New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-04
WASHING AND IRONING SILKS AND WOOLLENS |

the pocket needs to be turned, that 1t may be
washed inside When the sweater is half dry,
turn, test the measurements. II will be seen
that if the original measurements have been
saved each time the sweater is washed and
those measurements are used there will be a
considerable control of shrinkage. Sometimes
to hold these measurements the sweater will
have to be pinned
Skirts and trousers should be hung to dry
by pinning the waistband firmly to the line,
and all the pulling will be lengthwise with the
grain of the goods.
Colored woollens, such as sweaters, caps and
gloves, had better be dried on old material,
otherwise good sheets and towels may be
stained with the dye
To iron woollens, best results will be OBJ
tanned by having the garment almost dry,
pressing it on the wrong side with piece of
cheesecloth between the garment and the iron.
If the garment has become dry, the cheesecloth
will have to be dampened.
Silks should be ironed on the wrong side and
most silks give better results-that is, are less
stiff and papery-if they are ironed when dry.
This is especially so in the case Of pongees.
Should one like to have bit Of moisture by
way of taking out creases, damp cheesecloth is
better on the dry silk than to iron wet silk.
Besides keeping the silk soft, this method
often overcomes the spotted appearance which
is so likely to come when wet silks are ironed.
STIFFENING SILKS AFTER WASHING
Foulards and soft silks often look very limp
and fimsy after washing. This may be over
come by using gum-arabc in the last rinse
water Use one or two tablespoons of pow
dered gum-arabic to every quart of water.
When dissolved, strain through cheesecloth.
The degree of stiffness can be tested by iron
ing a small part of the garment or piece of
the same material If too stiff dip in clear
water; this will wash out some gum-arabc.
Ribbons are best washed with soft brush.
An old marble slab makes excellent ribbon
washboard The ribbon clings TO the wet mar
BILE in the washing and rinsing and is allowed
TO stay until dry By this method no creases
are formed by rubbing in the hands or wiring
ing. Tile, or the side Of bath tub, VIII take
the place of the marble slab.
In cleaning silks and woods the question of
gasolene cleaning always comes up. This cup
never be suggested without emphasizing at the
same time the danger of the uEe OF gasolene
and pint is literally "a drop in the bucket
If the garment requires gasolene cleaning,
better known as dry cleaning" it should be
sent out 10 professional cleaner who has
facilities for the work. The danger is always
present; the likelihood of getting oily gasolene
suggests the poor results from anything but
the best, and the odor is a great hindrance In
home work. White sweaters and woollens are
far better washed, as too soon the white wool
yeows and grays from gasolene cleaning. A
washed sweater that has been previously gaso-
lened is usually poor looking garment.
If the worker still wishes 10 use gasolene
begin by buying the best, and plan 10 have as
much gasolene per garment as one would have
water. Change the wash gasolene for clean as
soon as it soils. A soft brush will assist IN
cleaning. Any white soap may be used as with
water. The soap will not suds, but 1t does
clean. Keep array from IRE or heat, and do
not put gloves or any fabric on the hands;
Rinse in gasolene. Hang until we'll dried and
aired, and then press with warm iron.
Woolen and silk washing is very satisfac-
torily done if one only studies the problem
carefully, follows the rules and does not UNI
dertake TO work with these fabrics when
rushed with other work.