Ingredients
- two tablespoonfuls of pulverized borax
- a teaspoonful of ammonia
- a tablespoonful of borax
- a tablespoonful of methylated spirits to each gallon of rinsing water
- a quart of lukewarm water
- one article should be put into the tub at a time
- 1 small tablespoon methylated spirits to a quart of lukewarm water
Directions
Hints for Washing Day. — Flannels should be washed in water only slightly hot — rather more than, tepid. Hot water shrinks them. In the water mix a little melted soap and a teaspoonful of ammonia (this whitens flannels that have become yellow, and disposes of any disagreeable odour which may adhere to materials worn next the skin). Only one article should be put into the tub at a time, as flannels, when left to soak, become hard and thick. They should be rubbed as little as possible, as this, too, helps to thicken and shrink them. Rinse in tepid water (not cold), squeeze them tightly, or put them through a wringing machine, which is better. They should be shaken well before being hung out, and should be frequently pulled into shape while drying. When flannels have to be dried in the house, let the drying be done as quickly as possible before a bright fire, as slow drying shrinks them.
Blankets should be washed in water containing a little white soap, a tablespoonful of borax, and one of spirits of hartshorn.
After being washed, white clothes should be allowed to lie in cold water for a few minutes before they are put into the boiler ; this frees them from all soiled water, which would otherwise get boiled into them. They should never be put into boiling, but always into cold, water, and should be allowed to come slowly to the boil. When they have boiled ten minutes take them out. One or two tablespoonfuls of pulverized borax, put into the water, will help to whiten them, and will not injure the’ finest linen. When taken out of the boiler, clothes should be rinsed first in hot, then in cold water ; this extracts all the soap. Finally rinse them one by one in water with a little blue in it. Wring well, and dry speedily. Sprinkle a little water over those that require it, and fold neatly, ready for mangling or ironing.
Stockings, socks, etc., should be folded neatly and clapped between the hands before they arte hung out.
When washing silk add a tablespoonful of methylated spirits to each gallon of rinsing water, and the silk will look bright and new.
Recipe for Washing White Silk.— Allow 1 small tablespoon methylated spirits to a quart of lukewarm water. Wash well with soap, rinse in warm water and spirits, wring, shake well, and roll up in cloth. Iron in a short time.