Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1905-08-15
HOMEMAKERS COLUMN.
on topics Of interest TO the lAdis
CoLUIU, Oxford Democrat. Paris. Maine.
To Clean White Shoes Of Stains.

To Clean White Shoes Of Stains.
Keeping white shoes clean is one Of
the difficult tasks this season Of those
who are obliged to do those little things
for themselves. In an immaculate state
nothing prettier can be worn on the
feet, but spots spoil them, marring the
general effect of whole costume.
The shops now carry several different
cleaning preparations, any of which Is
good if put on by reliable firms. These
liquids and powders as q rule, though,
are good only for removing slight dirt.
and for that reason it is the part OF
wisdom to use one of these powders or
fluids each time that the shoes are taken
of. This will keep them In such good
condition that hard cleaning will be I'M
necessary.
A packet of French chalk and pipe
CLAW should be near the dressing table Of
every girl, for it will aid with her shoes.
If canvas or suede has slight spots, chalk
rubbed in well with cloth will cover
them entirely. The chalk should then
be brushed off with stiff brush. Art
gum, a soft eraser used by artists, Is also
we'll to have, as it will wipe away slight
spots. The same eraser too, by the way,
will clean spots on corsets caused oy
dark dress bands rubbing. Pipe clay Is
applied in a paste made OF water and
brushed out when dry.
Stains that come from grass or, sea-
weed are the two most difficult to remove
and chalk should be tried with them
first. If this does no good alcohol some
times will make them disappear, but the
objection to it is the danger of liquid
causing the stain to spread. This may
be obviated by making wet ring around
the spot and covering the circle with
chalk. Then when the alcohol is put on,
the chalk will absorb any that spreads.
1t can be brushed out when dry.
If canvas shoes have become 80 soiled
that nothing less than good wash will
clean them they should have a thorough
securing. Before doing this be sure to
put the shoes on trees. Then make a
strong suds with white soap and am
monia and, putting in the shoes trees
and all, scour them with a stiff nail
brush. Do this until soil is removed,
but never rub soap directly on the can
vas. Rinse, again brushing, and finish
with bluing water. Put in the sun to
dry and if later the shoes seem yellow
wet them with clear water and put them
out to bleach. Trees not only will make
the shoes retain their shape, but will
prevent them from shrinking too much.
After the last drying the canvas may be
rubbed with pipe clay to make it even
winter.
Suede, glace kid and calfskin can be
cleaned by wiping over with gasolene.
If the brown heels and soles of canvas
shoes look dull after washing they
should be rubbed hard with tissue paper
and then with chamois, and if they are
still dull they should be polished with
prepared tan varnish that is used on tan
leather. If the canvas or suede has been
cleaned with prepared whitening, specks
of the powder should be removed from
the Soles and heels with wet tissue paper,
and then rubbed bright with a cloth.
This same treatment will usually restore
the shine to brown heels and soles when
they have become dull from use, and
keep them looking new.-Ex.