THE

HOUSEKEEPER'S
HANDBOOK
CLEANING

SARAH

J. MACLEOD

OF

HOME

HARPER'S

ECONOMICS

EDITED

BY

ISABEL

DIRECTOR

OF

THE

SCHOOL

AND

and

Science

By
School

J.

of

MARY

Household

Volume

BROTHERS,

CLEANING.

OF

Science

"

By
of

in

Instructor

MACLEOD,

Household

Each

HARPER

HOME.

School

HANDBOOK

SARAH

JESSIE

Institute.

Institute.

Pratt

Arts,

HOUSEKEEPER'S

THE

Pratt

Design,

in

CONDIT,
and

Science,

THE

Instructor

QUINN,

ELIZABETH

By
Household

FURNISHING

AND

PLANNING

INSTITUTE

Cookery,

in

Instructor

SCIENCE

HOUSEHOLD

WHY.

in

Supervisor
LONG,

J.

PRATT

AND

Assistant

A.

OF

ARTS,

COOK

TO

HOW

LORD

ELY

and

16mo,

Arts,

Care

Pratt

Cloth

NEW

YORK

of

House,
Institute.

CLEANING-CLOSET

Reproduced

through
from

Cornell

the

courtesy

Reading

Courses

of

the
for

New
the

York
Farm

State

Home,

of

College
Vol.

I,

No.

culture
Agri23.

HOUSEKEEPER'S

THE

CLEANING

OF

HANDBOOK

BY

SARAH

J.

INSTRUCTOR

SCHOOL

OF

IN

OF

CARE

SCIENCE

HOUSEHOLD
PRATT

LEOD

MAC

HOUSE
AND

ARTS

INSTITUTE

ILLUSTRATED

HARPER

"

NEW

BROTHERS
YORK

PUBLISHERS
AND

LONDON

PRINTED

BY

1915.

COPYRIGHT.

IN

THE

HARPER

STATES

UNITED

PUBLISHED

JUNE.

F-P

BROTHERS

OF

1913

AMERICA

CONTENTS
CHAP.

PAGE

PREFACE
I.

ix

IMPORTANCE

COST

AND

CLEANLINESS

OF

i
.

II.

,VENTILATION

III.

THE

IV.

WOODWORK,

KITCHEN

15

WALLS,

CEILINGS

AND

34

...

V.

FLOORS

AND

COVERINGS

FLOOR

39

....

GLASS,

VI.

METALS,

VII.

ORNAMENTS,

CHINA

AND

BOOKS,

46

JEWELRY

AND

65

...

VIII.

How

IX.

LINEN-CLOSET

X.

STORAGE

XI.

CHOICE

XII.
XIII.

TO

vSwEEp,

CLEAN,

AND

DUST

ROOM

71
77

SPACES

AND

CARE

84

CARE

OF

REPAIR

AND

AND

.103

.no

MOVING

HOUSE.

CLOSING

XV.

THE

LAUNDRY

XVI.

THE

LAUNDRY:

EQUIPMENT

XVII.

THE

LAUNDRY:

THE

PESTS
.

XIV.

92

FURNITURE

OF

INSECTS

HOUSEHOLD

REFRIGERATORS

125
130

REAGENTS

MAKING

138
AND

USE

OF

152

36936?

CONTENTS

vi
CHAP.

XVIII.

PAGE

THE

LAUNDRY:

REMOVAL

OF

STAINS

.173
.

XIX.

THE

LAUNDRY:

WHITE

MATERIALS

.187
.

XX.

THE

LAUNDRY:

COLORED

MATERIALS

.198
.

XXI.

THE

XXII.

THE

LAUNDRY:

EMBROIDERIES

LAUNDRY:

SHIRTS,

AND

XXIII.

THE

LAUNDRY:

LACES

AND

SHIRT-WAISTS,

LARS,
COL-

CUFFS

SILK

213

AND

WOOL

.219
.

XXIV.

DRY-CLEANING

XXV.

THE

GENERAL

CLEANING-CLOSETS

APPENDIX

INDEX

229

CARE

OF

CLOTHING

.236
.

XXVI.

205

240

247

249

ILLUSTRATIONS

CLEANING-CLOSET

Frontispiece

ARRANGEMENT

KITCHEN-TABLE

HAND

"

CLEANER

VACUUM

ROOM

READY

ROOM

AFTER

"

50

"

SWEEPING

FOR

72

"

SWEEPING

CIRCULATION

OF

AIR

72

IN

"

REFRIGERATOR

94
.

OVERHEAD

VACUUM

FOLDING

FOLDING

DRIER

WASHING-MACHINE

OF

OF

16

50

SILVER

OF

16

p.

ARRANGEMENT

KITCHEN-SINK

CASE

Facing

HOUSE-LINEN

"

142

"

142

"

190

BODY-LINEN

"

194

PREFACE

absorb

the

and

energy,

and

its

and

the

prefers

person

method,
and

in

the
aid

and
a

cleaning

third

know

method
but

example,

is
another

the

adopted
and
method

newspapers

question.

One

But

that

and

so

few

really

best.

produces

to

on

of

tried

covering

second

have

important
of

the
deal

method,

is

of

furnished

another

methods.

which

Answers

majority

answers

recommendation

make

methods

various

the

large

the

in

appear

method,

one

another

many

result

of

aspect

some

that

and

asked

questions

times

this

offers

and

Questions

that

know

magazines

who

aid

volume

present

housewives

for

columns

with

of

offers

Why,

the

follow

who

Those

and

the

and

volume

second.

the

in

earlier

and

Cook

to

problem,

first

An

house

the

of

for

wearing-apparel

the

including

food

of

clean

her

time,

provision

keeping

family.

How

series,

the

together

her

of

part
"

the

contents,

all

of

for

income

her

that

tasks

two

greater

household

her

has

housekeeper

THE

those
all

the

Many
one

bad
ice.

good

one,

as,

As

is

PREFACE

explained
in

gain

reduced

It

be

must

laboratories
of

learned

This
in

do

of

but

this

for

her

forth

little
to

in

the

all
But

things

are

have

more

volume
her

save

daily

of

home.

It

Each

for
is
time

battle

her

INSTITUTE,

January,

such

been

testing,

deals

that

cleaning

with

the

within

come

housekeeper

of

sort

and

laboratory
as

energy

against

1915.

must

problems,

immediate

ISABEL

PRATT

the

not

know.

some

results

range.

testing,

own

in

made,

to

many

the
and

aspects

her

the

applications

are

made,

contains

housekeeper's

the

in

even

the

ought

and

laboratory

numerous

loss

probabilities.

as

book

both

in

we

been

proved,

established

the

that

problems
that

have

well

pretty

by

experiments

household

tests

many

offset

is

confessed

frankly

to

been

bill

the

Refrigerators,"

on

food.

where

science

has

ice
of

preservation

"

chapter

the

in

guide
she

dirt.
ELY

LORD.

goes

HOUSEKEEPER'S

THE

COST

AND

IMPORTANCE

T~"vICTIONARIES

L/

free

being

freedom

means

dirt

which
is

gaze

dust

usually

settles

furniture

our

dead

life, it is

breathed

composed

not

however,
into

the

mouth

from

Freedom
dust

chairs,

and

the

is

such

of

influence

the

which
of

rest

of

inorganic

and

and

cannot

port
sup-

harmful.

necessarily
that

helpful

and

public

the

to

chiefly
it

To

dust

but

decried,

Because

The

sunshine.

tables,

on

is

matter.

When,

and
be

not

filth.
cleanliness

open

the

to

the

as

and

dirt.
and

also

open

dryness,

should

dirt

from

unconcealed

usually

air,

light,

cleanliness

obvious

from

is

CLEANLINESS

housekeepers

inexperienced

many

OP

define
of

state

CLEANING

OF

HANDBOOK

dust
and

is

stirred
nose

up

and

and

perhaps

is

HANDBOOK

CLEANING

OF

cause
respiratory organs, it may
thus
of the
abrasions
linings of these organs,
an
possibly make
opening for the lodgment of
vital
lower
harmful
thus
organisms, and
some

farther

the

into

It is well

resistance.

to

possible,and in
such as by the

method

use

of

is for concealed

dirt and

should

dust

remove

that

that

dusters.
the

as

soon

its

prevents

dampened
dust

as

flying,
But

it

housekeeper

and

Far too many

always lie in wait.
people dust their drawing-rooms and neglect their
The
invisible dust
cellars!
usually is concealed
in darkness, and too often dampness is also present.
"d's"
These
three
ness
dampdust, darkness, and
ever

"

"

form

terrible

which

triumvirate

may

really dangerous dirt, because

they offer
the best condition for bacterial growth, wherever
there is warmth
enough.
in
The
fact that a few people seem
to thrive
dirty houses and neighborhoods is no argument
The fact that the
against the need of cleanliness.
people do survive under these conditions helps to
cause

show
better
could
know.

how
in
be

nature

strong
health

these

put into
The

must

be.

environment

people are
live in dirty,filthysurroundings shows
lack
some
important factor in their
Their
to

lack

of standard

ignorance,

sheer

laziness

Cleanliness

worse

or,

and
is

lack

of cleanliness

still,it
of

expensive.

content

not
to

that

they
make-up.
be

may

may

they

do

we

fact that

very

if

be

people might

clean

much

How

be

due

due
to

thought.
Mrs.

Ellen

H.

Rich-

CLEANLINESS

OF

IMPORTANCE

ards, the pioneer in this country of the application

in her
of science to the problems of the home,
Cost of Cleanness, says
The
valuable
little book
the diphtheria level"
that
to keep "just above
is paid for rent, and
takes one-quarter as much
as
really sanitary cleanliness there will be
equal to nearly or quite one-half
required "a sum
as is paid for rent, or
as much
12^2 per cent, of the
for

that

income."

whole

requires the use of time,

labor, strength, energy,
cleaning materials, and
all costly. The
These
are
cleaning utensils.
does her own
cleaning knows
housekeeper who
only too well the hours and the labor which have
If she
for the
possession of cleanliness.
gone
knows
from
actual experience the difficulties encountered
also the
in acquiring cleanliness,and
To

with

little apparent

so

real

of time

amount

enormous

do

cleanliness

obtain

that

for any
one
and she should

work

fact
adds

that

employs to
also be willing to pay
done by an employee.

mind.

clearly in
every

one's

think

of

service, and

the
to

value

any

than

the service

her

should

be

definite

although

do

we

of

own

kept

value
not

should

which

to

often
be

tributed
at-

less
of the housewife, neverthe-

of great economic

are

service
that

is

value

money

her services
Is there

There

does

who

family income

the

to

housewife

have

she

whom

good price for good work

The

consumed

should

result, she

sympathy

the work

be

can

of greater economic
the

woman

who

importance.
and

social

keeps her

HANDBOOK

home

in such

condition

that

her

the

has

high

the

housewife

value,

money

drops

of

out

value

the

to

service

quickly found
her place and
for

hers.

when
"hired
In

her

assigned
cleaning.

course

spent in

time

such

is

as

help" has to be substituted

Richards
of
reckoning, Mrs.
money

family is kept

greatest efficiency? And

to

up

CLEANING

OF

costly and every effort should be

it less expensive.
Dirt always acmade
to make
companies
life,but there is one thing that we can
do, and that is have fewer places for dirt to lodge.
In the first place, as to construction:
it is appalling
of the number
of useless moldings
to think
is

Cleanliness

houses.
of these can
be
in many
Most
at a small cost, and the money
out
actually

there

are

taken

expended

for the

made

in the

in

up

and

floors

putty

that

so

there

of any
Unless

other

the

boards
base-

and

These

use

but

if that

is

can

board

with

surface

one

is

clean.

the

unclean
a

built-in

as

dust-catcher?

justifiedit should be
be done
can
by a carpenter,
expensive method, an amateur
can

too
a

to

finds between

often

for this except

This

up.

can

ceiling. Is it possible to think

its existence

boarded

floors

annoyance
too

one

and

cupboard

Cracks

cleaning.

between

will be but
common

which

space

in

be

soon

easily be filled in
crack-filler (always a good quality),
dirt.

or

Another

saved

crevices

harbor
with

time

would

of these

removal

be

material

Another

useless

and

opening

under

stairs.

often

such

as

beaver

unsightly space

This

can

be

board.
is the-

converted

IMPORTANCE

into

CLEANLINESS

OF

ing
reallyuseful cupboard for rubbers by boardit and making a door in the paneling.
a

Another

in which

way

cut

to

down

the

of

cost

of our
ing,
furnishby abolishing some
of ornaments.
It can
especially the excess
be restful to sit in a room
with a profusion of
never
detracts from
the
bric-a-brac, each piece of which
other, simply because
one
beauty of every
no
And
the time consumed
piece has proper background.
in dusting these
articles is a sad waste.
It does
not
seem
possible that any woman
can
of ornaments
a
mass
get enough pleasure from
cleanliness

and

is

bric-a-brac

to

caring for them.

of the family does.
in

In
made

the

furniture

get that

to

keep it free from

with

the

for the

compensate

Surely

itself every
which
entails

no

sacrifice
other

effort
the

tailed
en-

ber
mem-

should

be

least work

to

dust, and

best

ture
fortunately the furnilines usually has
few
dust-

collecting crevices.
Wherever
so
can

that

we

the

everything that

place for dust

be

there

eliminate

cannot

eliminate

this method

enters

man

to

collect and

the cost

is dirt

and

dust,

problem, but
simply affords

has

of cleanliness

no

beauty.

in many

we
a

By

homes

greatly reduced.
The
importance of cleanliness to the health of
the family is generally recognized in these days of
of carrying
greater knowledge of the methods
of good living,
disease,and the right conditions
but its importance to the family happiness is per-

can

HANDBOOK

haps

not

few

in

made

process)

than

novelist

of

cleanness

reader

keener

is

the

from

is

family
in

in

thus

keeping

when

given

lacks

that

well

the

to

unlike

that

one

those

or

room

enriched

the

of

is

the

get

house,

by
house

told

the
clean.

the
and

care

(unless

home

in

pleasure
of

the
That

the
The

grace.

house.

or

who

are

greater

clean

that

sense

he

room

find

not

spotlessly

look

to

in

knows

is

there

Yet

do

that

home

been

has

who

beings

human

CLEANING

conceded.

generally

so

pleasure
it

OF

is

parted
im-

shining
ure
pleasrect
di-

impression
the
of

life

the

of

the

wife
house-

HANDBOOK

Until
air

very

dioxide.

This

great impurity in bad

recently the

considered

was

CLEANING

OF

to

be

the

of

amount

carbon

formed

by the union in the

of the air breathed
in, with
lungs of the oxygen
the carbon
of the carbonaceous
waste
products of
Carbon
the blood.
dioxide
is normally present
in the air, but only in small quantities. To-day,
of carbon
besides the excess
dioxide, the presence
is

gas

of other

foreign matter
The
important.

very

in the air is conceded

other

thrown

matter

off

impurities
human

from

settle out

as

dust

and

ganic
or-

fires and

from the
products of combustion
lights in the house, possible gases from
and dust, which
with
always has mixed
and
The
sometimes
dangerous germs.
air

are

bodies,

similar

in

to be

drainage,

it germs,
purities
solid im-

can

be

moved
re-

and
therefore
by mechanical
they
means,
The
of
not
a
are
problem of ventilation.
process
from
the air,however,
matter
removing gaseous
is such a problem.
The
out-of-door
air is cleaned
by nature
by
the action
air

of rain and

and

the

wind

The

stagnant.

wind.

air inclosed

carefully tucked
cleansing agents and

similar
To

to

is to

consider
the

meaning

clean

nature's

word
wind.

the

rain

it

from

prevents

is

ventilation

The

in

thus

these

the

aim

air in

the

becoming
house, however,

from

away

the

washes

way

possible.
primary meaning

natural

of
as

proper

nearly

as

is derived
Thus

from

the

to fulfil the

of

tion,
ventila-

Latin

ventus,

meaning

of the

VENTILATION

word

we

have

more

and

currents

are

prevent

the

of

air

We

of air.

current

in

persons

help, but

or

produced by the moving

less motion

or

of articles

wind,

have

must

from

the

These

house.

they are
becoming

enough

not

to

To

stagnant.

be both an inlet and an

truly there must
is commonly
be what
outlet for air; there must
called a draught of air.
be obtained
This draught may
by having two
such as (i) one
window
openings into a room,
open
windows,
bottom, (2) two
(3) window
top and
and
door
door, (4) two
doors, (5) a window
a
or
door and
and a transom,
place,
(6) a window
or
a fireventilate

(7)
there

window

not

are

openings,

two

window,

casement

the

enough,

of the

forced

out
a

if the

out-of-door

bottom

means

when

or

often

screened, very

door

or

the

room

as

is the

but

half

will

air

top.

register. If

with

case

window

is

single opening is large

opening and

at

and

the
No

enter

heated

at

the

air will be
what

by

matter

is ventilated, the ventilation

simply

air does
not
changing the air. The
of its own
of the
accord, but the movement

consists
move

air

in

is caused

by the

between

the outside

and

cold

comes

into

the

air

air to
room

the

Ventilation

cold

Any

room

in

one

who

the

and

out

room

than

ever

heated
of the

heated

air.

the differences

air of various
has

is, as the

it forces

air is heavier

of the

temperature

that

"

depends largely upon

in temperature
room.

inside air

part of the

upper

because

difference

parts of the

hung

draperies

HANDBOOK

io

the

that

knows

than

warmer

air

that

other

heated

room

and
nearer

out

which

air is

other

room

than

are

around

in and

lighter than

air,

thus

the

the

same

hotter

windows

air is

The

are

heated

of

air is

rises, and

all

for the

meant

ventilation

that

the

cool

takes

its

house

chance
reason

to

the

certain

the

house.

colder

the

of

and

entire

that

by

this

permeate
ventilation

basement
the

takes
house

principle. The

same

cooler

the

fact

fore
air, there-

in

conies

or

of air.

the

on

the

so

by

as

rises and

place,

changing the air from

crevices

outlet

depends

air

ventilation
place. The
depends on
exactly the
air in

inlet and

lighter than

the

of

for that

openings, whether

room

its

heated

walls

enter

well

as

themselves.

through
leaves by

and

they

windows

and

filters

It enters

for air to

means

especially made
through cracks and

doors

and

doors

amount

this

the

those

It enters

purpose.

every

that

air entered.

cold

the

Fortunately there

no

this difference?

As cool air enters

higher up in a room.
a
the tendency is to push up the heated
air
of the room
force it out
through an opening
the ceiling. If it finds no exit it will pass
eventually by the same
opening through

found

the

Why

fact

is

room

of gases, as it becomes
Therefore
ume
a
given vol-

cooler, and

of the

volume

the

mixture

or

heated, expands.
of the

floor.

the

on

of

top

the

near

gas

CLEANING

the

at

depends

It
like any

OF

whole
of

the

or

air beneath

constant

cellar has

house.

basement

For
is

VENTILATION

important, although very often neglected.

feel reathere, one
sonably
can
impure air is harbored

most
If

is not

as

If there

it

as

pure

ought

be

must

should

basement,

air in the

the

that

sure

an

there

not

be

air in the

outlet

an

need

The

house

be.

can

inlet for fresh

top of the house?

air in the

and

be

to

of the

rest

for used
of

exit

an

This
pressing as that of an entrance.
be a skylight in the hall, which
can
escape
may
be adjusted according to the weather, or the exit
in any
of
be supplied by opening a window
may
is

quite

the

as

open

rooms

Electric

fans

ventilation.
that
thus

They

change

and

producing

the

air

currents

better

so

mixed,

temperature.

even

more

good air.
quick evaporation

is too

there

producing good

for

cold air become

is essential

Moisture

dry

valuable

are

the heated

top floor.

the

on

to

If the
of

air is

moisture

body, with the result that the skin

be
should
becomes
parched and dry. Moisture
heated
houses.
supplied especiallyto artificially
the

from

There

market.
a

to

In

general they consist of

holds

receptacle that
the

air.

evaporated,

As

the

and

in steam
can

or

of water

which

water

air becomes

the

of its natural

open

types of air-moisteners

different

are

air

at

assumes

humidity.
hot-water

hung

dry

on

The

heated
the

back

kind

some

is
the

the

on

of

exposed
is

water

least

tion
por-

vice
simplest dehouses
of the

is

an

ator
radi-

with
it. Where
placed in close contact
be procured
hot air is used, a specialdevice can
or

HANDBOOK

12

for

the

before

OF

furnace

that

it reaches

Lack

the

supplies

the

humidity

excess

water

the

to

air

rooms.

in air is

of moisture

hand,

CLEANING

bad, but,
which

on

the other

is present

in

crowded
with
room
poorly ventilated
people is
it diminishes
the normal
also an impurity because
from
the
body. Air
evaporation of moisture
has a greater capacity for holding
that is heated
is not supplied in some
moisture, and, if moisture
way,

it will take

inhabitants

of the

important

country

houses

England

or

from

the

bodies

of the

room.

moisture

Besides
very

moisture

and

motion, temperature

is

in

this

factor

ventilation.

kept much
the Continent, and
are

warmer

In

than

in

usually kept
A temperature
of 65 degrees is high
too
warm.
enough, although it is not definitelyinjuriousto let
it run
that.
to 70 degrees. It should
never
go over
the differences
on
Experiments are being conducted
mental
in physical and
vigor due to
The
results can
change in temperature.
hardly
be called conclusive
yet, but so far they all go
that there is a steady decrease
in temto show
perature
from
the high degree at which
plant life
develops best through the lower
temperature
favorable
of animal
most
to the development
life,
where
the physical vigor of men
to a lower
one
of all,the temperais at its finest, to the lowest
ture
at

on

which

mental

down
point runs
physical conditions

last

to

are

vigor is greatest.
35 degrees, but of

must

be

considered

This
course

also.

VENTILATION

work

should

13

their

ordinary house
from
the frequent
gradually down
temperature
60 degrees.
point near
72 degrees to some
is important during the day, but
Ventilation
is needed
to procure
good ventilation
care
more
artificial lights are
in the evening, when
using
curtains are closely drawn
so
up the air and when
admitted
that air is not
as
freely through the
Americans

crevices

around

windows.

the

Ventilation

in the

be obtained
by any of the means
evening can
is that we
used during the day, but the caution
must
guard against lack of ventilation.
furnish fresh air to the sleeper at night is
To
air to the octo give pure
as
cupant
fully as necessary
of the house
during the day. Here we
take notice that good air is not necessarily
must
cold sleeping-room may
cold.
be deWhile
sired
a
and
be the best for many
people, no
may
should

one

get the mistaken

idea that

cold

room

only kind in which it is healthful to sleep.

be very
air may
The
breathing of cold, damp
conditions
in certain
of
injurious to persons
A warm
health.
provided there is a good
room,
circulation of fresh air, is a well-ventilated
room.
is the

This

that

means

heat

more

be

must

ventilation, like

all

used.

fortunat
Un-

cleanliness, is

creased
heat, but the inmore
expensive; it does mean
of a properly
efficiencyof the inhabitants
ventilated
amount

As

house

is

for the increased

recompense

spent for heat.

much

attention

should

be

given

to

ventila-

HANDBOOK

i4

tion

in

OF

in

as

summer

CLEANING

The

winter.

fact

that

kept cool by keeping the windows

closed and thus keeping out the heated
air should
of not airinga house
not lead to the great mistake
It is all very
well to
at all during hot weather.
close windows
during the hottest part of the day,
essential that a house
be thoroughly
but it is most
aired morning and evening.
house

be

can

and

moisture,

Motion,

in

factors

important
shown
by

temperature

ventilation.

It

has

experiments that these are more

than the chemical
purity of the air
found

been

is, it has
allowed

to

kept

between

at

become

temperature
individual

an

that

and

between

could

exist

the
the

stagnant,
50

at

where

60

per

69

and

the

are

air

been
portant
imthat

"

not

was

moisture
and

cent,

70

was

the

degrees,
though
"

normally even
analysis the

air
according to chemical
was
is not
This
for the negan
impure.
argument
lect
of purity of air, but
for the
a
strong one
of
consideration
temperature,
humidity, and

motion.

Ventilation

is of

primary importance.

in poorly ventilated

directly, but
about

greater

increasing the
we

which
but

have

must

means

also

air is

that

rooms

it lowers

may

vital

not

resistance, bringing

clean
not

To

rate.

food

and

only those

which

requisitefor

we

cannot

clean

death

cause

susceptibilityto disease
death

Living

be

and

most

thus

efficient

clean

surroundings,
things we
can
see,
see

living.

"

air.

Clean

HANDBOOK

16

moderate-sized

CLEANING

OF

to

cottage

summer

friends.

some

well planned and

all
Everything seemed
seemed
admirably utilized until the kitchen
Here

shown.

the

and

satisfaction

at

with

look
now
pride, "And
it was,
Large indeed

large kitchen!"
seemingly attractive
to

exclaimed

hostess

least

feature

one

of the

the

to

space
was

much

my

nice

and

that

at

owner

guests the

peared
ap-

one

very

Not
planning in the whole cottage.
! Against
it large, but the arrangement
only was
wall was
the table, of another
of one
the middle
bad

bit of

the

outside

another

of

range,

the

the

sink.

was

the

wall

other

of this kitchen

the center
with

was

In

vestibule

refrigerator. In
immense

an

vacant

give a
furnishings which
ought
long distance between
close together as possible. To
been
to have
as
in this kitchen
the simplest meal
might
prepare
The
well mean
walking miles.
cleaning would
the
time
that
take
twice
ought to be needed
And
this was
for the kitchen.
planned in 1914!
space

kitchen

furnished

about
with

the furniture
time

apparent

no

one-half
view

would

to

have

spent in the kitchen

individual

the
the

size

best

reduced
and

to

except

use

of

this

and

relationshipof
enormously the

the weariness

of the

doing the work.

is the right thing
The idea that a large kitchen
it
from
the days when
in a good house
comes
served as family dining-room and family sittingWhere
that is no
the
room.
longer necessary
be considered
should
kitchen
as
laboratory or

THE

KITCHEN

17

would
have
good workman
workshop. What
workshop arranged in such a wasteful way as
been
At
about

his
has

described?
least

the

finish and

housekeeper
of the

color

can

usually decide

walls

of the

kitchen.

tilingis a beautiful finish,and with it walls

The
Ripplin
are
easily and thoroughly cleaned.
paint that is flowed on, making what is practically
and
enamel, is also beautiful
sanitary. But
an
both these finishes are very expensive.
white
is
There
is also a question as to whether
white
first thought
the
the
At
right color.
kitchen is perhaps the ideal, but direct sunlight in
is desirable from
the kitchen
point of view,
every
White

and

where

white
Oil

It

can

cream

by
glare caused
is extremely trying to the eyes.

walls

paint is
or

an

cleaned

be
a

it the

has

one

excellent
and

light tan

possible because

is

of the

finish for kitchen

is durable.

good.
state

Where
of the

Either

the

walls.
a

deep

paint is not
able
plaster,wash-

Oilcloth
good substitute.
The
is a good wall finish also.
cleaning of paint,
and oilcloth is treated in Chapter IV.
paper,
woodwork
is usually best finished in the
The
with oil or enamel
color of the walls, and
paint.
It is more
Enamel
paint is more
easily cleaned.
as
expensive to put on, but does not wear
away
rapidly as does ordinary paint under the constant
in a kitchen.
It is, therefore,
washing necessary
as
cheap in the end as oil paint, if a good quality
of enamel
and
is chosen
applied carefully.
paper

is

rather

HANDBOOK

i8

Where

there

CLEANING

OF

the kitchen

swinging-doorsfrom

are

butler's
closets,
dining-room,
pantry, or
five
foot long and
a
pieces of plate-glass about
sides of the door
both
inches
wide, fastened
on
the
will touch it in opening, saves
the hand
where
soil and
woodwork
from
the wear
of cleaning.
floor in the kitchen, to be kept clean
The wooden
scrubbing, is rapidly passing. In its
by constant
place are being used oilcloth, linoleum, cement,
beautiful
and
tile. Tile makes
floor, though
a
and
cold to the feet, but its expense
is so
hard
be used in any ordinary house.
great that it cannot
is very
Oilcloth
travagance,
frequently used, but is an ex-

into

it

as

wears

too

out

soon

to

justifythe

expenditure.
Cement

is

being used

like tile,hard

advantage

that

with
and

and

offers

cold

it

the
no

to

can

to

be

the
so

It is,

extent.

some

feet, but

laid

that

has
it is

baseboard, curving at the

cracks

anywhere

in which

the
tinuous
con-

line,
basedirt

It is expensive,
lodge and bacteria flourish.
especially if a single floor is to be laid. Where
several
floors (as, for example, laundry,
cement
kitchen, bath-room, and basement) are to be laid
the cost
of each
is materially reduced.
at once,
To
clean a cement
with soapy
water
floor,wash
and
rinse with
clear water,
wiping dry. Wet
dangerous falls.
spots are slippery and may
cause
The
best kitchen
for
floor-covering available
the average
It is somewhat
housekeeper is linoleum.
A
to the feet.
elastic, and therefore
easy

can

KITCHEN

THE

worth

it

but

Maid

grade of
buying.

good

so

wears

19

only kind

is the

linoleum

The

initial

well

and

looks

so

laid

by

expert.

price

great,

seems

that

well

it

pays.

tacked

being

into

floor for at least

If

this

positionit
month

precaution
and

buckles
If

be

should

Linoleum

it should

out

wears

linoleum

is

should

notified

be

it

that

the

ridges thus
firm

at

that

so

mistake

their

the

invariably

buckle, the
once

on

stretch.

can

it

taken

not

Before

lie loose

must

so

on

an

formed.
laid

that

they can
The
edges

immediately.
be covered
of the linoleum
against the wall may
be cemented.
with a quarter molding or they may
should be no
There
place at the edges for dirt to

remedy

collect.

is sometimes

Linoleum

both

and

color

varnished

surface.

It

to preserve

is yet

to

be

lengthens its life. The cleaning

is described
in Chapter V.
of linoleum
The
floor,as has already been
plain hard-wood
it is so
said, is rapidly ceasing to exist because
hard
An
oiled floor has the advantage
to clean.
that dust does not flyfrom it and that it does not
and
absorb
dark
but it grows
muddygrease,
scribed
The
looking with age.
cleaning of both is dein Chapter V.
walls, and ceiling for the
Floors, woodwork,
proved

kitchen

enough
The

have

that

this

all

must
to

make

stove

and

be

their
sink

good light,and

washable,

and

with

ease

frequent washing probable.

are

fixtures.

they should

be

Both

side

should

by side

HANDBOOK

20

where

CLEANING

OF

As

possible.

the

and
outlet
plumbing
placing, it is not always

the
chimney condition
in this way.
But
the
possible to place them
other furniture
is movable, and can
be placed in
fixtures.
the best possible relation to the two
In
the table or tables,
placing the other furniture
be
must
shelves, and refrigerator consideration
and
given to the light,both natural and artificial,
also to their relative positions.
A good arrangement
is to divide the equipment
into two
parts, that used in the preparation of
and that used in clearingup the meal.
the meals
made
table or
first group,
The
up of refrigerator,
cabinet, and stove, should be as close together as
possible,and so placed that the "raw material"
to the table without
passes through the processes
sink,
retracing of steps. The second group
any
storage shelves, and again the refrigerator must
"

"

"

"

the

have

be

should
as

dishes

consideration.

same

placed over
washed

are

or

Shelves
near

the

there will be but

for utensils

sink, so that
few

steps

to

A shelf above
putting them
away.
the wall so that
the sink, but far enough up on
the tallest person
using that sink is in no danger of
for holding the most
hitting it, is convenient
used
utensils.
commonly
Saucepans and other
handles
hooks
be
utensils with
hung on
may
be

in

taken

screwed

into the

It is not
in
every

bottom

of this shelf.

possible to get an ideal arrangement

kitchen
not
planned by the user, but
often

effort should

be made

so

that

one

does

not

HANDBOOK

22

CLEANING

OF

system of draughts and

is

dampers

part of every

the
just beneath
of small openings, which
level of the grate is a row
The
be opened or shut by a slide.
can
object of
will circulate
air that
this draught is to admit
around
and
of the fire-box
through the contents
this
and thus cause
them
to burn
freely. Above
draught, higher up than the level of the fuel,is a
similar

of

row

arranged that
entirely or simply
so

the
In

control

to

some

from

Its

with

the

pipe
damper is

open

air around

is the

be

ash-pan.
directly

dumped
receptacle in the

ashes

can

does
and

objectionable dirt

Directions

check.

oven

fire-box

arrangement

associated

or

of heated

passage

ash-pan into

This
of the

close
it may
The
in part.

the

the

ranges

the

air which

the

Below

oven.

this is

openings, and

the fire
will pass over
In the stove-pipe is a sheet of metal

cool it.

used

of the stove

front

is to admit

purpose

and

the

In

stove.

away

dust

with
that

ment.
basemuch

are

ways
al-

coal-stoves.
coal

fire.
Free both
the fire-box and ash-pan of ashes.
1.
Place crumpled paper
loosely in the fire-box.
2.
Allow
of it to poke through the grate.
corner
a
occasionally keeps it from
Twisting this paper
burning out too quickly.
in some
fine kindlings or shavings very
3. Put
wood,
coarser
looselyand on top of this place some
a

"

light sprinkling of coal may

this.
not be placed on
may
lower
off stove, open
4. Adjust the lids,brush

crisscross.
or

for building

very

THE

KITCHEN

draught, close the check,

least partly,and
at
open
the smoke

that

so

Apply

5.

grate.
6. When

may

lightto

quantity of
at frequent

small

within

three

the

oven

burning briskly

is

coal in small

Add

coal.

intervals
four

or

close

damper,
the chimney
damper
pass up the chimney.
the end stickingthrough the

wood

the

23

add

tities
quan-

until

the

coal

stands

of

the

top

of

inches

the

fire-box.

burning well the lower draught can

be partly
The
chimney damper may
be opened so
the oven
damper may

7. When

be

closed.
and

closed
that

heat

the

may

pass

If the fire becomes

8.

raked

from

the

hot

too

opened. If it dies down

draughts again opened.
be

around

it

can

The

the

oven.

the check
be shaken

may

be

and

the

fire should

never

top.

good time for blackening a stove is just after

lighting the fire,for then it is neither too hot nor
cold.
Before
too
applying blacking, the stove
A

should

This is best done

of all grease.
A good stovewith hot soapy
water.

be

freed

by washing
polish should be used, and it should be applied
It is then polished with
sparingly with a brush.
a

brush

Many

or

cloth.

housewives

now

prefer simply

to

wash

occasionally to oil it. This

does not give a high polish,but keeps the stove
clean and looking well.
from
the simple
Gas-stoves.
Gas-stoves
vary
the

stove

and

"

then

HANDBOOK

24

little

single-burnerstove
and

range

does

the

to

fireless cooker.

housewife

should

suit her

CLEANING

OF

Unless

the

able

This

means

or

and

broiler,rise above

ovens

side

of the

cook

should

burner.

Where

does

space

be

chosen

rather

than

the

the

not

raised

better

than

The

that

one

the

why

except

that

most

the

side,

This
as,

the
is not

when

burners

good

as

burners

are

strikes

disagreeably against the

but it is immeasurably
to the oven,
the back-breaking oven
below.
can

the

conserve

at

top,

reason

above

oven

below.

with

gas-ranges

drums

no

oven,

one

lighted,the heat
arm

the

ovens,

recently so that she must.

allow ovens
at the side, one

with

at

one

the

the

be

until

made

should

as

to

is

kitchen

should

in which

range

There

bend

were

ranges

to

one

in the

gas-range

chosen.

the

find

to

space

table

permit it, a

not

gas-

In this assortment

surely be

purse.

combination

be

heat

insulated

ovens

and

the

kettles and thus

dropped over
excellent, but they are still
are

The
initial cost is large,
expensive for many.
but they do save
fuel and also time.
Their
cost
is that of a good gas-range
plus the priceof a good
too

fireless cooker.
A

is not
to be
gas-plate with a portable oven
excellent
results.
scorned, for it can
bring about
cooks
in hot
weather
Every housekeeper who
should
have
coal
or
something besides a wood
either gas, kerosene, gasoline, or
alcohol
stove
"

"

as

summer

the

heat

of

air is hard

either

of

to bear.

these

added

It is also

to

warm

uneconom-

THE

burn

fuel

should

be

ical to
Meals
as

few

hours

There

are

KITCHEN

all the

25

in

time

planned that it is burned

possible.

be turned

as

about

cautions

some

allowed

and

on

for

so

lighting a

First, in lighting a burner

stove.

weather.

warm

to

the

gas-

should

gas

freelythrough the

run

In lightingthe
applying the match.
the doors of both the broiling and baking
gas-oven
the gas.
be opened before turning on
must
ovens
leaked
which
This
allows
might have
gas
any

burner

before

and

into the oven,

which

that

into

passes

the

oven

openings of the gas-cock and the

applying of the match, to escape, so that one is not
of gas and
running the risk of lighting a mixture
This
air in a confined
portant
warning is imspace.
the

between

because

happened
a
lighted
inclosed

do not

an

boil

burners.
be taken

be

stove.

accidents

explosion caused
mixture

the

to

have

by applying

of

air

and

gas

oven.

be

taken

and

over

that

thus

things being

stop up

cooked

the holes

of the

If this does

should
happen, the burner
cleaned
by boilingin a washing-

off and

solution.

touched
can

match

should

Care

soda

the

from

in

serious

many

The

with

blacking.

washed,
After

burners
The

rest

or

oiled

blackened

each

time

should

of

of

never

the

like the

using, the

pan

be
stove

coalin the

be taken
This may
of.
care
broiling-oven must
be simply wiping off crumbs, but if meat
has been
broiled

the pan

must

Kerosene-stoves.

"

be washed.
There

are

two

types of kero-

HANDBOOK

26

sene-stoves

flame, and

blue

with

those

"

CLEANING

OF

those

wick, burning with

without
wick, in which
a
a

vaporized before burning. The

has
former
proved itself the more
satisfactory
The
objection to kerosene-stoves
by many
type.
If the stove is kept absolutely
people is the odor.
in good condition, the oil-tank
clean, the wick
filled,and the flame turned low enough so that it
is blue, there is no odor.
The
tank should never
the

is

kerosene

filled while

be

the

is

lighted.
The
of the kerosene-stove
is practically
the
care
of a kerosene-lamp.
The charred
same
as the care
portion of the wick should be rubbed off frequently
and occasionallythe burners
should
be taken
out
and

boiled
of

the

chimneys
washed

in suds

and

the

the

general, the

considered

same

The
soapy

like

lamp

should

stove

be

it appears

whenever

water

the

burners

There

"

on

The

of the

neys
chim-

soiled.

Akohol-stoves.

In

washed

be

outside

The

solution.

should

and

soap

soda

or

stoves

with

oily or

stove

of

market

wickless

type

the

present

should

as

the

stoves.

stove

"

burners

the

The

should

have

of

be

time.
is

be

washed

dried whenever
initial

cost

obtained

at

five cents

the

gas-stoves.
with

necessary.
of

electrical

cooking appliances is high because they are

Unless
the more
from
expensive metals.
can

cohol-s
al-

of alcohol-stove

of alcohol-stoves

water, rinsed, and

Electric

at

of

types

many

better.

treatment
rest

are

or

made
tricity
elec-

less per

THE

is
electricity

kilowatt-hour
fuel

coal

either

than

KITCHEN

or

27

far

In

gas.

cooking appliance one

there is the proper
voltage.
electrical

The

greatest

for it is hard

boil over,

not

coils of the
should

all the

be

washed

stove.

with

cloth

to

cookers.

labor, and

fireless cookers
be

used

into

for

the

other

any

now

aluminum

have

stone

should

These
with
be

must
so

is

food.

poor

Most
disks

metal

or

are

heated

the

substance

it

that
can

and

the

to

put
to

be

fireless

be cleaned

like

The

cleaned

according
that metal in Chapter VI.
Care of lamps.
be

fireless

ing
containing boilcoverclamped,

the

taken

that

of

is usually
equipment
and
of aluminum,
compound

utensil.
or

the

time,

are

which

pan

cooks

is well made,

cooker

and

baking.

Care

box

into it and

compartment

cooked.

cookers

The

when

cloth.

dry

substance

is retained

heat

the

the

of soapy
water,
of clear water, and

saving.

is put

material

from

out

Fireless

"

of heat, thus

conductor

does

in

care

wrung

packed with

is

cooker

fuel

that food

remove

out
wiped with a cloth wrung
then wiped absolutely dry with

Fireless

that

sure

cooking, dusting
for
regular cleaning necessary
be
Occasionally it should

stove.

electric

an

With

be

must

be taken

must

care

expensive
installing any

more

to

the

directions

for

"

i.

