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Classic
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page 461
shades of those reputed to be fast. The best method of applying it is to
dissolve it in cold or lukewarm water, to let it remain a moment upon the spot,
and then rub it with the fingers. Wash out in clear, warm water, immediately.
Citric acid serves to revive and brighten certain colors, especially greens and
yellows. It restores scarlets which have been turned to a crimson by the action
of alkalies. Acetic acid or tartaric acid may be used instead.
Where it is feared that soap may change the color of an article, as, for
instance, scarlet hosiery or lilac print, if the garment be not badly soiled, it
may be cleansed by washing without soap in water in which pared potatoeshave
been boiled. This method will also prevent color from running in washing prints.
To prevent blue from running into a white ground, dissolve a teaspoonful of
copperas in a pailful of soft water, add a piece of lime the size of an acorn,
and soak the garments in this water two hours before washing. To keep colors
from running in washing black prints, put a teaspoonful of black pepper in the
first water.
Salt or beef's gall in the water helps to set black. A tablespoonful of spirits
of turpentine to a gallon of water sets most blues, and alum is very efficacious
in setting green. Black or very dark calicoes should be stiffened with gum
arabic--five cents worth is enough for a dress. If however, starch is used, the
garment should be turned wrong side out.
A simple way to remove grass stains is to spread butter on them, and lay the
article in hot sunshine, or wash in alcohol. Fruit stains upon cloth or the
hands may be removed by rubbing with the juice of ripe tomatoes. If applied
immediately, powdered starch will also take fruit stains out of table linen.
Left on the spot for a few hours, it absorbs every trace of the stain.
For mildew stains or iron-rust, mix together soft soap, laundry starch, half as
much salt, and the juice of a lemon. Apply to the spots, and spread the garment
on the grass. Or wet the linen, rub into it white soap, then finely powdered
chalk; lay upon the grass and keep damp. Old mildew stains may be removed by
rubbing yellow soap on both sides, and afterwards laying on, very thick, starch
which has been dampened. Rub in well, and expose to light and air.
There are several effectual methods of removing grease from cloths. First, wet
with a linen cloth dipped in chloroform. Second, mix four tablespoonfuls of
alcohol with one tablespoonful of salt; shake together until the salt is
dissolved, and apply with a sponge. Third, wet with weak ammonia water; then lay
a thin white blotting or tissue paper over it, and iron lightly with an iron
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