WASHING LACES AND CHINTZ

NZ Truth, Issue 1179, 5 July 1928, Page 17

WASHING LACES AND CHINTZ

Correct Treatment of Various Materials

The hundred and one odds c to the household wash-tub nea\ ment; "knowing how*' so often sp< and failure. HERB are a few things selected at random that require special care and attention, but first of all we will deal with the water. X Rainwater is best because It is soft, but if you are unable to collect a sufficient quantity, fill a tub with the ordinary water, put m 21bs. of common soda and leave it to stand overnight. In the morning pour off the .water, without- disturbing the white sediment at the bottom' of the tub, and you will find the water nice and soft — ideal for washing delicate materials. Laces rank among the "dellcates." They must, not be rubbed, but treated to just a gentle kneads ing or squeezing m the sudsy water. Laces that- are embroidered with silk and colors, or with tinsel, cannot be washed. They may, however, be cleaned by spreading them out evenly on a clean piece of cotton material and brushing them over with a soft brush dipped m spirits of wine. To wash silk lace, soak it m hot milk for three hours before introducing it to -soap and water. Guipure lace should be washed carefully m warm suds made from pure Castile soap and rinsed In clean water. It should be gently coaxed into shape until dry and then ironed between two pieces of flannel. Never allow a hot iron to touch the lace. Articles worked m colors such as doilies, for. instance, should never be allowed to stand water — not even for a few moments. They must be washed quickly, rinsed gently and squeezed between the palms of the hands. This is done m order to avoid what is known as "bleeding" the colors. They should be ironed when almost dry and .if they belong to the lace variety, it is most important that the lace be ironed first. Washing chintz covers Is not an easy task, but at least you have the satisfaction -of knowing that they are properly done, besides keeping m your pocket the money which would otherwise have been spent on having them cleaned. First remove all surface dust by giving- them a thorough : shaking. Now place them into lukewarm, soapy water; knead and squeeze them well.

md ends that find their way inr(p all demand different treatills ihe difference between success [ "Wring as dry as possible and then put them into clear, cold water, to which has been added a little vinegar and salt. Rinse well and wring out again, then dip the covers into prepared size — %lb. dissolved m one quart of boiling water strained through muslin. Squeeze and roll up m a clean cloth to absorb some of the moisture. Then iron slightly to partly dry and finally polish by ironing a small piece at a time. Try to get an even polish.

Another material which may be washed at home, although not m the ordinary way, is tweed — that useful .and hard- wearing material which is found m almost every home. It will always respond to a periodical visit to the wash-tub, but a little careful preparation is necessary to ensure success. First of all, prepare a tubful of hot, soapy water; add 1 tablespoon of strong ammonia' and 2 tablespoons of turpentine to the strong suds. Soak the suit, or coat, as the case may be, m this, while it is hot (not boiling) and allow" it to remain until cool. . Thdn wash, but do not use any more soap. If the garment is very dirty it may be necessary to repeat these operations. Rinse m ammonia and water, then hang up without wringing.