The

should
for the

wick

fillbut

should
not

first time

be

soft, loose-meshed,

pack the burner.

it should

be

well

Before

soaked

and

using
in oil.

The

charred

with

be

off

boiled

in

The

daily and

accumulation

rubbed

off

daily

be

It should

kept clean.

occasionallyit

should

be

solution.
be

should

will

there

be

soda

reservoir

that

so

should

strong

be

paper.

or

burner

wiped
3.

portion should

soft cloth

The

2.

CLEANING

OF

HANDBOOK

28

but

well

filled with

little space

for

oil
the

of

explosive gases.
be
must
Any
kept clean.
chimney
4. The
be used.
for cleaning glass may
method
should
be turned
not
5. In lighting, the wick
up to its full capacity at first.
should
work-table
have
Table.
The
an
easily
cleaned
surface.
Perhaps zinc is as cheap and
"

well
generally satisfactoryas any surface. It wears
and is easily cleaned.
Tables
with tops of especially
prepared porcelain or glass are excellent,
but these are
too
expensive for any except the
ample purse.
A wooden-top table is good if properly cared for,
but needs a good deal of time and energy.
The
tables has
white oilcloth used a good deal to cover
the serious disadvantage that dust, crumbs, and

be

fastened

removed

Above

to

tables

the
shelves

under

it.

It

should

table, if used, but

the

in order

of such

to

scrub

the

is described

work-table
hold

there

table.
in

never

frequently
The

ing
clean-

Chapter IV.

should

be

set

of

ing
depth of jars containand
used
commonly
dry materials
liquids.
holder with a glass cover
is also an
cook-book

narrow

harbor

insects

even

to

one

HANDBOOK

30

black

glass with

per
paint, shellacingthis after. Pawill remain
for some
neat
time, especially

labels

if shellaced, but
times

CLEANING

OF

have

to

be

renewed

several

year.

Attractive

receptaclesin china, usually

blue and
These
white, are on the market.
help
in carrying out a color scheme, but they are
pensive
exand
convenient
not
as
as
glass. For
tin recepstoring flour and sugar white-enameled
tacles
boxes
are
satisfactory. Paper bags or
should
be kept, but the contents
of such
never
packages should be emptied immediately into a
glass or metal
receptacle, as there is always a
for dust

chance
ones.

Even

untidy

and

how

much

of

sets

and

insects

"

small

so

many

to

keep clean.

kitchen

and

careful

also about
be

must

between

taken

the

opened

to

takes

of them

are

that
a

see

cabinet

is

there

shelves

to

with
hard

are

should

one

workmanship

sufficient

allow

the

labor-

made

they

and

finish

as

spacing of the shelves.

that

the lower

get

soon

intended

are

choosing
the

about

be

often

cabinet

compartments
In

boxes

paper

box.

These
place of a table.
saving devices, but some

be

get into the

paper-covered tin
dirty,and they must
is in the

Cabinet.

to

Care

distance

for the storage

large receptacles. A good strong work-table

of shelves
with
a
well-thought-out arrangement
it to meet
one's particularneeds should
over
save
of

more

meet

motion

than

general needs.

cabinet
The

which

cabinet

can,

is made

to

it is true,

KITCHEN

THE

be

moved

shelves

whereas

house

new
so

from

bodily

much

that

this is

only for those who

the
cabinet
Moreover,

it

kitchen

may

prove

cheap and

are

at least

Sinks.
it is

"

Porcelain

sinks

for

and

in favor

of

frequently.
right for one

another.

expense.

for

Shelves

greater

venience
con-

entirely emptied of contents

and washed
month
thoroughly.
is the most

be

excellent, but

are

iron
less.

far

cost

attractive

whether

sure

White-enameled
substitute

is

that

much

to

easy

costs

very

changed

sink

white

always

cabinet

be

once

move

be

can

should

the

argument

an

wrong

without
Cabinets

but

apartment,

or

more

place to another,
always put up in any

one

be

must

31

and

it is clean.

they

sinks
Sinks

are

of

are
a

pensive.
ex-

good

cement

well
composition are
good provided they are
glazed. Slate and soapstone sinks not only have
the disadvantage of being dark
in color, but they
also have
which
are
always undesirable.
seams,
Every sink should be thoroughly cleaned after
using. A fine sand soap is good for all sinks.
For
sinks kerosene
and
porcelain and enameled
whiting are especiallygood. The kerosene cuts
and
the grease
the whiting supplies the friction.

After

the

thoroughly
water.

sink

flushed

This

flushes it out

be

no

from

with

of the

entire

trouble

it

should

be

(boilingif possible)
in the pipes and
grease

the

after

dirt

hot

dissolves

is taken
should

is free

every

with

If this caution
predish-washing there

system.

pipes clogged with

HANDBOOK

32

OF

The

sinks should

with

the greatest

CLEANING

always be left dry, and

This dryness is one
should the drain-boards.
so
effective
against water-bugs and other
weapon
grease.

pests.
Even

kitchen

of grease
in the
sink.
It is well once

system

out

collection

best

The

sal soda

drain.

This

and

water.

The

grease

which

allowed

lye
may

stand

to

of

danger

always

then
or

soda

be

flushed
cuts

lye solution.
solution

this

pour

away

be

flush the

to

pound

one

stand

should

solution

time

short

or

this is to make

use

likelyto

trap of the

week

the

in

quarts

which

to

way

hot

is

pipes and

proportion of
and
of boiling water

either

with

there

care

out

six

to

into

in the

the

drains

with

the

of

-hot

film

of

have

gathered. If grease is
in pipes and
traps, there is
decomposition and the odors

result.

Garbage. Prompt
disposal of garbage is a
The
necessity in a well-kept kitchen.
garbage
of white
is best
receptacle kept in the house
at a glance whether
enamel, for then one
see
can
"

or

it is clean.

no

Its cleanliness

should

never

be

closely covered
pail is good. A
straight-sidedwhite-enamel
one-gallon jar with
kept on the drain-board, takes the garbage
cover,
the least possibletrouble to the
as it collects,with
doubtful.

The

cook.

should

and

what
matter
receptacle, no
type,
be
washing
emptied at the time of each dishand should be thoroughly washed, rinsed,

driedlike

any

other

dish.

THE

KITCHEN

33

out-of-door

The

garbage-can should be cleaned

An
old broom
it is emptied.
or
a toy

whenever

is excellent

broom

should

lye solution
should

for

then

be

this.
used

soda

strong

for

washing, and

or

it

thoroughly rinsed with boiling

be kept sweet
water.
Garbage receptacles must
and clean.
Paper bags to be used as a lining to
made
the garbage-can are
expressly for this purpose,
and save
lent
washing the can.
They are excelif one

or

and

afford them

can

if paper

is allowed

pality.
garbage under the rules of the municiNewspaper may be used in the same
way
line the can
completely.
be kept closelycovered,
All garbage-cans must
to health.
menace
they are a constant
Where
there is no garbage collection a garbage

with

to

be

the

incinerator

is

equipment.
of garbage

The
is

If it is buried

addition

valuable

to

safest

and

burn

it

it must

to

best
as

of the
daily care
washing of tables, wiping

to

way

soon

as

be well covered

The

the

kitchen

dispose
possible.

with

kitchen

should

of the

stoves,

earth.
include

washing
of sinks and
fixtures,the brushing of the floor,
and dusting. A more
includes
the
thorough care
washing of the floor, washing of walls, cleaning
of

shelves

kitchen,

as

and
in the

it is better
If the
a

drawers.

to

kitchen

care

In

the

of the

rest

keep clean
is well

cared

general cleaning, which

should

not

be

than
for

to

care

the

of the

house,

make

clean.

daily and
usually means

necessary.

of

weekly,
an

heaval,
up-

IV

WOODWORK,

the

IN

be

to

removed

Unfinished

stains

wood

the

are

first

be

and

then

most

off

and

that

severe

dirt,

the
used

are

lowed
al-

are

grease

remove

should

the

be

and

finish

The

water

with

Grease
should

grease

spreading,

prevent

to

washing-soda

strong

removed

washing.

common.

scrubbed

just

spots

means

before

cold

with

wet

to

Stains

"

unfinished

from

clean

caution

one

dirt.

the

wood.

is

methods

extreme

with

there

it

taken

be

where

CEILINGS

dirt

If

woodwork

on

must

usually

to

"

appear.

stand

measures

AND

woodwork

all

forgotten

they

as

soon

to

is

of

care

never

as

WALLS,

or

solution.

lye
To

bleach

oxalic

darkened,

teaspoonful

applied
is

allowed

as

usual.
For

unfinished

an

to

the
to

the

made

acid,

to

one

entire

dry

and

washing,

surface
in
of

cup

surface
then

the

hot

with
the

surface

which

has

solution

water,
a

of

should

one

be

may

brush.

surface

been

This

is scrubbed

be

gone

with

over

and

35

with

brush

scrubbing, the
should always go with the grain of the wood,
the grain or
in a circular motion.
across
being thoroughly scrubbed, the surface
or

soap

brush
never

After

should

be

of

As

fine

rinsed

wiped

then
out

scrubbed

cloth, then

wet

CEILINGS

WALLS,

WOODWORK,

off with

little water
be

used.

wood

the

Thorough
surface

possible with

as

will

and

water

warm

cloth

wrung

water.

warm

should

clear

as

dry

as

In

sand-soap.

If

work

properly

of water

is used

the

great deal

becomes

do

water-soaked

darkens.

and

rinsingis also essential,as otherwise

becomes
and
muddy-looking.
gray

the
In

floor care
be taken
must
to
not
washing a wood
the base-board.
In washing
on
splash water
a
be caretable, the edge and under the edge must
fully
washed.

simply from
Painted
for

out

wrung
a

time.
with

the
wood.

under

touch
"

light suds

Only

This

surface

be

used.

and

of this solution

small

and

water

should

greasy

hands.

of the

Warm

becomes

enough

soap

cloth

The

the surface

washed.

After

portion should be attempted

be rubbed
washing it should

cloth

wrung

out

of clear

water

is

at

one
over

and

then

rubbed

If the surface is not

dry with a dry cloth.
dried thoroughly it will be streaked.
Spots that
do not yield to this treatment
be rubbed
with
may
such as whiting.
a fine scourer,
Soap must never
be applied directlyto paint.

Enameled

wood.

wiped off with

"

These

woolen

surfaces
cloth

wrung

should
out

of

be
hot

HANDBOOK

36
water,

and

Badly

soiled

rubbed

then

CLEANING

OF

spots

dry

with

treated

be

may

second

with

cloth.
fine

scourer.

wood.

Varnished

and

carefully dusted
and

cloth

should
and

oil.

chamois

finished

should

surfaces
cleaned

then

Boiled

be

then

Varnished

"

linseed-oil

with

is

good.

be
soft

They

Silk
polished with a dry cloth.
especiallygood for rubbing finely

are

surfaces.

Waxed

wood.

Waxed

"

by rubbing with
marred

surfaces

soft cloth.

in any

If the

it is

way

easilycleaned

are

surface

usually best

comes
berub

to

This must
be
the spot with a very little alcohol.
used most
the spot is removed,
sparingly. When
be

should

wax

rubbed
If
with

in with
wooden
hot

very

possible. Hot
dent

is raised

applied thinly and

evenly and

soft cloth.

surface
water
water

and

is dented,
should

cloth moistened

be

should
then

as
applied as soon
be applied until the

the

should

surface

be

refinished.
Watts

should

and

be

thorough
broom
draws

"

brushed

when

cleaning. A

covered
up

ceilings. All

with

with

tapes may

walls
room

and

ceilings
is receiving a

lamb's-wool
cotton-flannel

brush

or

bag which

be used

for this purpose.

cleaned
ceilingsare
by

Oil-painted walls and

Water
be
water.
must
washing with warm
soapy
used sparingly, only a small portion being washed
be wiped off with
that must
at a time, and
a
cloth wet in clear water, then wiped absolutely dry.

HANDBOOK

38

To

wall-paper.

iron

placed

the

it,

over

some

Paper
be
of

kept.
paper

removed.

after

Often
can

if
be

an

put

accident

on

and

of

part
is

apply

to

sorbed.
ab-

warm

leaving

on

the

off.

brushing

papering

warm

grease

chalk,

before

fresh

the

be

can

and

is

French

or

hours

left

all

method

Another

spot

spot

with

repeating
until

earth

the

blotting-paper

blotting-paper

Fuller's

CLEANING

these

remove

white

with

covered

OP

should

room

occurs

the

defect

always
new

strip
entirely

FLOORS

AND

FLOOR

FORTUNATELY
i

the
is

pets

almost

replaced

are

clean.

they

cover,

they

are

take
but

the
much

though

be

filled

applied.
rug,

If

there

is

Painted

the

three

this

surface

of
four
is

traffic,

not

to

surface

the

and

great,

so

but

they

To

keep

with

paint
large

one

where

placed

ones

finish
not

will
as

last

well.

desirable

preferable

are

cracks

good

of

covered

are

the

wood,
coats

the

floors

floors,

hard

are

for

soft

smaller

soft-wood

which

easily.

or

several
most

hard-wood

is

and

with

or

is

more

floor

and

dust

surface

carpets

Carpets

dust

much

car-

all

sooner

better.

hold

as

cleaned

Even
can

floor

entire

Rugs

The

the

rugs

nailed-down

of

day

gone.

by

the

cover

COVERINGS

as

to

peted
car-

floors.
Painted

they
and

"

should

dusted

they
cloth.

floors.

be

with
may

be

swept

dry

washed

mop

with

these

in

with

or

duster.
a

good

soft-hair

slightly

tion
condibrush

ally
Occasion-

moistened

HANDBOOK

40

Varnished
a

soft-hair

cleaned

floors are
brush

and

prepared oil mop

moistened
dry mop
oil and

allowed

CLEANING

OF

dusting
be

may

with

stand

to

by sweeping
with

few

oiled mop.

an

used

or

with

ordinary

an

drops of linseedhours.

several

The

sults
re-

become
They
badly
marred
if walked
with
The
on
heavy shoes.
creased
floor is greatly inwearing quality of a varnished
of waxing is the
The method
by waxing.
for

as

same

the

surface

provided
the

good.

equally

are

floor.

waxed

can

be

retouched

is careful

one

surface

before

good hard-wood

waxed

The
in

nished
var-

places,

worn

apply more
wax
is injured. For
the varnish

floor

to

finish without

wax

to
a

nish
var-

is

preferable.
Waxed
if well
floorshave one
great advantage
of the
cared
floor
for, the general appearance
That
is more
be
than
can
improves with age.
and
said of other
finishes.
Varnished
painted
surfaces
not easily patched in worn
are
places to
look well, whereas
surface
a worn
spot on a waxed
"

can

be

treated

so

it is not

that

noticeable.

pert
floors. For the originalwaxing an exbe
should
be employed, as the floor must
To rewax,
the floor
properly filled before waxing.
should
be swept with a hair brush and thoroughly

Waxing

dusted.
a

thin

melted
be

"

The

surface

coating of
over

allowed

hot
to

thirty minutes;

should

wax.

water,

harden

then

Liquid
may

and

be

be

used.

longer is better.

solid

or

wax,

should

covered

This

stand
The

at

with
wax

must

least

floor

is

FLOORS

AND

COVERINGS

FLOOR

41

polished by rubbing with a weighted brush

(on sale at any house-furnishing store or department
store),always following the grain of the

then

wood.

by hand

either

rubbed

is then

It

with

cloth

by tying the

or

woolen

cloth

over

the

brush.
of beeswax,
usually made of a mixture
paraffin, and
turpentine. Beeswax
was
formerly used alone for floors, but it is harder
Floor

is

wax

apply than
sticky.
to

waxed

with

swept

prepared

the

floor is

comparatively
with

hair

because

waxes

it is

satisfaction,for it looks
little

brush

care.

and

dusted

well
floor

waxed
with

so

mop

always has a good finish and a soft luster which

be procured by no
other treatment.
can
Care
has
The
of carpets.
housekeeper who
in cleaning
the
use
carpets must
greatest care
their disadvantages.
them, in order to minimize
In sweeping, the broom
should
be held almost
perpendicular to the floor. The stroke should be
short and firm, and
of the stroke the
at the end
"

should

broom
than
sweep

is

be

lifted

away

from

is

across,

to sweep

out

large,the dust should

otherwise

it may

Sometimes

brighten

the

and

herself
the

blow

the
The

absolutely necessary.

general direction, with

then

from

warp

floor
sweeper

always
threads

no

more

should
in

one

first and

ridges. If the room

be taken
up at intervals,
the

back.

help collect the dust and also to

of paper,
carpet, fine damp
scraps

to

HANDBOOK

42

CLEANING

OF

bran, coarse
salt, damp
tea-leaves, or
damp
specialsweeping preparations are sprinkled on the
floor.
does

The

moisture

catch

flyinginto
the

the

and

dust

the

these

on

prevent

substances
of it from

some

Also the moisture

room.

However,

carpet.

various

these

things

brightens
be

must

used

be
must
cautiously. The
dampened substances
then
there
is the
only slightly damp and even
their
possibility of stains resulting from
use,
especiallyon light-coloredcarpets. If salt is used
it should

be

it is all swept
the

and

coarse

moisture

around

from

out

from

be

must

care

tacks.

taken

that

Otherwise

it is

likely to rust the tacks.

Most
and
sweeping preparations contain sawdust
oil. They hold the dust, but there is so much
some
oil in some
of them
allowed
that if they are
to
stay in the carpet for any length of time they do
stain.
After

sweeping it is well to dust

cloth wrung
dry out of clear
very
ammonia
A

carpet with

water

or

out

dirt

in

be

may

used

for

taking

of a carpet, but
daily care
should not replace the use of a broom
or
vacuum
cleaner entirely.
If a rug is too large to be taken
Large rugs.

the

"

it

be

can

then

it

swept

can

and

Small

should

of

water.

carpet-sweeper

loose

rolled

be

same

up

and

way

the

as

it

up

carpet, and

floor underneath

dusted.
rugs.

be

in the

swept

up

"

taken

Wherever
out

possible small
of doors, where
they

rugs
can

be

FLOORS

COVERINGS

FLOOR

AND

and
thoroughly beaten
swept.
in
is not
possible, however,
small

rugs

cleaned

be

must

43

procedure
places. If

This
many

house, before

in the

sweeping it is well to place dampened newspapers

just under the edge of the rugs and allow them to
catch
These
at least
project well out.
papers
dust.

some

of the

out

of doors,

Where

and

necessity. Rugs
cleaned

good

year

rug

almost

becomes

should
where

be

steam-

there

is

in two

once

taken

years

no

even

is used.

cleaner

vacuum

beat

To

cleaner, and

vacuum

when

carpets

twice

or

once

cleaner

vacuum

be

cannot

rugs

properly, the

is

rug

placed right

It is
dry snow.
beaten
with switches, a rattan
beater, or a wire
turned, and
carpet-beater. It is then
swept,
If there is no flat place
swept on the right side.
which
it can
be placed over
to place a rug
on
a
It is better to avoid
line, beaten, and brushed.
side

down

the

on

or

grass

on

end
and
at one
shaking rugs.
Holding them
loosening of the threads at
shaking often causes
the border, and then the edge begins to ravel.
Oriental
must

rugs

never

be

beaten

are

shaken.

This

water.

They

should

steam-cleaned, but
is done

like

other
should

rugs,
never

but
be

and
in soap
Oriental dealers

be washed

cheaply by

in rugs.

Rag
need

rather

washed
are

rugs

like

are

treated

like other

frequent washings.
any

other

especiallydifficult

to

cotton

clean

rugs,

but

They

can

material.

dry, as

the

they
be

They
folds

HANDBOOK

44

in

made

the

CLEANING

OF

catch

by weaving

rags

and

hold

dirt.

Matting. For
sweeping matting, a slightly
soft brush
is good to use.
or
a
dampened broom
be dusted with
After sweeping, the surface should
is spilledon
If water
a
matting it
damp cloth.
be wiped up
should
as
quickly as possible and
then dried by covering with a cloth and applying a
and
air from
hot iron or by the sun
an
open
"

window.
sifts

through
is

there

with

Even

even

best of

the

cleaner

vacuum

dust

matting, and unless

for cleansing, it is

fine

very

much

care

quently.
frematting up rather
cause
Matting is an expensive covering, beough
of poor
wearing qualitiesand cost of thorbe advised.
cleaning, and its use cannot

Linoleum.
soft

the

should

Dust

"

brush

or

then

using either

water,

rinsed

with

Only enough

removed

be

clear
water

be

washed

mop

or

and

water
to

soap

cloth.

It

and
must

wiped

then

The

with

dry.

soil should

the

remove

with

broom.

slightly dampened

should

linoleum

be

take

to

necessary

be

used.
Oikloth.
with

even

off.

On

Cork

Oilcloth

"

the greatest
the

"

This

is

laid

is

in

attractive

offices

or

institutional
use,

rooms.

and

very

like

colors, and

comes

for house

the pattern

care

oilcloth

whole,

carpet.

like linoleum, but

is cleaned

wears

soon

poor

linoleum.

is excellent
It

there is

is rather
a

serious

vestmen
in-

It
for
pensive
ex-

ob-

VI

METALS,

of

problem

THE

from
addition

In

inclosed

it

in

tarnishes

dust,

use,

in

before

putting

special

"

silver.

sulphide,

which

with
found

is burned,
such
knows

as

the

which
the

to

is

silver
often

of

in

the

in

and

the

air,

the

air,

in

utensils

daily

thoroughly

need

should

away,

reaction

present

water

soapy

metal

The

distress

tarnishing
silver

the

metal

little

very

care.

Silver.
most

hot

the

remove

Metal

have

may

oxygen

be

food.

of

of
the

may

if washed

dried

either

which

content

some

or

result

the

ferent
dif-

materials.

which

also

bit

other

grease,

must

and

moisture,

is

metals

cleaning
of

we

are

impurities

or

of

film

the

which

metal,

cleaning

that

to

CHINA

AND

GLASS,

The
is

and

the
are

food,
blackness

air

also

because

tarnish

the

result

of

and

wool,
that

the

coal

in

organic

rubber.
results

from

is

union

compounds

either

found

of

silver

on

Sulphur
where

the

causes

housekeeper

sulphur.
in

perhaps

or

of
are

coal

gas

materials,

Every
using

one

silver

with

eggs

or

of

leaving it in

be

should

and

bleached

cotton

avoid

also to

goods,

the

in

to

use

we

woolen

of colored

use

the

elastic

by sulphur

careful,in storing it, not

materials

47

with

contact

silver is tarnished

Because

bands.

CHINA

AND

GLASS,

METALS,

manufacture

or

of

have
been used.
sulphur may
in water,
that
Silver sulphide is insoluble
so
ever,
ordinary washing has no effect upon it. If, how-

which

the
salt and
will

is rubbed

discoloration

then

washed

disappear.
the

wash-water

in ammonia

If ammonia
article

will

with
water

is not

common

the tarnish
used

tarnish

in the

again

very

for this is that the silver

quickly. The reason
soluble in ammonia,
chloride, a whitish compound
formed
when
the salt was
which
placed on the
was
the silver unless dissolved, and
silver,remains
on
is

quickly acted

upon

again by sulphur, so

that

results.

tarnish
There

are

cleaned.

many

The

most

ways

in which
method

common

silver may
be
of cleaning is

by friction such as we
get by applying powders
like whiting, putty
or
powder, rouge,
prepared
powders. The powder is usually mixed to a thin
applied to
paste with water, alcohol, or ammonia,
the entire surface of the silver,allowed
to become
cloth ot
with
a
absolutely dry, and then rubbed
chamois.
brush

If the

is most

silver

has

raised

pattern

helpful for getting the powder out

of the crevices.
The disadvantages of this method
the time it takes and the annoyances
are
resulting
from
the fine dust of powder that flies off when

HANDBOOK

48

OF

rubbing is done.
cleaning by this method

the

over

Some
tie

and

nose

CLEANING

people when they are

cloth
piece of moist cheese-

mouth

to

their

prevent

breathing in the powder, but the only way

avoiding cleaning the surroundings afterward
do

to

work

the

outdoors

in

or

some

of
is

where

room

is

nothing to be dusted after.

Pastes prepared by reliable silversmiths
also
are
good to use, but in using any prepared paste or
be sure
that the frictional agent
powder we must
there

in it is not

If it is

coarse.

surely be scratched.
and
powders contain
Its
The
with

use

disadvantages
the powders.

Silver

be

can

Most

the

coarse

of the

silver will

prepared pastes

whiting as the
has
already been

of this method

cleaned

main

described.
the

are

by placing

stituent.
con-

it in

same

as

tacle,
recep-

covering it with a strong solution of borax,

washing-soda, or potash, and
bringing to the
boiled
about
boiling-point. It is then
thirty
and

is next

allowed

it has

become

cold.

minutes
until

wiped

with

silver, but

is clean

disadvantages

The

it takes
or

soft cloth

and

kerosene
Another

aluminum
then

or

stay in the solution

It is then

rinsed

chamois.

The

and
result

highly polished silver.

of this

method

of fuel,where

the cost

the

are

gas,

time

electricity,

is used.
way
pan

brought

minutes.

not

to

The

is to
and

place the silver in

cover

it with

bright

cold water.

boiling-pointand
essential
thing here

to the

boiled

It is
a

is that

few

the

be

pan

action
contact.

action

CHINA

AND

GLASS,

METALS,

perfectlyclean and not corroded, for

metals
the two
coming
depends upon
When
action.
It is an
electrolytic
is finished a deposit will be formed
on
of

kettle which

aluminum

this method

disadvantages of

with

the

The

last.

cleaning the aluminum

Another

the

are

boiled

with

water

Then

instead of leaving the

method
The

the zinc.

on

the

are

same

last way,

same

as

or

more

is covered
method.

last

the

of the

those

the

one

deposit on the pan,

disadvantages of

The
as

and

in

as

used

is often

to this which

place the silver in a pan in which

pieces of zinc are placed. The whole

deposit is

the

spent in

that

is to

and

the

pan.

similar

way

in

lusterless.

but

includes

time

the

be removed.

must

course

Here, again, the silver will be clean

The

49

this

last two.

fair to

bids

which

one

the

popular, is by the use of a special

made
in
Such
for cleaning silver.
are
pans
pan
establishsizes suitable for both
small and
large ments.
become

most

Wire
the

and

pan,

on

the

covered

is then

quart

of

soldered

are

silver must

silver which

some

every

bars

rests

with

one

soda.

be

soda
is

are

poured

silver is
and

should

thoroughly
over

the

The

is added

of
or

silver
for

preferably warm,

there

which

bars

the

on

the bars.

on

water,

spoonful of salt and

Care

rest

bottom

the

to

table-

one

tablespoonful of bakingtaken

that

dissolved

silver.

In

ready to be removed.
wiped dry. Again the

the

salt

before

the

few

minutes

It is then
result

and

liquid
the
rinsed

is clean

but

HANDBOOK

50

This

lusterless silver.
this method,

CLEANING

OF

which

is the

takes

disadvantage

one

far less time

than

of

any

other.
The

for the

reason

lack

of luster

where

friction

interesting. If we place under

a
microscope a piece of silver polished with a
powder and cloth we find that the surface, instead
would
of appearing as one
expect a metal, appears
used

is not

like

liquid; it

for

reason

surface

the

is very

this

similar

seems

The

mercury.

with

by rubbing

is that

of the

to

silver is broken

up

very

powder
finely,

Where
no
light is evenly reflected.
moved,
powder is used the tarnish is as thoroughly redoes not reflect the light
but the surface
the

that

so

in the

same

way.

Gray or oxidized
washing in hot soapy
which
the

the

remove

finish

finish is

The

simply

for

reason

should

water.

Any

tarnish
the

from

silver

oxidized

tarnish

will

gray

for ornamentation.

material

any

remove

The

silver.

applied

avoiding

by

of the cleansers

silver

from

cleaned

be

on

which

used
silver has
for wrapping
sulphur has been
the
best
been
given. In putting silver away,
used by
such as are
method
is to pack it in cases
made
of a strip of cotton
are
jewelers. These
flannel, something wider than the piece of silver,
with
and

second

stitched

strip half the width

at intervals

pocket for the handle

side of the

cotton

so

that

of each

flannel

laid

there

across

is

this

separate
piece. The rough

should

in both

cases

be

HANDBOOK

52

CLEANING

OF

Cotton
frequent use should be put away.
best.
flannel bags protect them
The
carbon
dioxide
in
Copper, brass, bronze.
the air is an
important factor in the tarnishing of
in

those

"

The

copper.

is soluble

compound
found

fruits, and

in

of

beware

must

cooking.

carbonate.
acids

therefore

itself is not

copper

as

are

housekeeper
kettle

copper

kettle

copper

This

such

the

tarnished

the

bright

since

to use,

is copper
in weak

tarnish

in

is

perfectly safe
affected by weak

acids.
Acids

such

but, unless
with

whiting

acid is

to

for
be

must

again

acid

an

acid is used
care

vinegar),

in

tarnishes

copper

of

cream

quickly. After

it is well
take

cleaning

taken

to

the

up

acid.

The

surface
If oxalic

cooking utensil,
thoroughly, as oxalic

moistened

rottenstone

is

better

no

of

use

with

over

go

rottenstone,
and
than

or

the

tripoli.

oil without
when

surface

an

an

acid

the

and

copper

chamois.

with

rubbed

oil.
as

and
After

off it is

dry whiting,

Polishing with
acid gives a much
is used.

cleaning

oil, such

an

to

polished with a flannel cloth or

has all been
the cleaning mixture
to

of

way

rottenstone

sweet-oil, is applied vigorously

luster

ing
clean-

copper

the

stone

the

over

go

excess

wash

to

acid

citric

very

poison.
Perhaps there
than
by
copper

well

acetic

tartar,

(found in
buttermilk
clean copper
very readily,
the
all trace of the acid is removed,

(found
lemons) and
acid

with

oxalic,

as

rotten-

richer

Ammonia
but

be

must

care

removed.
the

also be used

may

taken

If it is left
and

copper

on

CHINA

AND

GLASS,

METALS,

for

53

cleaningcopper,
of it

all traces

that

the metal

with

it will react

poisonous compound

are

be

may

formed.

Different
are

copper

the market.

on

hastens

the

brass

tarnish
therefore

Nickel.

any

and

the
"

oil

plus

or

an

solvent

acid

which

and

rottenstone

are

oil is

these, and quite as effective.

the
bronze
are
alloys of copper,

both

on

The

action.

cheaper than
As

and

naphtha, turpentine,

as

these

In the main

of rottenstone

composed
such

preparations for cleaning

commercial

of

is the

treatment

Nickel

does

same

is the
not

on

as

copper,

and

same.

readily and
by washing in hot

tarnish

kept in good condition

colored
diswater.
If, however, it should become
soapy
it can
be cleaned
by rubbing with a paste
of whiting or a fine scourer.
can

be

Aluminum.

quickly,but
cleaning it.

"

Aluminum

there

is

Alkalies

one

does

also

great

care

be

not
to

discolor

be taken

avoided.

in

Soaps
and
scourers
containing free alkali and alkalies,
such as washing-soda, ammonia,
and borax, must
If it becomes
not be used.
darkened, whiting and
weak
acid such
a
as
sulphuric, hydrochloric,or
ing
vinegar will brighten it. There are specialcleanwithout
alkalies.
pastes for aluminum,
Tin.
Tin darkens
slowly also. The best
very
of cleaning are
by boiling in a solution of
ways
washing-soda or by scouring with whiting or a
"

must

HANDBOOK

54

fine

Scouring tin

scourer.

is

new

in tin

acts

as

to

and

of time

waste

tarnish

CLEANING

OF

make

it shine

of material,

protection and

as

like
the

makes

it

longer.

wear

Steel,iron.
steel and

"

iron

There

is

in caring for
difficulty

which

is not

one

encountered

in other

They tarnish most readily in the

of moisture, and
this tarnish, commonly

presence

rust, does

do other

metals.

not

The

tarnishes.

air, and

scales

rust

being exposed

always

are

clingcloselyto the metal

to

surfaces

new

and

moisture

the

is iron oxide, is formed.

rust, which

more

off and

as

called

cutlery and iron utensils are scoured and wiped

dry there is little danger of rusting. For the
Bath
brick
such
fine
or
as
cleaning, a scourer
The
Bath
brick is
is very
good to use.
emery
If

with

applied
spots
rust

resists
with

quickly
to
use

this

air and

hydrochloric
be

may

moisture

vaseline, melted

then

Obstinate

scoured

then

this.

and

cloth

rust

kerosene, allowed

treatment

neutralize

or

dried.

with

time, and

some

cork

and

covered

be

can

stand

in

is washed

utensil

the

moistened

off.

it may
be
acid, followed

Iron

and

to

If the
touched

by

steel when

monia
am-

not

protected from the action of the

by a thin coating of oil, such as
oil, or
paraffin wax, cotton-seed

tallow.
Zinc.

"

The

tarnish

result of the action

air.

This

similar

tarnish

on

of the

is

in color to zinc, so

zinc

is zinc

oxide, the

metal, moisture,

and

the

light-coloredcompound
that

it is not

noticeable

the

that

except

zinc

For

cleaning zinc

The

kerosene

the

where

loses

there

and

Bath
is

is excellent

This
in

comes

kerosene, if used, might

The

brick

is

is of

to

use.

so

that

contact

contaminate

little slower

lemon-juice, because

the

food.

method,

since

used

The

best method

acids

Vinegar
tain,
they con-

After
brightening zinc.
be carefully removed
using either one, the acid must
the tarnish will form
or
again quickly, as
is hastened
of the
the oxidation
by the presence
are

also

of the

is also

special value
with
food, as

agent for cutting the grease.

no

luster.

metallic

film of grease
dirt is liberated.
Bath
brick

zinc

the

55

the

cleaning zinc.

for

CHINA

its

kerosene

dissolves

inclosed

used

AND

GLASS,

METALS,

for

acid.
Glass.

"

much-argued
in hot water
soda
then

has been

point.
to which

of

washing glass is a
The quickest way
is to wash
or
washingsoap, ammonia,

added, rinse in hot water, drain, and

polish with

soft linen

towel.

Washing
glass with

of

glass in cold water is all very well for

no
be allowed
to
it, but it must
on
oily substance
drain
be rubbed
thoroughly and then it must
most
vigorously to obtain a good polish.
In caring for cut glass a soft brush
is quite
in order to reach the deep cuts.
In the
necessary
in which
and rinsed, and
cut glass is washed
pans
the tray in which
it is drained, soft cloths
on
should
be placed. These
from
prevent the pans
also the
scratching the glass and
glass from
It is most
essential that all
scratchingthe pans.

HANDBOOK

56

used

cloths

on

OF

cut

glass be

CLEANING

free from

grit. Just

in a cutscratch
make
a
grain of sand may
to
glass bowl so that the next time it is submitted
it will break
at that
a
change of temperature
point.
be only lukewarm
For washing, the water
must
and
it may
be softened
by the addition of soap,
The
ammonia,
or
washing-soda.
drying of cut
ful
careglass is very important. Even with the most
rubbing with soft towels, moisture is left in the
This moisture
is sometimes
deep cuts.
overcome^
absorbs
by rubbing the glass in sawdust, which
one

the

excess

that

wood,

moisture.
the

otherwise

sawdust
there

We

take

must

comes

will be

from
a

care,

ever,
how-

non-resinous

resinous

deposit

It is
glass that is not easy to remove.
better not to place cut-glass dishes on top of each
felt or
to pile them
other, but if it is necessary
cotton
wadding should be placed between
every
two
pieces.
be protected from the dust by
Cut glass should
When
the housekeeper
keeping in cupboards.
adds to the first cost of cut glass the time necessary
for it she finds that she has acquired an
to care
expensive article.
Good
Windows.
results in cleaning windows
used
the materials
as
depend not so much
upon
the way
the cleaners
applied. There
are
upon
of cleaning windows, one
two
are
general ways

on

the

"

by the use of dry cleaners, the other by the use

fine
of liquid cleaners.
The
are
dry cleaners

METALS,

GLASS,

CHINA

AND

57

whiting. These
are
applied evenly to the glass with water, alcohol,
allowed
then
to dry, and
ammonia,
or
polished
with a soft cloth, chamois, newspaper,
tissueor
no

scourers,

Dry

paper.

results

than

cleaners

are

easily applied and the

there is always a powder

good, but

are

left from

coarser

them

which

flies around

and

settles

on

this
not
reason
things. For
they are
especiallygood for inside use.
used
The
are
(i) clear water,
liquid materials
and
and
washing-soda, (3) water
(2) water
monia,
amand kerosene, (5) water
and
cohol,
al(4) water
(6) alcohol alone, (7)kerosene alone. In applying
other

any

of these

the

caution

is to avoid

getting
surely as

liquid on the glass. Just as

there is enough liquidto run, just so sure
of
are
we
After all soil has been
having streaked windows.
be wiped with
soft
removed, the window
a
may
much

too

cloth, chamois,
also be

used.

or

paper.

Soapy
washing windows, as

water

rubber

is not

it is apt

to

brush

good
leave

to
a

can

use

in

cloudy

appearance.

washing in cold weather, kerosene or alcohol

is good to use, as neither freezes,but care
be
must
neither
touches
taken
that
the
framework,
as
both
soften
Paint
and
paint and varnish.
nish
vardissolved
by alcohol or turpenspatters are
tine,
be removed
or
they may
by rubbing with a
rough surface, such as a coin, or with a dull knife.
For

Gas
with

and

electric-lightglobes may
either liquidor dry cleaners, but

be

cleaned

for electric-

HANDBOOK

58

CLEANING

OF

light bulbs it is better to use

the liquidmight short-circuit
trouble

when

is next

the current

turned

in water-bottles

sediment

The

dry cleaner, since

the lamps and cause
a

on.

cruets

or

be

can

by rinsing thoroughly with a small

easilyremoved
by clear
quantity of hydrochloric acid, followed
water

or

ammonia

Another

water.

to

way

remove

depositis to partly fillthe bottle with soapy water

and place in it some
shot, or dry rice, and shake
is dislodged. After
it around
until the sediment
oughly,
washing bottles and cruets, invert to drain thorand, when
dry, cork to prevent dust from
settlingin them.
The task of dish-washing cannot
Dish-washing.
be escaped, but
be
it can
accomplished more
keepers
housequickly than it often is. Far too many
have
in mind
clean dishes!
just the end
If they would
the means
to the
stop to consider
find that if more
end, they would
were
system
used the task could
be dispatched more
quickly.
be considered.
In the first place the sink should
Is the sink a comfortable
height ? Are there drainIf not, how
is it possible
boards
both
sides?
on
"

"

to

piled dishes

the
at

device

some

arrange

the

one

sink

is too

and

low, it is

the

dish-pan on
to bring it to the
as
so
is very
too high, which
easy

side

the

is space
for
clean dishes

other?

If the

place

at

there

that

so

matter

to

procure

an

an

inverted

best

stool

the
or

matter
or

pan

height.

seldom
a

easy

low

If the
case,

to

rack

sink
it is

is
an

platform of

HANDBOOK

60

To

use

OF

not

or

to

use

debated

CLEANING

dish-mop
dish-mop can

is

much-

be kept in
question. A
over,
just as good condition as a dish-cloth, and, morethere is no
a
temptation to use
dish-mop
A
other
than
for any
dish-washing.
purpose
washing,
dish-cloth, of course, should be used only for dishbut

far

often

too

it is used

for

other

out in a hot
dish-mop is washed
soda
solution, rinsed in boiling water, and hung
to dry after each dish-washing, there is no
reason
and clean.
it should
The
not be sweet
at all why
the hands, if used
gently.
intellidish-mop does save
as
Just as good results are obtainable
of a dish-cloth, and it can
be kept in
with the use
and crash
Honeycomb
good sanitary condition.
dish-cloths
are
good. The edges of any cloth used
for dish-washing should
be finished,and the cloth
If

purposes.

be

must

treated

with

it should

After

respect.

each

thoroughly washed

be

washing
dish-

and

hung
in the sun
if possible.
to dry in a dry, light place
In soaping dish-water
a
soap-shaker is very
satisfactory,not
good suds are
only because
utilize small
obtainable, but also because
one
can
"

pieces of
is to

way

hand

for
can

soap

of

should
as

the

make

be
suds

water.

to

also be

used

to

rubbed

be

dish-water.
in

used
on

is obtained
Sal

solution

soap

adding
has

soap

Another

by placing in the shaker.

soap

soda

the

making
to

and

keep it

Small

pieces of

this.

