The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-07-25
SIMPLE METHODS OF CLEANING
RIBBONS AND MEMS TIES.


From the Philadelphia Star.
Ribbons are comparatively cheap. I
know, but as 1t is necessary they should
always look fresh and dainty. a woman
can spend a large sum IN keeping large
enough supply OF these pretty accessories
unless she cleans and renews theH at
frequent intervals.
This cleansing Is a much easier task
than formerly now that the weaves ara
soft and supple. Several years ago the
thick, heavy. doubie-faced Saline and bro
cades worn, II cleansed at home. were
seldom a success. but an amateur may
safely attempt the renovation OF almost
any Of the ribbons used at the present
time.
one Of the best aids in freshening rib
bons is a home made continuance for
holding the hot iron while the work of
pressing Is done. For this process get a
small, strong box from the grocer and
nail down the cover Then IN tho center
Of one OF the sides Of the box saw a
strip about four inches wide from top TO
bottom.
At the top OF the box. on a line with
the cUt-out strip. put a v-shaped piece OF
wood. Then cover the top with a piece
Of tin, taking It down an inch or more
/ over the sides Of the box. Cut out the
Y in tin and turn the edges down neatly
When the iron IS hot Il is sunk into the
Y, its edges resting on the tin and tho
handle partly dropped into the box. The
slit is for the purpose Of allowing the
( iron to be easily removed.
~f1 l. l.
veniently done by one person, instead Of
/ two, as is otherwise necessary. There
IS no danger o. scorching. because the
ribbons are passed over the iron. not the
iron pressed upon the goods.
] When ribbons are only creased they can
be smOOthed by steaming. To do this lay
a wet cloth over the iron and pass the
ribbon across the iron, and the steam will
make the creases disappear. If the creases
are deep lay The ribbon directly on the
wet rag and draw the former across the
iron no stretching or pulling should b
,"oIe, but II the creases remain then they
should be smoothed away by using a
clean fat wad. While the ribbon IS
steaming the wad should be applied by
smoothing.
look like new. OF course. this only ap-
plies TO creased ribbons. II they are
soiled also they must be cleansed before
being steamed.
This can be done by using gasoline or
any Of the excellent cleansing fluids that
can be bought for the purpose
SOiled ribbons should be put TO soak in
gasoline for twelve hours or more previ-
Gus 10 the steSming. II unusually dirty,
q little white soap jelly should be added
20 the gasoline The ribbons may be
rubbed between the hands and then
rinsed IN clean gasoline. When dry they
will be ready for steaming.
Soiled white ribbon, also fine ribbon IN
delicate colors. viii respond to a soap
and water treatment. but Will need press
ing after the bath.
For this treatment, warm water, into
which a little white soap has been shred
ded. is prepared If the water Is hard.
a pinch OF borax must he added
The ribbons are put through the bath,
and when clean are rinsed first IN warm
water and then in cold, a few drops of
ammonia being added to the bath FOR
eolored ribbons.
White is apt 10 turn yellow If rinsed IN
ammonia water. Next roll the ribbons IN
a towel and while damp press with a fair
" hot iron. using cloth as protection.
Mems ties are usually cleaned and
pressed in this way. especially II they
are quite soiled, but before washing Il
is a good plan 10 haste the edges Of the
tie with a white thread and then sew
through the thick parts
Unless this is done the interlining viii
twist and curl inside the tie. so IL win be
almost impossible TO make the lining be
5 nat again.