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Classic
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page 456
it is allowed to become partially dry, and then ironed on the wrong side. The
coffee removes every particle of grease, and restores the brilliancy of silk,
without imparting to it either the shiny appearance or crackly and papery
stiffness obtained by beer, or, indeed, any other liquid. The silk really
appears thickened by the process, and this good effect is permanent. Our readers
who will experimentalize on an apron or cravat, will never again try any other
method.
TO WASH FEATHERS.
Wash in warm soap-suds and rinse in water a very little blued; if the feather is
white, then let the wind dry it. When the curl has come out by washing the
feather or getting it damp, place a hot flat-iron so that you can hold the
feather just above it while curling. Take a bone or silver knife, and draw the
fibres of the feather between the thumb and the dull edge of the knife, taking
not more than three fibres at a time, beginning at the point of the feather and
curling one-half the other way. The hot iron makes the curl more durable. After
a little practice one can make them look as well as new feathers. Or they can be
curled by holding them over the stove or range, not near enough to burn;
withdraw, and shake out; then hold them over again, until they curl. When
swansdown becomes soiled, it can be washed and look as well as new. Tack strips
on a piece of muslin and wash in warm water with white soap, then rinse and hang
in the wind to dry. Rip from the muslin, and rub carefully between the fingers
to soften the leather.
INCOMBUSTIBLE DRESSES.
By putting an ounce of alum or sal ammoniac in the last water in which muslins
or cottons are rinsed, or a similar quantity in the starch in which they are
stiffened, they will be rendered almost uninflammable; or, at least, will with
difficulty take the fire, and if they do, will burn without flame. It is
astonishing that this simple precaution is so rarely adopted. Remember this and
save the lives of your children.
HOW TO FRESHEN UP FURS.
Furs when taken out in the fall are often found to have a mussed, crushed out
appearance. They can be made to look like new, by following these simple
directions: Wet the fur with a hair-brush, brushing up the wrong way of the fur.
Leave it to dry in the air for about half an hour, and then give it a good
beating on the right side with a rattan. After beating it, comb it with a
coarse-comb, combing up the right way of the fur.
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