If

dish-cloth, and

solution

be
can

cake

suds, then

make

it should

on

taken

also be

as

it

soon

out

of

added

GLASS,

METALS,

and

to

are

unites
is

which

be

the

with

grease

from

dish-towels

having,

61

specialvalue where
it is an
washed, because

easily washed

Linen

CHINA

It is of

to wash-water.

dishes

AND

the

form

an

alkali

emulsion

dish.

the
the

are

they absorb

to

greasy

kind

only

worth

moisture

readily and
The
lint.
checked
have
no
toweling (usually
either blue or red and white) is the best for glassware,
it is soft and gives a good polish. Crash
as
towels are
good in general. One yard is a good
length for a dish-towel.
Directions for dish-washing.
1.
Scrape off all particles of food adhering
utensils with
either a spatula or a
to dishes and
rubber
rinse.
Soak
in soda
plate-scraper, and
be scraped clean
solution
all that cannot
except
Aluminum
aluminum.
is treated
according to
Never
soda
special directions
on
use
53.
page
it. Saucepans and
be put
on
cake-pans should
as

"

to soak

as

soon

as

used.

dishes, place to the right of dish-pan

in the following order, the first being next
to the
and graniteglass,silver,china, earthenware
pan:
2.

Sort

cutlery, tinware, ironware.

Prepare two dish-pans half -full of

ware,

3.

hot

the

as

solution
Wash

4.

left-hand
dishes

hand

can

bear.

Make

right-hand pan.
dishes in right-hand

water

strong

as

soap

in the

pan,

to left of

it becomes

in

order

as

pan,

above,

rinsing-pan. Change
perceptiblydirty.

and

rinse in

placing dried
water

ever
when-

HANDBOOK

62

(a) Never
(b) Never

5.

OF

put bone
allow

CLEANING

pearl handles

or

wooden

handles

in water.
to

lie in

of the

egg-

water.

(c)

Never

allow

beater

(d)

to

the

iron

wheels

get into dish-water.

Scour

cutlery with Bath brick after each

dish-washing.
rub
(e) Never
sand-soap directly on a
any
dish or utensil, but rub on
the dishcloth.

Wipe the dishes

like dishes together.
6.

7. Wash

and

dry

the

clean, dry towels, keeping

on

and

dish-towels

dish-cloth, wash

the

dish-pans,clean the sink with a sinkthe sink.

cloth, and wipe dry all around
A new
device
for dish-washing is a fiber mop
fed directly through tubes from
the hot and cold
faucets.
This
water
no
means
dish-pan, but a
constant

flow

of

clean

the

water,

temperature

regulated at will. No one likes the idea of washing

in water
already used, and all housekeepers would
method
welcome
is used
clean water
a
by which
dish.
for every
The
question is as to the amount
of water
that
method
water.

needed.

this method
with
This

and,

housekeeper
afford
method

"

the

The

makers

uses

no

must

if found
must
extra

is used

than

more

reasonably
claim

of the

be
not

wholly

then

decide

cost

in

the

dishes

the

ordinary
changes of

frequent
tested

for the

keeper
house-

justified,the

whether

she

Where

water.
must

claim

mop

be

held

can

this
over

fine sieve,
sink

the

For

into

another

home

solid matter

no

there

use

but

are

dish-washers

63
gets down

few

the

satisfactory

market.

the

on

in which

dishes

There

packed
strainer-like receptacle and then placed in
The receptacle containing
of water.
pan
however,

the dishes
in

that

so

CHINA

pipes.

mechanical
is one,

AND

GLASS,

METALS,

and

revolves
and

spray

then

is also thrown

the water

down

the

over

are

dishes.

up

After

be rinsed in the same

machine,
washing they can
difficulties with most
The
using clean hot water.
the dishes
that
are
are
dish-washing machines
and the action is so harsh
not thoroughly washed
that the dishes are chipped.
China,
Silver and glass must
always be dried.
from
the
be
taken
wash-water,
however,
can
placed in a drainer, rinsed with quantities of
scalding water, and the dishes simply allowed to
time, not
until
stand
only
saves
dry. This
because

dry, but

each

dish

also it

does

that

means

have

not

there

to
are

be

rubbed

fewer

dish-

Plenty of scalding
water
is, however,
absolutely essential in order
Where
successful.
this method
drying
to have
towels

for

which

is necessary,
condition
of

one

to

cannot

care.

be

too

careful

about

the

be
must
They
in good condition
To keep them
clean and sweet.
be washed, rinsed, wrung,
shaken, and
they must
hung to dry after each dish-washing.
few important things to remember
There
a
are
In washing
of fine china.
in regard to the care
the

dish-towels.

HANDBOOK

64

china

with

only

much

of

use

of

gilt

and

warm,

The

OF

which

to

piled

until

place

it

After
has

often

pleasant

looked
task

on

with

and

as

of

drudgery
proper

then

sion
expan-

the

should
it

used.

cause

is

not

often

be
well

pieces.

household
that

care.

to

it

be

change

quick

two

the

be

sudden

apt

dried

every
one

should

about

very

is

cooled

is

Dish-washing

is
it

between

paper

in

should

water

soap

brings
and

crack.

china

the

results

contraction

or

to

little

water

temperature

it

upon

very

hot

CLEANING

processes
can

be

made

VII

ORNAMENTS,

first

THE
there

be

has.

one

she
she

caring

make
for

beautiful,
is

it.

the

wife
house-

either

cause
bethen

sentiment,
much

spend

to

multitude

of

bric-^--brac

multitude

of

grimy

but

time
is

not

bric-a-brac

abomination.

an

cleaned

of

metal,

according

Chapter

room

"

The

fixtures,

and

they

are

where
some

be

the

to

VI.

glass,

selection

fixture

of

changed

"

of

kind
a

first
that

better

to

are

as

in

to

neglected
This

clean.

one

difficult
with

is

Often

importance.
is

tric
elec-

or

gas

often

be

described

ornaments

are

difficult
is

for

metal

like

the

this

china

door-plates,

so

the

and

material,

fixed

window-catches,

because

can

mind

her

If

of

of

consumes

bric-a-brac

because

or

up

Ornaments

in

it

general
time.

of

lot

likes

must

of

the

number

large

in

amount

retain

must

of

bric-^-brac

disproportionate

about

thought

care

that

is

ornaments

careful

The

and

ornaments

JEWELRY

about

suggestion

should

number

AND

BOOKS,

to

very

clean

little

HANDBOOK

66

hardware"

"house
it she
and

housewife

The

expense.

OF

the

with

ease

should

both

the

which

accept

never

if

permanent

as

better

can

CLEANING

the

by changing
home

of her

beauty

the hardware

be

can

kept

clean.
China

and

are
glass ornaments
frequently left
without
washing for long periods. Since they do
not "look
dirty" they are given no cleaning except
for the house
that is
dusting. This is a mistake
be
The
of cleanness.
to
a
shining example
and
china
washing of every
glass piece in an
distinct difference
in
will make
a
ordinary room

its appearance.
Baskets.
Reed

and

"

baskets

willow

are

best

cleaned

If the basket
by rubbing with a stiff brush.
is not waxed, it can
be scrubbed
with soapy
Raffia baskets
also
are
water, rinsed, and dried.
cleaned

by

should

be too

not

Books.

vigorous

brushing, but

the

brush

stiff.

general, books on shelves are better

covered
with
not
glass, as the circulation of air
is good for them, but
naturally they do collect
In

"

dust

more

in this way.

The

entails the
thorough dusting of a book
clapping of the book in different places,snapping
times
Someand then wiping with a duster.
the pages
the dust
to be
out

of

gritty. This
a

window
If done

center

is blown

of

into

in

duster

if it is known

thorough cleaning
unless

"

room

this interferes
it should

large "sheet of cloth

or

is best

done

with

bors.
neigh-

be

paper,

over

the

laid in

HANDBOOK

68

OF

CLEANING

dry, and

times,
Somewiping it off with a cloth.
with dry chalk
however,
they are covered
and allowed
to stand
twenty-four hours or more.
The
off.
In
powder is then carefully brushed
should
be avoided
cleaning plaster casts water
as
much
the finish.
possible, as it is apt to mar
as
be washed
Casts
with the ivory-glazed finish can
it to

in lukewarm

soapy

be carried

water,

but

quickly and

the

process

should

lightlyas possible.
Ivory. Ivory is best cleaned by rubbing with
cloth (or for carvings with a soft brush) dampa
ened
alcohol.
When
be
with
yellowed, it may
alcohol
and
bleached
or
by wetting with water
placing in the direct sunlight, under glass. The
be repeated until the desired degree
must
process
on

as

as

"

is obtained.

of whiteness

jewelry, washing in
neutral soap solution with a very soft brush is good
and
It is then
treatment.
dipped in alcohol
with
either
rubbed
soft tissue-paper or
very
be
used
for
chamois.
Jeweler's sawdust
may
of use
is to put
drying the jewelry. The method
and
the piece of jewelry in a box of the sawdust
has absorbed
all
shake
lightly until the sawdust
Jewelry.
"

the

For

ordinary

moisture.

be treated carefully,
Jewelry with stones must
always guarding against the danger of loosening
from
the
best
the
stone
are
setting. Pearls
cleaned
by an expert; it is better for an amateur
should
not
to
They
cleaning them.
attempt
from
hot water.
always be kept away

JEWELRY

BOOKS,

ORNAMENTS,

69

market.

specialjewelry-cleaningboxes on the
These consist of a small cake of especially

prepared

soap

There

are

and

One

soft brushes.

two

brush

apply the soap and the other to polish

the cleaned jewelry.
of jewelry, as elsewhere, prevenIn the case
tion
than cure.
is worth
more
Rings should never

is used

to

be left

hands

the

on

Soap gets into

dust

that

one's
need

should

the

little

every

at

washed.

are

and

corner

holds

the

clean

to

time, occasionally,but

one

be

not

latter

It is well

in later.

creeps

jewelry

when

all
the

frequent.

easily cleaned
water, rinsing,and drying.
by washing in soapy
Where
sult
they are stained, it is usually better to conSome
stains are
irremovable,
an
expert.
but the amateur
while others yield to treatment,
this.
has not the judgment to attempt
with
ornament
Carving. In caring for any
brush
is almost
pensable.
indisa
carving or raised-work
be washed
in suds
articles can
Many
Marble.

Marble

"

ornaments

are

"

mild

of

brush

with

Pictures.

general
are

"

best

and

if

brush

"

cleaned

glass covering framed

The

in any
of the ways
is cleaned, but
minimum
a
be used

dusted

with

in the
a

On

the

that

with

pictures
glass in

The

frames

slightlydampened

backs

coarse

of

amount

process.

it is well
they are carved
a
paint-brush is excellent

crevices.
6

crevices

results.

excellent

should

water

the

cleaned

be

can

and

soaps

to
to

use

duster,
a

small

reach

brush

can

the
be

OF

HANDBOOK

70

used.

wood

Dark

better

covered

not

dusted

with

of

dusted

both

front

Pillows.

by

bronze

the

the

room

and

be

dry

carefully

duster.

be

soiled.

They

cleaned

and

or

can

according
other

any

easily

should

fabrics

protected
room,

dry

they
cleaning.

removed

are

from

should

from

then
to

be

back.

Pillow-covers

can

In

should

pictures

is

dusters.

be

made

so

"

they

an

it

oiled

should

clean

with
frames

of

use

glass

perfectly

cleaning

every

and

entirely

dusted

be

can

gilt

on

avoid

to

Pictures

frames

but

duster,

oiled

CLEANING

be
the

either

not

during
need

when

pillows

washed

fabric.

carefully
dust

the

If

brushed,
the

frequent

that

or

dry-

pillows

or

dusted,

cleaning
washing

of

VIII

HOW

SWEEP,

TO

chapter,

this

the

of

suction.
hand

are

cleaned

be

may

first

scattered
is

with

the

directly

is

Vacuum
power

greater

hand,
power

part

of

cleaners
are

very

where

than
but

less,

then

excellent

machines.

is

the
a

by

clean

dirt

sible
pos-

dust.

dust

the

is

greatest
whereas

up,

box,

house

of

is taken

or

water

the

room,

taken

bag

and

up

of

either

cleaner.
either
as

power

results

when

vacuum

efficient,
the

of

mattresses,
in

else

even

it

into

run

given

different

walls,

cleaning

of

every

to

scattering

any

cleaner

vacuum

deposited
which

and

taken,

care

the

everything

or

be

electricity,

floors,

without

more

of

cleaners

With

method

usual

the

In

and

problem

important

most

by

run

rugs,

books,

pictures,

the

vacuum

power.

attachments

may

ROOM

cleaning-equipment.

All

"

They

or

power,

of

special

moments

to

cleaners.

Vacuum

DUST

the

one

additions

recent

by

few

consideration

the

with

dealing

BEFORE

AND

CLEAN,

are

electric

or

water

much

the

force

is

must

be

applied

possible

with

by

hand-

HANDBOOK

72

Practically all
attachments

for

CLEANING

OF

cleaners

vacuum

the

have

of

set

cleaning of different things.

cleaners
people object to the use of vacuum
fine materials, as they consider
that they are
on
hard on the materials, because
as
they take up the

Many

dirt

they also take

thus

make

it

the

off the

nap

material

and

quickly.
size there is usually now
In cities of any
a company
the vacuum
that undertakes
cleaning of a
This is often a
house, bringing all the apparatus.
valuable
be forgotten that
never
help, but it must
this is only dry cleaning in the literal sense
of that
the articles to be
word, and no
liquid touches
all loose dust
cleaned.
It is possible to remove
has become
by this method, but not that which
out

wear

closely attached
The
principle
is the

works

surface

on

which
that

works

washing-machine
inside

to

as

same

more

is less than

the

the dirt is forced

the

that

"

cleaner

vacuum

which

on

outside
up

material.

or

the

vacuum

is, the

pressure

and

pressure,

fore
there-

into the cleaner.

Preparation of room
for sweeping:
Open windows
1.
top and bottom,
2.

Dust

and

remove

and

all ornaments

small

pictures.
3.

Take

down

Dust

heavy

draperies

or

at

least

pin them

up.
4.

sheets
5.

doth.

or

Dust

with

furniture

and

cover

with

old

furniture-covers.

pictures and

mirrors

and

cover

with

ROOM

ROOM

READY

AFTER

FOR

SWEEPING

SWEEPING

HANDBOOK

OF

(d) Window

shades.

74

1.

Shades

CLEANING

"

with

room.

the roller toward

Pull

"

the

down.

way

that

Dust

the

at

shade

Shades

with

entirely.
the

hand

the

same

cleaned
not

Dust

bottom

and

place

Roll

pinch it; then

without

do

continue

the

other
an-

this

iscleaned.

less cumbersome

shade

dust

being careful

until the entire shade

It is much

tion
por-

amount.

and

dow.
win-

small

and

section

til
un-

down

underneath

part up,

to

the

shades

the

over

entirely.

roller next

the

at

as

is dusted

Pull

"

14.

portion
roll up

it goes
Continue
this

roller.
the

the

small

portion, dusting the other

the

all the

top, then

side of the shade

2.

shade

the

to

removing

dust
from

window.

tures,
draperies,ornaments,
fireplacefixin
replace the register,and place the room

Return

order.
The daily care
of a room
of a room.
should
include
removing any dirt from the floor
coverings, the dusting of floors, furniture, and
and the emptying of scrap-baskets.
ornaments,

Daily

care

Bath-room.
like any

"

"

other

The
room,

bath-room

should

be

cleaned

but, in addition, the wash-

HOW

CLEAN

TO

bowl, toilet,tub, and

any

ROOM

other

75

fixtures

wash-bowl
daily. The
cleaned
according to the material
as
any other plumbing fixtures.
way

and

cleaned

be

and

should

chain

receive

tub
the

The
as

are
same

stopper

well

as

the

pipe is flushed
there is great danger of dirt
with clean hot water
collectingthere, as generally the only water which
receives is soiled water, and usually
the overflow
not enough of that to flush the pipe properly.
overflow

to do

wash

the overflow

handled

also

this is to
hot

with

handled

and

pipe.

toilet should

The
way

Unless

attention

in

should

brush

flush it

soda

brush.

be

or

Even
the

are

washed.

thoroughly

soapy

better

The

best

and

then

and

water

than

the

longlong-

large nickel-plated tongs

that come
especially
paper

prepared soap
for cleaning toilets. When
the fixture is cleaned the
simply be dropped into the fixture and
can
paper
flushed out of the system.
The long-handled brush
or
tongs should be scalded after using. The brush
then be dried in the open
air if possible.
should
In addition
Care of bedrooms.
to the cleaning
in the bedroom
the bed
must
already described
The
be well
have
springs should
special care.
the

"

dusted.

The
and

mattress

be turned

be

beaten

sionally,
occa-

daily. It is well to
turn
one
day from end to end and next day from
side to side, so that it will wear
ding
evenly. The bedeach day
should
hour
be aired at least one
and each covering of the bed should
have
a complete
air bath.

should

should

HANDBOOK

76

the

Making

bed:

Mattress-cover.

1.

and

smoothly
Under

2.

and
should
and

be

in

be

enough
the

firmly

side

down

The

wide

hem

the

bed.

It

with

be

placed

on

the

sheet

head

should

be

all sides.
should

This

"

bed,
There

top.
both

in at

up,

of the

the

This

side

right

middle
at

tuck

to

bed.

on

sheet.

be

in the

should

of

Upper

3.

should

sheet

hem

foot

the

tucked

This

"

of the

also

should

tightly drawn.

wide

the

This

"

sheet.

middle

the

CLEANING

OF

the

hems
should

same

just

come

be

should

be

tucked

put

as

under

to

the

in

right

on

sheet.
frame

firmly

of
the

at

foot.
Blankets.

4.

should

inches

ten

wiser

to

edges,

from

double

drag

in

as

be
The

upper

then

both

5.
a

The
matter

head

floor.
in
in

tucked

arrangement
of

taste.

half

It is also

much

pieces.

The

and

is folded
in

the

is almost
easier

the
at

to

spread

to

wash

should
the

blankets

the

the

sure

blanket
at

the

away

with

firmly

over

firmly
of

put

whereas

unused

generously

sheet
are

two

binding
be

can

or

It is much

apart,

one-half

eral,
gen-

nine

come

bed.

the

of

kets
blan-

and, in

should

warmer,

the

double

of
bed

of the

blankets

way

grows

the

tucked

blanket

this

blanket

the

the
the

blanket
on

head

double

cut

weather

as

is

of

edges

open

the

be at

ends

the

The

"

foot.
and

sides.
and

pillows

IX

LINEN-CLOSET

SPECIAL

/"\

linen

is

best

is the

or

much

chest

less

used
The

in

closet.

and

this

position

possible

it

should

the

next

bottom

airing

of

and
the
and

painted

by
and

that

drawers

of

piles,

thus
linen-closet

careful

be

under

piled

should
so

not

are

should

can

linen

Clean

and

white,

carpenter

that

light

They

articles

for

in

be

convenient.

very

so

rotation
care

best

are

difficulty.
at

well-

purpose,

than

best

shelves

labeled

any

than

the

constructed

Also

carefully

placed

if

are

if

direction.

the

serve

is

shelves

shelves

expensive

better

hall

and

The

sliding

contrived.

sible
pos-

closet.

linen-closet,

place.

is not

convenient
is

second-floor

The

that

will

trunk

linen-closet

special

be

house-

of

storage

when

should

drawers

of
the

to

but

else
box

although

best

arrangement,

constructed

the

necessity.

something

tall

for

place

be
out
withbe

always
the

linen

is

evenly.

wears

should

dusting

include
of

the

quent
fre-

shelves

HANDBOOK

78
and

OF

the

and

drawers

CLEANING

keeping

of the linen in neat,

orderly piles.
The
Choice
is used
house-linen
term
of linen.
for all sheets, pillow-cases,mattress-covers,
kins,
naptable-cloths, and
doilies,whether
they are
In this country
actually of linen or of cotton.
linen sheets are
families.
too expensive for most
touch of
Many people do not like the cool, smooth
the linen, especially in winter.
Again, many
do not
have
linen pillow-caseswho
housewives
"

have

linen

The

sheets.

choice

between

the

two

depends partly on taste and partly on income.

be taken that they
In choosing sheets care
must
wide
A
sheet
enough.
are
long enough and
should
and
be at least two
three-quarter yards
Most
people, at
long and three yards is better.
least in cities,now
buy their sheets ready made,
convenient.
because
It is possible to
it is more
linen
and
cotton
sheets,
purchase well-made
always effect an
though the careful buyer can
by buying the material and making the
economy
is the added
sheets.
There
advantage that the
done
hem
by hand does not catch and hold dust
hem
under
the edge as the machine-stitched
does.
In selectingeither sheets or pillow-casesit is wise
choose

to

cut
more

cut

in the
even

off

are

those

that

have

The
making.
hems, whereas

been
torn

consequently
Pillow-cases

those

if ever, cut
the ends are uneven.
are

have

ones

seldom,

procurable

rather

torn

that
on

truer

have

thread

in various

than
and
been
and

sizes to

LINEN-CLOSET

79

pillows. They may be purchased

made
of linen or cotton
tubing or simply from
also be
sheeting. Linen and cotton tubing may
purchased by the yard for pillow-cases.
should
be chosen
Table-linen
by weight as well
Care, however, must be
as by fineness of threads.
taken that the weight is not due to starch or sizing.
German
linens are
the most
Irish, Scotch, and
fit various-sized

kinds

common

is the
comes

linen

the market.

on

finest and

Of

the

also

these

the

Irish

expensive. It
in a great variety of designs. German
is perhaps the most
is the cheapest and
The

durable.

threads

most

hard

are

twisted

that it

so

qualities. It is procurable in
good designs,but not a great variety. The Scotch
has

great wearing
stands

linen
well

between

finished
It

as

these

the Irish linen

in many
be
may

It is almost

two.

and

as

is less sive.
expensmall designs.

good
Table-cloths
purchased by the yard or
cloths
in pattern lengths. Pattern
are
always
attractive,
expensive, but they are also more
more
as

comes

the pattern and

troublesome.
choose

border

should

table-cloths

For

be

table-cloth

choose

circular

continuous.

avoided,

with

follows

are

round

design which
to

very

the

as

table
center

Round

they

are

most

it is better
with

to

circular

outline of the table than

cloth,

the

latter

almost

edges in laundering.
Table-cloths
with plain linen centers and a simple
border
of plain linen, with only a simple center
design or those with good all-over patterns are

invariably stretch

on

the

as

HANDBOOK

8o

attractive

OF

CLEANING

serviceable.

and

The

satin

figuresor
well as the ordinary finish.
as
stripes do not wear
small
In general, table-cloths with
designs wear
with
than
those
better
large designs. Napkins
table-cloths.
should
match
in size
They vary
from
fourteen
to thirty-one inches, according to
their intended
and

Marking

of

is slow

This

consider

must

whether

is

she

each

housewife

the

ture
expendi-

letter-shapes can
over
quickly embroidered

house-linen

beautiful
are

as

except

that

be

now

onto

the

for

the

dery
embroifor the

compromise

tractive
at-

by embroidering

afford

can

most

White

time.

any

linen

The

"

work, and

bought that are

linen.
They are not as
all by hand, but
busy housekeeper.
For

of linen.

mending
of marking

way

in white.

use.

the

table

crosscross-stitching is very acceptable. White

stitchingmay be used, but a good colored markingthread
is more
easily seen.
Differing colors on
towels
for different rooms
easily keep the same

towels

for

to

use

one

individual

different

the liking of the

Woven

name

and

enable

the

wife
house-

types of towels, according

different

members

tapes, firmly sewed

of her
on,

to

family.
are

haps
per-

with
rubber
Marking
a
stamp and indelible ink or simply writing in pen
and indelible ink are lasting,but are never
good to
indelible-ink
be
look at.
These
markings may
be
made
on
tapes and then sewed on, or they may
the

made

next

directlyon

best.

the linen.

When

the

marking

is

HANDBOOK

82

there
so

as

may

be

to

balance.

two

if
of

center

OF

CLEANING

placed diagonally
conspicu
inmarkings are most

monograms

Other

placed

the

on

under

side

in

the

end.

one

Ornamental

be
napkins must
the napkin is properly folded
placed so that when
is well placed on
the letter or monogram
the surface
The
that is exposed.
ings
placing of other markbut if one
is necessary
on
napkins is difficult,
a

place is

good

of the

distance

The

are

one

or

two

somewhat,

matters

be darned

is, as

Thread
linen

of

as

before
soon

near

on

the

near

from

mending

There

that

markings

about

one-third

corner.

table-linen

is

really an

precautions which
however.

the threads
as

hem

any

The
have

weakness

the fineness

and

facilitate

linen

broken

art.

should
away

"

is noticeable.

appearance

of the

best are
The
possible should be used.
be made
the ravelings of the linen which
can
from the good parts of a worn
table-cloth.
There
the
market
for
on
are
some
special threads
Darns
made
the wrong
from
are
darning linens.
side.
In general the threads
wise
are
put in lengthof the goods first,
and then the cross
threads
are

as

woven

into these.

Both

sets of threads

should

portion, but they should

all extend
the same
not
to
point, as then the
that
weaken
results may
strain which
portion.
On each turn must
be left a tiny loop of the thread
for the pulling up of the weaving, and
to allow
also to allow for shrinkage.
extend

beyond

the weak

LINEN-CLOSET

linen-closet

filled
linen

housewife.

Beautiful

allow

where

beautiful

always

and

shining
of
that

all

is

within

be

the

is

is

pride

perhaps

is

house-linen

power.

any

sion,
posses-

too

small

to

is

still

there

The
the

of

precious

weaves

order.

one's

well-cared-for

whiteness,

snowy

impressions
every

the

and

perfect

of

income

family

textures

cleanness
the

piles

linen

the

possible

marking,

with

should

snow-white

but

83

attractive
of

impression
pleasurable

most

can

give,

and

STORAGE

SPACES

and

nASEMENT

attic.

Basements

and

attics

"

I.J

either

are

In

city

often

used

floor

of

The

the

first

of

the

for

house

in

house

for
of

used

again.

requires

great

chief

advantages

loses

all

in

Basements

Daily
the
other

storage

deal

of

room

of

an

fruits

is

the

and

not

to

lot

of

it

and

is

nor

of

the

ventilating.

house.

vegetables

If

it

of
that

the
one

if

everything,

part

and

never

One

useful

swept

an

material

care.

neither

for

will

useless

retaining

top

bottom

or

use

frequently

so

purposes.

top

can

important

be

is
the

living

the

needless

include

should
in

moving
about

should

basement

is
which

store

are

care

either

using

To

question

for

more

space

whereas

used

articles

sentiment

thing

the

be

purposes.

is

that

as

purposes,

storage

of

storage
basement

storage,

can

caution

accumulation
be

for
the

other

for

useless

used

however,

houses,

commonly

both

or

special

house.

Weekly,

dusted
is

ful.
beauti-

like

used
care

for

any

the

should

STORAGE

be taken

to examine

whitewashed

be

these

The

ones.

SPACES

walls

85

as

so

to discard

all decaying

basement

should

of the

occasionally yearly, if possible.

"

the walls white

and
the
only makes
is a good
basement
lighter,but also whitewash
germicide.
In using either basement
attic for storage a
or
be saved
by labeling the
great deal of time can
This

not

boxes

and

box

trunks.

trunk

or

One

method

is to attach

to the

itself a list of the articles it contains,

Another
is to
plainly in ink on a card.
each receptacle plainly and to post in a
number
light part of the cellar a complete list of the contents
written

of each

number.

third

is to have

catalogue of articles,giving the number

each

be

is to

method.

found.

The

number

The

and

tray," "n,

lower

half,"

and

when

where

each

erased

last

card

in which

is far

the

best

designation,as "7,
be written
in pencil

can

The
main
change is made.
headings, as "Curtains," can be in ink and used
Such
unused
a catalogue to one
year after year.
hours
to it seems
a great deal of work, but it saves
of time that will inevitably otherwise
be spent in
be
hunting for stored objects. The articles may
indexed
card
a
on
catalogue and a statement
made

to

as

is stored.

There

ing
is noth-

exasperating than to look through box

box
before
finally finding some
carefully
upon
stored article,
unless it is to have the remembrance
more

of

the

article
7

exact
was

conditions

put away

under

burst

upon

which
you

that

same

just as the

HANDBOOK

86

article appears.

time,

are

and

boxes

CLEANING

OF

Worry and nerves,

saved
by labeling in

not
some

to

tion
men-

way

all

trunks.

of storage, the
orderly the methods
easier
will be the cleaning that is necessary
to
keeper's
safeguard the health of the family. The houseThe

more

calendar

should

definite

include

dates

cleaning should be done, as in too

houses
these out-of-sight places are
sadly
many
neglected. All this applies equally to the cellar.
Cupboards and closets. In the planning of any
house
thought should be given to cupboards and
closets.
To have
plenty of closets, conveniently
a
saving in
placed, with well-fittingdoors, means
ing
curtailtime
a
spent in cleaning and also means
which

on

such

"

of the

steps of the housewife.

necessity in almost
every
be placed in the coolest part
This should
house.
and
it should
be painted either
of the basement
If possible the door
white
a
light color.
or
very
be placed so that when
should
it is open
the light
A

from

preserve-closetis

window

reaches

always possible,but

it is

the
a

closet.

This

is not

good arrangement

for

closet.

any

Labels
but
The

time,
cupboards and closets save
all-important in a preserve-closet.
that in
should
be plainly marked
so

in all

they

seem

shelves

time
is lost in
no
putting away
preserves
any
and
how
to place them.
deciding where
Vegetable and fruit closets should be also in the
coolest

and

driest

parts

of

the

basement.

The

SPACES

STORAGE

of

contents

these

be

must

87

carefully watched

to

the

of

guard against decay.

A

in

closet

Such

closet

trunks

The

horses

or

should

placed

wherever

convenient.

should

be

in

elevated

completely

convenience.

be

boxes

be

some

placed
so

way

surrounded

never

storage

great

is also

may
or

for

basement

boxes

and

trunks

the

but

damp,

that

air.

with
in

wooden

on

they

are

Basements
of accidental

case

dampness this elevation does protect the article. It

bends
less.
their use
also makes
easier,as one
over
should
contain
The
butler's pantry
boards.
dish-cupThese

should

be

white

enameled

and

the
can
see
glass doors so that one
and
In arranging a china
contents
at a glance.
should
be taken
to
glass cupboard great care
frequently used dishes in the most
place the most
should
be
dishes
other
convenient
place, and
and frequency of
placed in regard to convenience
Often
shelf of half the regular width
a
use.
put

should

have

between

two

needed

extra

small

other
slat

across

run

rest

stand

shelves

"

two

Where

inches

"

adds

much

glasses,cups, and
this is not
done, a

for

storage space
articles.

back

the

at

from

the

back

affords

platters, large plates, and the like,

sometimes
Cups are
against the wall.

for

to

screwed
into the bottom
of a
hung from hooks
careful
shelf, but unless the handling is very
breakage will be frequent. Labels on the shelves
are
advisable, especially if several people put
away

dishes at different

times.

HANDBOOK

88

CLEANING

OP

hall closet for holding wraps

and rubbers
also be used
great convenience, and it can

is

for

Such
closet needs
extra
a
storing card-tables.
should
in cleaning, which
be at least weekly.
care
Cleaning-closet.On the first floor there should
be a cleaning-closet,in either a back
hall, the
other
convenient
kitchen, or some
place. The
second
floor should
also have
a
cleaning-closet.
This need
be as complete as the one
the
not
on
first floor,but to have a few of the most
frequently
used implements and cleaning-preparations
the
on
"

second
The

floor is

of time.

great economy

about
important points to remember
of a cleaning-closetis to put all implethe care
ments
and
in order.
clean
to keep them
away
Far too often a cleaning-woman
and
uses
a mop
then calmly puts it away
and
proceeds to forget
the

most

dirt that

Bath-room
and

she

"

It should

This

detachable
contain

as

it.

is sometimes
one

many

built in

fastened
sections

on
as

the
there

family, and each should have

for soap,
one
tooth-brush, nail-brush, shavingbrush, tooth-paste or powder, and other individual
toilet articles.
A bath-room
used
by the whole
the toilet
each
member
must
see
family where
articles of all the others
while
using his or her
of all
the
is unattractive, and
own,
exposure
these articles is unsanitary.
white
be
bath-room
The
cupboard should
inside and should be washed
out
enamel
weekly,
are

members

with

away

cupboard,

sometimes

wall.

put

of the

HANDBOOK

go

CLEANING

OF

good antiseptic for washing small wounds

well
be kept out
in the bath-room,
easily
may
accessible,and its use encouraged.
Bedroom
closets

"

depends

closet.

The

closets.

all cases,

In

having rods

size

the

on

and

however,

of

the

is saved

by

shape

space

hang clothes and to enable

the user
to see
at a glance just where
thing
everyis. The
position of these rods depends
the shape of the closet.
For some
entirely upon
closets the only possibilityis to have one
long rod
lengthwise, and in others several short crosswise
rods are
An
the best solution
of the problem.
device
is the rod in loop form, ten
excellent
or
twelve
inches long, which
fastens to the inside of
door

the
lower

on

of the

bar

trousers

or

which

of bedroom

arrangement

to

closet

of this ten

be

can

dresses

the

near

twelve

or

hung, and

top.

the

From

full-lengthdresses

when

the

door

opens

light and
air.
The
only disadvantage is a possible sagging
it.
In
door
under
the weight hung on
of the
of
closet
some
practically every
arrangement
rods
is the best, because
the most
economical
the

of

are

all swung

into

out

the

space.

At

very

placed in any
in an orderly

small

expense

closet.

To

have

shoe-shelf
the

shoes

can

be

placed

ing
invitsurely more
than
the floor, where
them
to have
even
on
with the best of care
they are pushed around when
one
steps into the closet to get something else.
A shoe-bag can
be used, but the shoes do not get
array

on

shelf is

SPACES

STORAGE

An

dirt-catcher.

is

slightly inclined

inches

With

shoes

the

on

door

one

bottom

the
A

well-built

clothes

not

with

tar-paper

and

closets

should

method

with

oilcloth

Here
the

is very

wear

All
house

is

cleaned

being

cleaned.
are

part

quite

Thorough
as

necessary

of houses.

is also

device

the

be

with

placed

loop-hangers
be

can

for

furs

put

is

nearly

lined

possible.

as

floors.

laid, the

are

floors

with

hold

down

substituted

for

to

great

easily cleaned
the

cover

holding

is often

floors

be

aired

aired, and
the

when

at

linoleum,
the

edges.

linoleum,

as

slight.

should

closets

see

attic

as

have

be

can

can

closet

is sealed

molding

quarter

better.

can

and

of

type

is to

four

heels, thus

even

one

the

hard-wood

where

easiest

in

frequently

This

Except

of

one

but

good,

strip of metal

bag

door.

closet

used

the

one

then

of the

convenience.

All

not

the

ridge about

Several

Even

before.

described
near

heels.

if it has

is

There

door,

the

shelf

catch

to

is there.

catch

to

and

inclined

on

have

slipping, is

from

shoes

hanging

with

side

thus

glance just what

points

shelf

shoes

the

ordinary

inner

the

from

keeping

for

they should

that

ventilation

the

91

when

every

from

room

airing and
for

closets

the

rest

should

closet

it

which

thorough
as

for

of the
be

leads

is

cleaning
any

other

XI

AND

CHOICE

reply

THE

CARE

OP

question,

the

to

would
food."

our

preserve

"What

refrigerator

refrigerators,

in

but

factors

the

"

be

can

good
of

leave

part

no

the

it

kept

40"

or

of

the

of

air

with

should

42"

tightness

on

with

the

the

well-

hold
house-

question
essential
the

in

air

frigerator,
re-

in

currents

which

the

maintain

in

The
motion.

insulation
which

doors

and

Fahrenheit,

be

always

the

the

erator
refrig-

clean.

stagnant-air-spaces.

should

desirable

three

are

in

of

to

comes

in

and

articles

there

ease

refrigerator

depends
the

when

circulation

and

refrigerator,

kept

most

are

other

all

temperature
the

interiors

food

of

preservation

be

may

"To

for

Attractive

in

as

equipment,
of

food

frigerator?"
re-

follows,

query

looked

be

be,

the

to

our

and

exteriors

finished

then

condition?"

possible

best

But

that

so

have

"Why

undoubtedly

essentials

the

are

REFRIGERATORS

it
air

The
of
are

ture
tempera-

the

in

should
every

ture
temperawalls

fitted.

and
The

CHOICE

depends

circulation

REFRIGERATORS

OF

construction

the

upon

93

of the

interior.

whole
The

walls

different

to

prevent

heat

from

the

frigerator
refrigerator. In the best rethere are
from
nesses
eight to twelve thickThese
the walls.
layers are usually of

traveling into
in

insulated

are

materials, such
each

of heat, and

conductor

is known

of which

ing-paper,
insulat-

wool, felt,or

as

also

to

be

poor

of these

layers,
instead
of being of such material, is commonly
a
cheap and poorly constructed
dead-air-space. In many
is an
refrigeratorsthe only insulation

air-space.
A
poorly insulated
capable of keeping the

one

refrigeratoris
interior

fireless cooker

at

no

low

more

ture
tempera-

keep things hot if

broken.
The
is poor
the insulation
or
principle
in refrigerators,fireless
is the same
of insulation
bottles.
In the refrigerator
cookers, and thermos
low temperathe object is always to maintain
a
ture,
than

but

in

fireless cooker

the

object

low

temperature,

other

may

be

to

according

all

cases

the

thermos

or

maintain

words, the insulation

In

can

to

either
the

maintains

insulation

bottle

high

contents.

or

In

the temperature.

should

prevent

There
of heat.
is,ordinarily,
no
way
passage
the insulation
the buyer to judge whether

the
for

reliable
given refrigeratoris good, but most
makers
a
are
sample cross-section
glad to show
of course
tells the story of the
of the walls, which
the
thoroughness of the insulation, and even

of

HANDBOOK

94

uninitiated
its

to

circulation

of the

walls

between

in the
One

of the

in the

siphons

free

air

walls

judgment

in the

different

that

air

as

ings
open-

ments.
compart-

series

perfectly
Other

time.

good-sized

one

ing
open-

free passage
of the air.
of air in the refrigeratordepends

walls

allow

is

there

all the

refrigeratorshave

excellent

the

on

refrigeratorshas

so

the

depends

the

best

of

movement

The

of

sort

some

adequacy.

The

of

make

can

CLEANING

OF

to

circulation

principle as the circulation of

exactly the same
is that cold air is heavier
air in the house, which

on

heated

than

air.

