WASH DAY HINTS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 June 1938, Page 4

WASH DAY HINTS

FROM LAUNDRY CHEMISTS. Much in the manner of the parlour “Animal, Vegetable or Mineral” game, home laundry chemists have evolved a succinct formula for the guidance of housewives on Wash Day, and upon it they have predicated a list of practical “don’ts.” There are two general classifications of fibres in the average family wash: vegetable and animal. Fabrics made from these fibres must be washed separately, for vegetable fibres generally require more strenuous treatment than can be given to those belonging in the animal group. Cottons and linens are made from vegetable fibres, and as shown by home laundry researches, have considerable resistance to heat. Silks and woollens are made from animal fibres, and should not be subjected to high temperatures. So: Don’t let woollens get too dirty; wash them frequently, but don’t let them be soaked in standing water. Don't wash woollens of various dark colours together or mix them with light colours when washing: they may discolour one another. Don't expose woollens to excessive heat, the direct rays of the sun, or freezing temperatures; always use a warm iron when ironing woollens. Don’t soak silks or synthetics overnight; don't rub or boil them, and never wring' out by twisting. Don’t dry white cottons and linens indoors; sunshine is an effective bleach. Don't hang sheets and table-cloths from corners or edges; fold them hem to hem, wrong side out. and hang onethird over the line.