Cleaning a Soiled Raincoat

New Zealand Listener, Volume 6, Issue 136, 30 January 1942, Page 23

Cleaning a Soiled Raincoat

, Dear Aunt Daisy, This may be of interest to you. Many times during your short session on the air, cleaning a raincoat has been a question. I have tried all sorts of methods, but none was ever really satisfactory. Five months ago, my waterproof got in a terrible mess, It was an expensive coat, too, and had been worn only twice. We were returning from a long motor trip, and late at night had car trouble. Well, with mud and grease all over it, and the coat being an ivory shade, you can imagine what it was like. I took two tablespoons of good soap powder, half a gallon of water, and a breakfast cup of ammonia. I poured the boiling water over the soap powder, and dissolved it, and when it was nearly cold, I added the ammonia. Then, with a nailbrush, scrubbed all over the coat, which lay flat on the table. I was careful not, to wet the lining in any way, as it is coloured, and I thought the colours might run, Of course, I had to scrub very hard on the worst parts, and had to go over some of them twice. Then I got some lukewarm water, and washed the coat all over the outside very carefully so as not to leave any water marks. This exceeded all expectations, and you can just imagine how I rushed at my family on their arrival home that evening, to show them my success. The coat looks just as it did when it came from the shop. My family consists of eight-four of each-and they all said, "Mum, send that to Aunt Daisy." So there you are.

"Just a Mother"

(Island Bay). |

Well, that is a good thing to know, | It will be a comfort to many a despairing owner of a soiled raincoat. As you say, the question is continually cropping up, and it is grand to get a really proved method like yours. Thank you very much for writing.