For

this

the ice-chamber

reason

always in the top of the refrigerator. Thus the

air cooled
by melting of the ice drops into the
below, and forces the air which has
compartment

is

heated

become

The

heated

air

it is

where

the

motion

continual

to

section

next

of

the

back

gets

air
to

so

in

the

again cooled, and

that

there

is

the

ice-box.

ice-chamber,

again begins

its

cycle.
We

all know
condenses

that

the

moisture

of the

phere
atmos-

surface; the most

example of this is the drops of moisture
common
found
the outside
of a glass of iced
that are
on
condenses
water.
Just as atmospheric moisture
cold surface, so will the moisture
in the air
a
on
in the refrigeratorcondense
the ice, so that
on
the
both

air

it leaves

as

cold

on

and

gathered by

dry.

cold

the

ice-chamber

The

ice also

the air in its passage

should
absorbs

be

odors

through the food-

CIRCULATION

OF

AIR

IN

REFRIGERATOR

HANDBOOK

96

CLEANING

OF

If these

general rules about position are

food
in a
be
observed
no
refrigerator should
contaminated
by any other food.
The
liningsof refrigeratorsvary according to
the prices. The
most
linings are galcommon
vanized
iron, tin, tile,porcelain,glass,and especially
The white liningsare desirable
prepared enamels.
because
they show the soil so readily and
water.

therefore
With

not

have

chance

to

collect.

exception of the tile lining, the other

linings porcelain, glass, and
prepared

the

white
enamels
hard

are

dirt does

"

"

have
to

no

reach.

and

seams

The

no

corners

which

tile liningshave, however,

and
there is
disadvantage of having seams,
being broken
always a possibilityof the cement
that dirt lodges in the crevices, moisture
lects,
colso
kind takes place. The
and
decay of some
the disadvantage of having
metal
linings have
and
but they can
be kept
seams
sharp corners,
clean if sufficient effort is made.
They have the
advantage of being cheaper than the others.
shelves in a refrigeratorare
either stationThe
ary
is more
adjustable. There
or
possibilityof
the shelves
change of positionsof articles where
adjustable, and also it is easier to clean
are
the

them.

finish of the

refrigeratoris
important only in regard to its durabilityand to
with which
be cleaned.
In general
it can
the ease
is used, but the enameled
polished hard wood
a
These
metal exteriors are increasingin use.
latter,
The

outside

of the

CHOICE

they

as

are

feel that

not

to

lack

any

constructed
clean

as

very

as

little

and

who

she

keeper,
house-

service

well-

be

kept

and

with

hard-wood

better

from

one

condemned

plainest exteriors, with

the

best

get the

The

sive
expen-

afford

cannot

is therefore

effort.

most

are

They are
ordinary

"hospital cleanliness."
hard-wood
refrigeratorcan
a
porcelain or enamel
one,
more

sorbent
ab-

non-

white,

of

refrigeratorshave
fewest
moldings.
To

the

of

the housewife

but
must

reach

the

beyond

time

same

easily cleaned.

and

attractive

the

at

97

hard, smooth,

very

and

REFRIGERATORS

OF

the

refrigeratorit

A
kept well filled with ice all the time.
large refrigerator with a large ice-compartment
a lot of
a large ice bill,whether
necessarilymeans
food is kept in it or not.
housekeepers
Many
by
practise what they think to be an economy
keeping the ice covered with ice-blankets or paper.

must

This

be

is

an

rather

extravagance

than

an

economy,

above,
refrigeration,
as described
is thereby retarded, and the housekeeper literally
the ice.
from
does
not
get her money's worth
of

for the process

she

What

several
To

saves

times

over

the

on
on

the

ice

bill she

food

first the

often

loses

bill.

refrigeratormust
be bought with reference to the size of the family
of course
too
not
small, but equally of course
be kept at the
not
too
must
large and next
maximum
of efficiency
by keeping the ice-chamber
well filled. If the air in the ice-chamber
is kept
secure

economy,

"

"

HANDBOOK

98

40" Fahrenheit

at

then
much

CLEANING

OF

the air in the other

will

the

ice.

diminish
in the

to

the
a

ice

great extent, then

melting of the
increased

therefore

of heated

of

amount

chambers

other

and

ice

will rise

will be

is

the

be

there

air to melt
allowed

to

temperature

accordingly, and the

of

greater because

of heated

amount

ice,

will not

compartments

higher in temperature
be a great quantity
not
If

filled with

by being well

This

air.

is

the

why,

in

must
refrigerator,the housewife
get
that she will be willing to keep filled all the
one
time.
For
an
ordinary family a refrigerator
of
with
ice-chamber
an
seventy-five-pounds'
capacity is a good size. Such a refrigeratorof a
fifteen to fiftydollars.
costs from
good make
makes
all
can
Refrigerators of good standard

choosing

be

fitted with

compartment.
also be

side

This

means

be

can

can

either

set

size, the ice

may

be

that

against

pierced with

doors

rear

or

an

door

to the

where

outer

of

put into it from

the

wall

ice-

frigerator
re-

which

corresponding
the

outside.

annoying trail of drippings and dirt

which
ice-man
to bring with
an
always manages
also it makes
the
it possible to run
him, and
ice during the coldest months
refrigeratorwithout
This
of the year
by leaving the ice door open.
fully
opening, however, should at such times be careThis

saves

the

covered

to
by fine screening or cheese-cloth
entering the refrigerator.
prevent dust from
The
place for the refrigerator is important.
Formerly the idea of the refrigeratorin the kitchen

OF

CARE

REFRIGERATORS

99

ally
absolutely tabooed, but that feelingis graduWith
the well-constructed
losing its hold.
refrigeratorsof the present day there is no reason
it is the most
should
be put where
not
why one
that be next
to the range
or
convenient, whether
in a hall
whether
it be just outside of the kitchen
in the
especially built for it. The temperature
be affected
not
by outside
refrigerator should
conditions
unless a door is left ajar.
with
The
refrigeratorshould not be connected
other
drain unless it is trapped like any
the house
is necessary
then great care
to see
fixture,and even
If it drains out
that the seal is kept full of water.
extend
distance
of the house
the piping should
a
should
from
the house, and the water
empty into
was

loose

stones

Care
1.

and

rocks.

of refrigerator.
"

Hot

into the

or

even

or

warm

food

should

be

never

put

refrigerator. It will raise the temperature,

it the ice bill.

with

is to be filled
Every time the ice-chamber
and
be removed
the remaining piece of ice should
the compartment
wiped out, then the ice replaced.
The
ice should
be in one
piece and should
new
be washed
before
putting into the refrigerator.
it is particuWhere
the outside
ice is put in from
larly
important to have clean ice. Artificial ice
is much
cleaner to use, but it is not always possible
2.

to procure

3. A

set

great aid

it.
of white-enamel
to

cleanliness.

dishes
Bowls

and
and

plates is
oval

dishes

HANDBOOK

ioo

of this

ware

OP

be turned

can

CLEANING

upside down

and

used

as

be
glass and fine china should never
put there, as the danger of chipping or even
breaking is great.
of cracked
The
or
use
chipped dishes for food
is greatly to be deplored. The
rough surface left
by the cracks or chips is an excellent place for
bacterial growth.
should be kept in a covered
meat
4. Uncooked

Cut

covers.

dish.

enamel

5. Food

should

kind, with

any

used

paper,

the

only

covered

with

paper

of

possible exception of oiled

once.

be

should

Milk-bottles

6.

be

never

washed

before

being

put in the refrigerator.

Eggs with barn-yard soil should not be put

in the refrigerator. Eggs should
be kept in a
be used
rack or dish with one
layer,so they may
in the order in which
they were
bought.
of the refrigeratorshould
be
8. The
contents
examined
daily, and no stale food left there.
be cleaned
up
9. If anything is spilledit should
7.

at

once.

The

10.

should
and
at

be

the
least

In

washed

every

floor of

once

scalded, and

refrigerator
soda

be cleaned

cleaning

racks
hot

the

solution

thoroughly

week.

this weekly
in

with

day

refrigeratorshould

The

washed

and

shelves

soapy

then

all food

should
water

dried, and

be
or

if

be

must

removed
soda

moved.
re-

and

solution,

possiblesunned.

CARE

OF

inside of the

The

REFRIGERATORS

101

refrigeratorshould

be

thoroughly

washed.
The

drain-pipeshould
and

be cleaned

with

with

hot

soda

long-handled bottleAfter
brush.
it is thoroughly cleaned, boiling
should be poured through it. If the waste
water
drains into a pan, this, too, must
water
be thoroughly
or

water

soapy

washed

in hot

soda

or

soapy

water

and

scalded.

then

cleaning of the drain-pipe and pan are

extremely important, as they often have a very
disagreeable collection of dirt from the impurities
of the ice.
dirt may
The
also be quite dangerous,
bacteria may
tell what
as it is impossible to
be present in the ice.
As long as the bacteria
in the
ice their growth
is retarded, but
are
when
they get into the drain-pipe they have a
favorable
place for growth, since it is damp, dark,
and above
the freezing-point. It would
be hard
much
to give too
to the
care
drainage of the
refrigerator.
Many refrigeratorscan be fitted with a waterThe
cooling apparatus.
position and type differ
with the make
of the refrigerator,
but in general
they consist of a coil of heavily blocked tin pipe
in the ice-chamber, one
end of which
is connected
The

with
in

the water
faucet

main

and

the other

in the front of the

end

terminates

refrigerator. These
seldom
are
placed in refrigeratorsof less than
one-hundred-pounds' ice capacity. They vary in
price also, according to the make.
They are a
a

HANDBOOK

102

convenience

great
all

at

water

does

water

is

it

of

of

buy

food

is

is

in

kept

may

be

be

the

end

menace

to

refrigerator

and

loss
the

to

health

food

it

does
A

good
the

mean

poor

and

sanitary
pocketbook

of

food.
in

much-desired

refrigerate,
in

the

though

even

condition.

kept

cause
be-

of

waste

good

not

and

preserve

some

up

time,

better
does

to

be

give

cause
Be-

insulation

refrigerator
to

pends
de-

one.

ice

more

and

perhaps

uses

may

long

cheap

enough

good

have

lasts

in

low

furniture.

which
cannot

it

there

we

of
care

drinking-

pocketbooks,

our

buy

to

not

that

so

process

good

to

choose

we

of

circulation

poor

to

article

place

having
into

which
size

insulation

is

properly,

the

economy

temperature

the

water
to

without
ice

refrigerator

poor

pays

and

putting

upon

poor

of

remember

to

ice

which

largely
but

the

cold

insure

entail.

kind

The

they

having

on

risks

the

run

CLEANING

because

without

times

bottled

It

OF

the

family.

with
that

erator,
refrigwhich
tion,
condiand

HANDBOOK

104

take

but

her

courage

of

reconstruction
and

is

in

seat

in her

hands

and

furnishings with

the

the

at

go

patience

to

Even

the

unsightly than the broken

cane
And
nothing is more
slovenly

more

chair?

than

that

cover

hole

same

pierced wood

they are
thought, a small

With

chair

time, the
woman,

or

simple

by

process,

be learned

in

and

of cane,

amount

by any intelligent
of the boys or girls. Caning is
and the art of simple caning can
The

hour.

an

cushion.

recaned

be

can
one

with

bought and nailed

evidently not made

covers,

bad, because

are

to fit.

CLEANING

thought.

What

on,

OP

actual

is

cost

money

is done
the work
by the
exceedingly slight when
the cost of the simplest
housewife
herself,whereas
is at least
caning of a chair by a paid worker
sixty cents, and usually a dollar.
The
problem of rushing chairs is not so simple,
be kept wet, it must
because
the rush
be
must
should
work
ously
continupulled very tight, and one
from
there is a
start
to finish.
However,
for rushing where
time
passably good substitute
be given to it
that is, to carry
the
out
cannot
"

same

jute. The
with which
to work,

material
be

with

process

wet

and

Coarse

better,

room

makes

be

"

not

jute dyed

color

easilyand
Another

does

one

to
a

as

well

done

thing

which

in

it does

not

to

with

by the

work

good

the

easier
have

to

ously.
continucolor
rest

chair seat

attractive

any

much

have

harmonize

most

jute is

"

or,

of the

and

can

amateur.

one

can

do is to glue

CARE

REPAIR

AND

FURNITURE

OF

105

Nothing is more
distressingthan to sit
one's guest
in a rickety chair unless it is to have
is bad, but,
Either condition
sit in a rickety chair.
of uneasiness
be readily
can
fortunately,the cause
The
first step is to scrape
off the dryremoved.
exposed.
glue and leave the surface of the wood
covered
with a good standard
Both
surfaces are
next
glue and they are then fitted together perfectly.
furniture.

article

The
with

either

twine

soft

glue should

Excess

should

be

be

then

tied

strips of
carefully wiped

securely
cloth.

soft

or

off with

damp cloth and the article then allowed to stand

until the glue is absofor twenty-four hours
lutely
or
dry. Specially prepared liquid glue or the
hot
glue that has to be melted over
used with equally good results.
Too

housewives

many

their mistakes
A

taste.

with

in it is

and
distressing,

in it.

Has

not

every

one

live with

to

with

their

hodge-podge
it surely rests
a

seen

room

be

may

content

sometimes

or

room

are

water

friends'

of furniture
no

to

one

with

be

one

or

oak,
pieces each of yellow oak, cherry, fumed
and
and
possibly a bit of wicker
mahogany?
Each
piece is indicative, perhaps, of the prevailing
style at the time of purchase, but they surely
two

intended

not

were

If the
that

This

suit the

at least could

means

varnish

best

or

first

paint

same

decides

housewife

will

pieces

for the

some

room,

removing

the

on

be made

remover,

room.

over

the
next

color

scheme

of the

jarring

into that

color.

finish with

rubbing down

good
with

HANDBOOK

106

CLEANING

OF

and

then

applying a good stain

of good paint in the desired
coats
In painting furniture, to have
enamel
shade.
an
attractive.
paint for the last coat is usually more
ture
Before
attempting to repaint or refinish furnifine emery-paper,
three
two
or
or

knobs

all removable
off.

taken

Sometimes

and

it is

handles

should

possible to

remove

be
for

such
as
glued-on
good superfluous ornaments,
"carving," a fretted top piece to a chest of
to the legs of tables
drawers, or fancy additions
has been
chairs.
room
Many an unattractive
or
made
into
a
quaint and interesting room,
by
enameling the furniture in a good color, such as a
(fora few pieces),or a
warm
gray, a bright orange
is particularlyapThis
treatment
good blue.
plicable
bedrooms.

to

Decorative

designs

furniture, but their

of

design, and

under

decorator

painter or
such

painted on such
requires a good knowledge

use

it is wiser

direction

the

often

are

of

not
an

has

to

add

the

unless

The

ordinary
qualificationsfor

artist.

not

them

work.

When

England

one

and

on

that

upholsterers in

many

the Continent

are

women,

it is

in this
surprise that so few women
care
country even
attempt reupholstering. With
it is possiblefor most
to upholster a chair
women
The
couch
with
even
a
presentable results.
or
prime necessities for this task are infinite patience
and accurate
measuring.
Perhaps the best way is
first to take off the originalcovering. The
new

matter

for

considers

CARE

REPAIR

AND

OF

FURNITURE

107

for a
covering should be cut, using the old one
cut a dress.
pattern, just as carefullyas one would
material
then be pulled and
stretched
The
must
the spaces,
to cover
care
being taken at all times
to keep the threads
running in the right directions.
be careful not
In tacking the covers
must
on, one
to

the

mar

best

for

woodwork.

this

small

very

Where

hammer

is

the

surrounding
woodwork
is very easily marred, the strikingpart
with
of the hammer
be covered
a
piece of
may
kid, stretched tight. This makes
hammering a
little more
difficult,but lessens the danger of
strikes.
marring if the hammer
The choice of the right gimp is important where
the edges have
to be covered
by one.
ment
Departstores
usually carry a variety.
Eternal
to keep furniture
vigilance is necessary
would
in repair. If the housewife
learn to make
each repair just as soon
the need is noticed, her
as
would
home
in attractiveness.
gain very much
take more
Moreover, she would
pleasure in her
task because
she would
know
that another
piece
of repair was
the
not
as
calling her just as soon
first

was

purpose.

finished.

Furniture, like everything else, wears

With
least in spots.
the
is a necessity at
In

many

necessary

the

cases,

less

however,

frequently

best
times

of

care

general

if furniture

would

care

at

pairing
re-

be

given
lengthens

were

Nothing
the Ufe of upholstery like good brushing and
proper

at

for all furniture.

renovating

all times.

out,

care-

HANDBOOK

io8

ful

CLEANING

OF

soiled, because

becomes
of

then

Vigorous brushing takes

film that

the grease
this is done
up

be

to

and

and

breaks

the dust, and

holds

care

reupholstered.
dust

the

out

of

best

be washed,

it cannot

needs

it

course

the

with

dusting. Upholstery

thus, if

frequently, there is less opportunity

for a layer of dirt to form.
Spots of grease can be
from
removed
clothing (Chapter
as
they are
is so good that
Sometimes
the material
XIX).
the best remedy for the soiled covering is to remove
it to its old place.
it, dry clean, and return
In such cases
a new
gimp should be used.
For
furniture
rattan
vigorous brushing is the
best treatment
to keep it in good condition.
Sometimes

finished

wood

is discussed

in

what

case

is most

film of grease
that holds
surface muddy-looking.
for

this is to

quickly with
of

neutral

get dull and

surfaces

of finished
general treatment
Chapter IV, but in this particular

The

grimy-looking.

wood

needed
dust

cloth

and

The

wash

is to
then

best

the

makes

the

ment
possible treat-

entire
of

out

wrung

the

remove

surface
a

very

suds

warm

and

dry immediately with a soft

cloth or chamois;
after the surface is absolutely
with
be
rubbed
a
good furniture
dry it can
polish, wax,
oil, according to the original
or
a

soap

finish.
It
the

seems

use

of
who

almost

grittydusters,
are

finish of furniture

to

unnecessary

careless

by the

but

there

about
use

caution

this

are

still housewives

and

of dusters

against
mar

the

containing

AND

CARE

of

particles

fine

dusting

of

scratches
Since
clean
"

April

the

done

stirring

every

her

to

for

summer

piece

of

is

put

repair.
who

The

results

tries

this

one

cleaning

ments.
imple-

dry

in

mop

guilty

are

methods

away

and

attention

and

is

of

the

many

chairs.

housekeeper

making-ready
when

with

and

modern

the
have

superfluous

seems

person

tables

on

for

VIII.

furniture

careless

109

Directions

Chapter

carpet-sweeper

FURNITURE

matter.

that

hitting
The

hands

in

warning

against

OF

solid

given

are

Another

of

REPAIR

of

with

the

who

finds

desire

keeping
old

might
furniture
into
will
for

the

days

thorough

some

turn

best

aside

gets

possible

surprise
first

ing,
clean-

early

set

in
the

"spring

the
for

house

time.

any

week

special
state

keeper
house-

of

XIII

HOUSEHOLD

INSECTS

PERHAPS
1

no

of

tive

than
which

towns.

other

flies,

pests

known
be

positively

has
rid

of
The

has

the

not

found
holds

been

every

belongings?

wise

if

if

it

as

them

disease

feeling

are

and

to

of

noyance
an-

to

carriers

of

get

has

in

guilty

is not

of

it

wants
not

been

this

been

not

disease

have

pests

many

does

noyances,
an-

possible.

as

who

bug

and

determination

housekeeper
Even

of

housekeeper

guilty

one

simply

of

are

but

The

Even
what

insects

all

proven,

guilty.

innocent.

disease,

that

minate
exter-

cockroaches,

the

completely

and

insects

many

of

to

other

health,
one

as

cities

made

upon
so

general
crusades

many

all

carriers

good

become

pests

fact

be

to

to

menace

in

mosquitoes,

that

now

so

being

looked

were

but

is

but

alone,

Formerly

pests.

insects

in

on

effort

flies

not

indica-

more

Swat-the-Fly

carried

general

is

against

numerous

being

are

and

feeling

the

are

PESTS

movement

one

the

AND

proved
spreading

among

carry

case

her
disease

and

one

driven

light.
Fly-paper, either

2.

the
are

die
be

window
to

CLEANING

OF

HANDBOOK

ii2

left

and

open,

flies then

the

the

poison flypaper,
The
flies are
be used.
entangled in
may
They
sticky paper and die from exhaustion.
poisoned by the poison fly-paper and either
or
are
stupefiedso that they fall and can then
is good, but
method
the
Either
swept up.
be

latter should

used

tanglefoot or

with

great

where

care

there

children.

are

by the different names

Insect-powder,known
of pyrethrum, Persian
insect-powder, or buhach,
insects.
is sold for killingall kinds
of household
Buhach
is a California
product and is more
likely
At night
the Persian
to be fresh than
powder.
3.

all the
and

doors

the

the

In
then

4.

be

windows

and
is

powder
morning
swept

up

the

flies will

and

burned.

has

is also

be

used.

are

room

sprinkled profusely

Formaldehyde

method

of the

closed

in all parts.

dead

and

can

following

The

used

tablesuccessfully: two
tion
spoonfuls of a forty per-cent. formaldehyde soluand
one
pint of liquid, composed of equal
and
mixed
milk
together. This is
parts water
the room,
and, proplaced in small dishes around
vided
no

been

other

piece of bread

inducement
Where

happens
they can

to

flies

food

is present, the flies flock to it.

placed
the

in the

solution

is

an

added

flies.

gather on a ceiling,as frequently

after nightfall,
in damp
weather
warm
be rapidly disposed of in hot soapy
water.

INSECTS

HOUSEHOLD

PESTS

AND

113

tin cup fastened flat to the end of a stick is half

this.
The
is held directly under
filled with
cup

the

fly,which

No

matter

fly,no
than

drops into it and

drowns.

what

used

the

fly should

be

for

necessary

means

allowed

the

to annihilate

live

to

procuring

of

killinga
longer
any

the

withal
where-

it.

Mosquitoes. Formerly
"

malarial, but

for

now

night

air

it is known

ered
consid-

was

that

not

the

harmless-looking mosquito, is
if the family are
malarial.
Thus
to
enjoy the
be
air in the evening in safety the piazza must
the mosquifrom
screened
to protect them
toes
as
so
night air, but

which
the

the

are

more

prevalent

at

night

than

in

daytime.

controllingmosquitoes is to get
rid
breeding-places if possible. The
best
The
breeding-placeof mosquitoes is water.
then, is to fill up or drain ponds and pools
way,
of water
where
and
other bodies
mosquitoes are
If this is not
breed.
known
to
possible, the
be kept covered with kerosene
bodies of water
can
If an
during the summer.
receptacle of
open
is a necessity, such, as a rain-barrel, that
water
fine netting.
with
be covered
a
can
very,
very
The

best way
of their

Sometimes
water

and

that

fish
can

of

are

be

introduced
neither

drained

into
nor

bodies

of

covered,

destroy the mosquitoes.

Careful
screening is a necessity for keeping out
oil of citas
mosquitoes. Strong odors, such
and
kerosene
ronella, ammonia,
are
good repelthese

HANDBOOK

ii4

lents, but

they

in

described
the

by

No

settled

water,

soapy

should

one

the

on

bed

to

go

as

in

in any

out
mosquito-infected place withfor any
that
carefully examining the room
have
Both
comfort
and safety require
crept in.
that they shall be killed before they have
a

chance

to

bite.

Bedbugs. The
bedbug
long standing; indeed, it
as long a time
as man
"

The
enter

the

hot

quitoes
Mos-

effective.

have

that

killed

for flies.

CLEANING

wholly

never

house

be

summer

may

are

the

ceiling may

OF

in which

ways
a

house

guest,

or

are
a

the

indeed
member

is
has

of

nuisance

been

has

used

bedbug
varied.
of the

known

very

for almost

beds.
is

supposed

The

family

to

laundress,
may

each

unwittingly bring it into the house on her clothes,

In traveling one
has innumerab
trunks, or hand-bags.
opportunities for picking up bugs and
home
in the
carrying them
carefully concealed
folds of clothing. In cities where
houses
built
are
close together bedbugs are
known
to travel from
house
The

to

house.

of the insects held under

bedbug is one
suspicion of being a carrier of disease germs,
although no case has been proved against it. It
is known, however, that they prefer human
blood
subsist on other things.
as food, although they can
food for
to live without
They have been known
considerable
periods of time.
The
preventatives are to take all precaution
into the house
against their entrance
on
baggage,

INSECTS

HOUSEHOLD

AND

PESTS

115

furniture, clothing, or any other article, and to

have
cleanliness
tion
everywhere, with special attenand bedding.
to clean beds, mattresses,
When
be
they have entered the house they must
of the following means:
got out instantlyby one
benzine
old
1.
Kerosene, gasoline, and
are
The
remedies, but very effective.
liquid should
be
a

forced

all cracks

into

syringe

intervals

or

feather.

crevices

with

either

applications with

Several

should
be
days between
made
all bugs which
have been
as to reach
so
may
hatched
in the intervening period.
out
2.
Boiling water, when
possible to use it withdestroying furniture, kills the bugs and eggs.
3.

of three

and

mixture

four

or

of

one

of

ounce

corrosive

mate,
subli-

pint spirits
pint alcohol, and one-fourth
of turpentine is also good.
It is applied like
kerosene.
It is a deadly poison.
with
sulphur or hydrocyanic4. Fumigation
one

acid gas

as

described

Cockroaches.
and

"

on

122.

page

Cockroaches

are

thin brown

bugs

species, especially in warm

climates.
to
Dark, damp
places are favorable
their growth, and
for this reason
they are often
around
closed
quently
numerous
plumbing. Frevery
they keep out of sight during the day and
come

there

out

are

many

of

their

hiding-places at

night

when

everything is quiet.
Cockroaches

to be most

things which
followingremedies

many

The

seem

are
are

wary
set

used:

to

about

ing
touch-

catch

them.

HANDBOOK

n6

Borax, sprinkled most

1.

crevices
below

around
the

the

sink

sink, has

been

for

from

used.

near

it is

The

bugs

the

water,

the

on

used

base-board
most

borax

used

ously
gener-

length of time has

the premises entirely.

driven

This

cases

factory
satis-

flour mixed

and

paste is put in

to
a

eat

and

another

paste

and

saucer

containing
the plaster of Paris mixture,

placed

and

with

of Paris

Plaster

is often

and

all cracks

extended

an

cockroaches
2.

freelyin

In many

results.

CLEANING

OF

saucer

water.
to

go

die.

then

powders are used with varying

results.
Any of the powders should be used
freely,at frequent intervals, and for an extended
Insect

3.

paste and

length of time.
4. Fumigation
on

Ants.

species of

Several

"

little black

pavement

scribed
de-

as

gas

1*2.

page

and
the

by hydrocyanic-acid

cause

The

annoyance.

ant, the

ant,

ing-houses
frequent dwell-

ants

been

ant,

ant, and

large black

all have

red

known

to

the
enter

nouses.

The
foods
done

best

method

which

of

prevention

them,

attract

but

is to

remove

if this cannot

be

legs of the refrigeratoror table holding

the food should
be placed in dishes of water
ered
covwith
film of oil. This is fairly effective,
a
provided the oil is not allowed to evaporate.
the

Another
success

water,

preventive method

is to
in

put

sponge,

places where

often

soaked

it is known

used

with

in sweetened

that there

are

INSECTS

HOUSEHOLD

PESTS

AND

117

The
places through which they enter.
and
then
become
entangled in the sponge
it.
be killed by pouring boiling water
over

ants

in

or

ants
can

Often

the number

other

ants

Clothes

forsake
moths.

is

killed in this way

the dwelling.
There

three

large the

so

types
of clothes moths
the case-making, the webbing,
and the gallery-making. Although they all work
"

are

common

"

differently,nevertheless
the

are

the

of

methods

control

same.

stand
underthing that the housekeeper must
tained
thoroughly is that odors such as are obfrom
camphor, cedar, and naphthalene do
These
all repel moths, but if eggs
not kill moths.
already present in the garments the presence
are
does not
of these odors
prevent their hatching.
and cleaned, toIf garments, thoroughly brushed
gether
with moth-balls
or
naphthalene, are placed
moths
that
in a cedar chest, these odors keep away
One

The

outside.

are

brushing
larvae and

and

greatest

before

Clothing which
harm

from
excellent

are

them.

is used
The

moths.

Under

factors for

often

air, sun,

taken

is not

in

and

liable

moths

to

the motion

keeping clothing free

conditions

these

be

clothing to free it from

putting away.

sunning

eggs

must

care

from

have

no

lay their eggs, or, if laid, the eggs do not

lie undisturbed
long enough to hatch, so that there

time

are

to

no

The
stored
9

larvae to eat

the material.

closet in which
should

be

clean

woolen

and

garments
free from

are

any

to be
accu-

n8

HANDBOOK

mulation

of old
which

articles

OF

woolen

CLEANING

or

rags

other

any

lie undisturbed

for

useless

indefinite

an

Such
furnish
a
length of time.
good
garments
If there is any
breeding-place for moths.
picion
susthat a closet has been
is frequented by
or
it is advisable

moths

to

crevices

with

gasoline or

larvae

eggs

of moths

or

which

way

has

all the

spray

benzine

which
been

so

may

used

with

kill any

to

as

be

and

cracks

hiding there.
for

success

storing clothes is to clean, air, and brush them

in a regular suitthoroughly, then place them
and
all cracks
box and paste strips of cloth over
openings. In this way the box is absolutely tight
and

if there

are

put

enter

are

in the

no

box

moths

the clothes

present when
is

there

no

for them

way

to

it.

Cold-storage plants for clothing,rugs,

available

in all parts of the

etc.,

are

It is haps
perof storing and

country.

simplest and best method

time protecting woolen
at the same
clothing, but
is,of course, expensive for the housewife, who can
the

usually afford to pay for such

like fur.
expensive materials
Fleas.

"

In this country

alone

storage
there

is

only for
record

of

fiftyspecies of fleas,but fortunately they are

all of them
annoying to man.
Just how many
of trouble is unknown,
but at least
a source

two

species,the cat-and-dog flea and

flea,

are

troublesome.

Of these

the

the former

human

is the

not
are

more

common.

The

cat-and-dog flea

must

be

guarded against

HANDBOOK

120

OF

CLEANING

impossible to catch one.

They flourish in damp,
dark
places, so that the best preventative is dryTheir
bite is poisonous.
They feed mostly
ness.
other insects, and
are
on
especiallyfond of flies,
bugs, and roaches.
Carpet-beetle,buffalo-bug,
misnamed,
Buffalo-bugs are

buffalo-moth.

or

"

they

as

are

really

three-sixteenths
of an
They are about
inch in length, with a general background of black
and
white
has a red line
which
is spotted with
beetles.

down

the

middle

of the

back.

The

larvae of the

the trouble, and

the bug
not
buffalo-bug cause
itself. In general, the larvae gnaw
holes in the
border
Sometimes
of carpets.
they follow
a
crack in the floor and cut a slit in the carpet just
could with a pair of sharp scissors.
as neatly as one
als
They not only attack carpets, but woolen materiwell.

as

If

house

has

become

infested, buffalo-bugs

practicallyimpossible to control if one insists

On floors but
having carpets tacked down.
upon
partially covered with rugs, buffalo-bugs do not
find hiding-placessuitable for their development.
If a floor must
be entirelycovered, then the carpet
should be but loosely tacked
that the edges can
so
lifted frequently and
examined
be
for bugs.
Their
favorite habitat
is just at the edges of the
are

With

carpet.

the

increased

passing of carpets and

use

of rugs

that

frequently,the buffalo-bug will

less of

pest.

can

the

be taken

become

sequent
con-

up

less and

is

kerosene

effective

an

121

benzine, gasoline,or

with

spraying

Generous

PESTS

AND

INSECTS

HOUSEHOLD

combating

in

weapon

the

and
furs can
be
materials
buffalo-bug. Woolen
in the same
as
protected from its ravages
way
gation
Fumithey are guarded against clothes moths.
by hydrocyanic gas or sulphur is good.
best prevention against
The
and
Mice
rats.
"

and

fillup

the

holes

through which

the

house.

can

they enter
be filled with glass and

then

and

mice

is to

rats

with

over

crumbs

no

of many

is less likelihood

there

left about

holes

The

covered
and

is covered

If all food

metal.

passages

are

guests

of this

family.
If their place of

traps

be set, and

can

There
that

are

to

easy

which
for mice

is set

which

said

are

them

cause

and

Mice
refuse

to

and

put

preparations
on

poisonous

are

very

trap in which

and

rats

preparations

these

any

and

wary,

tions
prepara-

mice

to

bait

any

These

rats.

that

the market

disintegratewithout

rats

to enter

be

tive.
effec-

very

on

also

are

can

claimed

It is also

only.

be

to

are

spring traps
There

set.

market

the

on

small

are

of these

many

filled up,

be

cannot

entrance

odor.

frequently

of their

one

ber
num-

tempting the bait.

caught, however
will sometimes
Sterilizingthe trap with boilingwater
this difficulty.
remove
has

been

Cheese
the
that

trap.

is the

most

It is

kills the

more

animal

strong springs must

common

humane

and
to

best
choose

instantly, but
be handled

bait for

with

those
care.

trap
with

They

HANDBOOK

122

be

should
a

set

clear wall,

OP

the

near
as

CLEANING

possibleentrances,
and rats usually run

mice

or

near

close to

the wall.
A

cat

house

that is

good

mouser

will

usually keep

clear of mice.

much
Squirrels. Squirrelscan cause
damage if
they get into a house, as their sharp teeth work
quickly. They enter by windows
or
very
any
other
to guard against
opening. The only way
is to close up the passages
them
through which
they enter.
Hydrocyanic-acid gas fumigation. Hydrocyanicacid gas has been used effectivelyagainst household
pests, and its use is growing, but there is one
about
it it
most
important thing to remember
therefore
is a deadly poison, and
it is impossible
"

"

"

to

The
any

exercise too
house

foods

to be

that

are

Nickel

removed.

great

care

fumigated
likely to
and

in its
must

absorb

use.

be vacated, and
gas

should

be

brass

be reobjects must
moved
with heavy cloths.
completely covered
or
houses
be taken, as
In attached
extra
must
care

the

gas

in the

has

been

known

pass

through

cracks

walls.

Hydrocyanic-acid
definite

should

to

amounts

gas

of

acid, and water.

be used, but
the

is

ing
generated by combinphuric
potassium cyanide, sulPure
potassium cyanide
be
sulphuric acid may

is closed
If a room
only the commercially pure.
of potassium cyanide for every
ounce
tight one
is enough.
The
hundred
cubic feet of space
one

AND

INSECTS

HOUSEHOLD

proportion of ingredients is
cyanide, one fluid ounce
fluid
three
acid, and
After
taking the measurements
feet in the

of cubic

number
work

basis

the

on

if

basis

the

sealing the
be placed in

After
should

placed on

several

phuric
sul-

of

ounces

and

water.

finding the

it is easier

hundreds.

be

hundred

to

stance,
in-

For

hundred

thirteen

well

and
work

to

feet.

cubic

completely, the water

be
jar, and this may

room

stone

sium
potas-

of commercial

feet, it would

of fourteen

123

ounce

one

room,

even

contains

room

seventy-fivecubic
on

of

PESTS

of old carpet

thicknesses

or

paper

floor-covering from
any
Then
the
sulphuric acid
possible accident.
This
should
be poured slowly into the water.
reversed.
The
be
must
cyanide
never
process
and
should
be measured
placed in a paper
bag.
gating
Before
doing the fumiproceeding, the person
floor

protect the

to

should
of the

be
and

room

or

all his wraps

door is open
so

that

sure

that

the

out

are

that

he

promptly. After these

preparations the operator, holding his breath,
should
drop the bag of cyanide into the acid and
leave the room
as
quickly as possible,closingthe
make

can

door
six

exit

his

after him.
or

At

most

The

remain

closed

eight hours.
the
be

end

of this time

opened from
hours after opening
have escaped so that
in safety. However,

may

should

room

the

windows

outside.

the
the

room

person

the

Three

enough
room

can

and

should

four

or

gas

enter

doors

should

the

room

not

be

HANDBOOK

i24

The

the

jar should

attempted

and

Sulphur
least

for

fumigation.

should

bricks

danger

in
of

should

the

be

burn

closed

Sulphur

to

also

of

each

tarnish

and

room

will

the

often

be

no

it
it

to
so

door

the

used

used

"

set

operator

closing

alcohol

The

The

completely

room

pound

allowed

space.

there

is

sulphur

eight

fumes

the

are

be

receptacle

that

so

quantity

or

metal

candles

completely.
six

in

promptly,

ordinary

small

more

for

every

fumigation

of

ignited

room

tablespoonfuls

two

person,

and

should

feet

sealing

Sulphur
If

never

careful

sulphur

sulphur

water

should

him.

add

of

After

fire.

purpose.
to

tub

leave

after

some

washed.

followed

For

placed

be

sulphur

the

in

should

most

cubic

thousand

every

on

emptied

thoroughly

be

"

of

pounds

two

sulphur

be

destroyed

must

peared.
disap-

taken.

precaution

at

should

jar

be

by

except

entirely

fumigation

gas

directions

then

the

then

Hydrocyanic-acid
be

has

absolutely

or

sewer

The

way.

in

left

contents

into

odor

the

until

occupied

CLEANING

OF

for

this

is

well

about

"

that

should

it will
be

kept

hours.

bleach

metals.

some

fabrics

and

papers,
wall-

XIV

CLOSING

close

TO

its

and

house

for

way

trip

scramble

minute

definite

plans

freedom

from

real

is

without
is

valuable.

day

the

"

and

time

To

nerves"

last-

make

departure

of

on

This

art.

most

worry

started

family

vacation

before

MOVING

get

or

is

forethought

when

HOUSE.

means

the

on

day

itself.
first

The

everything

that
there

where
and

the

will

might

be

If

that

her

will

find

house

is done

there
into

plumbing.
off
can

and

in

dry.

the

she

should

be

ined
exam-

must

never

be

can

sure

that

turned

off.

place

be

refrigerator

can

such

Every

housekeeper

dry

have

to

sure

insects

it unattractive.

water

water

possible,

-moisture

the

should

water-supply

The

this

is

is

remain

under

forgotten.

be

mind

kept

as

it

pan

in

be

to

dry

as

condition

of

thing

will
the
The

herself,
be

done

be

no

house,

possibility
at

housekeeper
and
at

should
the

be

last

least

of

the

learn

moment,

usually
to

do

this

entrance

the

through

can

If

turn
so.

whereas

house
the
Then
if

HANDBOOK

126

man
so

up

that

outside

from

comes

OF

CLEANING

it is difficult to arrange
for washing hands
water

family has
of departure.
to the moment
Then, again, the trap of every
the

left full of clean

water,

possibility of the
house.
Moreover,
any

of

circulation
it is well

of

if the

house

there

of air in the
to

pour

drain-pipe of
the

entry

there

sewer

will be
into

gas

is to

be

be

no

the

left for

always possibilityof
in the trap evaporating simply from the

length

the water

over

time

that

so

fixture must

water

heavy oil,such

oil, should

be

This

trap and
as

this

reason

oil into

of

amount

fixture.

in the

For

system.

small

each

is

oil forms

prevents

crude-oil

or

the
film

tion.
evapora-

cottonseed-

used.

closing a house in the winter the plumbing

because
the traps should
be
care
requires more
drained
the water
of water
entirely. Otherwise
In

in them
this

case

stuffed

may

the
with

freeze

trap
paper

and

the

trap then

is drained
to

prevent

and
sewer

burst.

then

In

usually
gas

from

This draining of traps should

entering the house.
be done by a plumber.
The
tion.
refrigerator should receive special attenbe
It
must
emptied entirely, washed
thoroughly, and left absolutely dry. Food
boards
cupall food
should
also be cleaned, and
ceptacles
reshould
be washed,
scalded, and dried.
also be
Garbage pails and receptacles should
This
and
dried.
is quite as
thoroughly washed
essential as the cleaning of food receptacles.

128

HANDBOOK

sprinkle

rugs

OF

CLEANING

with

or
camphor
naphthalene.
Either
one
simply acts as a repellent to insects.
Window
draperies should be taken down, and if
washable
they should be washed, but not ironed,
before
storing. If not washable
they should be
and
aired
before
thoroughly brushed
putting
In leaving curtains or any other material,
away.

it is better

leave

to

of starch,

moreover,

as

the

attract

may

insects.

some

The

should

bedding

aired.

It is wise
it

from

cleaned

the

and

with

must

be closed

past the window-sash

out

window

is

dropped

sift in

cannot

Shades

space

as

to

have

may

be

who

one
a

and

much

unnecessary

housewife

then

would

can

with

list of the

done

cross

and

her

locked, dust
it is desirable

wherever
the

whole
dark

some

close

to

would

prove

card, that she has done

she

When

window
material.

house

would

need
to be
things which
off each
as
accomplished,

worry

simply

and

dark

has

lay a fold
and projecting
to

otherwise.

room

covered

be

Unless

closed.

this and

on

it does

the

also

locked.

when

be drawn,

should

If every
but
make

and

window-sill

the

tect
pro-

paper.

well built it is wise

across

and

to

wrap

covered

of newspaper

the

thoroughly brushed

it in newspaper
should
Mattresses

to

is very

house

be

dust.

All windows

at

and,

yellows them

starch

free

them

to

be saved.

herself, by looking

all the necessary

the
will be saved

family
of her wonderings whether

If the

or

no

things,
ance
annoy-

she has done

CLOStNG
this, that,
relief
If

family

closing of

the

and

packing-cases
and

index

an

barrels

and

later.

