WASHING LACE.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 274, 7 February 1929, Page 2

WASHING LACE.

Nothing spoils the appearance of U dainty frock more than soiled or dis- | coloured lace. It is for this reason very important to see that the lace is kept absolutely spotless. The process of washing is quite simple, and provided attention is given to detail there is nw reason why the operation should net be performed with every degree of success.

Real lace should be washed in a large bottle which has a stopper. This method prevents it from being subjected to over-much handling and obviates the likelihood of tearing. Dissolved soap, which is made by dissolving t quarter of a pound of pale yellow soap in a pint of boiling water, must b‘ used. Gum water will also be required and this is prepared in the* follow-, ing manner:' —Place two ounces Pi white gum arabic in a saucepan with half a pint of hot water. Stir until dissolved, and strain the water through coarse muslin into • a bottle. The a« vantage of using gum water is that it gives a slight firmness to the lace without making it too stiff. Fill the bottle three parts full of warm water and add a little of the dissolved soap. When a free lather ts formed put iu the lace and place sn*s. stopper in the bottle. Shake vigorously until the lace is nearly clean. The dirtv water should then be poured t of the bottle and the operation repeated. When clean, the lace should be rinsed in a pint of cold water to wb <*h i a dessert-spoonful of gum water ?as been added. If the lace is made of si fc a few drops of methylated should be added to the gum water to give the j lace a shiny appearance. The final operations must be performed with great care. Bry the lace by squeezing it :n a clean dry towel. Pin it out on *in ironing blanket, and when the lace is nearly dry remove the pins and uress it gently with a warm iron. Machine-made lace must be washed in a different manner. Warm soapy water should be used for the proce-s, the lace being pressed and rolled between the hands. It should next be rinsed, and, if it is required a pure white, it must be placed into pale bl ie water. A little starch should be employed for the stiffening. The process is completed bv rolling the lace iu n dry cloth and ’ ironing it immediat i\v afterwards.