Perth Amboy evening news., 1913-02-20
EFFICIENT
Chemistry of Cleaning
By HENRIETTA d. GRAUEL
domestic Science Lecturer)

The question of cleaning stands next to that of food and clothing
In the mind of the average housekeeper.
Soap is said to be the result o a high degree of refinement; popula-
lions using the greatest quantity have been found by test 1t Is said
to be most civilized.
AS cleanliness results in beauty, health. and comfort, these claims
are granted; but though n may have the best of cleansing agents and
the finest soaps and good intentions galore, 1t OF tolow that Dest
results are always obtained.
Every soap maker claims his product is perfect, s o If housewives
alkal, soap preferable for others, much of their work is only mis-
directed energy. Mild soaps ar best for light cleaning: Soft soaps are
caustc and more effective in removing dirt and CRIME.
An excellent article, economical and lasting, is mad by dissolv1ng
several bars of ordinary kitchen soap In hot water. Add one-third IS much
saEsoda IS you have dissolved soap Stir well and ALLOW h mass to
If soap is wanted for washing fine linens and white fabrics, cut
two bars of white soap fine and dissolve in warm water. Add four table,
spoons of borax to this mixture. The borax Is milder hi washing soda
and its ss for delicate cleaning ire innumerable.
If a stronger agent Is wanted than either of the above, add a tea
spoon of ammonia to each quart of soft soap. Ammonia IS a good SER
want but a bad master. 1t may be used n everything but brass II
sofhns hard water. cuts grease and CRIME. 1t may be had in liquid Or
In solid form.
In the lump its cost is usually in the neighborhood of thirty cents
a pound, but this has twice the strength Of TIL hquid.
A small lump of the dry ammonia or a tablespoon. OF the liquid
will precipitate the lime in a tub Of water. Just a 5 washing soda does.
without injuring the flesh or the clothing. ..
Soda-ash is the cheapest form of alkali, and women would do well
or "crystal" Or "io' that they pay ten to twenty-five cents a box for.
probably are only potash or cheap alhah that sells for five cents
Our grandmothers used wood ashes to furnish this necessary alkai.
The results of their cleaning DAVIS 70 beautiful. but roughened hands
told of the biting quality Of their softsoap.
Lye is a dangerous article and should always be dissolved and kept
in a stoppered jug and used spartngy.
vanished surfaces, of-cloths, lneoleum and painted surfaces. The
white soap mixture given above may have a spoonful of kerosene added
to it and will answer excellently we'll
In these days of good laundries wise women send the laborious part
of the washing away. but there are always numberless small things
that n desires to have done ath home.
A carelessly Numbered article Is worthless to a refined, particular
wcr~n, 81 use first class laundry aids that will remove stains and germs
wash board will wear them out more than a weeks hard wear.
American women are bringing brains to bear o n their work, and
speedy solution Of many a "servant problem" rewards them, for the
laws of chemical change are inexorahle
There are three acids that should be o n every laundry shelf; they
stains IN lace and fine articles; murauc acid for removing ink stains
and restoring colors.