With

dire
which

Russian

the
A

The

is

card

fastened

to

each

where

each

this

little
The
the

and

wear

house

same

habitation.

in

barrel

utensils,

hands

find

to

to

dampen

in

the

of

color

catch

to

needs

be

is to

on

vacated

either
should

one

would

be

to

be

or

to

show
in

planned
and

with

furniture.

left clean

like

the

only

will

quickly
nerves

eye,

on

drawn

moving

accomplished

tear

condition

go.

the

Then

numbers

corresponding

written

plainly

of

goods.

the

receive

to

new

member

of the

have

to

which

"

piece
can

way

opening

piece of furniture.

house

the

"

be

To

unpacked.

furniture

of

there
is

way

on

plan of the

in the

be

number,

roughly

placing

who

simplest

and

spirit.

the

family

one

any

useful

the

jardiniere is enough

should

dwelling
the

of

of work

possible for

upon

of

marking

hours

kitchen

contains

ardent

plan

The
saves

first

and,

saucepan

numbered

be

that

so

the

are

brass

most

should

it is

then

moving,

means

time

housewife.

the

to

as

made.

goods

thinks

one

house

method

articles
a

that

at

this

needTof

well

contents

the

necessary

as

129

certainty is

Such

thing.

barrels

boxes

unpack

to

of

MOVING

HOUSE.

other

the

or

the

to

find

and
the

in
new

XV

THE

MONDAY

has

aside

acquired

for
the

day.

easier

to

wash

be

washed

to

her

day

of

by

rest

night.

Part

sorting

clothes,

washing),
soiled

of

done

rush,

should

Indeed,

washing
her

before,

and

to

vanished

if

of

do

and

soak.

If

and

she

find

would

Woolen

spent

in

grow

in

badly

preliminaries
awful

though

even

end

Sunday

putting

that

feeling

wash-day,

day.

housewife
finds

tears

the

without

"blue"

would

one.

stains,

Tuesday,

many

strength

instead

out
to

be

not

(since

to

on

wisely

be

the

clothes

has

soak

had

much

are

one

to

may

mending

clothes

then

them

Monday

really

If

some

putting

taking

white
be

can

of

is

ones.

Monday

have
if it

overnight

unsoaked

on

set

Tuesday

Tuesday

soaked

than

day

Tuesday"

task?

Clothes

better

are

"Blue

that

the

Would

washing.

for

been

always

cognomen

chosen

been

LAUNDRY

who

the
the
wash

task

of

worst
on

has

two

materials,

the

heavy
its
or

which

family
one

for

difficulties
three

days
require

LAUNDRY

THE
such

specialcare,

131

done

be

then

special
day, white clothes on another, colored things on a
third.
the pleasure of
By such an arrangement
clean can
be enjoyed without
seeing things come
weariness
that often
the overpowering
destroys
it. Moreover,
and
the family
the family meals
day"
need not be disturbed
by the "washpeace of mind
clouds.

may

It is

on

foolish tradition

that

the

housekeeper" must
always finish in one
The
is the
good housekeeper's first concern
health
and
happiness of her own
family, and to
both
she must
avoid
getting overtired
preserve
She
will
(which usually means
cross) herself.
that
neither
the family nor
plan her work
so
herself
will dread
particular day of the
any
"good
day.

week.

Mending.
There
the

is

laundry.
because

often

so

special word.

stitch in time

in

as

will spare
the
sent
to

clothes

This
the

mending is frequently neglected

agreeabl
handling of soiled clothes is a dis-

task.
is

needs

mending

place where

no

nine

The

"

not

Attention

The
to

let

cannot

"rst

become

clothes
called

be

for

solution

very

this

to

the

culty
diffisoiled.

point

too

often.
However

careful

housewife

the

may

be

in

directing frequent changes of clothing, there will

clothes
always be some
by
especiallythose worn
"

children

and

soiled.

Badly soiled clothes

to

field-workers

handle.

Most

"

that
are
women

disagreeably
pleasant
particularly unwill prefer to

are

i3

HANDBOOK

have

greater

more

work

and

tear

rather

than

wear

later

CLEANING

OF

to

and

clothes

such

on

mend

them

before

all tablewashing. But the bulk of the washing

outer
linen, bed and house linen, and most
ments
garbe mended
before
can
laundering. The
sorting of the clothes should be done in a good
"

"

where

lightroom

taken

stitches

the

is the

place where

included

be

sewing-materials
at

sorting goes
its equipment

and

laundry itself

If the

once.

the

in

at hand

are

there should

on,

well-equipped

sewing-box.
If buttons

it is well

loose

are

washing and leave them

after, as they are always in the
and ironing.
before

Ribbons

for

removed.

underwear

If this

frequently takes
in again
ribbons
used

back,
and

it should
as

on

wringing

invariably

trouble

much

sewn

"

should

discarded, and

be

Where

fastened

be

it is not

be

off

of time

substituted.

bobbin

in

way

them

good deal

"

be

to

should

is too

cut

to

to

be

the

it

put them

to

linen

bobbin

linen

middle

in the

removed

and

is

of the

for the

laundry,
the
trying

such

fastening insures against

be
possibilityof losing one end of the tie. It may
noted
that the ends for undervest, chemises, and
should

corset-covers

shoulder

and

where

the

are

under

thin

ends

materials

yokes and fronts.

Sorting. Clothes
"

tween
point half-way befront, rather than in front,
tie

at

likely to stick
such

for the

as

are

up

and

much

laundry

must

show

worn

for

always

THE

LAUNDRY

133

be sorted.

good way is to arrange them in the

following piles: (i) table-linen, (2) bed-linen,
body-linen, towels, and handkerchiefs, (3) colored
materials
and
stockings, (4) kitchen towels and
cloths, (5) flannels and wools, (6) embroideries
and

laces.

Even

for the housewife

who

clings to tradition,
embroideries
and laces may
be held an
exception
and washed
a
on
separate day, since they should
be ironed or pinned out while wet.
Soaking. White clothes should be soaked, as is
stated later.
In soaking clothes, if three tubs are
should
be placed in one,
available, table-linen
bed and
body linen in another, and dish towels
"

and

cloths

of all and

most

soaked
salt

or

These

in another.
the

first least of all.

especiallyif colds
in
by themselves
boracic

acid.

last need

soaking
chiefs,
Handker-

prevalent, should be
a pail of water
containing
Clothes
be soaked
by
may
are

placing in soapy water, but a better way is to wet

each article,soap the badly soiled parts, and then
roll the soaped parts inside, pack in a tub, and
with

cover

warm

keeps the

soap

the

water

soapy
where

it is most

This
needed

method
and

vents
pre-

washing it out.
Washing. The suds for washing should be warm
and clean and should be changed as often as necessary.
It is a great fallacyto believe that clothes
be washed
clean in dirty water.
Warm
water
can
also expands the fibers,so that the dirt is loosened.
The wash-water
should
be kept warm
by frequent
"

10

from

water.

134

HANDBOOK

additions

of hot

is allowed

If the water

water.

The

is necessary.

rubbing

cool, more

CLEANING

OP

to

clothes

to

following order:
(i) table-linen, (2) bed-linen, (3) towels, (4)bodytowels.
linen, (5) handkerchiefs, (6) kitchen
the
should
be washed
All clothes
right side
on
need
clothes
Soiled
the
first, then
on
wrong.
terial
rubbing, and this should be done so that the mashould

be boiled

benefit

gets the
hands

board

the

should

be

turned

and

must

The

only.

be

The

washed

be

and

rubbed

shaved

soap

better,

as

up

in
the

contain

and

hands

the

side.

other

cold

then

Clothes

suds

more

are

and

water

The

latter

finely
is the

quickly. The
brought slowly to

placed in this and

the
boiling-point. Boiling for
sufficient
for ordinary clothes,
clothes

the

must

solution.

soap

it forms

not

putting in the boiler.

before

or

and

tween
always be behands, and, while rubbing, it

on

boiler should

friction

of the

material

gathered

clean

in the

minutes

ten
as

germs

is
that

this
killed
with
are
ill-smelling clothes
of
of
amount
boiling. Disinfecting because
disease germs
requires longer boiling, but this is
a
usually done under
physician's directions.
Sometimes
kerosene, turpentine, or paraffinis used in the boiler.
wax
They are all used in
the proportion of one
tablespoonful to two gallons
of water.
Unless most
carefully rinsed, the odor
make

remains
should

in the
be

clothing. Each

started

sterilizes and

with

whitens

clean

cold

clothes, and

boiler

of clothes

water.

Boiling

all white

clothes

HANDBOOK

i36
should
the

CLEANING

OF

good condition, the irons cleaned,

and wax
tion,
posiput in a convenient

be put in

iron-stand
and

soft

placed so that it
dampening.

be

can

As

small

the heat

grows

For

of

bowl

easily reached

smoother.

becomes

the iron

and

cloth

this

water

for additional
more
reason

even,

it is

things first. Starched

irons.
clothes require the hottest
Every article
should be ironed dry and then hung to air.
than
simply pushing an iron
Ironing is more
The
the surface.
stretching of the material
over
in the wrong
in the right, and never
places, is of
Pressure
is also
important,
great importance.

well

to

iron

the

especiallywhere
Part

surface.

coarser

gloss is desirable

of this pressure

is

on

the finished

provided in the
be supplied by

must
weight of the iron, but more
She should
have
the body weight of the ironer.
her body
the table of such height that she can
use
undue
strain on wrist
weight for pressure without
or

shoulder.
Care

should

be

taken

in

folding the

ironed

Folding
according to special directions.
it is a
but
does
not
improve the appearance,
If well done, folding
necessity in storing them.
clothes

need

not

mar

the

appearance.

be
good deal of the drudgery can
of laundry
taken
work
if more
out
thought is
ment
given to the planning of the details of the equipof the laundry and the general plan for doing
the day before the
Some
the work.
attention
on
be part of the plan.
washing is to be done must

Surely

THE

If
her

housewife

each

and

will

laundry

own

to

need

LAUNDRY

at

go

sigh

it

deeply

ironing.

take

hit-or-miss

simply

time

the
instead

problem
in

137

at

style
the

mention

work

to

of

being
of

none

of

out

tent
con-

them

washing

XVI

THE

MANY

LAUNDRY:

time

the

that
measured

be

than

find

that

is

their

is

this

the

is

to

clean

of

by

start

body,
This

cleaning

clean
is

crusades

are,

is

and

housekeeping
are

being

is

always

the

greater

and

more

set

his

on

and

"down

out"
with

woman

clean

ings.
surroundand

centers

heard

much

so

to

or

more

we

realize

man

clothes,

why

for

methods

that

providing

cleanliness

And

that

being

can

There

people

best

the

human

This

workers

made

country

statement,

social

that

been

any

cleanliness.

for

one

again

the

civilized

demand

that

of

possessions.

in

more

has

cleanliness.

and

fiction

true

more

feet

its

persons

truth

remark

the

civilization

by

includes

EQUIPMENT

of

city
and

more

more.

Clean

clothes

crusade

for

importance
given
are

it

are

laundry

sufficient

necessarily

work,

thought.
harder

than

few

some

the

housewives

Washing
other

this

of

part

Considering

cleanliness.
of

essential

an

great
have

and

ironing

household

THE

LAUNDRY

139

they can be made

easy enough for any
and strength if proper
of ordinary health
woman
be given to the position and equipment
attention
if the housewife
attacks
the
of the laundry and
and
of mind
work
with the right attitude
body.
walks
A long walk is tiringif one
bent over, with
short steps, and it is almost
as
tiringif the walker
with
that she is going
the conviction
starts
out
before she reaches
her goal. So
to be exhausted
it be very
small or very
also a washing, whether
large,will be distressingif the washer is forced to
tasks, but

bend

over

that

it is

all the time

going

to

if she is

or

beforehand

sure

her.

weary

is seldom

possible for the housekeeper to

the position of her laundry, as she usually
choose
has to take what
is already arranged in the dwelling
that she rents
buys. If she has the good
or
fortune of planning her own
house, then she should
thought to the planning and equipgive as much
ment
of the laundry and
kitchen
a
as
carpenter
A good carpenter sees
would
to his workshop.
that his bench
is placed in a position to get good
about
its height.
light, and he also has a care
of the laundry
The
essential features
the tubs,
the stove
should
the
the table, and
also have
advantage of the best possible light, and they
should
be placed at a height convenient
for the
It

"

"

person

who

is to

It is far

use

out

think

of food

of

most.

laundry work
the kitchen.
It is not
pleasant to
being prepared in a room
containing

preferable

done

them
to

have

the

HANDBOOK

140

of soiled

collection

laden

with

to have

laundry
the

CLEANING

OF

clothes

in

or

atmosphere

an

It is better
laundry odors.
The
small kitchen and a small laundry.
and

steam

be

may

To

basement.

laundry is often

first floor

the

on

utilize basement

in

for

space

economical, for it

more

be

it may

or

means

a
no

floor space, and also it is usually cheaper

It is a saving of steps, of
to install the plumbing.
additional

course,

have

to

but

in that

the

kitchen

the

laundry

it is well to have

case

by
and

hall

small

kitchen

the

on

it

floor,

separated from

closet, to prevent

or

odors

passing too freely.

In whatever
position the laundry is it should
ventilated.
be
well
have
plenty of light and
in an
do her best work
Who
atmosphere
can
the

steam

with

heavy
whether
she

has

The

or

no

and

clothes

odors?

are

to

only
as

to

Who

free from

plenty of light?
should
laundry tubs

reference

house,

steam

be

spots unless

windows

the

stacking of the plumbing

If tubs
are
happens.

often

with

placed

the

rather

see

can

than

with

ence
refer-

in the
at

the

stand
can
fairly
right height, so that the washer
in a good light, so
that
if they are
erect, and
there is no strainingof the eyes, washing becomes
It is better to
much
less of a physical strain.
For
place tubs too high rather than too low.
tub there is no
low
remedy except having it
a
but if it is
raised, which entails quite an expense,

high it is always
something on which
too

an

to

easy

matter

stand.

to

movable

arrange

floor

THE

should

tub

No

141

cross-piecesunderneath

of slats with
this.

LAUNDRY

be

set

lower

good for
than
thirtyis

inches.

four

Floors.

The

"

floors

common

hard

are

and

materials
soft wood,

used

for laundry

tile,and

cement.

good, as it is easily cleaned and does

absorb
water
pensive.
exnot
readily, but it is somewhat
floor is not
soft-wood
A
easily kept
absorbent, splinters and roughens
clean, is more
Tile is durable,
with use, but is less expensive.
non-absorbent, and easily kept clean, but it is
the
Cement
is perhaps
and
cold.
most
hard
prohibitive in
satisfactory flooring. It is not
price, is durable, easy to keep clean, and can be
non-absorbent
made
almost
by painting with
with
paint. In order to do away
specialcement
the difficultyof standing on a hard, cold surface,
the worker
be laid where
rubber
mats
stands,
may
the floor there
is
is splashed on
if water
but
danger that the mat or the person standing on it
will slip.
wood

Hard

Tubs.

three
are

is

There

"

tubs

used
are

enameled

are

should
much

be at least two
better.

Various

tubs, and
materials

mon
comlaundry-tubs, of which the most
soapstone, slate,alberine, porcelain, and

for

iron.

Soapstone
having seams

and

slate

have

the

and of being dark

disadvantage of
surface so
in color.
Soapstone has an absorbent
that it requires especial care
to keep it in good
berine,
Alcondition.
is fairly non-absorbent.
Slate
enameled
tubs
iron
are
porcelain, and

HANDBOOK

i42

non-absorbent, and

and

seamless,

smooth,

CLEANING

OF

they

and more.
being used more
Where
an
impossibility,
stationary tubs are
be used.
These
made
of
are
portable tubs must
wooden
The
galvanized iron, fiber, and wood.
tubs are
dition.
perhaps the hardest to keep in good conhold
them
In
order
to have
together
is
be
kept damp, and as dampness
they must
favorable
to the growth of bacteria, the tub may
are

Fiber tubs
sanitary as it ought to be.
they are smooth,
especiallydesirable because
are
seamless, and light in weight. Galvanized-iron
tubs are
fairlygood, and cheaper than the others.
tubs are
Portable
easily filled by using a piece of
After
hose
attached
to a faucet.
rubber
using,
should
be wiped
tub except the wooden
one
any
be

not

as

dry.
Wash-boards.

and

the tub

last
almost

and

the board

advisable,

always
be

must

at

material

same
as

wiped dry.

as

Glass

or

side

the

it is often

angle.

poor

friction
metal

of

into

board
wash-

of

the tub.
too

After

low

using,

wash-boards

ture.
protected from sudden change of temperahas evolved
The
present-day wash-board
which
the rough stones
on
primitive people

be

must

from

rubbed
are

molded

of the

is then

is not

is

and

pounding

wash-board

it is sometimes

glass, or

soiled clothes

very

since

is necessary,
dirt.
The

loosen

This

For

"

their

clothes.

still cleaned

stones

in streams

In

some

by rubbing
of water.

or

clothes

countries

pounding

on

rough

LAUNDRY

THE

"

are

machines, and
there

where

is a great

and

tubs

The

Washing-machines.
being replaced in

143

wash-boards

homes

by washingof these is chosen

wisely

many

one

saving of

and

time

Wash-

energy.

styles and in a corresponding

of prices. They help the cleaning
range
in one
of two
either by friction or
process
ways
This
latter prinby compression and suction.
ciple
and more,
is being used more
the clothes
as

ing-machnies

in many

come

"

cleaned

are

fabric.

but

with

little

and

wear

tear

on

the

shape.

general, this type, which is commonly

vacuum
washing-machine, is conical in
The
theory is that as it plunges into the

clothes

the

called

In

air

below

that

greater pressure
into

this

machines

fiftycents

on

so-formed
be

may
to

These

one

within

pressure

of

the

the

outside

obtained

forces

and

and

the

duced
re-

the

dirt up

Washing-

vacuum.

from

is

cone

atmosphere,

partial
hundred

the

one

dollar

and

fiftydollars.

be attached
to
washing-machines may
portable or stationary tubs or to the boiler.
They
attached
also come
then are
to a special tub, and
of special value
where
there
tubs.
set
no
are
They are as useful for rinsing as for washing.
They are equipped for running by either hand,
electrical power.
or
water-motor,
gasoline-engine,
They are a great time and labor-saving device,
and
should
be more
generally used.
Although
of the washing-machines are very expensive,
many
it is possible to get a useful one
at a low price.
Wringers. Wringers not only save the strength
"

HANDBOOK

144

CLEANING

OF

of the
tear

laundress, but
the

on

the

strains

clothes.
fabrics

Wringers
washing-machines.
loosened

Like

be

may

After

run

the

pressure

by

power

of

like

using, the rollers should

flat.
they will not become
be oiled ocmachine, the wringer must
casionally
work
rollers darken
to
easily. The

any

with

than

more

rollers.

be

and
they also prevent wear
Hand-wringing
necessarily

that

so

This

use.

condition

be

can

overcome

by

rubbing with kerosene, but as the kerosene cleans

rubber, it is most
by dissolving the surface
off thoroughly
important that the rollers be washed
after the application of oil.
A good boiler has at least the bottom
Boiler.
"

of

copper,

This

and

the

is because

best

boilers

is not

are

all copper.
durable, but

only
also transmits
heat more
readily than tin.
Irons.
Irons
in a
come
variety of shapes,
sizes, and weights, according to their intended
copper

"

If heated

use.
are

for

necessary

over

stove,

at

efficient work.

least three
With

irons

less, one

invariably has to lose time waiting for them

be
of assorted
heat.
to
They should
weight;
eight-pound irons for table and bed linen, sixpound irons for ordinary garments, and three or
for thin garments.
These
four pound
ones
are
almost

obtainable

in

the

old-fashioned

types

with

tached
at-

adjustable handles.
ironThese
latter are very
convenient, because
an
irons
holder
is not
needed.
are
Very small
useful in ironing articles such
as
baby dresses.
handles,

or

with

LAUNDRY

THE

145

which
are
Ruffling-irons,
very slender and pointed,
useful for gatherings. For
giving finish to
are
cuffs a
collars and
polishing-iron is excellent.
This is an
iron with a corrugated surface, so that
A fluting-ironmay
friction is obtainable.
more
A
be added
to the collection for crimping ruffles.
good equipment for a family is :

eight-pound iron

six-pound irons, at

30

.40

.60

cents

three-pound iron
ruffling-iron
tiny iron

i
i
i

25
25
15

$1.65
The

of

use

gasoline,and alcohol
advantages in
many
continuous

even,

of

they

range;

heat, and

can

condition

of

steps, and

save

part of the

coolest

the

the

by electricity,
gas,
have
is increasing. These
their use.
They give an

heated

irons

used

be

fire in

the

they

used

be

can

Their

room.

pendently
indethe
in

is naturally

use

increasingrapidly, and is to be encouraged.

are
(ironing machines)
Mangles
Mangles.
gaining in use.
They give good results with flat
"

work
be

and

for

ironed

garments

flat.

There

without
are

(i) the cold-roll mangle

has

which

The

are

of these
wrinkles.

not

rollers

heated.
are

(2) The

two

depended
hot-roll

buttons

types

rollers

of

that

mangles:
of wood

made

weight and
upon

mangle

to

pressure

take

has

can

one

out

the

roller

HANDBOOK

I46
which

second

the

and

is cold

CLEANING

OP

like

padded
and

of iron

ironing-board,

an

heated.

Wrinkles

are

moved
re-

by heat as well as by pressure and weight.

The
right side of the article is placed next to the
be polished. The
metal
roller, so that it may
metal

roller

should

waxed

be

like

an

iron

to

get

be
The
heat
supplied by
good results.
may
alcohol, according to
electricity,
gas, gasoline,or
be fitted to run
the make.
by a
Mangles may
In using any mangle
belt, hand power,
or
a motor.

great

be

must

care

taken

feed

to

come
they cannot
evenly, otherwise
original shape. Mangles, like any
Each
require oilingto run smoothly.

must

herself

calculate

for

saved

by the

energy

and

Tables

of

use

expenditure. Those
thirty to two hundred

whether

for

the

the

articles
in their

out

machinery,
housekeeper
the

mangle
home

time

and

justifythe
from

cost

dollars.

boards.

"

There

should

be

good

laundry. It is of general use and

be used advantageously in ironing flat pieces.
can
it must
be well padded and firmly
For this purpose

firm table in the

make
Blankets
cellent
exheavy cotton.
boards
be
Skirt-boards
padding.
may
is convenient,
alone, to be supported by whatever
The
latter
have
a special standard.
or
they may
covered

are

with

made

very

firm

possible to leave

skirt-boards

wall, and

when

back.

that

In

not
case

and

are

excellent

where

it is

dinary
always standing. Oroften firmly hinged to a
are
be hooked
in use
they can
be folding legs to
there may
board

LAUNDRY

THE

support

the

chair

or

table.

them

hinged in

end,

outer

closet

end

that

or

Sometimes
a

147

so

rest

may

on

it is

possible to have

that

when

in

not

use

be concealed.
they can
Thirty-one inches is the
right height for the ironing-boardfor a person five

feet six inches

tall.

Sleeve-boards

only useful for ironing

small garments.
sleeves,but also for ironing many
be well
Any ironing-board, large or small, must
have a firm, clean, cotton
padded and must
ing.
coverThe
with
is

covers

Stoves.
the

"

indeed.
purposes

and

it

can

is best

be tied

This

on.

on

heat

which
irons

to

coal and
"

When

method

pinning, as
for laundering.
make
starch, heat

is necessary.
the
purpose

also available.

are

fitted

or

gas-plate serves
Stoves especiallyconstructed

Drying.
rope.

stove

boiler, and

burner

both

that

so

skirt-board

satisfactory than tacking

are
more
easilyremoved

more

the

for the

cover

tapes

not

are

These

A
very

for
are

two-

well

laundry

made

for

gas.

The
not

most

in

satisfactoryclothes-line is of
use

it should

be

taken

down

If this is impractical, it must

kept covered.
be most
carefullywiped with a damp cloth before
hanging clothes on it, as a clothes-line can collect
of dirt and dust.
Clothes
an
amazing amount
are
much
better
dried out
of doors, where
the sun
and
air reach
them
that is not
freely,but when
be dried on
possible they can
inside, or on
ropes
of
especially constructed
drying-frames. Some
these frames
be worked
can
by ropes so that they

HANDBOOK

i48

be lowered

may

while

ceiling,so that
while
drying.
useful

It is also

too.

and
filling

the

clothes

This

type

the

where

CLEANING

OF

raised

then
out

are

drier

of

kitchen

has

to

useful

place

to

of
is

serve

to the

the

way

especially
as
laundry

keep dish-towels

Such
of the way.
a drier can
dollars.
Drying-closets, heated

be had

out

for five

tricity,
by steam, elecgood, as they make
gas, or coal, are
very
quick-drying possible,but they are too expensive
for the ordinary house.
pin
clothesClothes-pins. The old-fashioned wooden
still holds its sway.
Patent
clothes-pinsusually
have some
metal around
them, so that in time
they are affected by the weather, corrode, and
"

break.

They also often cause

Clothes-pins should

clothes.
when

in use,

not

is

is

made

small

apron

ticking,the bottom
one
largepocket or
It is

very

of

from

dust.

article.
material

heavy
is turned

smaller

the

on

covered

kept

convenient

of which
two

spots

be

protect them

to

clothes-pin apron
a

rust

up

pockets for

great help to the laundress

to

It

like
form

pins.
clothesin both

clothes, and is also

hanging up and taking down
the clothes-pinswhen
not in
a good place to store
ings
Clothes-pins should receive occasional washuse.
so

that

Baskets.
are

"

their

cleanliness

A clothes-basket

convenience.

still stands

first in

The
number

may

be assured.

is necessary,
willow

used.

and

two

clothes-basket
These

must

always be lined with cloth or paper (white oilcloth

is best) before placingdamp clothes in them, as the

HANDBOOK

iSo

stand

should

beneath

be raised

iron

easily,while
is oval.

whole

the

The

and

of any

is advisable,

cover

the

by

firm

the material

this

as

is best

For

is

necessary.

movable
re-

be washed

can

The

made

the

iron.

material.

cannot.

cover

cover

the

that

so

iron-holder

an

made

be

may

CLEANING

enough

be scorched

will not

old-fashioned
These

OF

best

with

shape
side

one

side of two

other

pieces overlapping
half -inch in the center.
a
Through this opening
the pad can
easily be slipped in.
A clothes-horse
which
after
to hang clothes
on
be well
ironing is essential,so that garments may
aired and absolutely dry before storing.
A laundry with
its own
equipment of utensils
saves

many

the

burden

of

for

kitchen

It is poor

steps.

wash-day
a

cup,

laundry ought

to

by having

spoon,

contain

to

economy

or

to

other

any

the

run

add
to

following:

teakettle

i
i

small

saucepan

tablespoon
one-half-pint cup

The

white
and

teaspoon
of

about

five-

quarts

capacity

making

starch

will not

rust.

enamel

knife

case

bowl

utensils

the

utensil.

pail
dipper
dish-pan

to

for

cup

large wooden

should

be

made

is very
make
the

Enamel

helps

quart

spoon

of materials

which

satisfactory,and
laundry look light

bright.

The

amount

of

equipment

which

laundry

LAUNDRY

THE

done

work
the

in

and

best

that

last

longer,

can

being

but
used.

it

is

they

to

are

utensils

more

laundry
done
the

As

economy

Good

all

lighten

will

good

afforded.
also

it

equipment.

the
is

of

amount

Where
which

in

tools,
be

the

on

house.

included

be

utensils

the

everything

house

should

while

depends

contain

should

151

in
labor

with

all

the

buy
not

only

satisfactory

XVII

LAUNDRY:

THE

THE

MAKING

REAGENT

is
makes

change
is

dirt.

Soap

either

is

it

REAGENTS

that

chemical

or

by

and

it forms

tact
con-

physical

For

dissolves

reagent;

OF

substance.

reagent;

USE

substance

any

another

on

water

AND

example,

carries

away

emulsion

an

with

dirt.
When

when

reaction;

in

they

chemical

the

knows

he

which

of

the

is

knowledge
proportions
whether
and

what

of

the

of

of

use

what

in
or

no

precautions

shine
sun-

As

of

with

and

applicable

best
to

taken.

bad,

telligenc
In-

include

accomplish,
the

the

dealing.

must

it may

be

good
is

she

reagents

must

chemist

should

so

both

it is used,
it is

or

unless

use

substance

just

which

results

which

and

laundry

little

the

properties,

with
the

the

intelligence.

experimenting,

substance
in

in

is

peculiarities

know

laundress

with

air

by

reagents

laboratory
used

be

can

clothes

physical

reaction.
of

supply

have

we

bleach

chemical

bountiful
the

clothes

we

have

we

starch

we

the

ture,
tempera-

all materials,

LAUNDRY

THE

The

most

soap.

the

and, fortunately, at

necessary,

the commonest,

time

same

153

reagents

and

water

are

tial
large supply of water is absolutely essenWater
is the
for successful
laundry work.

natural

clothing, and

it acts

also

soil

well

as

find

we

carrier

as

insoluble

much

from

clothes

of the

for much

solvent

to

free the

soluble

as

on

dirt.

fact that
the
Unfortunately, however,
very
renders it in some
is such a splendid solvent
water
for laundering and
water
cleaning.
cases
poor
its way
which

Because
water
on
Why?
rock
through soil and
of

substances

hard

become
may
It may
be

chlorides

of lime.

it undesirable

make

prevents

the

Another

making

substance
for

pass

soluble
water

of lime

to

addition

carbonate
to

salts.
hard.

permanently

is due

The

it harmful

make

not

hardness

permanent

may

The

nature.

or

is due

hardness

us

contain

addition

the

from

temporarily

Temporary
and

undesirable

an

to

of lime

sulphates and

of these

salts may

drinking, but they do

for laundry purposes,
it
as
for

of

suds.

which

laundry

may

purposes

make

water

is iron.

Iron

desirable
un-

in

a
give the clothes
undesirable
most
yellowish tinge. The
reason
for this yellow color is that very
minute
particles
of iron rust are
the material.
deposited all over
Water
should
for successful
be
laundry work
clean, soft, and free from
discoloration,organic

small

even

matter,
If

we

and

amounts

may

odors.

cannot

procure

water

that

fulfils these

HANDBOOK

154

CLEANING

OF

requirements by simply turning the faucet, how

shall

obtain

we

and

water

it?

then

How

how

shall
As

laundry purposes?
hardness
salts.
salts

decompose the
is commonly

what

surface

shall

as
we

shall get

we

every

the

to

soap

called

before, the
of lime

presence

and

the lime

water

there

is formed

"lime

has

single bit of the lime

to form

lime

very

hard,

if not

materials,

housekeeper who
either
to

to

reduce

curd

This

soap.

impossible,
become

it must

so

the soap until

united
with
the

cleansing effect from

no

soap

least

said

for

soap," which
the sides of the tub, on
the
a
as
scum
on
of the water, or on
the clothes.
Just as
the lime remains
in the water, just so long
have
lime soap
formed, and, moreover,

appears

long

been

hard

it suitable

is put into hard

soap

know

we

make

we

has

is due

in water

When

shall

has

to

get rid of the

lime

from

remove

at her

water

lime

is

soap

business

the

only hard

or

of the
mand
com-

entirely or

at

its ill effects.

Temporary hardness, which is due to carbonates

of lime, may
dition
be removed
by boiling or by the adof alkalies, such
as
washing-soda, lye,
When
is softened
water
borax, or ammonia.
by
boiling,the lime salts are precipitatedand settle
softened
of the receptacle. The
at the bottom
water

of

us

often
has
same

can
are

found

then
familiar

be

taken
with

the

from
white

top.

curd

Most

which

is the

lime

precipitatedfrom the water,

do intentionally when
thing we

and

in teakettles.

This

the

been

we

is
that
this

soften,

LAUNDRY

THE

hardness, due

Permanent

by boiling.

water

155
to

by
sulphates and chlorides of lime, is unaffected
by the addition of
boiling,but it can be removed
alkalies.

adding

In

added

and

in water

clothes

the

alkalies

they should first be dissolved

before
to the washing-water
Water

in it.

placed

are

be

may

ened
soft-

(i) by the addition to each

gallon of water of two tablespoonfuls of a solution
made
pound of washing-soda
by dissolving one
in one
(2) by adding to
quart of boiling water;
solved
each
teaspoonful of lye disone
gallon of water
of water;
in one
(3) by allowing for
cup
each

in several

ways:

gallon of

water

dissolved
hardness

in
these

is very

water

one

one

of

cup

amounts

hard

tablespoonful of borax
For
water.
ordinary

are

the

sufficient,but

amount

be

may

if the

increased.

be added
enough of
softening water there must
the softening agent to precipitate the lime, but
In

with

not

care

which

excess,

to

add

would

so

be

much

that

deleterious

to

there
the

is

an

fabrics.

is by
only way to get rid of iron in water
of washing-soda. The washing-soda must
the use
is to
four or five days before the water
be added
The top
to stand until used.
be used, and allowed
The

is then

water

Organic
of

mixture

of two
mixture
of

drained

off.

may

be

of borax

and

matter

parts of borax

to

added

to

is then
one

precipitatedby the use

alum
in the proportion
one

part of alum.

the water

tablespoonful

to

This

in the

tion
propor-

gallon.

Where

HANDBOOK

156

extremely

is

water

OF

CLEANING

alum

scarce

precipitatethe dirt from

be used
again. This

to
can

of

water

Formerly

soap

shortage

where

is sometimes
it

so

used

that

the

be

done

should

water

only
it absolutely

makes

necessary.

Soaps.

"

home,

but

which

have

home,

so

that
make

from

combining

used

in
be

not
a

The

poor

with

lye

the fact that

know

to

put with

the

The

may
The

medium

free alkali, the

and

causes

caustic

often

will

soap.

product
possible to

fat, and

then

it is

proportion

correct

of

it.

general, soaps
and strong.
medium,
free alkali.

it is not

there

of fat
a

be

must

that

causes

of the

nature

exact

In

Medium

These

Excess

of either.

the present

Soap is made

soaps.

lye.
proportions so
of

at

quality of the usual home-made

impossible
alkali to

fat

excess

soap;

results from
tell the

own

excess

an

greasy

their

definite

the

of the many
industries
almost
entirelyout of the

rarely find people

we

in

one

taken

been

who

time

is

that

now

produced

was

classified

mild
and

latter

strong

be

soaps

more

soaps

strong
than

should

be

mild,

as

contain
soaps

the

no
tain
con-

former.

avoided

in

laundering fine fabrics, delicate colors, silks,and

wools.
For ordinary white
linen and cotton
terials
mamild and
are
good and they
strong soaps
are

also

desirable

where

alkali may
be detected
in the mouth.
amount

nip the tongue.

water

is hard.

Free

in soap by placing a small

If alkali is present it will

OP

HANDBOOK

258

When

the material.
used

alkali reacts

the

CLEANING

containing free alkali is

soap

with

fat which

any

may

be

forming a soap which is

Aside
from
in water.
moval
facilitatingthe rehas
of dirt, soap
antiseptic properties,

present in the fabric, thus

soluble

Although it is not an efficient disinfectant in cases

valuable
of contagious diseases, it is nevertheless
washings.
as
a purifierfor ordinary household
the
be used
either directly upon
Soaps may
rectly
of a soap
fabric or in the form
jelly. Soap didirt more
the fabric removes
quickly
on
it is applied in such a
than jellysimply because
for fine

form, but

concentrated

fabrics, silks,and

desirable
to use.
jelly is the more
choose
How
shall we
soaps? In general it is-a
by a reliable
good plan to use soaps manufactured
It is poor economy
to use
cheap, poorly
concern.
the
make
made
must
not
Moreover, we
soaps.
will do for all
mistake
of believing that one
soap
be equipped with at
A laundry should
purposes.
wools

soap

kinds

least two

which
and

even
a

of soap
small amount
"

medium

is well to

add

soap
a

for

mild

for materials

soap

of alkali

might injure,

durable

more

It

fabrics.

for all white

third, a strong soap

goods.
It

is

more

economical

to

buy

soap

during storage it may

and harden.
It should be kept uncovered
there will be no covering to interfere with

quantitiesso

that

effect of the air.

soft in

water

as

Dried

soap

readily,and

does

not

therefore

in

large
dry out
so

the

that

ing
dry-

become
does

not

THE

wash

air for

to

159

quickly. Laundry

so

away

LAUNDRY

lose

time, may

some

as

if

soap,

much

exposed
twenty-

as

In storing it the ment

five per cent, of water.
arrangeshould
be such that the oldest soap
is used

first.

Soap formula."
i

pound
pounds

When

of lye dissolved

in 3 pints of cold
of fat clarified and melted

lye mixture

the

fat and

stir until

wooden

or

paper,

and

thick

as

pasteboard
set

away

to

cooled

has
as

add

honey.
lined

boxes

water

it to
Pour

with

the
into

waxed

harden.

tablespoonfuls of borax or one-half

of ammonia,
be added
to the
both, may
or
cup
fat before adding the lye. These
simply increase
the cleansing powers.
Either

two

Soap jelly.
"

Cut

soap

large

quarts

of soap

bar

of

finely,add

boiling water

boiling water,
is all dissolved; cool and
to

the

keep hot until soap

One-half
pound of prepared soap
bar of soap.
used in place of one

chips

sunshine.

sunshine

Air

reagents

and
in

the

although it is

"

Air

strongest

and
sense

of

the

may

and
use.

be

are

word,

always possible to make

people
believe it. How
long will clothes dried indoors
Commercial
white?
laundries, where
keep snowy
out-of-door

not

treat
drying is an impossibility,

clothes

HANDBOOK

160

chemicals

with

OF

retain

to

CLEANING

their

original whiteness.

question the fact that the chemicals

which
are
produce this whiteness
reagents, then
ever
question the fact that
why should any one
air and sunshine
portant
imare
reagents ? They are most
reagents and bring about most
pleasing
who
has ever
lived in a
results.
Any housewife
drying was an impossibility
city where out-of-door
remembers
the joy that she experienced when
she
again could have her clothes dried out of doors.
dry
Bluings. Bluing is not an essential for laundo

We

not

"

work

in the

and

Soap

same

water

necessities

are

soap

and

in order

water.
to

have

clothes
sunshine

dried

be

can

they

may

yellow color which

often

of doers
be

be

may

to

air and

without

counteract

the

caused

by something
drying facilities.

because

of careless

in the

kept white

of poor
not, however, be used

or

Bluing should
effects

out

Bluing is used

this addition.

water

be
sanitary. Bluing may
them
attractive, but when

make

to

necessary

the

as

reallyclean and

clothes

in the

sense

to counteract

washing.

clothes appear
does bluing make
white?
Why
One
explanation often given is that yellow and
used together
blue, being complementary
colors, when
Another
give the effect of whiteness.
explanation, and one which is perhaps truer, is that
for what
the slight bluish tinge makes
of
most
whiteness.
from
call
us
Bluing is obtained
different
i.

sources:

Indigo.
"

Indigo

was

originally

of

plant

LAUNDRY

THE

161

manufactured
is now
artificially
origin, but
the
chief
(synthetic indigo). Formerly it was
it is very
ingredientof bluing compounds, but now
little used in the laundry.
Prussian
blue.
This gives a better color than
2.
It has one
indigo and is also easier to use.
great
it is an
and
iron compound
drawback, however:
that
iron-rust
is decomposed
by alkalies, so
"

If all soap
or
thoroughly rinsed from

results.

any
a

other

material

alkali
before

is not

putting

blue we
with Prussian
have
bluing made
may
quite a disastrous result,for the bluing may unite
and
all the soap
alkali particles,and
the
with
into

article

become

mottled

with

iron-rust

spots.

carefully rinsed, Prussian

blue is a very
satisfactory bluing. As Prussian
blue is one
of the most
liquid bluings in
common
the market, it behooves
to
us
practise careful
rinsing.
Ultramarine
was
originally
3. Ultramarine.
from
obtained
it
finelyground lapis lazuli,but now
is manufactured
in the form
artificially.It comes
The
better
the grade
of small
cubes
balls.
or
of ultramarine, the more
finelyit is ground. As
the efficiency
of the bluing depends upon
the suspension
small
of these
particles in water, it is
the
for satisfactory results, to have
necessary,
powder, very finelyground so that it will be evenly
suspended in water.
However,

if clothes

are

"

4.

Aniline

product and

blue.

"

Aniline

its action

is

blue

is

coal-tar

really that of dyeing the

HANDBOOK

162

material.

