The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1924-07-03

be used in removing stains from such
fabrics, and when dilute acids are
used they should be neutralized af-
forwards with suitable alkali or re-
moved by thorough rinsing; other
wise the acid may become concen-
trated on drying and destroy the fl
bres. Generally speaking, alkalis do
not attack cotton or linen fabrics
to the extent that acids do. How
ever, long-continued or repeated ex-
posture to alkalis, especially in hot
solution weakens the fibres. The
fact is said to be due to hydra
ton of the cellulose which consti-
tutes the fibres. The damage to
fabrics resulting from the careless
use of strong alkaline soaps, wash
ing powders, washing soda or I've
is we'll known to the housekeeper.
Wool and silk, being more delicate
then cotton and linen, require more
careful treatment. The use of very
hot water must be avoided, since
it turns both wool and silk yellow,
shrinks wool and weakens silk and
Injuries it's finish. These materials
also will not stand much rubbing, as
this felts together the wool fibres
and results in shrinkage or thicker
ing of the material, while the sill
fabrics, as a rule, are too delicate t.
stand much rubbing without break
ing or separating the fibres. Boil
wool and silk are dissolved by strong
alkalis and are injured even by wash
ing soda or strong alkaline soap
The only alkalis which should be
used in laundering or removing OF
stains from wool and silk are the
milder ones like borax or dilute solu-
tions of ammonia. Acids, with the
exception of nitric, which weakens
and turns the lfbres yellow, do not
attack wool and silk readily.
In general it is more difficult to
remove stains from wool and silk
than from cotton or linen. In re-
moving stains from materials made |
from two or more kinds of fibres, |
such as silk and cotton mixtures, the
effects of the stain removers upon |
all of the fibres should be consider
ed. No chemical should be used that
would injure the most delicate of
the fibres present.
1t is also much more difficult to
remove stains from colored than
from white materials, for the rea-
son that most of the bleaching agents
which must be used to remove per-
sistent stains are likely to destroy
the color of the material as we'll.
Ordinary laundering, mentioned
frequently as a method for remov-
ing stains, should be done as fol:
lows: First, soak the stained por-
ton in cold or lukewarm water, rub
bing the stain with neutral soap
Il necessary. Follow this by thor
ough rinsing in clean water, after
which the article may be laundered
rs usuel Use this method only for
cotton and linens (white or fast col
,rs) and the so-called wash silks
md washable woolens. If the ma
erials are delicate, sponge them.
Sponging is applicable to all IA
orics, but especially to delicate ma
erials or colors which ordinary laun-
lering might injure. Spread the
stained article on a flat surface in
| good light and beneath the stain
tut cloth folded into several thick
lesses, or clean white plotting pap
n, to absorb the superfluous liquid.
Change the pad for fresh one as
DON as it becomes soiled. Sponge
With a clean, soft lintless cloth !
preferably Of the same material as
hat stained) and renew it as fire.
Iuently as may be necessary. Lay
he stained material with the wrong
ide up and apply the water to the
Jack, so that the foreign substances
an be washed from the fibres onto
he pad without having to pass on
through the material. !.
q