The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1927-06-06

ply is still more liberal. This can
indicate but one thing-that the use
of wisely chosen laundry equipment
actually raises the standards of
living in the American home.
The testing of washing machines
from the standpoint Of their use in
the home is carried on for the
most part in our small home laun-
dry unit. First of all, we strongly
advocate a laundry on the first
floor, if possible. We realize, of
course, that many homes are not
equipped for this, but 1t is possible
to use certain types of washing
machines in the kitchen, even
though no laundry trays are in
stalled. Occasionally. therefore, in
the testing of an extractor type
of washing machine, the machine
is taken into the Institute home
kitchen and used there. AS shown
in the illustration on this page, the
washing machine Is brought out
from the corner, where it is stored,
and rolled up to the sink. Obvi-
ously, every process must be car
ried on in the machine. Since the
machine is equipped with a pump
for self-emptying, the fact that it
is not permanently installed entails
no difficulties in emptyiing the ma
chine. A basket or two, and a low
table for holding the baskets at
proper height, are all that is needed
in such a washing arrangement.
And now for the way we wash
our clothes. We do not soak them.
Soaking was q method adopted by
our resourceful grandmothers be-
fore electric machines were ever
heard Of. Get full value from your
washing machine and put the dry
clothes directly into first WASH
of lukewarm. soapy water. The
amount of soil on your clothe.
must decide the length of time
Of the washing period, but ordi-
narily a five or a ten minute Pc
riod is sufficient for this first wash.
we have found from long expert
ence that a ten-minute washing in
the machine is more satisfactory
than the long soaking period, since
1t gives the added advantage Of
mechanical action. We do not find
1t any addition of labor over the
old-fashioned soaking method, pro-
vided your machine is piped to an
outlet or is equipped with a self
emptying device. Emptying a ma.
chine by pail for the whole pro-
cess of washing is a days task in
itself and should not be tolerated.
After wringing or extracting the
clothes from the first wash, we
give the clothes a hot wash. The
temperature of the wash for cot
tons and linens may be as high as
100 degrees r. Add to the water
sufficient soap to make a lasting
but not a deep suds, and If neces-
sary carefully controlled solution
of washing soda when washing
cottons and linens. The exact
amounts cannot be given because of
the water used. If the water is
only moderately hard, a water
softener such as washing soda,
borax, or ammonia should be added
to the water first--then the soap,
either in jelly, chip, or flake form,
so that it will go into solution
quickly. Do not make the mistake
Of thinking that if little soap is
good, more is better. Just as in a
dish-washing machine, deep suds
tends to cut down the force of the
water action, and the washing re-
suits will not be so satisfactory.
The length of this washing period,
like the first, depends upon the de-
gree of soil in the clothes. In most
cases, 10 minutes is sufficient.
We are now ready for the rinsing.
The story of thorough rinsing is
old, but remains the same. We
urge rinsing in the machine, not
only because it makes for better
rinsing. but because it relieves you
of the labor and energy involved
in lifting the heavy, dripping pieces
up and down in the rinse water.
What If it takes a. :.stIe longer!