The

OF

CLEANING

simply dyed

is

material

very,

Aniline blue is used in commercial

light blue.
laundries
extensively, but not in the home
laundry. It will not set in an alkaline solution,
This
and it requires an acid to bring out its color.
bluing is also difficult to wash out of materials.
should
in solid form
be
come
Bluings which
used by wrapping in flannel or several thicknesses
of other kinds of material, and then stirringabout
very

in

bowl

the

of water.

is obtained.

powder

poured into

is then

water

desired

the

shade.

otherwise

as

clothes

tub

before

will be

there

tub

the

This

stirred

be

however,

only the finest of

of this blued
Enough

In this way

of water

of

to

should,

water

placing clothes

in it,

caused

streaks

get

by the

strikingthe particlesof bluing which

have

settled.

using liquid bluings

In

strong solution
the

of this to

tub

in

of water

tub

is

bowl

first and

get the

to

more

it is safer

There
from

be

never

is

which

in this way

to

and

then

she

The
than

bluing-water
than

that

necessary.

great variety of bluings on

to

enough

shade.

The
by putting the bluing in direct.
be only a light blue; more
should
should

make

add

then

desired

evenly blued

to

choose.

find out
should

Each
which
learn

housewife
is most

to

the market

use

must

periment
ex-

satisfactory,
that particular

brand

properly.
Starch.
Starch, like bluing, is
One
essential
in laundry work.
"

not

an

of

absolute
the

main

for its

reasons

of the

is to

use

clothes.

163

LAUNDRY

THE

the

improve

Another

appearance

for its

reason

is that

use

materials
keeps
glazed surface of starched
clean longer than the rougher surface of most
starched
unmaterials.
In
general, the American
starch; in fact,
housekeeper of to-day uses
corn
retail grocers, it is not always possibleto
at many
starch.
obtain
laundry starch except corn
any
Commercial
of rice,
laundries, however, make
use
and wheat
starches, according to the fabric
corn,
the

and

also the

Corn
also

the

because

finish.

is used

starch

of

cheapness and
the general lack of knowledge of
because

of its

advantages of the different

for the

because
and

desired

of various

use

of

also because

in

The

son
rea-

in laundries

starches

differences

the

kinds.

is

their

penetrability
finish given to

pliabilityand
the articles.
Rice
starch
gives a natural
purewhite color, corn
starch a yellow color, and wheat
starch
As
tint in between.
to penetrability,
a
rice starch
and
starch

has

the

wheat

is not

manufactured
To

of

greatest,

starch

much

used

starch

corn

stands

the

in between.

in this country

and

est,
poor-

Rice
is not

here.
the

starches

which

commonly
starch gives a good color, a smooth
used, wheat
surface, and a pliableand fine finish,and it is also
considered
to offer better resistance
to dampness.
Corn
starch gives a greater stiffness to the fabric,
but when
well as stiffness is desired,
as
pliability
wheat
starch gives better results.
compare

are

HANDBOOK

164

is in

Starch
which

the

form

of

in

present

are

CLEANING

OF

very

many

small

granules

plants.

These

The
starch
granules will not dissolve in water.
of starch
see
are
masses
powders which
we
is added
water
to starch and the
granules. When
is heated, the heat
mixture
the moisture
causes

granules, and finallythese swell

and
burst, resulting in jelly-likestarch
paste.
Starch should be cooked
long enough so that there
is no
possibilityof any of the granules being left
In
unbroken.
all the
not
case
granules are
in cooking, they will in all probability be
broken
broken
Then
the starch
by the heat of the iron.
have
will stick to the iron, and also we
the
may
to

the

penetrate

of the

appearance

scales which

the starch

become

may

caramelizing of
bluing is often
added
streaks
it does

to

starch

not

improve

borax

and

mix

may

added
in

fats.

to

diluted
as

because
Starch

form.

of the
ing
in cook-

it.

Bluing

form,

the starch

or

is

reason

must

there
so

of the

be

will be

thick

that

freely.

substances
it.

marred

slightlyyellowed because
for this
part .of it, and

in the starch,

Different
to

material

The

may
most

Borax

the whiteness

be

added

common

is beneficial

to

starch

additions
in that

starch, adds

are

creases
it in-

gloss,and
increases
the stiffness.
Oily substances, such as
paraffin,lard, and cottonseed-oil,are used to
wax,
and finish,and
to prevent the
give smoothness
iron from sticking.
Cold
starch is used for great stiffness,and also
of the

HANDBOOK

166

add

and

well

mix

CLEANING

OF

smoothly, then
Stir before using.

solution.
Thick

starch.

*4

of starch

cup

borax

hot

the

"

mixed

with

of cold water

cup

teaspoonful of fat
y" teaspoonful of borax
i
quart of boiling water
i

the starch and

To

fat,and

then

medium

For

hot.

cooked
would
the

of

cup

burn

starch

For
Starch

starch.

boiler, as

in double

starch

it is

two

use

jelly use

jelly
so

and

table-

three

use

for thin

ring
stir-

Strain

minutes.

starch

spoonfuls of starch, and

tablespoonfuls of starch.
one-half

the borax,

boilingwater, slowly. Cook,

the

constantly, for twenty

use

add

mixture

water

be

must

thick

that

it

readily if placed directly over

most

flame.

dipped into the starch

while hot, and after wringing it is well to rub the
the hands
between
to help rub in
materials
as
so
is always
Starch
starch.
the
jelly, however,
the
rubbed
into
material, as is described
on
should

Materials

page

be

164.

Washing-soda
Washing-soda.
and
laundry for softening water
"

very
grease
more

to

form

than

soda must

can

not

mass

soapy

easily rubbed

soda

The

clothes.

greasy

and

grease

be used

in

also

out

in the

washing
with

reacts

which

flushed

can

then

of the

the
be
terial
ma-

washingcolored materials, and it

alone.
on

is useful

However,

THE

be

must
as

167

rinsed

thoroughly

it eats

of

out

white

fabrics,

the fiber if left in.

be

be used

should

Washing-soda
should

LAUNDRY

added

to

in solution

before

water

and

it

clothes.

any

Washing-soda is much
maligned mainly because
it is carelesslyand improperly used.
It is a very
strong

reagent

and

therefore

must

be

used

with

care.

Washing-powders in general owe their efficiency

Some
of them
to washing-soda.
made
are
tirely
enof washing-soda, others contain
some
soap,
and
few borax, but in all cases
a
washing-soda
forms
a
great part of the powder.
Many
very
of the manufacturers
of these powders recommend
that the powder be dissolved
in water
ing
before addThe
to the wash-water.
object is to guard
themselves
which
results from
against the harm
the direct contact
of fabric and
washing-soda.
The
difference
in the cost of washing-soda and
be noted.
washing-powders must
Washing-soda
for three
four
can
cents
usually be had
or
a
pound, whereas
washing-powders cost two, three,
four, or five times as much, according to the brand.
Ammonia.
to

"

in

extravagance.

dilute

known

with

It

six times

strength with

It has been

Household

water.

ammonia

is

It is made

laundry.

ammonia-gas
an

Ammonia-water

is far

from
as

the

that

water

to

in

dition
ad-

by dissolving
ammonia
to

druggist

much

which

estimated

better

valuable

to

is

buy

centrated
con-

and

then

obtain

deal.

purchasing house-

HANDBOOK

168

hold

ammonia

OF

pays

one

CLEANING

from

two

to

five dollars

for

pound

ammonia-gas,
according
The
ammonia
brand.
price of concentrated
dollar per
from
seventy-five cents to one
per

for

the

to

runs

pound

The

trated
saving in buying concenammonia
is evident, as one
must
judge any
of ammonia-gas
it conammonia
tains.
by the amount
The
retail price of concentrated
ammonia
For
is between
forty and fiftycents per quart.
ordinary strength add six parts of water to one of

ammonia-gas.

ammonia.
Like

is an
alkali, but
washing-soda, ammonia
it has the advantage of being volatile,so that there
is not the danger of its remaining in the materials
and eating the fibers. Also it is not so hard on
the hands, its action
gentle. It is
being more
and
used to soften water
aid in removing
as
an
dirt.
Borax.

Borax

"

is useful

dirt, whitening
agent,

and

in

the

in

moving
softening water, reclothes, as a stiffening

removal

of

stains.

It

is

to
splendid cleansing agent, as it is not harmful
materials, colors, or the hands.
is a great help in
Javelle water.
Javelle water
It is a strong reagent and must
removing stains.
"

be

used

matter

with
what

great

After

care.

strength,

the

its use,
in
should
material

no

be

and
clear
water
thoroughly rinsed in ammonia
remains
in the fabric
If Javelle water
water.
will be injured.
the material
of equal
For removing stains a solution is made

LAUNDRY

THE

quantities of Javelle
is then

stain

immersed

169

and

boiling

The

water.

in this.

general bleaching it is used in the proportion

to thirty-two parts
of one
part Javelle water

For

articles

The

of cold water.

tion,
put into this solu-

are

brought to the boiling-point,allowed to stand

This is used
five minutes, and then rinsed.
about
for general bleaching and often also for removing
faded

all the color from

Javellewater.
i

of

pound

taken

be

cannot

Too

materials.
in the

much

caution
pre-

rinsing.

"

washing-soda

dissolved

in

quart of boiling

water

of chloride

^2 pound

dissolved

of lime

in

quarts of

cold water

Pour

the

clear

liquid from

solution into the dissolved

settle and

then

cork, and

keep in

arabic.

Gum

"

the

pour
a

dark

Gum

the

soda.

chloride
Let

of lime

the mixture

liquid into bottles;

place.

clear

arabic

solution

is often

used

where
stiffeningmaterials
color of the starch would
be objectionthe white
able.
be used for fine organdies, laces,and
It may
dark-colored
silks.
It is also used
materials,
on

in place of starch

so

as

to avoid

marring the

the

for

danger of whiteness
of the

appearance

be made

material.
and

then

A
used

solution

of gum

in water

according to the material and the stiffness

Simply to give body to materials, as in
of silks and laces,a solution used in the

desired.

the

case

arabic

dark

of the starch

can

HANDBOOK

170

proportion of one-quarter
solution

to

Gum

arabic

Pour

keep

quart of

one

the

solution.

ounce

cup

of

cup

is

water

of gum
of

of gum

arabic

satisfactory.

"

arabic

boiling water

boilingwater
hot

over

CLEANING

OF

over

until

water

the gum
arabic, and
When
all dissolved.

cool, strain

through a cheese-cloth, pour into a

Sometimes
bottle, cork, and keep for future use.
tion
one
tablespoonfulof alcohol is added to the soluit is to be kept a very long time,
when
Wax
Wax.
is essential for rubbing on irons so
be kept in good condition.
It
that they may
If it is not
be bought especiallyfor irons.
may
or
purchased in special form, either beeswax
be used.
It should be tied in a
paraffinwax
may
cloth before applying to the iron.
"

Oxalic
in

acid.

removing
When

stains.

"

Oxalic

iron

rust,

used

cold solution.

acid
some

is of great assistance

ink, and

hot it acts

more

some

fruit

readily than

applicationof oxalic acid

should be followed
nia
by an application of ammoand
water
thorough rinsing. Oxalic acid is
It is purbe used with care.
poisonous and must
chased
Used
in the proporin crystallineform.
tion
of one
of
teaspoonful of crystals to one
cup
though
it is effective for many
stains, alboiling water
need to be increased if
the strength may
in

stains

are

obstinate.

The

LAUNDRY

THE

Tariaric

acid.

proportions

Tartaric

rust

and

stains.

It

crystallineform.
Hydrochloric acid,

strong and

eats

acid is used

acid

oxalic

as

iron
in

"

171

is beneficial
is also

It is also

the

is

used

same

in

moving
re-

purchased

Hydrochloric acid

"

the fabric unless

caution.

in the

is very

with

extreme

poison. Perhaps the safest

of using it is to place the stained
portion of
way
the article over
bowl
of hot water
a
containing
borax in the proportion of one
teaspoonful to each
The
acid should then be applied
quart of water.
drop by drop until the stain changes color, and
then dipped immediately into the water.
If the
stain has not disappeared,the treatment
should be
repeated until it does disappear. A medicineAfter
dropper is an easy way to drop the acid.
spot

and

in

then

excellent

obliterated

rinsed

thoroughly

in

clear

the

article

ammonia

water.

should

borax

or

Hydrochloric

be

water

acid

is

removing iron rust and ink stains.

Solvents." Naphtha, benzine, gasoline,ether and
chloroform, all of which
are
extremely volatile,
oils and
useful for removing
These
are
grease.
be used with extreme
must
they should be
care;
used out of doors or by an
window.
They
open
should
kind.
and
home

for

be used

never

The

vapors

therefore
there

of these

sink,
should

floor to insure

where

their

so

be

that
a

there
are

if

is

flame

all heavier

they

current

are

of any
than air,

used

of air

near

in the
the

quick removal.
Kerosene, turpentine,carbon tetrachloride,and

HANDBOOK

72

alcohol

used

not
a

near

chalk.

French

dirt and

absorb

to

and

earth

Fullers'

be used

should

of them

None

and

solvents

good

also

are

CLEANING

OF

flame.

These

"

The

grease.

volatile.

so

are

material,

or

with
the
portion to be cleaned, is covered
powder and allowed to stand several hours until
The
the dirt is removed.
powder is then shaken
If not
from
the material.
brushed
cleaned,
or
the

apply

the

Salt.

Salt

"

is

for

good frictional agent

cleaning of irons.
of

again.

treatment

same

It is also

stains

beneficial in the

moval
re-

setting of colors.
Alum.
Alum
is useful for clearing water, for
setting colors, and it is also used for rendering
some

and

the

in the

"

non-inflammable.

clothes
two

of alum

ounces

water

and

and

dissolved

are

the

articles

children's

dresses

this

For

in

rinsed

are

last

gallon of

one

in it.

Curtains

submitted

sometimes

are

purpose

to this treatment.

Plenty of soft
essential
Air

all times.
but
chemicals
Other

will

For
on

hand

the

good soap
successful
laundry

should

then

and

sunshine

which

the

than

and

they

and

worse

for

where

reagents

or

water

they

last state

be

cannot

in

to

be

be

must

of the

used
used

work

at

able,
valu-

very

had

take

part

need

also

are

solutel
ab-

are

there

their

place.

only
with

textile may

are

sionally,
occa-

gence
intellibe

far

the first.
usual

of reagents

amounts

for household

use

see

to

be

Chapter XXVI.

kept

HANDBOOK

174

OF

CLEANING

stains

left on material.
Dust may
change when
also gather on the spot.
Between
decomposition
and dust there is every
possibilityfor us to get a
with which
to deal.
more
complicated substance
take
To
stains the simplest means
out
any
should
be tried first,but if the stain resists,a
more

method

severe

stain

long standing and

is of

usually

weaken

may

to

necessary

to

obstinate

very

resort

When

it is

which

means

fiber.

the

Practically all stains

are

if first soaked

in

which

obstinate

become

used.

be

must

cold

easily removed

more

and

water,

old

when

removed

while

that

stream

will strike

material

is stretched

many

stains

are

entirely

by this same
soaking in cold
water.
Boiling water
poured through many
stains which
have
in cold
already been soaked
will obliterate them
water
entirely. The boiling
effective if poured from a height so
is more
water
the

If the

fresh

The

easily accomplished.
of

teakettle

will

methods
be

may

colored

on

injury

Sometimes
water

order

to have

way

our

it will

be

kept

is

wet

to

all the

either

of

these

white

goods

the treatment

but

harmed,

delicate
cold

sunshine.

one.

and

The

it is in the

effective.

grandmothers bleached

we

possibilityof

some

time

is

spout

stain resists both

yield

this

the

is not

color, especiallyif
if

must

If

force.

from

stain from

there

bowl

stream

the material

articles
the

to

remove

spot with

over

is excellent.

that

sure

the

This

ing
boil-

article
sun

in

is the

their fabrics.

In

LAUNDRY

THE

stains

winter

be

can

175

removed

and

materials

The
by allowing the article to freeze.
the water
is retained
stain yields because
in the
The
removal
of stains by
goods for a long time.

bleached

of

means

to white

only

method

and

sunshine

and

cotton

affects

freezing

applicable

linen materials.
and

colors

is

also

silk

Either
and

wool

fibers.

be too

much

emphasized that stains

the earliest opportunity
should
be removed
at
after the mishap, and, if possible,before washday,
that
the housewife
not
so
begrudge
may
time.
In all cases
the necessary
them
they must
before
be removed
they are put in soapy
water,
If it is
which
has
a
tendency to set stains.
It cannot

an

alkali

the

action

of

use

that

resort

to

necessary

of

acid must

an

vice

and
where

the

stain

has

appeared.
working in the

been

This

was

material

not

that

us

the

forgotten
be

the

application
by that of an alkali,
and

removed
the

with

familiar

are

later

cases
a

hole

result of the reagent

after

it had

stain,when, if it had itself in

of the material

the texture

be

as

itself must

reagent

followed
of

such

means,

must

means

Most

has

the

of

be

versa.

acid, it

or

This

counteracted.

other

to

turn

would

eradicated
been
have

cated,
eradi-

been

unharmed.
In

removing
there is only one
the

stain

safe

reagent, whether
more

severe

in

from

colored

materials

that is, to try

thing to do
it be boilingwater
thing
someor
its action, on a piece of the
"

HANDBOOK

i76

Whether

first.

material

CLEANING

OF

or

the

no

color

is

depends entirely upon

For
in the fabric.
the dye used
instance, two
alike, but unless
pieces of blue cotton may
appear
dye they will
they have been dyed in the same
harmed

by the

treatment

in

same

react

not

the

The

way.

color

in

one

destroyed by the application of boiling

whereas
the other
the
might withstand
water,
and also a weak
action of boiling water
acid, such
be

might

as

acid.

oxalic

Age stains, such as

removed
by bleaching
Blood.

Cold

"

blood

stains.

soapy

water.

Where

thing

This

paste is put
does

stain

If the

use

is

can

water
a

linen,

be

used

then

be

spot and

of

washed

stains, such

Brass

cloth, brass, and

with

with

Chocolate.
Cocoa.

"

as

so

grease

washed

moisture

are

as

left

length of time, should

considerable

soap
"

See

Cocoa

to

used

in
the

starch.

raw

left until

applied again and

This
the spot is entirely obliterated.
will not injure the finest materials.
"

on

dry.

disappear the paste should

until
again in the same
way

not

be

Brass.

be

can

first

be

cannot

paste made
the

on

on

sun.

should

article

The

to

in the

water

best

finds

one

soften

and

the

treatment

when

appear

together for
be

first treated

material

and

stains if

neglected

then

water.

Cocoa.
and

chocolate

and
often, if of
especiallyhard to remove,
be eradicated
long standing, they cannot
very
In any
without
case
destroying the material.
are

LAUNDRY

THE

177

they should be sprinkled with borax before being

ing
and then, after soaking, boilplaced in cold water
should
be poured through them.
water
and
coffee
tea
sprinkled on
Coffee. Borax
stains before placing in cold water
usually hastens
"

removal

the

yield to boiling water.

old, soaking in glycerine for

If the

often

aid

its removal.

in

often

short

and

Coffee

obstinate, and

very

stains

These

stain.

the

of

they

bleached; natural bleaching by the

be used.
water
(see page 168) may
and
Cream.
meat
Milk, cream,

is

will often
stains

tea

then

stain

tea

time

very

are

be

must

Javelle

or

sun

juice (which
less grease)
or

"

with it more
always has combined
and
then
removed
are
by soaking in cold water
These
water.
spots usually
washing in soapy
If they do not
disappear with this treatment.
yield,they can be bleached.
Alcohol
Colored
inks.
is usually sufficient to
inks.
stains of colored
They also yield
remove
"

to

colored
Fruit.
common

Alcohol

solution.

ammonia

goods, but ammonia

Fruit

"

of

difficult to

stains

all stains
if

remove

should

not

be

so

on

used.

doubtless

the

most

table-linen

and

very

are
on

used

be

may

neglected.

Almost

all fruit-

and
pectose, a sticky and
juices contain
sugar
ents,
Because
of these constitugumlike substance.
poured on fresh fruit stains
boiling water
removes

them,

pectose, just

jelly,which

as
we

as

is

it dissolves
all know

combination

the

sugar

it would
of

and

the

dissolve

fruit-juiceand

the

If, however,

sugar.
in the

the

material

frost,

or

is allowed

to stand

removing

is not

of

bleached

be

to

acid

oxalic

by

even

stain

process

need

It may

simple.

CLEANING

OF

HANDBOOK

178

by
Javelle

or

so
or

sun

water.

be used
should
Javelle water
given in Chapter
according to the directions
invariably be rinsed
XVII, and the article must
ammonia

in

The

and

acid

oxalic

The

and

water

difficult fruit

most

clear

in

then

stain

with

water.

which

one

It very
seldom, even
peach stain.
Sometimes
when
fresh, yields to boiling water.
oxalic acid, and
it will yield to Javelle water
or
be removed
it can
sometimes
by bleaching in the

has

to

sun

or

deal

freezing.

Grass.

If

"

naphtha

alcohol

where
molasses

or

may

be

stain

turns

Grease.

ammonia

the

on

When

an

usually be taken

can

will

if that

but

soap,

dissolve

solvents

remember

it has

been

out

immediately,
alcohol.

In

may

affect the

soap

and

and

cases

colors,

cooking-soda
washed

is washable,

with

moves
re-

the

left until

be

can

article

clothes.

warm

water

out.
grease

and

possible,ether or gasoline
Vaseline
also yields to these
gasoline),but it is important

is not

it.

(ether

it

article is to

children's

does

stain

Then

color.

"

so

paste of white

placed

whole

if used

water,

or

of

case

stains, and

these

usually sufficient.

is

if the

the

in

as

and

Ammonia

to

method

in

washing

new,

are

cold water

and

best

washed,

stains

grass

soap

is the

This
be

is

or

that

vaseline

washed

in.

cannot

See

be removed
also

Pitch.

after

LAUNDRY

THE

Indelible
their

inks.

indelible

Many

"

this the

have

inks

as

nitrate, and

silver

constituent

main

179

to

thing is potassium cyanide,

a
deadly poison. It is usually used in a ten per
be thoroughly
cent, solution, and
must, of course,
In
washed
must
not
out.
using it the hands

remove

best

in contact

come

with

It is best

them.
indelible

inks

it if there

the

dyes. These
injuring the material.
"

Sometimes

get, stains, but

about

them

stain

common

most

know

we

we

and

the

at

difficult that

have

we

were

it
matter

when
own

would
to

then

every

formula,

and

where

deal

know

the

At

the most

one

of the

with

is ink.

composition

caused

the

the

his ink

different

from

it is

age
dam-

simple

present

makes

that

we

nothing

comparatively

wonder
for

to

spot.

one

time

of

without

Perhaps

has

manufacturer

formula?, is it any
find

be

the

remove

know

same

possible for us to
of the particular ink which
If it

we

them.

see

made

removed

and

on

Many

are

how

often

more

until

time
be

cannot

cuts

any

brush.

present

aniline

Ink.

with

applied

at

are

time,

from
all

his

other

impossible

to

all ink

spots? In the first

should
be applied, and
often it
place, cold water
will wash
fresh ink stain.
out
a
Here, as in the
should
of all other stains, gentle means
treatment
be used first. If cold water, the gentlest of all,
is ineffective,then lemon-juice and
salt or milk
is the next to try.
In using lemon-juice and salt
one

remedy

the stain is covered

with

paste made

of the two

HANDBOOK

i8o

and

sunshine.

placed in the

removed
should

before

it has

added.

The

be

to have

in order

CLEANING

OF

dried,
stain

the

stain

If the
more

be

must

is not

lemon-juice
ened
kept moistIf it

reagent effective.

impossible to place the stain in the sunshine,

and
is a fairlygood substitute
steam
holding over
is

hastens

is used, the

If milk

action.

the

stain

is

colored
displaced in the milk, and as the milk becomes
Then
the stain is allowed
it is changed.
this
until it disappears, and
to stay in the milk
after the milk has soured.
usually occurs
Salts

of

is often

lemon

used

on

ink

stains.

lemon-juice and
is chemically potassium
Salts
of lemon
salt.
binoxalate, and it is a poisonous compound which
of crystals. To
in the form
apply, it is
comes
and
the stain, and
moistened
placed on
again
This

must

helps the

sun

acid
in

not

also

can

by
when

used

acids, and

are

Another

be

an

acid

these

other

acid

according
We

therefore
as

many

means

tartaric

the directions

they

times

be

must

ammonia
removes

that

or

lowed
fol-

borax.
stains

failed is hydrochloric

acid,and therefore it must

with
be used
Hydrochloric acid is
more
care.
stronger than oxalic and tartaric acids, and unless
the action
is stopped immediately
by an alkali
is also
the fabric will be destroyed. Javelle water
It is applied
beneficial in removing ink stains.
in the same
for all stains.
(See page 168.)
as
way
acid.

This

is a stronger

have

to

and

remember

must

alkali, such
which

with

Oxalic

action.

XVII.

Chapter

these

confused

be

HANDBOOK

182

is formed, and
acids

CLEANING

OF

do dissolve in water.

these

These

for ink
exactly the same
as
way
stains.
Lemon-juice and salt can also be used on
iron rust stains if not of too long standing. This
is applied the same
for ink stains.
as
Kerosene.
Kerosene
wash
be
on
goods can
used

are

in

"

washed
which

treated

absorbed

with

with

stand

to

water, but

Fullers'

by

portion is covered
allowed

and

soap

be

cannot

be

can

with

out

water,

until

the

earth.

the

materials

on

The

Fullers'

the. earth

kerosene
stained

earth

and

absorbs

the

kerosene.

Machine-oil.
washed
When

out

with

out

it has

it is not

Machine

"

neutral

oil

can

and

soap

got into the stitching on

advisable

in

gasoline or
Meat-juice. See
"

Medicine.

wash

to

it, it

can

usually be
cold

water.

dress

be

and

dissolved

benzine.
Cream.

Medicine

stains

in most

yield
Iodine
stains, however, yield
readily to alcohol.
more
readily to ether or chloroform, although if
not badly set they are soluble in alcohol.
Mildew.
stain

"

Mildew

"

because

is different

it is

mold

from

cases

any

other

and, like all plants, it

and moisture
Like
for growth.
requires warmth
other molds, strong sunlight will kill it,so that if
the

cloth

is dried

stopped, but
bleached.

depends

The
upon

Sometimes

the
ease

how

sunlight the growth is

material
is not
necessarily

in strong

with

which

it

long the mold

the spots

can

can

has

be removed
been

be removed

ing.
grow-

if

they

LAUNDRY

THE

covered

are

with

183

lemon-juice

and

in the

placed

with
a
sunlight. If the stain is covered
layer of soap jellymixed with pulverized chalk and
pear.
disapexposed to the sunlight it will sometimes
have
all the other means
Sometimes, when
will take out
the stain, but
failed, Javelle water
direct

it is

impossible

had

chance

The
not

best

to

left moist

and

especiallyif it
is dark, there
Clothes

grow.

for

is to

has

cloth

When

with.

and
is

length of time, and

is rolled up tight so that the inside
is every
to
opportunity for mold
often
mildew
if left dampened
for

warm

in

long time

mold

long.
guard against mildew

contend

it to

if the

success

too

grow

way

have

to

insure

to

weather, and

warm

sometimes,

and
left on
the
are
being bleached
extended
it is
for an
length of time when
and there is no
sunshine, they mildew.

if clothes
grass
warm

Milk.
Mice.

kept

are

See

"

Cream.

Mouse

"

stains

in drawers

removed
Paint.

are

in empty

houses.

by bleaching in the
Paint

"

spots

can

found

often

on

They

clothes
are

best

by

pentine,
tur-

sun.

be

removed

chloroform.
The
benzine, naphtha, or
cate
last two
are
especiallygood for colored and delifabrics.
Any of these reagents dissolve out
the oil which
holds
the other ingredients of the
paint in solution, and then the insoluble portion
can

be brushed

softened
both

with

good

"

If the spot is old it should

off.
grease

before

"

cottonseed-oil

and

applying the solvent.

lard
On

be
are

non-

HANDBOOK

184

OF

CLEANING

fully
caregoods the solvent should be most
used, and to prevent spreading it should
toward
of the spot
the center
always be rubbed
much
as
as
possible. It is also a help to surround
chalk or
the spot with a powder, such as French
starch, to absorb the surplus liquid. Turpentine,
unless pure, may
leave a resinous residue, but this

washable

can

be

dissolved

in

alcohol.

from
woolen
terial
maeasily removed
if it is dealt with
immediately, while the
paint is still wet, by rubbing the part touched by
and
the
clean
paint with another
part of the
integrat
material.
The
paint, being wet, is easily disand
absorbed.
White
paint on black
wool will disappear entirelyby this process, but it
is well to have
the article cleaned
immediately in
gasoline. This is not because there is any danger
Paint

of the

be

may

reappearance

of the

paint, but

for cleanliness.

that the greatalways be remembered

est
in using benzine, gasoline,
be taken
must
care
chloroform, as
naphtha, and
they are
highly
It must

inflammable.

Varnish

stains

are

treated

in

the

be
paint, except that they cannot
removed
by rubbing with the material.
moved
Perspiration. Stains from perspiration are reand
by moistening with water
placing in
sunshine, or, if badly discolored, as around the tops
of collars,the article is bleached
more
readily if it
before
is dipped in soap
solution
placing in the
sunshine.
Very badly stained collars will yieldto
same

way

as

"

LAUNDRY

THE

and

this treatment
If this method

Javelle

to

without

Pitch.

the

be

will

article

bleached

is much

process

Pitch, tar, and

"

with

with
and

soap

The

water.

softened

be

cannot

harder

material.

the

on

injure the material.

be used, resort
be had
can

it will not

doubt, but

185

and

grease

after

then

they

Sometimes

turpentine.

water

need

wagon-grease

the

be

can

to
moved
re-

in

washing

application

of grease

is

the

is

sufficient.
Scorch.

scorch

If the

"

is not

the material

and

only
injured it

best way
to do
it in the sunshine.
The

out.

place

obtainable

will take

water,

the

out

Tar"

See

Pitch.

Tea."

See

Coffee.

Wagon-grease.

"

See

surface

be bleached

can

this is to moisten
Where

bleaching agent,

on

it and

sunshine

no

such

is

Javelle

as

scorch.

Pitch.

be
possible should
scraped off, but it should not be scraped so close
material
that the threads
to the
roughened.
are
be
Most, if not all, of the remaining wax
may
removed
by placing a piece of blotting-paper
under
the spot and another
it, and then apover
plying
Wax.

"

the

As

much

wax

as

hot

iron.

The

heat

blotting-paper absorbs

removed
benzine.

the

If there

drippings from
with

rest

alcohol.

may

be

is color

colored

it.

melts

the

and

wax

If it is not

dissolved

left,as

candles, it

in

entirely
gasoline or

in the
can

be

case

removed

of

HANDBOOK

186

Wine
at

stains.

If

it.

stains.
dried

in

cold

water,

and

it will

68.

This

been

will

considerations.

material,

whether

probable
points are

composition

nearly
fatal

be

leaving
Is not

Javelle

directions

to

on

it, but

unless

the

the

spot

stain

consider

the

kind

has

the
the

can't

The

first

white

spot,

white

spot

the

and

thought, but

of spots

removing

is

and

an

little

is

it any

ink

an

of

does

good

deal

the
a

forethought.

to

stain

color,
stain.

black

spot?

require

time

of satisfaction

spot without

usually

as

often

requisite is

the

as

stains

can

is

removing

not

in

make

expense

obstinate
This

It

take

ugly

as

there

material.
with

the

at

stain,

material

"I

say

this."

the

remove

the

three

is to choose

possible.

as

of
the

All

stain.

only

tellige
in-

color, and

problem

leave

to

dress

blue

intelligence. To

some

removal

the

of

will not

ready

The

in

If,

remove

it

no

condition

I'll try

so

of

or

time

same

good

exercise
out

which

the

to

worse,

water

stain.

treatment,

To

"

important, and

reagent
at

absorb

material,

the

out

it out

first

must

one

but

take

to

boiling

usually bleach

to

placed

white

pouring
this

be

badly neglected.

General

the

helps

according

ought

water

on

resist

used

be

This

usually take

it should

can

boiling
has

wine
has

however,

possible, salt should

wine

through

page

CLEANING

the

soaking

water

If

"

fresh

on

once

OF

be

ing
ruinplished
accom-

XIX

WHITE

LAUNDRY:

THE

is

fibers

the

for

in

its

also

and

twist

give

intervals.

An

microscope

is

and

cotton

Weak

out

fibers,
with

fibers

have

formation
and

transparent
indented

are

these

at

under

and

have

they
then

to

in

stay

dissolve

will

solvent

if allowed
to

provided
water

the

at

lightness

of

acids

acids

mineral

tened,
flat-

interesting.

most

allowed

they

enough

agents

long,

long

examination

linen
If

length.

is

reason

thicker

certain

this

tubular

which

walls

mineral

Strong

The
it

is

slightly

fiber

linen

smooth

with

tube

center.

consist

cleansing

fiber
is

work

both
for

to

cotton

the

The

elasticity.

and

ferent
dif-

the

laundry

fibers

way

which

tube
in

than

edges

linen

same

The

twisted

doing

cellulose,

the

chemicals.

and

the

of

part

most

respond

they

and

of

structure

in

help

Cotton

general.

in

the

of

understanding

AN

MATERIALS

for

material

material

only
are

remain

the

the

action

entirely.

slight

in

any

long

effect

thoroughly

rinsed

on

ammonia

on

washed
to

HANDBOOK

i88

in

remain

most

to
seen

durabilityof

be affected.

may

Hydrochloric acid,
is the

be

not

may

but, nevertheless, the

immediately,
the material

its effect

fabric

the

is allowed

acid

If the

action.

the

counteract

CLEANING

OF

called

often

acid

mineral

common

muriatic

acid,

used

in

the

it with
use
Every housekeeper must
noted
in Chapter XVII.
Organic acids,
acetic, tartaric, oxalic, and citric,have

household.
as

care,

such

as

little

or

action

no

allowed

unless

moistened

difficulties.
both

used

when

and

cotton

linen

strong

soap

cotton

and

If used
and
to

with

then

we

sufficient precaution,

organic acids
stains

remove

later

are

be

may

from

washing-soda,

of

have

little

white

or

borax, and

harmful

no

effect

fabrics, provided the fabrics

linen

left in the

then

fibers

materials.

solutions

Weak

linen

If this is done,

mineral

necessary

and

on

ironed.

and

cotton

dry

to

and

get into

the

on

are

line
long time.
Strong alkasolutions, for a very short time, do not injure
and
linen fabrics,but beyond a very brief
cotton
not

of time

space

neither

cotton

limited

use

is

there

be

can

If
but

no

solution

on

of

acids

color

washed

should
in

be
as

to

and

are

in white

considerable

should

soak

Because

injured by

alkalies, and

consider

with

is not

fabrics

linen

nor

possible,we

ones

is deleterious.

their action

removed

if that

because

goods, stains
ease.

all white

materials,

soiled
possible,at least the most
be
soaked.
then
They should

many

soapy

waters

as

necessary,

HANDBOOK

igo

OF

CLEANING

by ironing table-linen just after wringing it from

worth
the time
and
the last rinsing-water are
There
is no
strength that it entails.
question of
the beauty of the result, but let us hope that we
of using our
time
and
all question the wisdom
Table-linen
strength in this way!
dampened
broom, rolled tightly with
evenly with a whisk
and
the hems
in, wrapped in a
selvages turned
several hours,
to stand
heavy cloth, and allowed
with
most
usually be ironed
satisfactory
can
results.
Another

which

way

laundresses

some

to

use

of the
putting one-half
in boiling water,
dried table-cloth
wringing as
the dry
dry as possible,folding the wet half over
half, and rollingtightly. With napkins the same
the
out
idea is carried
by wringing one-half
of boiling water,
number
of napkins out
then
placing the napkins in a pile,alternating the wet
and
and dry ones,
rolling tightly. In any case
the aim should be for plenty of dampness evenly

get

dampening

even

is

distributed.

ironing table-linen,heavy irons and pressure

best
for the
results.
are
Ironing a
necessary
table is easier than
table-cloth on
board,
on
a
a
In

as

at

of

it is
one

the

possible to expose
time, thus doing away
cloth.

All

partly dry on the

the right side.
Table-cloths

are

much

so

with

table-linen
wrong

folded

wrong

so

much

should

side and

surface

more

moving
be

ironed

entirely dry
side

out,

on

with

FOLDING

OF

HOUSE-LINEN

LAUNDRY

THE

selvages together
ironed

then

and

both

on

191

corners

halves

They

even.

of

are

the

side.
wrong
pulled into shape the

carefullythey are
be stored with just
easier the ironing. If they can
the center
they are then ironed on both
crease,
The

more

folds are necesright side. If more

sary
for storing,the cloth is ironed first on but onehalf of the right side,opened out, and the selvage
edges folded to within one-half inch of the center
The
one
rough surface thus exposed is
crease,
halves

of the

the

After
loose

creases

again

is ironed

cloth

sides, and
in

made

crease

creases

in

both

on

are

ironing,it

crosswise

the

on

folds

the

on

center

ironed.

rough surface

last

entire

folded

It is then
the

and

ironed

then

In

side.

other

and

crease

this

way

the

the

right and wrong

all uniform.
gram.)
(See dia-

may

for

table-cloth, the

be

rolled

storing.

or

The

placed
fewer

better.

Napkins should be placed on the board with the

selvages parallelto the edge of the board, wrong
side up, with the initial in the upper
right-hand
if it is so placed that that is possible. The
corner
napkin should be ironed partly dry on the wrong
be brought to
side, then the lower edge should
inch of the upper
within
half an
edge, and this
folded edge is then brought
surface ironed.
The
to about
a
selvage,
quarter of an inch of upper
Now
and this surface ironed.
the left-hand edge
is folded to about
one-half
inch of the right-hand
edge, ironed, and the folded edge is brought over
and
made
with
the outer
edge.
absolutely even

HANDBOOK

192

OF

is ironed, and

This
ironed

the

napkin is turned
By not making

last surface.

the

on

then

CLEANING

and
the

folds

is made
for the
quite together, allowance
pushing out of the material by the folding that
A well-ironed
follows.
napkin has good square
and no
the
corners
projecting edges. Sometimes
crosswise
folds are
not
pressed in at all,as many
is
people think that the surface broken
by creases
unattractive.
Small
(See diagram.)
napkins
folded
crosswise
once
are
by bringing two edges
twice
together and then creased
lengthwise so
that

the monogram
is on top.
Doilies are
ironed on
the wrong

on

the

on

right side.

The

roll.

paper

doilies is described

Colored

be

in

Chapter

materials

in

then

stored

flat

or

XXI.

treated

are

and

of embroidered

treatment

table-linens

colored

other

should

They

side

the

the

same

washing

as

and

ironing.
Bed-linen.

sides, and

Sheets

"

they

as

are

with

system,

attention.

The

end

handled

and

part of the sheet.

and

wrong

thus

This

some

the

they

part may
wide

usually the
end

must

both

on

be

must

escape

hem

is the

most

soiled

well

soaped

well rubbed.

The
the

or

with
thus

washed

cumbersome

so

be attacked

most

be

must

center

most

of

attention.

side out
until

Sheets

the

in the

dampened
should

be

pillow-casesshould receive
be
should
turned
They
of washing, and left
process
for ironing.
hung like table-cloths, the

LAUNDRY

THE

193

Pillow-cases
are
hung
"long way" of the cloth.
If hung by the
opposite the hems.
by the seam
hem
they are likelyto be torn by the force of the
wind
blowing into them, with no escape at the
there is undue
opposite end, and if hemstitched
the

stitching.
The
folding of sheets is
people. The
by two
brought together, having
are
and
The
pulled until even.

strain

on

folded

then

back

hems
the

sheet

of the

sides out,

wrong

ends

hemmed
side

either

on

plished
easily accom-

more

the

to

are

center

right side of the hems are out.

Sheets
turned
Pillow-cases
are
right side out.
and
pillow-cases are but slightly dampened, and
crease,

so

that

the

mostly
Many

at

the

hems.

like

people leave sheets unironed

fresh

the

of

smell

sun-dried

hem, and

hem.

If the

then

irons

wrinkles

the

the

taken

are

are

side with

side with

and

hot

are

In

pressure

the

the

on

they

material.

and

ironing sheets, heavy irons

They are ironed on
necessary.
narrow

because

wide

the

ficient,
suf-

pressure

of the

out

the

center

by the ironing of the ends.

inside of the hems

The
be

ironed

first.

side, and
the

end

ironed

Then

if ironed
and

away

collect.

side
from

it should

beginning
seams

the

be

edge

should

folded
be

over

folded

at

be

ironed

the

corner

the

seam,

where

and

third

the

one

where
will be

usually they
of

ironed, then

over,

on

wrinkles

meet,

Slightly less than

should

pillow-caseshould

of the

the
the

case

other

exposed rough

HANDBOOK

194

CLEANING

OF

side ironed, and

the

then

whole

turned

and

last

rough side ironed.

