarm, use it to soak the linen over.
night. This can most conveniently be
done in the copper boiler itself. In the
morning, light small fire underneath,
and bring the contents slowly TO a
gentle boil, which must be kept up for
half an hour. Remove the linen, wiring
it out, and then wash it little in the
usual way. Rubbing, soap, soda, and
labor will be wonderfully eeonomized
By this simple process, and, Of course
the wear and tear of the linen is great
ly Iessened. If, in following these sug.
gestions, the linen were carefully sort
ed, only the sOiled or stained article:
would require actual washing. The
others would merely need rinsing, etc
Knitting wool can be made color fast
by soaking it in a strong solution o.
salt and water, taking it out after 4
few minutes immersion and hanging
it up till dry. IL can then be used, and
the garments made will never fade
when washed. The same result is OBJ
tanned by soak ing the wool in strong
vinegar and letting it dry without
wringing.
In conclusion, one word Of advice
concerning a most Objectionable draw
back to the best of lamps. This is the
sweating produced on the outside BY
the oil, however good its quality may
be. This not only soils the hands in
carrying the lamps, but produces q
most unpleasant smell the moment
the lamp heats Make mixture oil
s1ual parts Of glycerine and silicate Of
potash; pour some Of this into the oil
container of the lamp, which should
previously have been scalded out, well
cleansed and dried. Move the lamp
about carefully, 50 that every part ol
the inside shall be mcistened with the
mixture. This can then be stored in 8
bottle for further and similar use
Leave the lamp in the air till the con.
tainer is thoroughly dry. The potash
and glycefine form a slight coating