LIGHTER LAUNDRY WORK

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19887, 16 May 1936, Page 24 (Supplement)

LIGHTER LAUNDRY WORK

A PROPER SYBTEM. To some women laundry work Is a sheer Joy—to others it is just the reverse. It is all a question of proper time and labour-saving devices (which need not be expensive), system, and concentration on details. The .first step Is to sort the articles to be laundered. Silks, woollens, artificial silks, coloured things, socks, stockings, etc., should be put into separate piles. It is a good plan to do any little bits of mending beforehand to avoid further tearing. Linens and c-ottons should be soaked well in a good soapy lather before they are washed, to allow the cleansing medium to get well into the fabric. White things that are to be boiled will be whiter if a piece of lemon rind is put into the copper or boiling pan. Rinse well, in several clear waters, and give a Anal rinse in “blue” water. There is one rule which applies to all laundry work. Have plenty of water, and especially rinsing water; and use the wringer as much as possible. Failing a wringer, articles can be wrung out in a clean towel to ex pel as much moisture as possible, and thus aid quick drying. Woollens.—There is a real.art in the successful washing of woollens. Make a good fairly hot lather with soap flakes. Shake and immerse the garments (not too many at a time), then knead and press well in the lather to expel the dirt. Avoid rubbing as far as possible. Have ready a second soapy solution, and repeat the kneading. Squeeze, then rinse in two or more clear waters and let the last rinse be in slightly soapy water.

Put through a wringer, or wring out In a towel to expel as much moisture as possible. Dry quickly in the -open air. -whenever convenient, pulling the article into shape whilst it is drying. Press with a warm iron when quite

Golden Rule 9 For Silks. Silks.—-The golden rules concerning the washing of silk are: No soaking. No boiling. No soda. No rubbing. No wringing. Wash in a warm lather made with soap flakes, again kneading and pressing to expel the dirt. Any specially obstinate spots or marks should be squeezed well, but not rubbed. Rinse in two waters —then give a final rinse in cold water to which a tablesponful nf methylated spirit has been added. Squeeze lightly, then,, place flat on a clean towel and roll up until dry enough to iron. Artificial Silks.—These require similar treatment when washed, but they can be wrung thus; Spread out flat between two Turkish towels, and pass through the wringer. Iron when moderately dry. Shantung is washed in the same way as silk, and allowed to get quite dry before it is ironed. Coloured Silks.—lt is advisable to soak these first In cold water. Wash as for silk, in warm soapy water, and add a tablesponful each of salt and vinegar to the final rinsing water. Roll up in a towel and iron whilst damp. Georgette.—This needs very careful treatment. Use tepid or cool soapy water, gently squeeze to expel the dirt. Rinse in two waters of the same temperature as the washing water. A final rinse in gum water will Improve the appearance. To make this add a teaspoonful of tube gum to a ping and a-half of boiling water. Strain through a piece of muslin. When cool, immerse the georgette in the solution. Spread out flat on a towel and roll up. Iron on the wrong side when nearly dry, with a moderately cool Iron.

Laoe. —Wash in soapy water, add a tablespoonful of borax or sugar to the final rinsing water to give a slight stiffness. Chamois Gloves. Chamois Gloves.—These need careful washing. Prepare a basin of nice soapy water, using soap flakes and have it oomfortably warm. Steep the gloves in this solution, and squeeze them to expel the dirt. Rinse in two soapy waters. Squeeze in a clean towel to expel as much water as possible, then blow into them to fill out the fingers. Let them dry—if possible near an ope© window. But do not dry them too quickly or near a fire. Rub them occasionally between the fingers and thumb whilst they are drying to keep them soft. Ironing Wisdom.—Now a few hints concerning ironing. Rub the surface of the iron over a piece of soap, then clean on a piece of brown paper. This will prevent it sticking to starched articles. Cotton things should be ironed whilst rather damp, on the wrong and then on the right side. I-n the case of flared skirts or insets, iron the way of the “grain," not up and down. Iron till quite dry. lifting occasionally to expel the steam. If thev get too dry, sprinkle with hot water. To do this successfully, use a bottle to which is fitted a metal sprinkler, or use a child’s Avatering can with a fine rose. Pleats demand special attention. First iron quite flat, then before the garment is dry arrange the pleats and pin at the bottom with small pins. ] Press carefully with a moderately hot j iron. i