Body-clothes. In
"

attention

be

must

armholes.

They
first suds, and

side in the
second

suds.

should

be washed

the

on

boiler

If

hems

is

no

mutilated
The

the

be

off.

taken

amount

thickness

is used

should

wrung.

they

If

little

any

starch

they will
garment
is used

care

article

to

buttons

be fed to the

the whole

garment

the

that

that

why
wringer.
of the

the

turn

Materials

folds, so

of

to

flat,so

reason

in

side in the

the

on

them

also to have

wringer in even
will be evenly
there

one

first

must

care

be forced

not

only

the wrong
wash-water

on

right side,and then

side.
Before
putting into the
bands
and
should
be soaped.
In

wrong

wringing,
inside,and

washing body-linen especial

paid to hems, neck-bands, and
should
be washed
the right
on

should

be starched

be

and

depend

greatly on
for the trimming
The
starch
individual
taste.
than
for the body of the garbe thinner
should
ment.
A
good proportion for the body of the
and
is one
one-half
tablespoonfuls of
garments
ming,
starch to one
quart of boiling water; and for trimone-half
to
tablespoonful of starch
one
The
thinner
starch
can
quart of boiling water.
made
All
be
by diluting the thicker starch.
cooked

starch

should

be

used

very

starch

wringing garments

out

of the

be rubbed

between

the

fingersso

the starch

with

fabric.

the

as

hot.

After

they should
to help blend

THE

LAUNDRY

195

general, the following garments or

cuffs and
yoke
garments are starched:
In

and

hems

of drawers,

(in thin starch), ruffle

cover

half, and

sometimes

starch), the
entire

wind

if it

starch

should

clothes
be

skirt

lower

(in thin

sometimes

or

the

combination

All white

if

possible,as

be

not

avoided.

out.

sun

corset-

drawers.

and

can

dress,
night-

the

or

(in thin starch),and

garment

Starched

of skirt

chemises

of

entire

whole

the

of

tops

corset-covers

the

tucks

parts of

The

clothes
this

hung

wind

be

the

hung

whiten

to

the

blows

should

helps

in

in

them.

side out.
The
hung wrong
of hanging are
good: nightdress
following ways
by one side of lower hem, skirt by one side of lower
side of
by band, chemise
by one
hem, drawers
combinations
hem, corset-cover
by band, and

All clothes

through

center

Starched
line

as

be

should

or

by

should

garments
as

soon

dry

be well moistened,

band.

the

and

but

be

taken

dampened.
not

wet.

from

They

If too

wet

the
must

there

be

of the iron sticking.

difficultyon account
These
general rules facilitate the ironing:
Iron laces and embroideries
first,as they dry
1.
of their porous
out
nature.
quickly because
more

may

2.

will
which

3.

Iron

least

be
a

that

part of the

mussed

by further

next

slight wrinkle will not be

with good appearance.

Leave

consistent

as

with

much
ease

of the
in

garment

handling
a

garment

ironing so

as

serious

folded
to

which
or

in

ference
inter-

as

retain

is
as

HANDBOOK

i96

moisture

much
to

the

retain

part with

cloth

article, large

any

ironed

be

it must

originalshape

It is sometimes

with

For

instance, if

diagonally

the

threads

across

of with

prevent

the

threads

small, in its

or

of the material.

instead

to

wise

of moisture.

evaporation

To

possible.

as

the unironed

cover

CLEANING

OP

the

threads

skirt is ironed

along the seams,

of the material, almost
or

invariably the result is a sagging skirt. Also

wrinironing with the threads ought to prevent kling
the

at

Under

seams.

garments

are

ironed

in

the

following

order:

(2) sleeves, (3)

Nightdresses. (i) Trimming,
The
be ironed double
yoke, (4) body.
body may
it may
be ironed
or
a
single by placing over
"

board.
Drawers.

(i) Trimming,

"

(2) tucks, (3) body,

(4) band.
Skirt."

(i) Ruffle, (2) hem, (3) body.

Corset-covers.
(i) Trimming,
(2) fronts, (3)
back, (4) peplum.
Chemise.
(i) Trimming, (2) body. The body
"

"

of the chemise
used

for the

Laces

pad

and

may

be ironed

in either of the ways

nightdress.
embroideries

should

be

ironed

on

Laces
are
bring out the pattern.
often simply pulled into shape.
scribed
All this is dein Chapter XXI.
The
itself,
garment
be ironed
the right side so
however, should
on
to give better finish.
as
so

as

to

THE

and

Cr"pe
If

LAUNDRY

seersucker

197

require

garments

lace-trimmed,

the

should

lace

ing.
iron-

no

be

pulled

shape.

into
In
be

laundering
have

to

This

washing,

If

ironing.
is

materials
It

ironing.
of

which

do

if

enough
14

"

require

not

our

clothes

there

is

to

better

iron

ironing
of

fabric
time

not

all

use

the

clothes

thorough
and

careful

to

laundry

given

the

that

do

have

to

amount

should

housewife

clothing

and

by

affect

not

the

much

clothes,

our

all

for
is

be

should
wrinkles.

drying,

can

should
but

from

only

good

that

that

clothing,

choose

have

time

limited

clean

some

the

free

obtained

rinsing,

object

the

articles

be

can

careful

work

materials

snowy-white

result

of

white

not

require

well

ironed

cre'py

some

for

well.

materials
than

others,

which

enough

then

requires
"

or

to

ing
iron-

strength

XX

HP

HE

of

art

that

not

color

the
fibers
do

are

take

not

colors

Some

fibers.

generally

considered

lavenders,

but

of

any

In

little
until

color

dealing

safer

far

the

it

be

washing,
This

reagent

for

way

to

last

removing

the

setting

and

stable

pinks

the

are

and

blues

about

it

fastness

stain

is

always

first, whether

sample
color,

especially

is

linen

more

materials

try

they

washed.

been

colored

with

by

stains.

it has

linen

and

than

told

be

can

and

themselves

cotton

reds

stronger

care

consequently

considered

are

with

that

attach

the

instance,

For

others.

than

Dyes
with

unite

cotton

and

does

treatment

resistant

readily,

easily.

than

rather

to

dyes

up

them

lose

they

and

now

this

that

The

tough

very

so

are

same

means

retained.

be

may

only

it

materials;

white

as

the

great

so

However,

stand

can

to

materials

color.

in

they

that

mean

improved
wash

many

fast

comparatively

MATERIALS

has

dyeing

extent

an

COLORED

LAUNDRY:

THE

or

removing

important.
should

always

A
be

LAUNDRY

THE

tried out

first

otherwise

the

sample of

on

199

result

colored

be

may

material;
than

worse

the

stain.

Dyers

chemical

use

between

union

substances

the

material

called

are

also

substances

can

use

to

and

cause

the

dye.

mordants.

The

either

mordants,

firmer
These
keeper
house-

for the

pose
pur-

strengthening a weak color or for making

all colors fast.
In general, it is better to set all
Even
colors.
stockings retain a better color if
of

the

color

The

is set in them.

household

of lead, and

mordants
These

alum.

of one-half

cup

of

salt,vinegar, sugar

are
are

used

vinegar

in the tion
proporof salt
two
cups

or

tablespoonful of alum or one tablespoonful

The maof sugar of lead to each gallon of water.
terial
or

one

in which

soaked

color

the

is to

be

set

should

be

overnight, if possible,and
should be thoroughly dried before being submitted
The
effect of the salt and
is
water
to washing.
of lead
said not
to be lasting. In using sugar
be taken, as it is a poison. The
must
care
dant
morproperty of vinegar is due to the acetic acid.
Sugar of lead is lead acetate, a salt of acetic acid.
girl
An
interesting thing happened to a schooldress in which
the
who
wearing a new
was
had evidently
color was
set by sugar of lead which
in the

riot been

be

solution

washed

out.

She

went

into

the

try
chemis-

laboratory,and the experiments happened to

with hydrogen sulphide. After working there

about

an

hour

one

of her classmates

turned

to her

HANDBOOK

200

and

OF

exclaimed, "Why,

CLEANING

dress

Ada, I thought your

quite a bright blue!"

answered, "It is," but, on

Quick as a flash Ada

looking down, she continued,
but it isn't!"
"It was,
Naturally there
excitement until finallythe explanation

was

was

some

made

was

that

lead

the

material

in the

which

acetate

reacted

had

with

was

tained
re-

the

drogen
hy-

sulphide to form the black compound, lead

sulphide, on the dress, causing a gray
ance.
appearIn general, lead acetate, because
it is poisonous,
is not

In

which

and

that

all have

it must

always

strong
and

effect

on

alkalies

of
and

sunlight,
stabilityof

strong
the

facts complicate their laundering

These

color.

of

water,

detrimental

use

long-continued action

use

of hot

use

possible,to

materials

the

the

water,

acids, the
the

colored

laundering

soap

hold
house-

every

is harmless.

remembered

be

In

it is better, when

process

substance

recommended.

considerably.
is hard

If water
alkali.

The

clothes

it must

be softened

with

for this purpose

is borax.
to be soaked, and
ought never

best

mild
ored
Col-

fore
there-

be badly soiled.
This is a
they should never
hard
saying, especially for children's clothes, but
that it is far cheaper in the end
the fact remains
to

wash

and

wear

For

tear

removing

oxalic

often

clothes

or

color is

of

removing

stains

tartaric

than

weak

to submit

good deal
organic acid,
a

acid, is the best

injured,even

with

them

to

this mild

use.

to

the

of soil.
such

as

If the

treatment,

it

HANDBOOK

202

the

rinsing water

tans

and

the

Sometimes

coffee.

or

the

to

This

purpose.

To

dye of the

of

is added

material

tea

strong

amount

same

may

browns

with
small

strengthen blues
be blue, and to strengthen
ored
be colrinsing water
may

originalcolor.

the

retain

CLEANING

OF

color

same

the

as

for the
rinsing water
give good results,but a

last

may

piece of the material. should be tried in the

sometimes
colored water
first,
as
unexpected hues
of dyes.
the combination
from
obtained
are
is important.
The starching of colored materials
is put into the starch
If the material
right side

small

out,
left

starch

the
on

the

material,

article the

finished

rubbed

not

we

in, and

have

to

expect

may

starch

excess

of which

appearance

is

badly

best results are

The
by starch scales.
obtained
by putting the material into the starch
then rubbing
side out, wringing well, and
wrong
the hands
to obtain
between
a
good blending of

marred

the

with

starch

also be

colored

if it does

materials

material.

the

according

to the

starch

The

material,

scale it will be less noticeable.

arabic

gum

is often

used

so

For

in

may

that
dark

place

of

starch.
More

ill effects

are

obtained

from

careless

from
careless
than
drying of colored materials
side out
They should be hung wrong
washing.
and in the shade.
Quick drying is important, as
is retained, the
the shorter the time the moisture
dry
less danger there is of fading. As
as
soon

they should

be

taken

from

the

rope

and

damp-

LAUNDRY

THE

ened.

203

After

dampening they should

before ironing.

time

short

Colored

like

more

appear

ironed

materials

the

on

material

new

stand

but

side

wrong

than

when

ironed

the

But
the smoothness
obtained
right side.
the material
by ironing on the right side makes
keep clean longer, as the surface does not pick
dust so readily. For
this reason
ironing on
up
the right side is the best for colored kitchen aprons
on

and
The

is

sometimes

used

used

colored

irons

enough
should

give

to

be

on

children's

on

materials

great heat

as

be

must

good finish, but

avoided,

clothes.

hot

very

hot

irons

injure the

may

color.

Stockings

are

treated

like

other

colored

terials.
ma-

the feet
to wash
always advisable
of new
stockings before the first wearing, as the
dressing added
by the manufacturer
frequently
lessens the wearing quality. If the color is not
considered
fast it is a good plan to wash
the feet
of the stockings before
putting the rest into the
It is

water.
on

the

If necessary,
feet of the

elsewhere.

right side
rinsed

like

are

It

washed

then

be

out

like any

hanging

by

the

first

and
to

top.

not
on

They

wrong.

materials

before

directly

should

washed

the

on

all colored

pulled into shape

side
hung wrong

be rubbed

may

stockings, but

should

They
and

soap

should

be
the
are

be

dry. They are

Silk stockings

silk.

be ironed
Stockings may
they are ironed it should

not,

or

be

on

the

as

desired.

wrong

side

HANDBOOK

204

and

with

hand

should

hand

is

little
of

the

shall

With

colored

is

art

have

by
is

problem
laundry.

Our

materials

leaving

shade
done

drying,

as

by

when

using
and

the

aim

they
the

ironing.

in

worn

outside

the

should

be

the

entered,
utmost

care

laundering

as

in

this

the

washing,

the

colored

have

can

that
of

province

have

and

clothes
but

sun,

to

laundry

made

be

course,

the

of

good

all

can

of

summer,

mately.
legiti-

question

the

far

one

perfected

almost

as

is

is

saved

materials
colors

being

entirely

with

taken

this

nearly

thought

cotton

In

faded

and

original

concerned.

be

more

deal

to

and

their

is

In

There

and

may

dyeing

care

linen

retain

are

of

always

fading.

work

where

the

as

be

must

care

stockings,

ironing

the

follow.

embroidery.

the

on

and

should

iron

the

ironing,

In

inside,

stockings

for

places

down

way

crease

reason

Until

to

put

iron.

hot,

out,

no

the

we

be

drawn

have

to

not

warm,

embroidered

ironing

CLEANING

OF

same

only

be

rinsing,

XXI

THE

LAUNDRY:

EMBROIDERIES

IN laundering
only

embroideries

have

not

of the

to

article

the

also

the

always
and

retain

must

it is
is

there
process

its

easiest

is

pulled

threads
so

the

of

and

very

tight that

All real laces

but

there

and

The

an

often

finished

to

This

and

lace.

with

the

when
The

combination

shrinkage

uneven

also

is not

accomplish,
about-

stitches

are

ugly puckering results.

fine imitation

rather

ironing

bring

an

one

design well, but

linen

is

cause
be-

also

in the

thing possible
to

must

one

washing

be.

may

complicated

more

the

original outline.

combination

laces

care

especially difficult

of materials, because
in the

more

case

LACES

materials, but

only show

not

must

of the

exercise

stretching, as

or

and

about

care

fineness

usually needs

AND

laces

are

better

ing
dry-cleaned. The washthickens
them
slightly,so that the lace loses
its delicate and
fine appearance.
The
ing
dry-cleanof laces is discussed
in Chapter XXVI.
It is
usually impracticable to dry-clean lace on clothing

not

washed,

HANDBOOK

206

household

or

but

in

The

linens, even

washing

all lace
of

appearance

marred

when

it is real and

needs

exceptional
is not

laces

many

washing, but

by

the respect due

with

CLEANING

OF

they

care.

seriously
be

treated

and

delicate

must

fine materials

to

fine,

workmanship.
fine it is better
is very
piece of thin cloth, such as muslin
If lace

to

it

sew

on

fine cheesecloth.

or

Each

the loops on
the
edge, and even
and the shape carefully
edge, should be caught down
kept by placing the lace in relation to the
of the cloth.
This
the shape
threads
preserves
and

also

Lace
the

prevents

is treated

dirt is

well

to

soak

ammonia

or

tear

on

the

like all fine materials

squeezed

Soap should
only neutral

and

wear

rather
be

never

soap

than

rubbed

should

lace.
"

rubbed

used.

It

is,

of it.

out

directly on

be

that

it, and
is often

lace

in soapy
either
water
to which
borax
has been
added, in the proportion

tablespoonful of either to one quart

of water.
This soaking loosens
the dirt, so that
the lace clean,
less handling is required to make
the less handling, the less wear
and of course
on
ing
the lace. Sometimes, in order to whiten
lace, boilof

one

is necessary.
should
Laces

always

be

placed in
be kept on

boiling,and fine laces should

which
on
they have been sewed.
bleaching. One common
way
is to
sun,

Laces

bag
the

for

cloth

often need

bleaching lace
it around
bottle and place it in the
a
wrap
Javelle water is
keeping it wet all the time.
of

LAUNDRY

THE

it is better

also used, but

207

not

to

it with

use

fine

danger of rotting the threads.

be thoroughly
Like all materials, laces should
e*cru color, whether
To
it
rinsed.
give lace an
laces,

is

there

as

it may
be dipped in
originally,
tion.
tea or coffee solution
or
an
ochre-powder solua
the strength of the solution
In each
case
This is practically
depends on the color desired.
the color in the solution itself when
seen
through
glass against the light. Tea gives a yellow tone,
coffee a warmer
yellow, and ochre a tan tone.
For
giving body to lace the following things
be used:
two
tablespoonfuls of borax or two
may
teaspoonful of
tablespoonfuls of alcohol or one
white

was

to

sugar

ecru

or

one
on

169.

page

is

appear

thick.
lace

in the

spoonful to one
in exactly the
soapy

same

water.

way

For

to

proportion
as

thin

the

lace

coffee

taining
con-

table-

one

It is washed

white

rinsing and

of

scribed
de-

as

very

make

in black

of coffee.

cup

arabic

gum

Sometimes

washed

is best

ammonia

or

this is apt

used, but

starch

Black

of water,

cup

in this

lace is washed
for

in

dissolvingthe

stiffeningagent coffee is also used.

Instead
of ironing it is better
lace
to stretch
while wet into its originalshape on a well-padded
and
board
pin out each point. Brass or black
rust
cause
pins are safe to use, but steel pins may
If there

spots.
in

Irish

picked

up

is

raised

pattern, such

as

lace, for instance, these

into shape. If allowed to dry this

crochet

roses
are

way

HANDBOOK

208

lace

the

like

appears

lace

that

taken

must

be

Lace

done

ironed

and

finished.

when

new

it should

is ironed

padded board

CLEANING

OF

be

placed

on

well-

the wrong
side.
Care
point is pulled out.

on

each

in this way

ever,
If,how-

seldom, if

looks

ever,

like

new.

lace

other

treated

practical. In

as

brushed

well

be

be

should

curtains

Lace

or

shaken

much

as

like

they should
putting into the

case

every

before

much
loose
invariably they contain
dust.
For
stiffening,a very thin starch is used,
of the
be too stiff. Because
but they must
not
of the material, it is
variability of the thickness

water,

as

impossible
used.

curtains

ironed.

be

can

curtain

Just
are

pinned
pinned
a

two

Care

put

must

be

to

word

types

stretcher

firmly

out

taken

that

one

available, a sheet
a

on

tains
cur-

carpet and

the

that.

on

about
"

is not

be

curtain-

on

pinned straight. Several

on
placed on top of one another
If

stretcher.

be

starch

are

be

can

of

amount

should

curtains

Lace

stretchers, not
the

the

give

to

those

curtain-stretchers.
with

There

stationary pins and

is the
former
pins. The
cheaper in the beginning, but the latter is the
If the stationary pins break
cheaper in the end.
the
of replacing them, but
off there is no
way
ference
difbe replaced easily. The
movable
pins can
those

with

movable

in the

initial

for curtain-stretchers

fifty cents

to

four

pricesis
range

dollars.

very

from

small.
one

Prices

dollar

and

Great

side.

wrong

CLEANING

OF

HANDBOOK

210

to be taken

has

care

It is

keep their originaloutline.

matter

that

they
simple

very

lar.
doily other than circuable
unbreakTo keep the outline there is just one
make

to

rule

circular

the threads

to iron with

"

of the material

across
surely as the iron runs
All
the threads, there is a bulging of the edge.
doilies
circular,oval, square, rectangular,or any
form
be stretched
into shape and
other
must
with
Doilies
the threads
of the goods.
ironed
with
much
plain linen, such as simple scaUoped
doilies,are better ironed only lightlyon the wrong
side and then ironed on
the right side, so that the

at all times.

Just

as

"

"

plain linen
Sometimes

gloss.

with

even

the

greatest

deries
embroi-

care

tendency to pucker; they may hump

the emin the center
broidery
or
pull around
they may
have

up

have

may

itself.

best

The

to

way

this

overcome

pull gently and stretch into shape

much
ing,
as
possible. If it still persistsin puckeras
the
cloth placed over
sometimes
a
dampened
puckered part and pressed will shrink out the

difficultyis

extra

to

fullness.

There

is too
it out

as

tight,when

would

one

Drawn-work
with

often
is

which

one

only

we

have

to

in drawn-work
very

than

more

thing

the

resort

broidery
em-

is to

pin

lace.

pulled

are

shrinks

only

the

is perhaps the most

for this is that

material

where

cases

are

to

do

difficult needlework

deal.
the

The

threads

with

linen

of the

the

thread

itself.

There

tight, and
the

reason

drawn-work,

that

is

LAUNDRY

THE

ironing

before

and

then

line.

the basis

are

pulling these

This

be done

must

of the

the drawn-

to stretch

without

threads

pull straight those

to

that

theimaterial

211

work
basic

with

drawn-work,

in every

threads

care

of

out

the

or

tion
direcof

threads

stretching is not done here, the outside

The
mistake
little ruffle.
piece forms
a
first.
is to iron along the hem
people make
many
is wrong,
since it stretches
This, of course,
just
snap.
of the

If

part that

exactly the

should

be

not

stretched.

badly puckered pieces the only

This
is done
out.
thing to do is to pin them
especiallywith small articles. The requisites for
ironing drawn- work are, first and foremost, infinite
patience,and then pulling and stretching.
On all linen, whether
pillow-case or napkin, the
Sometimes

with

be ironed

should

monogram

first on

pad,

like any

other

embroidery.
Before
cleaning,
should

every

looked

be

piece

of

lace

and

broidery
em-

for any
necessary
nine on ordinary

over

repairs. If a stitch in time saves

at least nineteen, and
materials, here it saves
haps
perthe whole
piece/ After cleaning, the piece
should be examined
pairs
reagain and any necessary
made.

This

is part

of

the

cost

of

such

luxuries.
It may
housewife

not

be

amiss

that

when

she

also

here

to

remind

the

ful
beautia
buys or makes
she
piece of embroidery, lace, or drawn-work,
should
count
not only the original cost, but the
in time
of the many
and money
cost
cleanings

HANDBOOK

212

that

follow

must

fine

underwear,

only

by

will

stand

the

original

of

the

cost,

often

they

or

such

not

they
The

detract
add

Simplicity
and

kept

silk,
from

the

heavily

to

here,
may

as

and

and

the

of

of

should

of

the
its

makes

elsewhere,
make

their

total
is

for

very

and

embroidery

of

cost

well

materials

clean,

properly

beauty

ally
gener-

example,

other

draperies

many

in

as

for

curtains,

complications
and

the

as

wear.

"well-furnished"

in

for

are

and

curtains,

the

result

esthetic

an

common

used

where

plush

Lace

of

would

be

to

by

cost

times

or

article

cleaning

households,

most

beautiful

as

commonly

this

weeks

would

so

the

of

cost

dividing

calculated

times

of

with

as

be

can

the

the

again,

computations
in

once

cost

number

gain.

are

heavy.
lace,

cleanings

type

houses,
now

and

economic

here

adding

simplicity

such

an

the

simplicity

greater

as

real

price,

of

habit

The

the

cleaning,

of

And

use.

computing

number

CLEANING

OP

kinds,

many

while

house,
maintenance.
for

ness
cleanli-

beauty.

XXII

THE

LAUNDRY:

SHIRTS,
AND

'""PO

think

that

twenty-five

shirt-waist!"
made
she

had

the

expression

launder
The

on

her

of

only

not

the

up

and

for

results.
be

of

well

her

could

greatly.
and

collars,

is also

experience

With

articles

from

increased

but

waist

who

shirt-waists,

time,

first

tone

one

student

evident

the

any

had

shirts,

can

starched

heavily

face

waist

good

articles

most

care

her

of

quite

was

paying

laundering
which

held

she
It

requires

for

necessary

the

remark

respect

laundering

cuffs

for

as

tailored

grudged

always

the

ironed.

ever

that

voice

have

feelingly

most

CUFFS

cents

was

COLLARS,

SHIRT-WAISTS,

and

patience
but

laundered,

experience

for

also

is

the

band
neck-

necessity.
In

and

Before
if
be

shirts

washing

cuffs

soaking

and

have

must

they

should
is

washing-machine

soaped
15

well,

as

shirt-waists

suction

attention.

special
be

well

used

they

alone

may

soaped,
should
not

take

and
also

the

HANDBOOK

2i4

from

dirt

these

be

must

garments

by all colored
like all white
all

the

on

treated

with
and

materials

made

and

cuffs

the

must

Colored

turns.

required

care

white

The

clothes.

in starch

over

washed

ones

is starched

garment

proportion of

in the

one

tablespoonfuls of starch to one

quart
water, and then it is hung to dry.
When
is sprinkled, the cuffs,front
the garment

and
of

Collars

parts.

special attention

have

CLEANING

OF

half

pleat,and

the collar-band

cold

starch

the

part of the
it and

into
the

is made

hands

cloth

damp
allowed

as

described

article

to

blend

stand

the

starched

and

is

rubbed

garment

The

165, and

page

dipped

between

with

portions are

whole
hour

on

the starch

cold-starched
and

be

to

squeezed

then
so

The

as

cold-starched.

are

the

terial.
ma-

placed in

rolled

up

and

if

possible.
far our
Thus
problem is comparatively simple,
all wash
for with
a
clean,
we
can
care
garment
cooked
cold starch, and
it in either
starch
or
it evenly.
The
ironing, however, predampen
sents
be overcome
difficulties which
only by
can
to

an

experience.
Before
beginning to iron, the cuffs should be
with
cuff is covered
a
pulled into shape. The
and
then
fine cheese-cloth
or
piece of muslin
ironed
This takes off
partly dry on both sides.
the superfluous starch so that there ought not to
be any
scaling. The ugly yellow spots so often
seen

the

on

cold-starched

articles

scorching of the starch

are

the

specks by

result

of

heat

of

the

LAUNDRY

THE

The

the

iron.

the

ctiff ironed

rest

should
of the

The
of

is

first

wrong

the

that

removed

now

and

and

side

then

right side will have

cold-starched

be ironed

in the

of

the

before

the

parts

same

way

waist.

sleeves

are

ironed.

next

here, although

use

the

on

All

finish.

good

waist

cheese-cloth

right side, so

the

on

215

sleeve-board

laundresses

many

tain
ob-

can

More
than
splendid results without one.
has trouble in ironing sleeves because
amateur
Of
sleeve-board
the
course
wrongly.
uses
sleeve-board

blamed

is then

and

is

is often

one

she
the
carded
dis-

trouble
than
it is
more
being much
the sleeve should
In using a sleeve-board
worth.
the free end so that the cuff is at
be pulled over
as

the small

of the board.

end

It is also well to have

bottom
The
edge of the board.
of the sleeve is then
ironed, and as it is ironed
the board, the next
it is dropped from
portion
ironed, and so on until the whole sleeve is finished.
the

seam

on

the

By using a sleeve-board
kept uncreased.
If,however, one has

the

no

sleeve

easilybe

can

the

sleeve-board

sleeve

side ironed
one
along the seam,
The
then turned, and the other side ironed.
flat,'
then be opened out, dampened
slightly,
crease
can
and
removed
by pressing.
In ironing the fronts it is better to iron from the

can

be

creased

neck-band
way

extra

of the

to

the

fullness

bottom
is

top, where

of the

pushed
it is

so

to

waist.
the

In

bottom

noticeable.

this
stead
inMost

HANDBOOK

216

CLEANING

OF

perhaps have had difficulties with an ugly

the collar, not
only with
bunching just below
A great
tailored waists, but with lingeriewaists.
deal of that can
be rightly attributed
to ironing
lored
In ironing taifrom
the bottom
to the top.
up
waists, then, the order is (i) the heavily
starched
cuffs,front pleat,and collar-band,
parts
The
ing
fold(2) sleeves, (3) both fronts, (4) back.
is done
according to the diagram.
of

us

"

In

order

ironing shirts the

front

of

bosom-board.
size of

shirt there

and

back

is

This

the

is

front.

board

small

over

about

interference

bosom

Sometimes

are

ironed

the

between
end

the

as

usual.

the

of

ironing-board can be used for this purpose.

for giving
A polishing-iron can
be used
This is used
to the heavily starched
parts.
the cuffs and

putting this board

By
no

The

same.

easily ironed

more

shirt-bosom.

the

into the

is

shirt

the

is the

The

the

finish
after
face
sur-

it with a
slightlyby going over
cloth.
The
damp
polishing-iron is then pushed
the surface
If
over
quickly and with pressure.
more
polish still is desired, the surface can again
is

be

dampened

dampened
For

dull

and

ironed.

called

finish, often

the

domestic

finish, the

is carefully rubbed
polished surface
with
This takes
off
cloth.
a
slightly moistened
the gloss, but
the material
still retains a good
finish.
Collars
are

ironed

and

cuffs,whether

in the

same

way

attached
as

the

or

detached,

heavily starched

HANDBOOK

218

starched
to

materials,

ought

method
the

of

is

speed
drying

for

by
and

In

fact,

experience
as

is

certain

material

the

keep

to

obtained

finish,

good

cooked

applying

articles

ironed

are

does

blouse

from

and

precaution

as

all

waists

of

for

the

of

perfect.

the

but

novice,

accomplish,

can

cases

do.
be

can

starched
extra

treated

If

easily
parts

dampening.
with

the

same

wools.

tailored
it

provided
where

waists,

they

it

out

by

are

and

silks

laundering

The

that

heavily

improved

flannel

tailored

the

dry

the

but
not

are

like

experience

the

again,

garments

one

in

starched

thin

or

Silk

is

be

can

both

starch

been

heavily

require

soft

one

has

is necessary.

blouses

none

task

This

practice

necessary

dampened
of

results

necessary

out.

All
but

it

starching,

not

first.

since

essential

absolutely

is

but

ironing,

ironing

for

it

cloth

Excellent

thoroughly.

in

that

stick,

to

not

CLEANING

except
with

them

cover

this

OF

only

is

waist
a

she

feat

is

which

practises.

practice

alone

difficult
every

This
makes

XXIII

THE

LAUNDRY:

and

THEfrom silk

wool
and

cotton

fibers

linen

fibers

of

are

AND

fibers
linen

are

The

origin.
the

Its rounded

Cotton

wool

which

microscope

of the

is serrated.

from

of

overlapping

edges
horny

characteristic
woolen

When

its

small

numerous

of

fiber is

The

scales

fibers

of

of
the

with

appearance

little

direction.
the

wool

fiber

is

too

that

is

posed
com-

cells, the

or

give the

fiber

is wet

its fibers
As

swell

its

the material

and

dries,

adjacent fibers interlock,drawing

interlocking goes
like

other

any

surface.

cloth

fabric

comparatively

segments

projecting edges loosen.

the

wool

which

wool

guishes
easily distin-

is covered

surface

obtained, the surface

or

and

fiber has

all lie in the same

horny scales, which
from
which
According to the source

smooth

different

very

fibers.

appearance

it under

WOOL

vegetable origin; silk and

of animal

are

characteristic

fiber.

SILK

closer

together.

far the

result

characterizes

When

is the

the
this

board-

poorly washed

HANDBOOK

j2o

CLEANING

OF

interlockingis increased by rubbing

brisklywhile wet, by using a hot iron, by change of
while wet, by the use of strong soaps,
temperature
and
directly on the material.
by rubbing soap
all these should
be carefully avoided.
Therefore
The shrinkage brought about
by the use of strong
wools.

This

of the

The

alkali

chemically on the fiber,softens

the
projections to become
more
This increases the interlockingof the

acts

soap

it, and

action.

result of chemical

is the

soaps

causes

prominent.
fibers and

the

so

shrinkage.

Strong solutions of alkali,such as washing-soda,

be avoided, as they have a softening effect on
must
will reduce

and

wools

the

wool

in time

to

soap-

consistency. Mild solutions of weak alkalies,

be used, and
and
like borax
ammonia,
are
may
like

is often
use
only slightly injurious. Their
to in washing badly soiled wools.
Weak

They
in any
Thus

acid solutions
be

can

allowed

evidence

they

can

stains.

of
be

do not

dry on
weakening

used

fabrics.

affect woolen

to

when

without
of the

sorted
re-

resulting
material.

necessary

for

moving
re-

Strong acids,however, decompose

wools.
care
laundering of wools requires more
There
than the laundering of any other material.
ing
are
pitfallsfor the novice in both the washmany
and drying of woolens, so that the best thing
is to find out
For
what
to avoid.
to do
good

The

results the
than

laundress

lukewarm,

must

must

never

avoid

use

changes

water

hotter

in tempera-

LAUNDRY

THE

and

in the wash

ture

and

strong soaps

use

the

on

material

refuse to

rinse water, must

alkalies,must
rub

or

221

material

the

rub

never

soap

itself,must

wring by hand, must take care as to position

of too quick drying. She
in drying, and beware
before
also
must
carefully measure,
washing,
be
knitted or crocheted
articles,so that they can
stretched
to their original shape.
of cleansing wools is first to brush
The best way
dust as possible.
the material to take off as much
is so rough that it can
hold
The surface of woolens
of dust, and matters
are
greatly
a
great amount
loose dirt as
facilitated by getting rid of as much
into water.
possible before putting the garment
mixture
it forms
If the dust is left on
muddy
a
not

with
The

water

for

be

used.

should
the

The

should

rubbed, and

weight

at
some

neutral

lukewarm

soap.

Soap

purpose.

must

article out
one

be

added.

of the water

hand

should

be

When
to

see

placed
by the

be stretched
it may
not
all woolen
in it. For almost
water

that

of the

garments
for

so

ammonia

ready for washing is placed

rather
thus prepared, kneaded
As the suds
kept under water.

it is clean,
it

of

for the

used

to lift the

whether
under

be

solution

soap

necessary

to soften

made

of water

fall,more

and

If necessary
the purpose,
borax
or
be
should
The
water

be

garment

in the tub

fabric.

the

be soft.

should

suds

solution

than

discolors

must

water

hard

and

and

water

least two

wash-waters

garments,

such

as

are

necessary,

sweaters,

three

OF

CLEANING

are

necessary.

HANDBOOK

222

wash-waters

and

four

suds

ought

The

to

water
as

rinse-waters

be
for

the

The

practicallyclean
be
rinsing must

after

and

two

wash-water,

should

be

used.

the

For

last

using.
perature
tem-

same
or

more

white

wools

be slightlyblue.
To
rinsing water
may
be added
in
the last rinsing water
glycerinemay
the proportion of one
tablespoonful to two gallons
oil to take
This
of water.
gives the wool some
taken out in washing.
the place of that which
was
the

last

oil makes

The

wool

the

softer.

should
wringer is not available, the water
removed
the fabric, not
be squeezed from
by
The
twistingincreases the
twisting the material.
interlocking of the scales and thus increases the
water
possible should be
as
shrinkage. As much
If

removed

from

Crocheted
and

sweaters,

covered

with

the
and

material.
knitted

should
a

articles,such

as

shawls

be

placed on a flat surface,

cloth, patted and
pulled into

shape. Oftentimes
stretch
length and

the

garments

shorten

in

vice versa.
breadth, and
Either
condition
be overcome
can
by pulling to
stretch it and then patting it to take in the extra
be left in the shape
fullness.
Any garment must
in which

it is desired

in

to have

it when

dry.

drying-room should not be too hot nor too

cold; ordinary room
(65" to 70")
temperature
is the best.
the fire to dry quickly
Placing near
creases
inincreases
the shrinkage. Drying in the sun
shrinkage and also yellows the material,
The

LAUNDRY

THE

if white.

223

pulling into shape

Drying by

is far

One
common
preferableto other methods.
way
for instance, is to place it
of drying a sweater,
in a bag or pillow-case and hang it up until dry.
the garment
is that
result
The
usually dries
baby's stockings and
quite shapeless. Oftentimes
dried by placing on
shirts are
forms.
This does
with
the necessity of patting and
pulling,
away
and
is most
need
satisfactorywhere
garments
frequent washings, as do baby's things. The
shawl
only way to make
fringes soft is to pull the
threads

apart.

finished

the

This

is

fringe is

bit tedious, but

soft

as

and

fluffy as

when
when

new.

need

Flannels
other

wools.

the

same

in

care

washing

as

If

be
dried
flat and
they can
stretched
into shape they require no
ironing. If,
however, that is not possible they are hung up to
about
dry, the same
precautions being used

temperature

as

dry they

when

dried

flat.

When

lutely
abso-

be ironed

by placing a dampened
cheese-cloth
the material
and pressing
over
with a warm
iron.
Here again the laundress
must
remember

that

extreme

heat

cloth

is taken

up

When

the

should

be drawn

fuzzy

like

Blankets
often

can

new
are

up

so

that

means

the

nap

the material

shrinkage.
of the

wool

is soft and

material.
washed

like other

flannels.

Very

tablespoonfuls of borax or one-half cup

of alcohol,or both, are
added
solution
to the soap
recipe on page 159 in using it for making suds for
two

washing-machine

blankets.

CLEANING

OF

HANDBOOK

224

is

very

great aid

much
so
cleaning blankets, as it eliminates
otherwise necessary
are
handling. Blankets
very
full of water.
Perhaps the
heavy indeed when
is to place them
best way
of drying blankets
on
In pinning them
must
curtain-stretchers.
care
be taken that the threads and stripesare
straight
in

and

when

broom
the

If the

true.

almost
made

whole

is not

stretcher

blanket

is brushed

dry, the
soft

and

with

whisk

brought up and
fluffy. If a curtainnap

available, the

is

blanket

may

be

lengthwise. In this way, if the

into the
color in the stripes does run, it will run
stripe. Blankets, if placed on the line,should have
the line and they must
at least six inches put over
In this way
be pinned at frequent intervals.
there is not a great deal of stretching.
Down
quilts. The color should be set if there is
suds should be
any danger of its fading. As many
and two or three rinsingwaters.
used as necessary,
A
washing-machine is good for this purpose.
through the wringer and
They should be wrung
hung straighton the line. If it is a windy day, so
the better.
that quick drying is possible,so much
be better
to wash
In fact, it would
not
quilts
except on a clear windy day.
When
a
large
dry they should be placed on
distributed evenly by shaking,
table and the filling
then be pressed
pulling,and patting. They may
placed

over

line

"

with
For

cool
dark

iron.

woolens, and

especiallyblack

goods,

HANDBOOK

226

The
silks

precautions are

same

for wools,

as

CLEANING

OF

both

as

animal

are

is not

silk fiber, however,

for

necessary

quite

washing
The

fibers.
sensitive

so

to

the
wool
fiber.
In
as
changes in temperature
laundering colored silks a sample should be tried
first,and if the color is not stable it should be set
with

vinegar like
should

Silks

for

reason

be

not

doing

not

material.

cotton

is different

so

but

by hand,

wrung

the

that

from

of

by hand the threads

another, the result being a wavy
one
pearance
apof
there is no
in the threads, and
way

wools.

When

slip over

silks

are

wrung

The
be
water
must
overcoming this appearance.
squeezed out either by hand or by the wringer.
cloths while
It is well to place the silk between
wringing.
be slightly
white
Pure
(not cream) silk may
also contain
blued.
last rinsing water
The
may
solution

arabic

gum

as

described

on

170.

page

the gum
Heavy silks have body enough without
old
of thin silks and
arabic, but the appearance
Sometimes
silks is improved
by its use.
very
large pieces of thin silk are putx into very thin
starch

so

them

firmer.

Starch

arabic.
cheaper than gum
wringing, the silk is placed in

After

towel

Turkish
a

to make

is used

it is

because

it is

as

is

out

the

stay in the towel

be ironed

while

rolled

to

clap it between

excess

moisture.

good plan

help get

excellent)and

until

damp.

ready
It must

to

up.

(a

Then

hands

to

It is allowed

to

the

iron.
never

cloth

Silk should
be

sprinkled.

LAUNDRY

THE

Just

sure

as

silk is

as

227

sprinkled there

is

spotted

appearance.

with

is

made

not

stiff and
while

stiff.

so

it is also

to

iron makes

an

yellow silk.

silk

Ironing

silks very
stiff and papery.
be successfully laundered
silk may

the

like other
Silk

sults
re-

makes

wet

on

hot

Too

apt

Pongee
drying absolutely and
iron

better

by placing a thin cloth over the

of the silk and
ironing. This latter
thin silks,as they
often better for very

side

method
are

sometimes

or

side

wrong

obtained

are

right

the

directlyon

iron,

hot

too

not

ironed

be

Silk may

then

side.

wrong

ironing with
also

It may

be

by
warm

treated

silks.

cr"pe

be

may

taken

from

the

last

rinsing

without

a
wringing, spread evenly upon
clean table, and allowed
ever,
to dry.
Sometimes, howwhen
the silk cr"pe is in the form
of a garment,
such as a waist, it is better to iron it the
silk. If the cr"pe cannot
be stretched,
as
same
way
it has a tendency to draw up too much, so that the

water

garment
is
stretched

becomes

too

treated

like

Silk

small.
any

silk

wear
under-

woven

and

should

be

into

shape, not ironed.

The
cleaning of ribbons is not always as successful
it might be.
best way
The
to wash
as
ribbon
is to wet
it and
lay it out perfectly flat
clean
on
table, or, better still,on
marble,
a
a
If not badly soiled it
porcelain, or glass surface.
can

be washed

but

if that

with

is not

soft cloth

sufficient for

and

soap

solution,

good results it

can

HANDBOOK

228

be

scrubbed

should

with

rinsed

be washed

right side.

on

When

in clear

CLEANING

OF

brush

and

It

solution.

soap

the wrong
side arid then the
be thoroughly
clean
it must
and

water

much

as

water

as

sible
pos-

with
a
pressing the ribbon
It
time
cloth, at the same
keeping it smooth.
should
be left stretched
the table perfectly
on
air-bubbles
under
If it is not
it.
flat, with no
placed smoothly on the table it will have just as
rough places in it when dry as there are airmany
Wash
under
bubbles
it when
placed on the table.
be ironed with a
almost
ribbons, when
dry, may
Ribbons
often dried by wrapping
cool iron.
are
around
The
only
principleis the same,
a bottle.
there is more
danger of rough places in the ribbon
the bottle, as it is impossible to see the
dried on
whole
ribbon
at once,
placed on the table.
as when
Silks and wools, because
they are animal fibers
and are composed mainly of nitrogenous material,
removed

do

require

linen, which

by

different
are

treatment

vegetable

from

fibers

and

and

cotton
are

made

We
all know
that animal
mainly of cellulose.
and
vegetable foods require different treatments.
For instance, in making a jellyfrom apples,boiling
in making
is a necessity, and
jellyfrom gelatine

up

(an animal
it. Just
be

as

treated

substance) we get no jellyif we

vegetable and animal foods have
respects, so
differentlyin many

textiles made
different

have
are

to

be

of animal
treatment

satisfactory.

boil
to

the

vegetable fibers must

in laundering if results

and

XXIV

DRY-CLEANING

is

DRY-CLEANING
of

use

dissolve

or

the

with

of

use

and

wool,

cotton

and
The

the
acts

much

All

of

16

and

evaporates

lasting

more

these

draught,

it

best

are

none

of

them

of

mings
trim-

it

of

out
can

is

of

ever

it

odor

is

its

cleansers.

other

doors

haps
per-

inexpensive,
and

readily,
that

form,
chloro-

gasoline
is

for

used

naphtha,

these,

than

used

advisable

often

substances

because

used,

most

quickly,

not

Of

gasoline.

have

or

because

benzine,

ether,

are

silk

ironing.

liquid

common

and

in

difficulties

of

dry-cleaning

dresses

case

of

lined

are

is

It

linen

or

most

they

trimmings.

or

the

made

garments

where

especially

garnitures
fine

other

is

used

injured

be

This

soap.

that

is

would

of

use

those

are

process

cleaned

and

water

dresses

and

be

to

they
The

grease.

article

the

when

but

used,

are

the

without

cleaning

the

without

cleaning

mean

only

Liquids

absorb

for

not

but

liquid,

water.

by

does

it

for

named,

curiously

rather

or

be

in
used

good
with

HANDBOOK

230

chance

to

the

or

of

degree

any

safety where
in contact

come

it sends

vapor

perfectlysafe
Flour,
Fullers'

corn

CLEANING

OF

fire in any form

with either the
Their

all about.

has

liquid
is

use

precaution is observed.
meal, magnesia, French
chalk, and
if this

earth

the

are

used

materials

dry

for

cleaning.
In

general,if

better

individual

the

garment

the

clean

to

whole

leaving marks

of

garment

There

spots.

several

has

spot.

spots it is

rather

than

is

always danger of
If, however, a spot

cleaned, the cleaning agents should

be nibbed
toward
the center
to prevent spreading
as much
possible,and it is also well to surround
as
the spot with
other
powder
magnesia or some
absorb
much
of the cleaner
to
as
as
possible.
Putting a piece of blotting-paper under also helps.
In removing a single spot chloroform
ether
or
work
without
the
does
injury to fabric
any
odor
the
almost
to
color, and
or
evaporates
be
with
used
must
instantaneously. Either
alone

is to be

great

care,

bottle

cause
only for fear of explosion, but betheir vapors
ness.
quickly produce unconsciousbe poured from
the
never
They should
into an
dish, but applied by a clean
open

cloth wet

not

recorked

be

any
most

The

at

of the
Because

once.

bottle, which
of

quick

work

spots)in

must

tion
evapora-

quickly, but it is easy

spot caused by grease (and that

must

one

mouth

at the

to

move
re-

means

this way.

commercial

cleaning fluids

are

more

expen-

DRY-CLEANING
sive

than
have

them

liquids named
ingredient

the
some

231

here, and
that

fabrics.
It is
color in many
without
trying it first on some

the
one

of the

most

of

slightlychanges
never

safe to

use

unexposed part

material.

be made
good cleansing agent that can
up,
by
tightly corked, and kept on hand, is made
mixing equal quantities of ether, alcohol, and
for sponging off
ammonia.
This
is simply used
Like
the commercial
cleaning agents, it
spots.
should
small
be tried on
a
piece of the goods
the material
before using on
itself,so that there
A

danger of injuring the color.

A
cotton
perfectly clean piece of old black
stocking is excellent for applying a cleaning fluid

will be

to

no

dark

material.

The

top of

discarded

ing,
stock-

four inches
by three
pieces about
time, and a box of these
inches, will last for some
For
will provide a fresh piece for each
spot.
lightmaterials a bit of soft old white linen is good,
off.
but not table-linen,as the nap is likelyto come
it is a good plan
In cleaning a whole
garment
into

cut

first to

brush

well

and

second

to

mark

each

spot

putting into the gasoline

the spots can
be found
and
bath.
Then
given
without
much
searching. A
special attention
vacuum
washing-machine is excellent for the drycleaning of large articles.
A second receptacle should be ready for a second
is rinsed
in
gasoline bath, as, unless a garment
clean gasoline,it will have a clouded, streaked
ap-

with

white

thread

before

23

HANDBOOK

OF

CLEANING

gasoline
that has been
used
for cleaning the gasoline can
be used
should
be kept tightly
again. Gasoline
corked
in stone
jugs (preferablyout of the house)
and the best way
of removing the dirt after using
is to pour
the gasoline back into the jug through
store).
a
piece of filter-paper
(obtainable at any drugGasoline,
Jugs should be plainly marked
and filtered
and those containing liquidused once
should
be designated in some
(such as tying
way
this
about
the neck), as
strip of red cotton
a
liquid should be used only for the first bath, the
second
liquid.
always being of unused
cleaned
in gasowhich
has been
Any garment
line
If the

pearance.

dirt is removed

from

or

fresh
If

benzine

air until

badly

the

wrong

should
the

wrinkled

odor

be

allowed

to

stay in the

disappeared entirely.
the garment
be pressed on
may
has

side.

cleaning with the powders the material is

covered
with the powder, rolled up, and allowed
to
for at least twenty-four hours.
stand
It is then
and the powder brushed
unrolled
shaken
from
or
the material.
Fine materials, such
laces, are
as
spread out on a paper and the whole covered with
the powder, so that there is no danger of any part
Fine
laces are
being left untouched.
usually
cleaned
with French
chalk or magnesia.
and
Flour
meal
not
are
as
good to use as the
if they are
other powders, because
not
entirely
removed
from
the material
there
is danger of
insects.
chalk
most
are
Magnesia and French
For

HANDBOOK

234

feathers

with

method

best

Velvets.
in

until

To

raise

the

cloth

is

steam

raises the

the

which

teakettle

and

of

this.

It is much

iron, as it does

be

quiltscan
as

other

any

described

as

has

cleaning

the

be

and

bother

the

little device

placed

velvet

cleaned

article,but
on

page

already been

said

with

with

iron

of

the

on

drawn

manipulate

to

with

velvet and

clever

velvet

over

than

the

ing
dampen-

all the time.

cloth

Down

the

easier

away

is
can

the

The
the

over

There

nap.

by cleaning

and

iron

out.

nap

market

the

hot

hanging in the open

evaporated entirely.
out
creases
a
heavy

take

pulled slowly

spout

As

and

this with

are

washed

then

placed over

cloth

same

and

this is

amateur.

gasoline has
nap

but

soap,

be freshened

may

soiled

the

placed on

the

by the

Velvets

"

air

on

of neutral

avoided

gasolineif

wet

suds

CLEANING

OF

with

gasoline the

they

may

inflammable.

The

because

the

statement

be

224.

several

petroleum products
care

also

times, drybe

must

vapors

is often

from

ducted
con-

all

made

are

that

cleaning with
is

gasoline is more
plished
easily accomif the gasoline is heated.
This statement
perienced
true, but it is rather
dangerous for an inexif a water
to warm
gasoline,even
person

bath

is used.

do dryOnly a small proportion of housewives

mercial
cleaning at home, preferring to send to a comcleaner.

economies

in

There

are,

clothing for

however,
those

who

few
wish

greater
to

be

DRY-CLEANING

well

dressed

Many

is

otherwise
woman

can

in

cold

avoid

the
is

but

hands

cream

the

hands

useless.

in
will

hot

Any

The

feeling
with

contact

avoided

by

the

use

are

not

used,

water

do

away

and

with

that

intelligent

by

soapy
soon

new"

as

disagreeable

these

home.

at

danger.

possible

when

even

"good

as

the

be

dry-cleaning

made

practically

easily

can

gloves,
the

is

difficulty

This

doing

garment

other

than

235

duced
pro-

gasoline.
of

rubber

washing

nibbing
the

only

with

difficulty.

XXV

THE

THE
their

laundering

Frequent
has

silks

of

washing

apply

much

longer

becoming

badly

soiled.

clothes

which
is

of

one

the

possible,

as

soon

they

also

include
as

well.

well

patching.

look

tightening
as

If

they

loose

will

the

including

is

weak

in

keeping
for

mended

just
longer,

and

hooks

but

eyes,

darning,

nothing

as

should

mending

be

care

examined

places,
can

the

Mending

wear

and

good

before

time.

are

This

buttons

in

keep

factors

only

water

washed

off, and

better.

button

things!

frequency

there

clothes

not

re-enforcing

this

are

all

taken

when

imperfections

they

important

most

looking

clothes

if

how

with

but

wools

receive

must

other

garments,

and

dering
laun-

them,

washable

laundering

the

than

If

of

for

left

clothes

condition

Other

be

Silks

than

more

care

washable

all

to

wools.

and

take

elsewhere,

urged

been

should

but

would

time

more

much

dry-cleaning.

or

would

clothes

CLOTHING

OP

entails

clothes

of

care

much

CARE

GENERAL

else

and

but

GENERAL

CARE

slovenly. Washable
need

OF

They

easily removable, so as
washings. They should
dress

at

when

once

237

collars, yokes,

attention.

constant

CLOTHING

to

guimpes
always be
frequent

or

should

encourage

also

be

taken

off

If

they

soil is noticed.

left on, there is too great danger that the

more."
of the dress will put it on "just once

Brushing

is also

taken

whenever

off retain

regained

never

be

When

the

if

are

owner

brushed

Clothes

important.

the

freshness

that

can

ness
through carelessNot
in this detail.
allowing dirt to become
reallyentangled in the fibers keeps material newlooking.
Airing clothes is also necessary.
Airing clothesclosets helps in this, but clothes should
be taken
and given a complete air bath
outdoors
in a
once
while.
Protecting dresses as they hang in closets
by light washable
means
a
covers
great saving.

cover

housewife

holds

she

once

sees

realizes

lost

how

much

what

dirt
her

dress

dresshas

escaped.
Shoes

take

time

keep in good condition.

After each
be well aired,
wearing they should
brushed
and
with
soft brush
or
a
piece of
a
lamb's
wool.
If they are
forms
the
on
put
be perforated so that air can
forms
should
get
inside.
The
stretchers
that have
toe-piece and
heel-ball of wood
and
tween
a
strip of pliable steel beboth
and
excellent
are
cheap. Anybody
should be able to afford these for every
pair of
shoes.

Care

of

to

shoes

includes

cleaning and

HANDBOOK

238

CLEANING

OF

one's entire appearpolishing. Nothing can mar

ance
quite as completely as careless-lookingshoes.
Untidy gloves, however, are a very close second.
should
have
a
Every household
good shoecleaning outfit,and the children should be taught
old enough.
The equipits use as soon
as they are
ment
should include a good oil for rubbing on wet
shoes.
Too

fail to have

Americans

many

shoes

mended

reheeled
resoled
or
or
sewn
or
by a cobbler
patched in time to lengthen their life by weeks.
Every neighborhood has its little shoemaker's
shop where this can be done.
should
Hats
after wearing.
always be brushed
"

"

whisk

the

dirt has

reason

any
a

is best

soft hat-brush

broom

whisk

broom

is sometimes
freshened

at

feathers, and
Straw

hats

Clothes

embedded

become

may

hats, but if for

for most

be

used.

For

general
stiff,but its

is

perhaps too
legitimate. Trimmed
home
ribbons
by new
their

service

be bleached

may

should

be

much
at

in the hat

home

hats

may

of

the

hem

the

be

recurling
lengthened.

also.

marked.

prevents

use

or

Name-tapes
both
writing in indelible ink are
good.
should
be
however,
placed with
name,
Some
specialpoint on a hem is a good place.
thickness

use

name

and
The
care.

The
from

Stockings not only should be

marked
with the name,
but they should also have
be paired
that they can
so
distinguishingmarks
without
difficulty.This can be done by having
showing through.

CARE

GENERAL

letters

numbers

or

of

pairs

matching
Proper

than

time
the

end

daily
and
It

also

being

case

means

Then

name.

This

trying
the

of

does

take

where
a

frequently

much

them

pair

to

is

the

by

stockings.

of

small

of
life

the
and

it

well

is

of

amount

the

means

dressed

but

time,

saving

great

lengthening

passably

239

matched.

clothes

of

care

spent

clothes.

between

condition

the

assuredly

most

be

can

satisfactory

more

the

following

numbers

CLOTHING

OF

in

time
of

the

difference

dressed.

XXVI

CLEANING-CLOSETS

LEANING

in

IMPLEMENTS

general

should
to

way
a

of

be

hang

can

of

screw-eye,

the

hung

handles
of

the

of

correspond

with

end

handle.

in

to

the

into
used

of

the

above

just
(as in

in

cleaning

before

size
other
An-

of
the

the

bristles

illustration).

hooks
any

the

bottom

the

as

cleaned

thoroughly

provided

catch

to

implements,

Everything
be

size

is

broom,

inserting

be

implement,
method

by

always
a

possible.

whenever

up

should

process

putting

away.

Cleaning-closet.
A.

Implements:
1.

Broom.
in

which
outside

good

it

is

should
use.

Long-handled
floors.

3.

Carpet-sweeper
dirt.

broom

corn

should
In

cleaning-closet.

every

cases

2.

"

Cost,

wise

have

to

be

Cost,
hair

Cost,
for

$2.50

$.35
brush

for

$.75.

to

for

taking

up

of

one

coarse

$. 7 5 to

up.

many

two,
and

stiff

be

ered
uncov-

i
.

50.

surface

HANDBOOK

242

OF

the

save

to

they

The

cleaner

one

in

bow

of her back.

$.20

handled,

short-

be

tiring
learn to drop

knee
a

of

not

will but

using

ward
awk-

are

use

dust-pan need

if the

make

back, but
empty.

handled

on

CLEANING

it rather

than

to

Cost, short

long-handled,

up;

$.506.

hair

Short-handled

up.
7. Whisk

broom.

8. Brushes

brush.

Cost, $.35

Cost, $.15

for furniture.

An

"

up.
assortment

paint-brushes is excellent. Special

brushes
are
upholstery and button
also good.
of

9.

Radiator-brush.
brush
can

This

"

with

long handle

get in between
and

radiator

is

the

the
wall.

slender

a
so

that

one

coils of the

Cost, $.45

up.
10.

11.

Scrub-brush.

should

This

be

fairly
stiff and is needed
for scrubbing unfinished
wood.
Cost, $.25 up.
Dusters.
The
edges of all dusters are
better finished. This precaution is especially
"

"

with

necessary

dusters,

as

they ravel

(a) Cheese-cloth
are

good

No
should

cloth
be

so

old

or

for

easily,
soft

ordinary

that
used.

cheese-cloth

sheds
In

cloths
use.

lint

general,

CLEANING-CLOSETS

243

dusters

should

be

slightly
or oiled. Enough
be obtained
by

dampened
moisture

can

holding
kettle

the

over

by

or

used

of

steam

placing

few

in one
drops of water
corner,
lowing
wrapping up tightly, and alduster

the
short

time.
in the

be

must

streak.

enough

that

should

dampness

to

plied
ap-

dusters

that

There

Care

way.

moist

so

be

may

same

taken

not

are

Oil

stand

to

be

they
just

hold

the

are

cellent
ex-

dust.

(b) Silk."

These

dusters

for
there

(c) Chamois.

is

fine

Moistened

"

used

soft

dusting,
is

cellent
ex-

furniture.

dusters

are

have

been

with

oil, often

that

they

or

for

is

polishing glass,

metals, and

material

chamois

chamois

dry
for

(d) Dustless

as

possibilityof lint.

no

sometimes
and

furniture,

those

chemically
hold

that

treated

crude-oil,
dust.

so

The

is either cheese-cloth

flannelette.
should

be

Dustless
washed

Cost, $.15 up.

ers
dustquently.
fre-

OF

HANDBOOK

244

12.

13.

14.

Carpet-beater. Cost, $.10 up.

Pails of fiber or
galvanized iron are
for holding water.
Cost,
necessary
$1.00 up and $.25 up.
A
basket
or
pail for carrying small
and, reagents from
cleaning-utensils
one
place to another has its place in
special
are
a cleaning-closet. There
tin baskets

enameled
for
15.

CLEANING

on

the market

Cost, $2.00.

this purpose.

Refrigerator-brush. A brush with a

long flexible wire handle for cleaning
the pipe of the refrigerator. Cost,
"

$.20 up.
1

6.

step-ladder.

Small
firm

"

and

made

that

should
there

be
is

no

collapsing unexpectedly.
Cost, $1.75.
gloves. Cost, $.40.
17. Rubber
window-brush.
Cost, $.35 up.
18. Rubber
brush
for ceilings and
wool
19. Lamb'swalls.
Cost, $.75 up.
Necessary cleaning reagents:
of

danger

B.

so

This

1.
2.

3.

Mild, medium,

its

and

strong soaps.

Scouring soaps or powders.

A good silver polishor a silver cleaning
pan.

4.

5. A

good
good

polish.
furniture
polish.
brass

6.

Floor

7.

Washing-soda

wax.

or

washing-powder.

CLEANING-CLOSETS

245

brick.

8. Bath

9. Kerosene.

C.

Desirable

additions

to the

for the

suitable amounts
1.

One

pint concentrated

diluted
2.

Two

Two
or

4. One
5. One

7.

be labeled

oz.

chalk, $.02 oz.;

Fullers' earth, $.02 oz.

pound borax.
pint denatured

$.10.
alcohol.

To

be

"Poison."

$.35 qt.
One-half
pound whiting. $.01.
fine powdered
Four
ounces
pumice.
$.05 Ib.

Laundry closet:
Mild, medium,
1.
Starch
2.
lump
3. Bluing.
"

4.

To

French

ounces

labeled

6.

$.02

ounces

four

$.25.

oxalic acid.

ounces

to be

ammonia,

needed.

as

"Poison."
3.

and
cleaning-closet
ordinary household:

and
and

strong soaps.

pulverized.

Wax.

5. Salt.
6. One
7.
8.
9.

quart Javelle water.

One
pint hydrogen peroxide. $.25.
Two
oxalic acid.
$.02 oz.
ounces
hydrochloricacid. $.01Eight ounces
$.02

10.
11.

oz.

pint concentrated
Washing
powder or
One

ammonia.

$.25.
washing-soda.

$.02 Ib.
12.

17

Four

ounces

gum

arabic.

$.05

oz.

HANDBOOK

246

13.
14.

15.
16.

Pour

OF

ounces

alum.

One

pound

borax.

Two

ounces

French

White

CLEANING

blotting-paper.

$.01

oz.

$.10.
chalk.

$.02

oz.

APPENDIX

SOME

United

States

Washington,
Bureau
No.
No.
No.

(Free

34.

46.

The

or

at

Carpet-beetle

House

Agriculture,
nominal

cost.)

circulars:

Entomology

5.

of

Department
C.

D.

of

PUBLICATIONS

HELPFUL

or

Buffalo-moth.

Ants.
Gas

Hydrocyanic-acid

against

hold
House-

Insects.
No.

47.

The

Bedbug.

No.

48.

The

House

The

Silver-fish.
White

No.

49.

No.

50.

The

No.

51.

Cockroaches.

No.

71.

House

Flies.

House

Fhas.

No.

108.

Farmers'
No.
No.
No.

The

Centipede.

Ant.

Bulletins:
Common

345.

Some

369.

How

459.

House

Cornell

to

Destroy

Disinfectants.
Rats.

Flies.

Reading

Course.

New

York

HANDBOOK

248

State

Ithaca,

No.

OF

of

New

York.

(Free

Household

No.

ii.

23.

application.)

on

Martha

By

Rensselaer.

Laundry.

The

University,

Bacteriology.

Van
No.

Cornell

Agriculture,

College

4.

CLEANING

Rules

for

Flora

By
Cleaning.

Rose.
W.

Mary

By

Watson.
No.

25.

Saving

Strength.

and
No.

27.

Choice
S.

No.

41.

Martha
and

By
Van

Care

of

Emily

M.

Bishop

Rensselaer.
Utensils.

By

Ida

Harrington.

Household
Control.

and

Insects

By

Glenn

Methods
W.

Herrick.

of

HANDBOOK

250
Bath

OF

brick, 54, 55.

CLEANING
Bran-

Bath-room:

water,

Brass,

Cleaning of, 74.

Cupboard, 88.
and
Bed, care
making,
76.
Bedbugs, 114, 115.
Bedding, 75, 128.
Bed-linen, 192.

75,

Kinds

Care

122,

and

40,

44,

75,

149,

uses,

47,

55,

36,

39,

68, 69,

238, 240,

242,

244.

182, 183,

229.

Bin-drawers,

176.
Bric-a-brac, 5, 65.
Bristletail,119.
Bronze, 53.
Broom,
44, 240, 242.
53,

Brushes:

Bedroom:

of, 75.
Closets, 90.
Beeswax,
170.
Benzine, 115, 171,

201.

29.

Buffalo-bug, 1 20.
Buffalo-moth, 120.
Burlap, 37.
Butter, 95.
Buttermilk, 52.

Black

lace, to wash, 207.

Blankets, to wash, 223.

Bleaching:
By various

agents,

177,

178.
Of

yellowed ivory, 68.

stains, 178.
Blouses, to iron, 218.
Bluings, 160, 161, 162.
Body-clothes, to launder, 194.
Blood

Boiler:
For

laundry,

Hot

144.

water,

127.
of
clothes, 134.
Boiling
Books:
Care
of, 66, 127.
List of, 247, 248.
Boracic
acid, 133.
Borax:

cleaning silver, 48.

For
cockroaches, 116.
In cleaning-closet,245.
In laundry, 154, 155, 157,
159, 164, 165, 166, 168,
For

177,

206.

Bosom-board.

216.

Cabinet, kitchen, 30, 31.

Cake-pans, 61.
Camphor,
117.
of
Caning
chairs, 104.
Can-opener, 28.
Carbon
tetrachloride, 171.
Card
catalogue, 85.
Carpets:
Care
of, 41.
Cork, 44.
Carpet-beater, 244.
Carpet-beetle, 120.
Carpet-sweeper, 42, 240.
Carving, cleaning of, 69.
Cases for silver,50, 51.
Casts, 67.
Cedar, 117.
Ceilings, 36.
for floors, 18, 141.
Cement,
Centipede, 119, 120.
Chairs:

Caning of,
In kitchen,

104.
21.

INDEX

(Continued) :
Rushing of, 104.
Upholstering of, 106.

Chairs

Chalk, 68, 183.

Chamois, 36, 48, 52, 57, 68.
Chemise, to iron, 196.
China, 63.
of lime, 169.
Chloride
Chloroform,
182, 183,
171,
229.

stains, 176.

Chocolate

Clothes-horse, 150.
Clothes-line, 147.
Clothes-moths,
117, 118.
Clothes-pins, 148.
Clothes-stick, 149.
Coal
fire, 22, 23.
Cockroaches,
115, 116.
Cocoa
stains, 176.
Coffee
stains, 177.
Collars, 213, 217.
Colored
Best

acid, 52.

Citric

251

Cleaning-closet, 88, 240.

Cleaning-implements, 240.
Cleaning reagents, 244, 245.
Cleanliness:

materials:
way

to

wash,

Drying of, 202.

Ironing of, 203.
Laundering of, 198.
Starching of, 202.

holder,
civilization,Cook-book
Cooking-soda, 178.
138.
Cost
of, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Copper:
Definition
of, I.
Cleaning of, 52.
Tarnish, 52.
Importance of, 2, 5, 6, 7.
Cork
Cleansing mixture, 231.
carpet, 44.
As

of

measure

Closets:
Care

"

91.
kinds

88, 89, 90,

Closing

of, 86, 87,

91.

house, 125.

Clothes:

Airing of, 237.

Boiling of, 134.
Brushing of, 237.
of, 135.
Dampening
Drying
General

of, 135.
care

28.

Corkscrew, 28.
meal, 230, 232.
Corset-covers, to iron, 196.
Corn

of, 86,

Different

201.

of, 236.

Ironing of, 135.

Marking of, 238.
Soaking of, 133.
Sorting of, 132.
Washing of, 133.
Clothes-basket, 148.
Clothes-drier, 147.
Clothes-hamper, 149.

Cotton
Covers

batting, 37.
for dresses, 237.

Cream

of

Cream

stains, 177.

tartar, 52.

Cross-stitching,80.
Cruets, to clean, 58.
Cuffs, 213, 214.
Cupboards,
86, 87, 88.
Curtains, in kitchen, 21.

Curtain-stretchers, 208.
Cut-glass, 55, 56.

Dampening
Damper,
Dampness,

of

clothes, 135.

of range,

22.

danger of, 2.

OF

HANDBOOK

252

danger of,
Dents, in wood, 36.
Dish-cloths, 60.
Dish-cupboard, 87.
Dish-drainers, 59.
Darkness,

Dish-mop,
Dish-pans,

CLEANING

Dusting, directions

2.

Dust-pan,

241.

60.

Ecru,

59.

Egg-beater, 28.
Electricity,cost

Dish-towels,
Dish-washers,

for, 73.

61.

obtain, 207.

to

of, 26,

63.
Dish- washing, 58, 61, 62.

Electric

fans,

Electric

stoves, 26, 27.

Doilies, 192, 209.

Down
quilts, 224,

Embroideries,

Drain-pipe,

234.

Embroidering,
refrigerator, Emery,
54.

of

101.

Ether, 171,

about,

234.
fluids for,230.

Added
For

to

Feathers,
Fiber

Of

Fiber

of, 229.
for, 231.
laces, 205.
spots, 230.
whole
garments,
used

Substances

231.

for, 229,

230.

When

used, 229.
With
powders, 232.
Drying, of clothes, 135, 147.
Drying-closets, 148.
Drying-frames,
147.
Dryness, in closinghouse, 125.
Dust, i, 2.
Dust-catchers, 4, 5.
Dusters:

Chamois,

243.

Cheese-cloth, 242.
2.
Dampened,
Dustless, 243.

Gritty, 108.
Silk, 243.

starch, 164, 166.

soap-making,

Meaning

Of

linen, 80.

Mixture
Of

211.

209,

Fat:

Dry-cleaning:
Commercial

205,
of

178, 182, 229.

Draught, 9, 22.
Drawers, to iron, 196.
Drawnwork, to iron, 211.
Caution

27.

n.

mop,

159.

clean, 233.

to

62.

tubs, 142.
Fire-box, 21, 22.
Fireless
cookers, 27, 93.
Fireplace, 127.
Fishmoths,
119.
to
wash, 223.
Flannels,
1
1
8, 119.
Fleas,
Floors:

Closet, 91.
Hard-wood,

Kitchen,

19, 40,

19.

Laundry,
141.
Painted, 39.
Varnished, 40.
Waxed,
40.
Floor

wax,

41.

Flour, 37.
Fly-paper, 112.
Food, storage of, 99.

Formaldehyde,

112.

141.

INDEX

stains, Gluing, 105.

Glycerine, 177.
stain, 178.
chalk, 38, 172, 184, Grass

Freezing, to
175French

remove

Grease:

245.
Fruit-closet, 86.
232,

230,

In

stains, 177.
Fuller's earth, 38, 172,
232,

230,

182,

245.

Fumigation:
By hydrocyanic acid, 115,
Il6, 121,

pipes

On

Fruit

By

253

and

traps, 32.

unfinished

wood,

34.

wall-paper,
Spots
Stains, 178.
Gum
arabic, 169, 170,
on

122.

37.
202.

sulphur, 115,

121.

Hardness, of water, 153,

Furniture:
Care

of, 103, 108, 109, 127.

Gluing of, 105.
of, 129.
Moving
Rattan, 108.

Refmishing of,
Repair of, 103,

155-

Hats, 238.
Holder, for cook-book, 28.
House, closing of, 125.

House-fly,

105.

in.

Household

107.

154,

ammonia,

167,

168.

Garbage,

32,

33.

Garbage-can, 33, 126.

Garbage receptacle, 32, 126.
Gasoline, 115, 171, 178, 182,
229,

54,

232.

Gas-plate,
Gas-stoves
24,

Hydrochloric acid, 53,

58, 171, 180, 181.
Hydrocyanic acid, 122.
peroxide, 181.
Hydrogen

Ice, 97.

24.

and

ranges,

23,

ink, 80,

Indigo, 1
Ink
eradicators,
Ink
stains, 170,

179.

60.

25.

Glass:

of, 55, 56.

for cook-book,
Cut, 55, 56.
Care

Cover

28.

table-top, 28.
For
wash-boards,
142.
96.
Lining for refrigerator,
Receptacles, 29.
Globes, gas and electric,57.
For

Gloves:

Cleaning of,
Rubber, 244.

Indelible

233.

179,
Insect

181.

177,

171,

181.

paste,

116.

powders, 112,
Insulation, 93.
Iodine
stains, 182.

Insect

116.

Iron:

of, 54.
Enameled,
141.
Galvanized, 96, 142.
Care

In

water,

153,

155.

OF

HANDBOOK

254

Ironing, 135, 136,

CLEANING
Lime

195.

Ironing-board, 136.
Iron-rust, 161, 170, 171, 182.
Irons, 144, 145, 172, 216.
Iron-stand, 149.
Ironing-table, 146.
Ivory, to dean, 68.

Linen,

78,

77,

Linoleum:

Cleaning of,

solution, 32.

make

159.

Magnesia,

Mangles,
37.

115,

134,

171,

Kerosene-stoves,
Kitchen,
20,

21,

182.

26.

25,

18, 19,

16, 17,

15,

57,

55,

54,

31,

155,

80,

stains, 182.

Machine-oil

Kerosene,

44.

^For floors, 18, 19, 91.

Linseed-oil,36.
Luster, 50.
Lye:
Uses, 32, 33, 34, 154,

make, 169.
Uses, 1 68, 169, 178,
183, 185, 186.
Jewelry, 68, 69.

8l,

80,

Linen-closet, 77.

To

Kalsomine,

79,

187, 188, 189.

To

Jars, 28.
Javelle water:

154.

soap,

33.

232.

230,

146.

145,

Marble, 69.
Matting, 44.
Meatjuice stains, 182.
Medicine-closet, 89.
Medicine
stains, 182.
Mending,
131, 236.
Metals, 46, 96, 124, 142.
Meters, 127.
Mice:

Labeling, 85, 86, 87, 89.

Stains, 183.

curtains,to launder,
Laces, care of, 206, 207,

To

Lace

Lamps,

27,

208.
208.

28.

Laundry:

Equipment,

139,

140,

141,

158, 245.
Location, 140.
Laundry closet, 245.

Laundry
Laundry
Laundry
Lemon

reagents,

245.

182, 183.

55,

Milk, 95, 179.

Milk
stains, 183.
Moisture, II, 12,
Molasses, 178.

Monograms,
Mops:
Dish, 60.

tubs, 140, 141, 142.

work, 138.

-juice, 52,

prevent, 120.
182, 183.
Mildew,

179,

to

Dry, 39, 241.

Fiber, 62.
Oiled, 40.
Wet, 241.

14, 94.

iron,

211.

INDEX

255

(Continued) :

Paint

Mop- wringer, 241.

Mordants,
199.
Mosquitoes,
113.
Moth-balls, 117.
Moths,
117, 1 1 8.
Moving,
129.

Oil, 17.

Ripplm,

17.

Stains, 183.
for silver

Pan,

Paper,

17, 33,

Paraffin- wax,
Pastes, for

Naphtha:
Uses,

117.

Plate-glass, 18.
Plate-scraper, 61.
Porcelain:
For

laundry tubs,

For

refrigerator lining, 96.

table-top, 28.

Potassium

126.

Powders,

Oilcloth:

Cleaning of, 37, 44.

Uses
of, 17, 1 8, 28, 91.
Ornaments,
5, 65.
Oven, 21, 22, 24, 25.
acid:

of, 34, 52,

181, 245.

170,

178,

cyanide, 179.
cleaning,

for silver

47For

cleaning copper,

poisoning

For

mice

121.

Preserve-closet, 86.
Prussian
blue, 161.
Pumice, 245.
Putty powder, 47.

Pails, 244.
Paint:

Black, 29, 30.

Enamel,
17, 29.

141.

Preparations:

rats,

solution, 170.

193.

of, 81.
Marking
Sizes, 78.
Pitch
stains, 185.
of Paris, 116.
Plaster

For

Uses

of, 192,

Laundering

make

178.

stains,

Pillow-cases:

178.

of, 189, 191.

Laundering
of, 82.
Marking
Size Of, 80.
for
polishing
Newspaper,
windows,
57.
Nickel, 53, 122.
Nightdresses, to iron, 196.

To

cleaning metals,

Pictures, 69, 127.

Pillows, 70.

183, 229.

171,

Naphthalene,
Naphtha
soap,
Napkins:

Oxalic

170.

134,

Perspiration stains, 184.

157.

Oil, 52, 54,

37.

48, 53Peach

Soaps,

cleaning, 49.

Ranges,
Rats,

21,

22,

121.

Reagent,

152.

127.

53.

and

OF

HANDBOOK

256

Salts

Receptacles:
China,

32.

Glass, 29.

Labeling of,

29.

tin, 30.

White-enameled

Refrigerator:
Care

of, 92, 99, 100, 126.

Choice
of, 92, 102.
of air in, 94.
Circulation
Construction
of, 93.
Cost
of, 98.
Drainage of, 99.
Filling of, 98.
Ice in, 97.
Lining of, 96.
Location
of, 20, 98.
Moisture
in, 94.
Pan
under, 125.

Placing of food in,

in, 92.
Temperature

95.

Rubber

stamp,

Size

Shellacing, 30.
Shelves:

Depth, 29.
Dish-cupboard,

for, 29.
Kitchen, 20, 28.
Refrigerator, 96.
Shoe, 90.
vs.

kitchen

cabinet, 30,

launder, 213,

to

To

127.

to

launder, 213,
238.

wood,

varnished

launder, 219, 225,

Cases

for

Cleaning
Door-case

Gray,

43.

226.

of, 46
for, 51.

et

in

179,

182,

seq.

boxes, 51.

Oxidized, 50.
Silver-fish, 119.
Silver- witch, 119.
of, 31.
Cement,
31.
Height of, 58.

Care

50.

50.

Keeping
for, 104.

keeping,

Sink:

186, 199.

36.

Silver:

54.

172,

31.

214,

216.

Shoes, 90, 237,

Shot, 58.

carpets, 39.

Salt, 47, 133,

87.

Finish

Silk:

properly,

Rushing, substitute

193.

192,

of, 78.

For

of, 42, 43,

Large, 42.
Oriental, 43.
Rag, 43Small, 42.

Rust,

Laundering of,
Marking of, 81.

214,

80.

Care

vs.

Sheets:

Shirtwaists,

47.

beat

180.

216.

Rugs:

To

lemon,

Saucepans, 20,
Sawdust, jeweler's, 68.
Scorch
stain, 185.
Service, value
of, 3, 4.
Setting of colors, 172.
Shawls, to launder, 222.

Shirts,

Resin, 157.
Ribbons, to clean, 227.
Rice, 58.
Rottenstone, 52.

Rouge,

of

61.

30.

Garbage,

CLEANING

HANDBOOK

Sweaters,

launder,

to

CLEANING

OF
222.

Sweeping:
Of

carpets, 41,

Of

room,

Ultramarine, 161.
Umbrella-stands,
127.
Upholstery, 107, 108.
Utensils, for laundry, 150.

42.

72.

Table, kitchen,

28.

20,

Table-cloths:

of, 79.
Laundering of, 189.

Vacuum

Marking

Vaseline

Choice

of,

81.

Table-linen:

Vases, 127.
Vegetable closet, 86.
Velvets, to clean, 234.

Choice

of, 79.
Laundering of, 189.
Mending
of, 82.
Tapestry, 37.

Ventilation:

Tar

stains, 185.
Tarnish, 46, 52, 54.
Tartaric
acid, 171.
Tea
stains, 177.

At

night,

By

electric

13.

fans, n.
Importance of, 13, 14.
Of basement,
84.
10, n,

Telephone, 127.
Temperature:
In refrigerator,92.
In

cleaners, 67, 71.

stains, 184.
stains, 178.

Varnish

Of

house,

Of

room,

To

obtain, 8, 9,

Vinegar,

ventilation, 9, 10,

10.

9.

53,

52,

10.

55,

199.

12,

14.

bottle, 93.
of, 17,
Tiling, uses
Thermos

18, 96,

141.
Tin:

Wall-papers, 37.

Cleaning of,
Uses

53,

Wash-boards,

54.

of, 96.

Tissue-paper,

uses

of, 57,

68.

Tongs, for cleaning toilet,

75.
Towels, marking of, 81.

Traps:
For

mice

and

rats,

121.

In

plumbing, 126.
Tripoli, 52.
Trunk-closet, 87.
Turpentine, 134, 171,
185.

Wagon-grease
stains, 185.
Walls, 19, 36.

Wash-day,
Washing,

142.
130.

133,

134.

Washing-machines,

143, 224.

167.
Washing-powders,
Washing-soda, 154, 155, 166,

169.
Water:
For

removing

Hardness

183,

Hot,

stains, 174.

of, 153.
in wood, 36.

for dents

INDEX

(Continued)

Water
In

in,

Iron

of,

154,

cooling

155.

58.

apparatus,

For

laundry

For

portable

For

table-tops,

Painted,

101.

Water-supply,

Unfinished,

125.

Wax:

irons,

Stains,
Waxing,

40.
to

Whiting,

28.

36.
18,

17,

Dark,

launder,

188.

of

Whitening

142.

19,

Wool:

materials,

White

tubs,

34.

Woodwork,

185.

141.

36.

Waxed,

170.

floors,

35.

Varnished,

For

ator,
refriger-

96.

clean,

to

of

exterior

155.

Water-bottles,
Water

(Continued)

For

159.

153,

Softening

Wood

157,

soaps,

259

31,

clothes,
47,

35,

168.

52,

wash,

to

Drying

of,

Fibers,

219.

of,

Washing

245.

222.

of,

Shrinking

53,

225.

225.
220.

Windows,

56,

stains,

21,

80.

tapes,

name

Wringers,

128.

Window-shades,
Wine

Woven

128.

Window-draperies,

144.

128.

186.

Wood:

Enameled,

Zinc,

35.

THE

END

28,

49,

54,

55.

34.